A Scottish farmer has created a new tourist trail centred around the iconic black cattle breed, the Aberdeen Angus.
Farmer Ken Howie will unveil the tourist trail this spring, aiming to capitalise on Scotland's most iconic brands to help promote the area.
The attraction will feature ten key locations in Angus and Aberdeenshire linked to the breed historically or which sell Aberdeen Angus beef in various forms, demonstrating why the meat is so highly prized.
Mr Howie, himself an Aberdeen Angus breeder and owner of Cairnton Farm Cottages near Banchory and the Deeside Activity Park at Aboyne, felt that while the Aberdeen Angus brand was known globally, he felt that the brand was not making the most of its potential historical heritage – especially given the rising popularity of food tourism.
'Recognised worldwide'
He told ForFar Dispatch: “I’m keen and enthusiastic and have a passion for the Aberdeen Angus breed. I breed the cattle and process its beef to use for our own restaurants, so it’s important in our business and our life.
“It’s a name that’s recognised worldwide as a byword for quality. Although you can get the cattle and beef in just about every country in the world, they can’t claim the same history and heritage. So I felt we were missing out on a great opportunity to promote the area as well as the breed and use that globally recognised name.
“When I was in Argentina I realised that while people knew the name they didn’t connect it with Scotland.
“I believe the name is up there with other well-known brands and we should be harnessing it a bit better.”
'Exciting addition'
The trail has been given an enthusiastic welcome by tourist agency VisitScotland.
Jo Robinson, regional director, said: “The trail is an exciting addition to the area’s tourism offering.
“Not only does it serve up a tasty opportunity for visitors to discover more about one of our most famous products and exports, it also offers the chance to explore some of the area’s most beautiful historical attractions.
“Our history and culture is one of the top reasons for visiting Scotland, and food and drink remains an integral part of the visitor experience; promoting the two together is a recipe for success.”
Aberdeen Angus has built an iconic brand amongst discerning consumers looking for premium quality beef.
In 2014, the British Cattle Movement Service named Angus the UK's most popular native beef breed, and the second most popular beef breed overall.
