King Charles marks Aberdeen Angus 150th herd book milestone
Pictured with the King, from left, Crispian Cook, Factor at Ballindalloch estate, Oliver Russell, Aberdeen Angus Cattle Society president, Matthew Currie, Clare Russell, and farm manager David Johnstone © Pinstone The British monarchy’s longstanding ties to the Aberdeen Angus Cattle Society were underlined by the King’s unveiling of the organisation’s 150th Herd Book in Scotland.
Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother had been the Society’s patron for 65 years and the baton of maintaining that important connection passed to her grandson, King Charles, at Ballindalloch Castle, Banffshire, the home of the third ever recorded herd of Aberdeen-Angus cattle.
The herd book unveiled earlier this month is the 150th since the first issue was published in 1862.
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The society’s chief executive, Robert Gilchrist, described it as a “special occasion” and one that highlighted the “lasting legacy and appeal” of Aberdeen Angus cattle.
It comes as data from AHDB shows that consumer awareness of Aberdeen Angus as a breed now stands at 85%, the highest level recorded in the past four years.
Mr Gilchrist says the strength of the breed was reflected in the supply chain too, because Aberdeen Angus and Aberdeen Angus-cross cattle accounted for 29% of all prime cattle killed in Great Britain in 2025 – this makes it the single most popular beef cattle breed in the country.
“Ensuring we maintain production efficiency and enabling retailers to maintain eating quality for consumers is absolutely key as we move forward,” he said.
