Aberdeen-Angus breeders celebrated a landmark moment in the breed’s history with the unveiling of the 150th volume of the Herd Book in the presence of His Majesty King Charles III, as industry leaders stressed the importance of ensuring the breed remains commercially relevant for future generations.
The King, patron of the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society, attended a special event at Ballindalloch Castle, Banffshire, on Friday to mark the publication of the 150th Herd Book.
The venue held particular significance for the Society, with Ballindalloch recognised as the oldest Aberdeen-Angus pedigree herd in the world and one of the earliest recorded herds of the breed.
Speaking during the event, Society president Matthew Currie reflected on the origins of the Herd Book, noting that while the first volume was published in 1862, the Society itself was not formally established until 1879.
He said: “We celebrate the publication of the 150th volume of the Herd Book.
“Whilst the first Herd Book was published in 1862, our Society itself was not formed until 1879.
“That perhaps gives us another milestone to celebrate in 2029.”
Mr Currie outlined the efforts by pioneering breeders to establish official records for Scotland’s black polled cattle and highlighted the challenges faced in producing the first volume after an earlier proof edition was destroyed in a museum fire in 1851.
The first Herd Book recorded 44 years of breeding history, listing Old Jock as the first bull and Old Grannie as the first female.
It also documented the Ballindalloch herd, which remains a cornerstone of Aberdeen-Angus history.
Mr Currie said the breed’s international expansion was one of its most remarkable achievements, with breeders from Ireland included in the first volume and entries from North and South America recorded less than 20 years later.
He said: “In less than twenty years, Aberdeen-Angus had grown from its Scottish roots into a truly international breed.”
The Society also used the occasion to underline its longstanding relationship with the Royal Family.
Mr Currie said: “We are deeply proud of our longstanding Royal connection.
“The attendance of His Majesty King Charles III today is a tremendous honour for the Society, and the support shown by the Royal Family over many generations is something we greatly value and cherish.”
A copy of the 150th Herd Book was signed by the King during the visit.
While the event focused heavily on the breed’s history, Society chief executive Robert Gilchrist said the celebrations were equally about securing Aberdeen-Angus’ place in modern beef production.
He said: “The breed has deep connections with the Royal Family, with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother being its patron for a remarkable 65 years.
“To have His Majesty The King at the unveiling of the 150th Herd Book was a special occasion and highlights the lasting legacy and appeal of such an iconic breed.
“However, this summer’s celebrations are not just about looking to the past, they are about building on those strong foundations to ensure that Aberdeen-Angus remains the most recognisable and trusted beef brand among both consumers and farmers.”
Mr Gilchrist pointed to new AHDB consumer research showing awareness of Aberdeen-Angus had reached 85 per cent, the highest level recorded in four years.
He said Aberdeen-Angus remained Britain’s best-known beef breed and that strong consumer recognition continued to drive demand through the supply chain.
According to AHDB figures, Aberdeen-Angus and Aberdeen-Angus-cross cattle accounted for 29 per cent of all prime cattle slaughtered in Great Britain during 2025, making it the country’s largest single breed category.
Mr Gilchrist said strong numbers from both dairy and suckler herds were helping processors and retailers secure consistent supplies.
He said: “The ‘150 and Beyond’ programme has been important as we recognise the legacy of our forebears, but it is essential we make the most of the exciting opportunities which exist in the modern landscape.
“Ensuring we maintain production efficiency and enabling retailers to maintain eating quality for consumers is absolutely key as we move forward.”
Mr Currie echoed that message, saying the Society remained firmly focused on producing cattle that were profitable, sustainable and capable of delivering the eating quality expected by consumers.
He said: “Whilst today is a celebration of our history, this Society remains firmly focused on the future.
“We are committed to ensuring Aberdeen-Angus continues to remain relevant and thrive by producing cattle that are sustainable, profitable and valued throughout the beef supply chain, whilst maintaining the exceptional eating quality that underpins our global reputation.”
The event marked the culmination of the Society’s “150 & Beyond” celebrations, which began earlier this year and included a Grand Prix show featuring what many breeders described as one of the strongest gatherings of Aberdeen-Angus cattle seen in recent years.
Wensleydale Black Voltage, exhibited by the Alford family, secured the unique title of Grand Prix champion.
Share