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BALLINDALLOCH ABERDEEN ANGUS
The Ballindalloch cattle herd is the oldest Aberdeen Angus herd in the world. This beautiful breed is directly descended from the native cattle found in the north east of Scotland and derives its origins from the old Doddies of Angus and the Hummlies from Buchan, both hardy, black, hornless cattle whose presence in this area of Scotland can be traced back to the 12th century. Black cattle have grazed in the Cow Haugh beside the castle for centuries.

Three men stand out as principally responsible for developing the breed: Hugh Watson of Keillor in Angus (1780-1865), William McCombie of Tillyfour in Aberdeenshire (1805-1880), and Sir George Macpherson-Grant 2nd Bart of Ballindalloch, who inherited this Estate at the age of 21 years in 1850. All three had the same ambition - to improve their native cattle and challenge the English beef breeds. Today, the Aberdeen Angus breed is known throughout the world and the name of Ballindalloch can be found in herd books world-wide.

Sir George already had the oldest herd of polled cattle in the north when he started his policy of improving the breed. In 1860, he bought a cow named Erica from the Earl of Southesk's Kinnaird herd for 50 guineas. Erica started perhaps the most famous of the Ballindalloch bloodlines.

Sir George was recognised as one of the greatest exhibitors of the breed, winning prizes at all the major shows. In 1878, his bull, Judge, won first prize at the Paris Exhibition. Of the original bloodlines started by Sir George, several continue in existence, among them the famous Ericas, Georginas and Prides.

Sir George's wish was to nail the flag of Aberdeen Angus so firmly to Ballindalloch that no power could pull it down. Today, under the stewardship of Mrs Macpherson-Grant Russell and our stockman, the black cattle still flourish in their serene setting beside the River Spey.