Annotation:Loch of Forfar(1) (The)
X:1 T:Loch of Forfar [1], The N:William Christie (1778-1849) was a dancing master, fiddler N:postmaster and composer from Cuminestown, Aberdeenshire. M:C L:1/16 R:Strathspey B:Christie - Collection of Strathspeys, Reels, Hornpipes, B:Waltzes &c. (Edinburgh, 1820, p. 7) Z:AK/Fiddler’s Companion K:A B2|{G}A3E EEE2 C3E~E3F|A3E EEE2 A3d Tc3B|{G}A3E EEE2 C3EE3F| DDD2 (D3E) {F}=G4G2:|B2|AAA2 T(c3A) e3Ac3A|AAA2 T(c3A) {c}e4 Tf4{ef}| .e2(.A2.c2.e2) .a2.e2.c2.A2|EEE2 (E3F) {F}=G4 G3B|AAA2 T(c3A) e3A {d}c3A| AAA2 T(c3A) {c}e4 Tf4{ef}|e2fg (ag).f.e (fe).d.c (dc).B.A|EE3 TE3F {F}=G4 G2||
LOCH OF FORFAR [1], THE. AKA and see "Blair's Favourite." Scottish, Strathspey (whole time). A Mixoldyian. Standard tuning (fiddle). AAB. A strathspey composed by William Allen. See also his companion reel setting, "Loch of Forfar (2) (The)." The alternate title “Blair's Favourite” is given by Skinner, perhaps a reference to Blair Atholl.
Regarding the title, an 1899 account gives:
The Loch of Forfar is a fine sheet of water, about one and a half mile long, and of very irregular breadth, running westwaixls of the burgh boundaries, and overflowing into the small river Dean, which, through the Kerbet, eventually merges in the Tay. It is the property of the Earl of Strathmore, but Forfarians have little cause of complaint in connection with the exercise of his Lordship's vested rights. Fishing and bathing are at the option of the lieges, who find the walk round the loch a constitutional benefit of the first degree. The angler for perch and pike finds excellent sport at certain favourite portions of the water; and in the winter the devotees of curling and skating find its surface all they could desire.