The by-election took place just over a month before parliament was dissolved (7 April) ahead of the 1979 general election on 3 May.
The seat had become vacant when the Conservative Member of Parliament (MP), John Davies had resigned due to illness on 6 November 1978.
The Conservative candidate was 48-year-old Jock Bruce-Gardyne, who had been MP for South Angus from 1964 until his defeat at the October 1974 general election.
The Labour Party candidate was Alan Barton, and the Liberals fielded Robert Ingham.
The result was a clear victory for Bruce-Gardyne in this Conservative safe seat, with a much increased majority of 16,880.