The Parish of Fordoun. Chapters in its history; or, reminiscences of place and character

Preface

. In issuing these chapters of the history of a Kincardineshire parish, and of personal reminiscences connected therewith, the Author is well aware that the little volume into which they have grown can be of little more than local interest, and possibly even that to only a limited extent. Here and there, indeed, the work may commend itself to the attention of the more general student of Scottish topography and character. For Fordoun is a parish comparatively rich in historic associations, and down even to these later times many of the people have inherited not a little of that native strength and rugged individuality which in ages long past gave distinction and renown to the men of the Mearns. And there are some of Fordoun's sons scattered over the world to whom this memento of the old place and of old times may have an interest.

During the Author's younger days there were still living in the parish men not past their vigour, whose memory stretched well back into last century, and who could have told us much of the conditions and modes of life of generations now rapidly vanishing into remoteness. Preface. IV The opportunity of collecting and placing on record the information they could have given was, unfortunately, allowed to pass unused. That it was not taken advantage of while it lasted has long been a subject of regret. To make such reparation as was possible, in after days he began to write down what he knew of Fordoun and its inhabitants. From small beginnings the work grew on his hands, and he was encouraged and urged to proceed. In the circumstances it was perhaps inevitable that the result should be in parts somewhat fragmentary in form and defective as to compactness and sequence of arrangement.

The present volume cannot compare, for instance, with the admirable and exhaustive " History " of the neighbouring parish of Laurencekirk by the Rev. W. R. Fraser. While the resources of charter and family history have not been neglected, the chief aim has rather been to set forth the hitherto unwritten history of Fordoun and its people, and to sketch, if only in outline, various of the individuals that made up the corporate life in days still within or not far beyond the range of living memory. Matters relating exclusively to the present generation do not come within the scope of such a work. The account of ecclesiastical and educational affairs practically ends with the Disruption of fifty years ago, but in dealing with persons deceased, their record has been carried down to its close even where that is of comparatively recent date.

Preface. V Care has been taken to avoid anything that might wound or offend the living or seem to asperse the dead. Stray anecdotes or references of a personal nature are meant only to give zest or lighten up a page that might other wise appear dull and devoid of interest. Asterisks and daggers, in the opinion of the Author, disturb the eye and distract attention. In the whole volume, therefore, not a single footnote will be found ; but his references to authorities, where quoted, are, rightly or wrongly, invariably given in the body of the text. To numerous correspondents, including, among others, members of the clerical, medical, and architectural pro fessions, the Author gratefully acknowledges his deep indebtedness. Their assistance has been invaluable. To his esteemed personal friend, Mr. William Watt of the Aberdeen Free Press, he is under special obligation.

Of his valued counsel and advice, the Author has freely availed himself during the progress of the work. By them he has, oftener than once, been encouraged to proceed when, filled with the spirit of Lot's wife, he felt sorely tempted to turn back. Two other names, he must not omit to mention : Mr. James Milne, Inverurie Street, Auchinblae, the Author's old school-companion, has been serviceable to him in ways that are manifold. He has verified many points in local history, and recalled vividly to memory many incidents that the rusts of time — Preface. VI accumulating over a lapse of forty years — had sadly obscured and, in some instances, well-nigh obliterated. Mr. Robert Lawson Crabb, Denmill-house, a worthy son of the Mearns, has deciphered with alacrity the inscrip tions on many a moss-covered stone, and been otherwise also most helpful. To one and all, the Author's sincerest thanks are here publicly accorded. Carden Place, Aberdeen, May, 1893. CONTENTS.

Chapter I

The Parish of Fordoun. pace Name, boundaries, extent, and population of the parish. The Church and its successive incumbents — Patrick Boncle, Adam Walker, Oliver Houstoun, David Ouchterlony, John Ouchterlony, David Henderson, Gilbert Anderson, William Forbes, Alexander Leslie, James Leslie, and James Flowerdew. Principal Campbell's unsuccessful candidature for the charge. Violent onset by the Laird of Craig. Mr. Flowerdew's ministry — specimen of his style — his death. Robert Nicoll, a model Church Officer, . . . . r

Chapter II

Saint Palladius. His mission to the Scots — statements of Prosper and Constantine in regard to same — period of his ordination and death — his probable nationality. John of Fordun enjoins upon the Scottish Church to keep the Saint's Festival. Robert Keith's "Catalogue of the Bishops of the Several Sees within the Kingdom of Scotland : " his views and those of other authorities as to the early introduction of Christianity into Scotland. The ancient chapel in Fordoun dedicated to the Saint's memory : full description of the same, with sectional plan and detailed measurements : other ancient churches in the county, consecrated by David de Bernham, Bishop of St. Andrews, viz. : — St. Mary's, Cowie ; St. Caron's, Fetteresso ; and St. Fettock's, Nigg. The present parish church — its long-lived and short-lived predecessors. John of Fordun : traditions respecting his nativity : Fordoun's claims to the honour : account of his works, . . .18 Contents. VIII PAGE

Chapter III

Schools and Schoolmasters of Fordoun. Alexander Milne— his poetic pupil, George Menzies ; his philosophic predecessor, Dr. James Beattie ; and his preaching successor, Alexander Spencer. Mr. Spencer's college career — his thirty years' career as parochial teacher — description of his school and inventory of its furnishings — his literary productions — popular estimate of him as preacher — his "honourable dismissal" from Fordoun — he sets out in search of a pulpit elsewhere — finds one at CornhiU in Banffshire — his retirement and death. The Dominie of Clattering- Brigs — his cock-fighting and dram-drinking propensities — his method of teaching. The school of Paldy-fair : John Edward, a faithful teacher and an estimable man — distinguished scholars — his sparing use of "the serpent" — his "blunderbuss": destruction of the school building by fire — its restoration in greater glory — his own sudden and lamented death.

A village Dominie — a long pilgrimage and tragic end. The school of Cockity — David Durward, as teacher and preacher — his death at the patriarchal age of 92, . . . . . . 31

Chapter IV

The Barony of Glenfarquhar. The Falconers of Haulkerton — Walter the founder of the family ; his son Ranulph appointed Falconer by William the Lion : Sir David Falconer, Lord President of the Court of Session, a cadet of the house : Sir Alexander Falconer, proprietor of the barony lands : subsequent proprietors : David Low Falconer, Anthony Falconer, afterwards Earl of Kintore, Anthony Adrian Keith Falconer, otherwise Lord Falconer of Haulkerton, Francis Alexander Keith Falconer, ninth Earl of Kintore — last of the Barons. Old Mains — Alexander Stephen — his portrait by William Crabb — Mary Stephen, otherwise " Miss Meadows." The tenant of Tipperty — his wife, a relative of Burns — the poet's visit to her father's farm — Brawlinmuir : Honeybank — James Clark, Contents. IX PAGE a tenant with the poetic faculty.

"Leisure musings by two ploughmen." Druidism — Paldy-fair — description of the market — theft of " Nolt " — one thief gibbeted, his accomplice banished the shire : John Milne of Livet-glen, Singing Willie, Robbie Stracathro, with other characters of that genus on the market moor. The Kerr family — Bothwell Bridge — Dr. George Kerr, Dr. David Kerr, Dr. Robert Officer of Tasmania, John Kerr of Dundee, . . .69

Chapter V

Auchinblae. Ancient references — situation and surroundings — population: names of feuars : plan of village. The Baron Bailie — George Gordon : David Lawrence his successor in office. The Spinning Mill — David Kinnear : William Herries, mill overseer — his trumpet and method of arousing slumberers. Gas-light and water supplies : the double-shelled black lamp — the Yule Candle — disappearance of the "crusie" with its rush-wick — the stately paraffin lamp — the Gas-man and his retorts : wells of water — John Kerr, a successful engineer — introduction of general water-supply, expense defrayed by feuars. Police protection — Rob. Russell, alias "Bung the beggars" — his convoy and method of bidding tramps "farewell " — his irresistible hazel cudgel : new police regulations — Alexander Macgilivray, first regular constable — he reverts to his former occupation : Robert Begg his successor in the force.

The Bellman, Peter Greig — Peter's stentorian lungs —his bell and dexterous method of handling it: "Meg" Drummond of Drumtochty — Peter's many sided genius — his " staying power " on his wife, Mary — his successors in office — Sydney Smith and his uniform. Soldiers — the martial spirit — a youthful army aspirant — strange device — bloodspitting : veterans — David Pirie — expulsion of Napoleon First's Army from Egypt : Sandy Coutts the gunner — his retreat with Sir John Moore — deafening cannonades : David Meldrum, an Indian trooper — fights at Nagpore — resists the encroachments of the monarch of Burmah, and is wounded Contents. X PAGE on the advance on Ava— his sense of decorum at public worship — successful attack on the rear of a sleepy bellman : William Esson, a peninsular veteran— his battles and siege operations.

A village merchant. The village bookbinder and bookseller, with a peripatetic tea business. Newspapers and other literature in circulation. An ingenious watchmaker. A pronounced politician, alias ' ' Auld Iniquity. " A venture some youth, alias " Satan." The Parish Doctor. A Church precentor — effects of a visit to Paldy-fair — the tune, "For doun " — a potent voice : Deacon Bruce. Peripatetic teachers of music — Addison, Youngson, and Watson— Jamie Rennie, the last of the race, 8 5

Chapter VI

Coaches and Carriers. Coaches and conveyances — " The Defiance " — the Banker's courier — a race— the " Braes of Fordoun " — a narrow shave — The Aberdeen Shaver : stalwart pedestrians : litigious natures — the county bar — traditional jokes : energetic character of Mr. Bruce — another stage coach : introduction of the railway : David Sherret, carrier — a genial honest man : George Burness, William Ritchie, James Paterson, alias ' ' Old Hillie," and his elephantine horse, " Dante," . . . 135

Chapter VII

Meal Mills and Mechanical Appliances. Meal mills — corn-grinding, an ancient occupation — mill multures — lax notions — meal thrice multured : mechanical appliances — sifting and cleaning : the kiln in early days — the fate of " Cushnie's dryster " — the last of his race : the miller considered uncanny — effect of the mystic word : oatmeal a staple article of food. Meal and barley mills — Galloquhine, Denmill, and Pitrennie — their several situations : "Miller Beattie " — his stalwart figure — herculean strength and matchless feats of agility — his death at four-score : the " Miller's Road" : " Sooty's " proverbs, not to edification: "Miller Mowat's " astonishing anecdotes : the accommodating Luther Contents. XI PAGE — the mill on its banks — Roman troopsentrenchedon the plain — the praetoriutn.

Lint mills — "wheels" and "spinsters" : Thomas Bonner, the wheelwright — his fame for removing "spells " : spinning wheels — winter evenings — the blackened rafter — the oily crusie — the suspended "birr " — stolen waters. thrashing mills — the flail and the fan — the "devil's wind" : — the barn-man — William Taylor, alias " Old-Fanners," . 143

Chapter VIII

Banking and a Bank Agent's Career. Banking — Savings Bank — branch of the North of Scotland Bank : James Farquharson — his energy and enterprise : branch banks at Edzell and Fettercairn — opened — closed and re-opened — a crisis : a new connection — the City of Glasgow Bank : another crisis and another new connection — the Town and County Bank. Mr. Farquharson's education and early career — his exquisite taste — his marriage — he embarks on farming — his prize essay on flax culture. Sweeping improvements — fencing — draining — planting : dwellings demolished — remodelled and renovated — Craig-House: James Cooper — his traditional pick-axe : obliteration of Arnmill — Mr. Farquharson becomes tenant of other farms — Drumelzie, Drumtochty, and Newlands : finally, he acquires the lands of the ancient barony of Glenfarquhar.

Yet another crisis in his career — his activity in various lines of business — his church connection — his tolerance of spirit — his death, and that of his three sons : Mrs. Farquharson follows them to the tomb, 155

Chapter IX

Feuars and Leaseholders. Reminiscences : William Reid, a peaceable man of the old school : Alexander Pirie of the Thistle Inn : William Caird — his caustic humour, aphoristic sayings, and genius as a sculptor : the "beginners' school " — a strict disciplinarian : a taciturn man, metaphysically inclined in given circumstances : an ancient family name — Cadenhead : Rhind-Simpson — a Contents. XII PAGE brilliant but short-lived career : John Officer, a conscientious tradesman : James Annandale, an aged feuar : Dr. Charles Annandale — his " Concise Dictionary" : Robert Saddler, a model farmer in a modest way — the old fashioned "hooded stook " — its correct pose : an uncomplaining feuar — his knowledge of antiquities : David Clark, the stob-thatcher : John Mollyson : Charles Carmichael, architect : The most northerly house in the village, George Milne's — his practical knowledge of flax culture : John Garland and his progenitors — old Cairnton — the first Garland — a courageous man — his summary treatment of pirates — his axe and his glue-pot, . 169

Chapter X

The Year of the Short Corn. Summer of tropical heat — shrivelled and stunted crops — difficulty of obtaining food supplies to sustain cattle — cleanness of teeth — " chappit whins" — the whin mill abandoned. Snow storms and hurricanes — the "muckle storm " of '38 — great depth of snow — access by doors impossible — supplies got down chimney : the "windy Michael Fair " — an innkeeper's wife blown from the market stance — rescued by the gallantry of "Satan" — narrow escape of a "boorach" of tipsy weavers — the bogs of Drumlithie, ...... 187

Chapter XI

Antiquities and Traditions. Roman camp near Mansion-house of Fordoun — its existence foretold by General Roy — its discovery at the close of last century — situation of the camp — its area : spear-heads and other relics of Roman occupation found in the neighbourhood : the " Green Castle" — a Roman pass or fort at Clattering Brigs — its area : battle of " Moris Grarnpius " : entrenchment at Drumsleed traditionally known as the "Scottish camp." The ancient capital of Kincardine — honour conferred by charter of fourth Earl Marischal — removal of the Sheriff Courts to Stonehaven — curious reason assigned for the transfer — defective condition of the Court-house at Stone- Contents. XIII haven — in consequence, the jury are ordered, under inspection and guard of officer, to withdraw to Mrs. Logie's house at the Mill.

Shorn of its dignity, the ancient county town dwindles into a mere hamlet — its old market cross, a gift of Earl John of Middleton, preserved at Fettercairn. The castle of Kincardine — a royal residence — its antiquity and strength— important business transacted within it. Death of Kenneth III. — a treacherous affair — John of Fordun's account of it — a cunningly devised trap — the treacherous Finella, daughter of Cruchne, Earl of Angus — her escape — local tradition regarding it. Sculptured stone supposed to be commemorative of the King's death : Professor Stuart's account of it — Hector Boece's embellished account — honest Andrew Wyntoun's narrative — Bishop Leslie's version. Pilgrimages — at first limited to Jerusalem and other sacred places — in later ages journeys made to tombs of distinguished martyrs : the sepulchre of St. Palladius, a sacred spot to which pilgrims repaired — parallel between the ancient church of St. Palladius at Fordoun and that cf St. Duthus at Tain — the Rev. Dr. James Cooper draws attention to this parallel : description of St. Duthus's chapel.

Death of Duncan II. : scene of the murder assigned to Mondynes : the fertile brained Boece's account of the transaction — he places the scene at Monteith, a division of Perthshire : large unlettered stone on a field at Mondynes supposed to perpetuate the memory of some important local event. The Friars' glen — the Priests' Well — one of the most copious in Scotland : traditions about a small friary in the glen — Jervise's matter of fact account of them : the lands of Little Glensaugh become the property of the Carmelites (White Friars) of Aberdeen, under charter by Duncan, son of Fraser of Frendraught — their Prior disposes of them to James Keith of Drumtochty — the Earl Marischal afterwards makes over the feu to Marischal College — early in the present century the College conveys its interest in the glen to the laird of Drumtochty.

Relics of antiquity — flint implements and stone implements found in the parish — inventory of same in custody of the National Museum of Antiquities of Scotland : spear-head or dagger Contents. XIV PAGE found near Roman camp at Mains of Fordoun, in possession of Mr. Carnegie of Redhall— description of the weapon by that gentleman — stone hatchet found near the Mansion-house of Redhall also in his possession : an old carved oak pulpit belonging to the Church of Fordoun in pre-Reformation times — one-half preserved as a semi-circular cabinet in the Mansion-house at Redhall— an oak roof supplied by Sibbald of Kair to the ancient church as a punishment for sacrilegious conduct, . . . . . • • .192

Chapter XII

Eminent Men belonging to the Parish. Lord Monboddo— his distinction as an author and as a Lord of Session : Professor Alexander Hamilton the distinguished physician — account of his career : Professor James Beattie : Professor Stuart : George Wishart of Pittarrow, the Scottish Martyr — monument to his memory designed by the late Alexander Macdonald of Kepplestone, . . . . 2 13

Chapter XIII

Land and Landowners, Ancient and Modern. Sir David Wod (Wood) of Craig — a fighting man — furious onset on Adam Walker the parish minister — Sir David prefers "dry multures " — is succeeded by his son Archibald : Drumtochty — succession of the lands since the beginning of the seventeenth century : James Keyth — Lord George Keyth : Dr. John Mackenzie and his representatives : Mr. George Harley-Drummond of Stanmore : JamesGammell of Countesswells — Major Andrew Gammell : the castle of Drumtochty — a splendid modern mansion, designed by Gillespie Graham — its beauty of situation — the Rev. James Stewart Gammell, the present proprietor — his grant (at a nominal annual rent) of a five acre field for recreation ground on the farm of Drumelzie : Auchinblae now possesses a pleasure park and public hall, ......... Contents. XV PAGE

Chapter XIV

The Lands and Lairds of Monboddo. James Strathauchin succeeds his father of the same name, and is, in turn, succeeded by James Straquhain — at the end of the seventeenth century James Burnett (as heir of Robert Burnett of Kair) comes into possession : James Burnett of Craigmyle — James Burnett of Allagavin or Lawgavin ; Dr. Samuel Johnson and his companion Mr. Boswell — their visit to Monboddo House — Lord Monboddo's marriage to Miss Farquharson — her death — their two daughters — the elder becomes the wife of Kilpatrick-Williamson, keeper oi the Outer- House rolls — lamented death of "Fair Eliza" the younger daughter— her attachment to her father — Mr. Kilpatrick- Williamson Burnett's family — the elder son, Captain James B. Burnett of the East India Company's Service, succeeds to the property — Arthur, the second son, becomes Sheriff of Peebles — John, the youngest son, a medical officer — the family vault in St. Palladius's chapel — Captain Burnett is succeeded by his elder son, James Cumine Burnett — he enters the service of the East India Company — serves for ten years in the Madras cavalry — these years embrace the eventful period of the mutiny — awarded medal commemorative of his services — death of his only brother, Arthur, a coffee planter — Eliza, his elder sister, becomes the wife of James Badenach Nicolson of Glenbervie — Helen, the younger, marries Mr. Innes of Cowie : the old house of Monboddo — its transformation into an elegant modern mansion, after a design by James Matthews of Springhill, Architect, sometime Lord Provost of the City of Aberdeen, ......... 224

Chapter XV

The Barony of Redhall. The historic house of Pittarrow — Sir James Carnegie — James, fifth Earl of Southesk — on this nobleman's death the representation of the Southesk family devolves on Sir James : George Carnegie, a younger brother of Sir James's, acquires the estate of Pittarrow and other lands — follows the fortunes Contents. XVI of Prince Charlie — fights at Culloden — escapes to Sweden — makes a competent fortune as a merchant — this courageous man is succeeded by his son — early death of the latter : the estate passes to George Fullerton Carnegie — he, generous and open hearted, has to part with his possessions - they are sold in sections — Redhall, the first part in the market, is purchased by the Revd. Alexander Carnegie, Minister of Inverkeillor — his father, John Carnegie (who preceded him as Minister of same parish), and his uncle, David Carnegie — sons of John Carnegie, farmer in Ferrygate — the family tenants for generations in succession on Mill of Conveth — their probable connection with the Pittarrow family — friendship subsisting between them and John Carnegie, factor on that estate : David Carnegie, before-named, joins the service of the East India Company — remains abroad for many years — acts as Judge the most of the time, but attains the position of Deputy-Governor of Bombay before his return — dies unmarried — leaves a large fortune to the Revd.

John Carnegie — the latter marries Katharine Walker, daughter of Alexander Walker, of St. Fort, near Dundee : the Revd. Alexander Carnegie marries Elizabeth, daughter of Adam Skirving, author of "Johnnie Cope" — his death: the property of Redhall now vests in his son, John — the latter educated at St. Andrews University — building of the Mansion-house — erroneous conception as to the name of the estate : Mr. Carnegie a Deputy-Lieutenant and Justice of the Peace for the County — his activity and business capacity — acts as chairman of the Parochial Board — his taste for farming — two of the principal farms on the estate held for many years in his own hand — market at Fordoun station projected — he enters heartily into the scheme — erects a booth for the traders, and grants a site rent free — his interest in the local savings bank, of which he is a trustee : the Christmas games at Redhall : Mr. Carnegie's marriage with Miss Lexy Mac taggart, daughter of Daniel Mactaggart, of Kilkevan — Anna, their eldest daughter, becomes the wife of John Dove Wilson, a member of the Faculty of Advocates in Scotland, and Sheriff-Substitute of the combined Sheriffdom of Aber- Contents.

XVII PAGE deen, Banff, and Kincardine — an accomplished lawyer — esteemed as a judge— his professional ability and scholarly attainments recognised by the University Court — degree of LL.D. conferred upon him — he is appointed Professor of Law — editor of a new edition of Thomson's Treatise on the " Law of Bills of Exchange " — list of other books and legal articles of which he is author : Helen Lexy, Mr. Carnegie's second daughter, married to Charles Bishop of Cwm-rythen : Alice, the third daughter, dies unmarried : John, the younger son, an original partner of Newton, Carnegie & Co., merchants, and for several years H.M. Vice-Consul, dies at St. Paul de Loanda, unmarried : Alexander Carnegie, the present laird of Redhall — eduated at Aberdeen University — spends some time in India — joins the sea-transport service — Annesley Bay in Abyssinia — Sir Robert Napier's hazardous march on Magdala — its successful accomplishment — libera tion of English prisoners — the treacherous monarch Theodore — Mr. Carnegie's return home — he joins the Forfar and Kincardineshire Militia — holds the rank of captain — is ap pointed factor to the Earl of Southesk — his residence at Forebank-house in the " Deer Park " — is a Justice of Peace — member of the County Council of Forfarshire — acts as chairman of various local School and Parochial Boards : Christian Carnegie, only sister of the late Mr. Carnegie — the wife of the Revd.

James Kirk, minister formerly of Barry — afterwards at Arbirlot : their eldest son, Alexander Carnegie Kirk, principal partner of Napier & Co., shipbuilders on the Clyde : John, another of their sons, adopts the medical profession — accompanies Livingstone to the Zambesi as "botanist " — remains with the intrepid explorer four years — was afterwards appointed Consul-General at Zanzibar — is now Sir John Kirk, K.C.B., and a Director of the Imperial British East Africa Company, ...... 228

Chapter XVI

The Barony of Mondynes. Repealed references to it in the foundation Charter of the Abbey of Arbroath : ancestor of Barclay of Ury — Walter Scott, Alan, Contents. XVIII PAGE son of Symon, and other honest men : Philippus de Malevile, founder of the Kincardineshire branch of the family : Eva's marriage portion — the farm of Abbey town — the laird of Glen bervie who was "sodden and supped " : Robert Lundie of Balgonie served heir to the barony — his successor of same name : Robert Arbuthnott of Mondynes — succeeds his father, John — another successor : the Sibbalds in possession. The estate of Kair — James Sibbald, vicar of Arbuthnott — a cadet of the ancient house — the "Missal of St. Ternan" : David Sibbald succeeds James — specification of lands embraced in the barony : Alexander Sibbald succeeds David : Margaret Sibbald the next heiress in succession and last of the race — she marries Harie Guthrie of Halkerton : David Guthrie succeeds him — marries Margaret, eldest daughter of Alexander Arbuthnott of Pitcarles — their eldest daughter becomes the wife of William Stuart of Inchbreck, grandfather of Professor Stuart : Dr. Patrick Sibbald, Professor of Divinity — his portrait by Charles Whyt in Marischal College — another portrait by the same artist : the lands anciently included in the barony now the property of James Badenach-Nicholson.

The family of Kinloch. Dr. David Johnston, a native of Fordoun, acquires the estate of Kair — his university career — ■ his wife, Eliza Barclay, descended in direct line from John de Berkeley — her brother, Robert of Inchbrayock, now the representative of that ancient house : the mansion house of Kair : Captain John Giaham Buchanan, .... 241

Chapter XVII

Leithfield or Whiterigs. Once a possession of the Drum family — James Arnott, W.S., grandson of James Leith, Sheriff-Substitute of Kincardineshire, and eldest son of James Arnott in Arbikie, by Janet, daughter of the before-named James Leith : Major-General James Leith — his death at Madras : death of James Arnott — estate purchased by John Towns, farmer, Bellandro — bequeathed to his nephew, John Anderson, farmer, Pitcairy, whose widow in life-rent of the property, .... Contents. XIX PAGE

Chapter XVIII

The Estate of Phesdo. Anciently owned by a branch of the Falconer family — purchased by Alexander Crombie, advocate — his influence and unwearied application to business — effects great improvements on the property — his generosity to the poor — marble tablet erected to his memory : is succeeded by Revd. Alexander Crombie, LL.D. , a distinguished teacher, scholar, and author : the estate purchased by Sir John Gladstone of Fasque, Baronet, .......... 249

Chapter XIX

Sir John Stuart Forbes of P'ettercairn, Baronet, Son of Sir William Stuart Forbes, grandson of William Forbes, banker, and author of the " Life of Dr. James Beattie " — Sir John's influence and activity as an heritor — his connection with the old family of Wishart — he succeeds to the property of Invermay, and assumes the name Hepburn — Lady Harriet, his wife, a daughter of the Marquis of Lothian — the Hon. Charles H. R. Trefusis, now LordClinton, married to Sir John's only daughter — the estate now in possession of their son, Charles John R. H. S. Forbes Trefusis — Sir John establishes a clothing society in the parish — gets the first choice of a seat in the new parish church— his connection with a sister church, the Scotch Episcopalian, . . .251

Chapter XX

Mountains. Gilbert's hill — the witch knap — Strath-Finella — Arnbarrow — the hunter's hill — and Knockhill : witches and warlocks — the " Covenant " triumphs over the worry-coo — Fordoun's hill — extensive views from its summit — tradition respecting the Knockhill, . . . . Contents. XX PAGE