Wednesday 30 April 2008

Ancestry Tours of Kiltearn Scotland


Best Scottish Ancestry Tours of Kiltearn Scotland. An overcast day at Kiltearn Graveyard, Ross and Cromarty, Scotland. The principal settlement of Kiltearn Parish is the village of Evanton, and the parish extends almost to Dingwall and about halfway to Alness. The old parish graveyard includes the Munro of Foulis burial enclosure. Kiltearn Churchyard Photographs. Kiltearn in 1846, a parish, in the county of Ross and Cromarty, 5¾ miles (N. E. by N.) from Dingwall; containing, with the villages of Drummond and Evanton, 1436 inhabitants. This place derives its name from two Gaelic words, Kiell Tighearn, signifying "the buryingplace of the laird," though the particular circumstance which gave rise to the appellation is unknown. The family of Munro of Fowlis, which, even from ancient times, has been the most conspicuous in the parish, is said to have been founded by Donald Munro, who, among many others, received gifts of land from Malcolm II., for important services rendered in assisting the king in the expulsion of the Danes. When this desirable end was accomplished, Malcolm feued out the country to his friends; and that part between the burgh of Dingwall and the water of Alness was assigned to Donald Munro, from which circumstance it received the name of Ferindonuil, or "Donald's land." A portion of these lands was afterwards erected into a barony, called Fowlis; and the present Sir Hugh Monro, Bart., who is proprietor of about two-thirds of the parish, and lineally descended from the above-named Donald Munro, is the 29th baron.

The parish is situated in about the middle of the county, and extends six miles along the north shore of the Frith of Cromarty, whence it stretches inward twentytwo miles; it is bounded on the north by Contin and Lochbroom parishes, on the east by Alness, and on the west by Dingwall and Fodderty. The whole, except a small tract on the shore, consists of one mass of hills, overspread with heath, or, in some places, planted with firs. The hill of Wyvis rises 3720 feet above the level of the sea, and is never without snow, even in the hottest summer: the forest of Wyvis is held of the king, on the singular condition of paying a snow-ball any day in the year, if required. The valleys between the hills are covered, to a great extent, with coarse grass: in some of them, small lakes have been formed by the mountain streams, diversifying the scenery, and affording good sport to the angler. The principal lake is Loch Glass, near the south end of which is a small island, where the lairds of Fowlis had at one time a summer-house: its waters are discharged into the sea by the Aultgraad, a stream which flows along a remarkably deep and narrow channel, formed in the solid rock by the action of the waters. The only river is the Skiack, which is supplied by mountain streams, and falls into the sea near the church. Several varieties of trout are found in the lochs and streams; and shell-fish, of the smaller kinds, are obtained on the shore.

The soil on the high grounds is moss, and near the Frith chiefly alluvial; it varies in other parts, exhibiting many of the ordinary combinations. About 3000 acres are cultivated, or occasionally in tillage; 600 are undivided common, and the rest natural pasture. There are a considerable number of plantations, comprising all the trees suited to the climate: many tracts were planted about the middle of the last century. All the usual white and green crops are raised; and as the improved system of agriculture has been for some time followed, and much attention is paid to the cultivation of the soil, the produce is equal in quality to any in the country. The sheep are chiefly the native black-faced, but on the low grounds are a number of Cheviots: the cattle are of the Ross-shire and the Argyllshire breeds, the latter of which is much preferred. The principal rock in the parish is sandstone: coal has been discovered, but not in sufficient quantity to defray the expense of working; and a small amount of lead-ore has also been met with. The rateable annual value of Kiltearn is £5106.

The village of Evanton, built within the present century, upon a piece of waste land, is remarkable for the regular and neat appearance of the houses: a fair is held here on the first Tuesday in June, and another on the first Tuesday in December. The hamlet of Drummond is seated on the Skiack. There are several extensive tracts of moss in the heights of the parish, where the inhabitants cut peat in summer to serve for winter fuel. The great parliamentary road runs along the shore, and communicates with the northern parts by means of excellent county roads; it passes over two good bridges, one at the east, and the other at the west, end of the village of Evanton. The ecclesiastical affairs are directed by the presbytery of Dingwall and synod of Ross; patron, the Crown. The stipend of the minister is £249, with a commodious manse, and a glebe of nine arable acres, valued at £12 per annum. The church, situated on the coast, was built in 1791, and is a neat edifice, accommodating nearly 700 persons. There is a place of worship in the village of Evanton connected with the United Secession. A parochial school is maintained, in which Latin and Greek, with the usual branches, are taught; the master has a salary of £30, with a house and garden, and about £20 fees. The family of Munro is distinguished for the eminent individuals who have belonged to it. Sir Robert Munro, grandfather of the present baronet, when a very young man, served for several years in Flanders under the Duke of Marlborough, and there formed an intimacy with the celebrated Col. Gardiner, whose history and character have become so well known through the memoir written by Dr. Doddridge.

Tour Kiltearn, Scotland, on an Ancestry Tour of Scotland. Best Scottish Tours, Best Scottish Food, Best Scottish Hotels, Small Group Tours of Scotland. Rent a Cottage in Scotland.

Monday 28 April 2008

James Stewart Ancestry Tour of Scotland


James Stewart Ancestry Tour of Scotland. This gravestone can be found in Kirriemuir Cemetery, Angus, Scotland. In memory of James Stewart, Blacksmith, Kirriemuir, died 1923.

Tour Kirriemuir, Scotland, on an Ancestry Tour of Scotland. Best Scottish Tours, Best Scottish Food, Best Scottish Hotels, Small Group Tours of Scotland. Rent a Cottage in Scotland. Golf Scotland.

Sunday 27 April 2008

Ancestry Tours of Glendevon Scotland


Tour Glendevon, Scotland, on the best Scottish tours. The valley of the River Devon runs east through the Ochil Hills to the village of Glendevon, a few miles South of Gleneagles. Many visitors to this area find comfort in the beauty and peace of this Church. Glendevon in 1846, a parish, in the county of Perth, 8 miles (S. S. E.) from Auchterarder; containing 157 inhabitants. This parish, which is about six miles in length and four in breadth, derives its name from the river Devon, which runs through it in a direction from west to east, taking its course along a narrow and verdant glen, and being inclosed by banks of considerable elevation. It lies in the midst of the Ochil hills, and is bounded on the north by the parishes of Blackford and Auchterarder, on the east by Fossaway, on the south-east by Muckart, and on the west and south by Clackmannanshire; it comprises about 6000 acres, of which not more than 100 are arable, and the whole of the remainder rich meadow and pasture land. The surface is varied by the hills, clothed to their summits with luxuriant verdure; and except about thirty persons employed in the woollen manufacture, for which a mill has been established at Burnfoot, the population is wholly pastoral. The dairy-farms are well managed; and the produce is sold in the markets of Alloa and Stirling, where it finds a ready sale. The rateable annual value of Glendovan is £1500. A good road has been constructed for about three and a half miles through the parish, at an expense of £5257, and has been of great benefit in facilitating a supply of coal, which is plentiful in the immediate vicinity: peat-moss is also abundant, and is used to a considerable extent for fuel. The Devon, a fine copious stream, abounds with excellent trout, and flows through a tract enriched with pleasingly picturesque scenery: on the south bank is Glendovan House, a handsome mansion commanding a good view of the glen. The parish is in the presbytery of Auchterarder and synod of Perth and Stirling, and patronage of the Crown; the minister's stipend is £158, with a manse, and a glebe valued at £20 per annum. The parochial school is well conducted; the master has a salary of £34, with £15 fees, and a house and garden.

Friday 25 April 2008

Dugald Stewart Ancestry Tours of Scotland


Dugald Stewart Ancestry Tours of Scotland. This monument can be found on Calton Hill, Edinburgh, Scotland. The Dugald Stewart Monument is a memorial to the Scottish philosopher Dugald Stewart. The monument was built in 1831 to the design of architect William Henry Playfair.

Tour Aberdeen, Tour Edinburgh, Tour Glasgow, Tour Inverness, Ancestry Tour of Scotland. Best Scottish Tours, Best Scottish Food, Best Scottish Hotels, Small Group Tours of Scotland, Rent a Cottage in Scotland.

John Playfair Ancestry Tour of Scotland


John Playfair Ancestry Tour of Scotland. This monument can be found on Calton Hill, Edinburgh, Scotland. John Playfair (1748-1819) was a Scots mathematician and geologist, described as Joanni Playfair on this monument.

Thursday 24 April 2008

Ancestry Tours of Kilmodan Church Scotland


Ancestry Tours of Kilmodan Church Scotland. Kilmodan Church situated in Glendraruel, Argyll, also known as Clachan Of Glendaruel; Glendaruel Estate, Kilmodan Parish Church; St Modan's Church.

Ancestry Tours of Glenfarg Scotland


Ancestry Tours of Glenfarg Scotland.

Tour Glenfarg, Perthshire, Scotland, on an Ancestry Tour of Scotland. Best Scottish Tours, Best Scottish Food, Best Scottish Hotels, Small Group Tours of Scotland. Rent a Cottage in Scotland. Tour Roman Scotland. Golf Scotland.

Monday 21 April 2008

Ancestry Tours of Anstruther Scotland


Ancestry Tours of Anstruther, Scotland.

Sunday 20 April 2008

Janet Anderson Ancestry Tour of Scotland


Janet Anderson Ancestry Tour of Scotland. This gravestone can be found in St Cuthbert's Parish Churchyard in Dalmeny. Erected to the memory of Janet Anderson, wife of William Conquer, who died at muirhouse the 21st of December 1811, aged 47 years.

Saturday 19 April 2008

Joseph Stewart Ancestry Tour of Scotland


Joseph Stewart Ancestry Tour of Scotland. This gravestone can be found in Amulree Graveyard, Perthshire, Scotland. In loving memory of Joseph Stewart, Amulree Post Office, who died 1st April, 1910, aged 39 years.

Tour Perthshire, Scotland, on an Ancestry Tour of Scotland. Best Scottish Tours, Best Scottish Food, Best Scottish Hotels, Small Group Tours of Scotland. Rent a Cottage in Scotland. Tour Roman Scotland. Golf Scotland.

Friday 18 April 2008

Elizabeth Maclaren Ancestry Tour of Scotland


Elizabeth Maclaren Ancestry Tour of Scotland. This gravestone can be found in Kirkton of Airlie Churchyard, Strathmore, Angus, Scotland. Erected by David and Janet Davie, in Wester Brae of Airly, to the memory of the their mother, Elizabeth Maclaren, who died the 18th June, 1834, aged 74 years.

Tour Kirkton of Airlie, Scotland, on an Ancestry Tour of Scotland. Best Scottish Tours, Best Scottish Food, Best Scottish Hotels, Small Group Tours of Scotland.

Robert MacGregor Ancestry Tour of Scotland


Robert MacGregor Ancestry Tour of Scotland. This gravestone can be found in Bankfoot Cemetery, Perthshire, Scotland. To the memory of Robert MacGregor, feuar in Stanley, who died 6th May, 1848, aged 82 years.

Tour Bankfoot, Perthshire, Scotland, on an Ancestry Tour of Scotland. Best Scottish Tours, Best Scottish Food, Best Scottish Hotels, Small Group Tours of Scotland. Rent a Cottage in Scotland. Tour Roman Scotland. Golf Scotland.

Thursday 17 April 2008

Ancestry Tours of Stanley Scotland


Ancestry Tours of Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland. Tour Stanley Mills.


Ancestry Tours of Stanley Scotland.


Ancestry Tours of Stanley, Scotland.


Ancestry Tours of Stanley, Scotland.


Ancestry Tours of Stanley, Scotland.

Stanley in 1846, a manufacturing village, and lately a quoad sacra parish, partly in the parish of Redgorton, but chiefly in that of Auchtergaven, county of Perth, 2 miles from the village of Auchtergaven; containing 1945 inhabitants. This place, which takes its name from an ancient mansion, once the family seat of the Nairnes, and now the residence of George Buchanan, Esq., is pleasantly situated on the banks of the river Tay, and owes its origin entirely to the establishment of the cotton-works in its immediate neighbourhood. Previously to the establishment of these works in 1785, the place consisted only of one solitary dwelling, called the Gate House from its having been the lodge of Stanley House; but since the introduction of the manufacture, the village has progressively increased in population and extent, and is become a flourishing town. The houses are neatly built, and the inhabitants are amply supplied with water. A subscription library has been established, which has a well-selected collection of nearly 600 volumes of useful works on general literature. The surrounding scenery is pleasingly diversified, and in many parts enriched with stately timber and thriving plantations of more recent growth. The inhabitants are, of course, chiefly employed in the cotton-works adjoining; and with a view to encourage habits of frugality, and prudent provision for old age, a savings' bank was opened here by a few persons connected with the works: this at first met with comparatively little encouragement, but the amount of deposits is now very considerable. The mills are situated at a short distance from the village, and were erected in 1785, by Messrs. Dempster and Company, who in 1800 sold the concern to Messrs. Craig and Co., by whom the mills were carried on till the year 1814, when they were discontinued. They were subsequently purchased by Messrs. Buchanan and Company, the present proprietors, under whose superintendence they have been so greatly increased and improved that they are at present among the most extensive of the kind in the country. The machinery is propelled by water, brought from the Tay by an aqueduct 800 feet in length, ten feet high, and eight feet in breadth, carried through a hill 150 feet high, of which the superincumbent stratum is supported on arches. The water has a fall of twenty-two feet, and gives motion to seven wheels of large diameter, whose aggregate power is equal to 200 horses. The works contain 40,000 spindles and 212 power-looms, and afford employment to 900 persons; they are carried on with liberality, and confer great benefit on the population of the district in which they are situated. There is a ferry across the Tay at this place, and the village has every facility of communication with the neighbouring towns by means of the high road from Edinburgh, and with the other portions of the parish by good roads kept in repair by statute labour.

The proprietors of the mills have erected a handsome chapel of ease at an expense of upwards of £3000, for the accommodation of the inhabitants of the village and the district around; it stands on the verge of the parish, and is a spacious and elegant structure with a tower, and adapted for a congregation of 1150 persons. The minister has a stipend of £150 per annum, with a house and garden provided for him rent-free by the proprietors. The members of the Free Church have a place of worship. The company have also erected a spacious school for the instruction of the children employed in their works, whose hours of labour are so regulated as to afford them the full benefit of the institution; the master has a salary of £20, paid by the company, and about 100 children on an average attend. A benevolent society has been established for the assistance of the poor, and is supported by voluntary subscription; the annual distribution averages £60. A funeral society has been also established, besides an educational society for assisting poor people to the school fees necessary for the education of their children. Stanley House, for many ages the seat of the Nairne family, has apparently been built at different periods; its present name is of comparatively modern date, having been given to it towards the close of the 17th century, after the union of the families of Atholl and Nairne, in honour of a marchioness of Atholl who was the daughter of James Stanley, Earl of Derby. It has been modernised and improved, and is now a spacious and elegant mansion, beautifully situated on the margin of the river Tay, in a demesne in which are some stately trees; upon the lawn near the house are two remarkably fine yews, and some beech trees of luxuriant growth. On the banks of the Tay, near the village, are the ruins of a religious house which was connected with the celebrated abbey of Dunfermline.

Tour Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland, on an Ancestry Tour of Scotland. Best Scottish Tours, Best Scottish Food, Best Scottish Hotels, Small Group Tours of Scotland. Rent a Cottage in Scotland. Tour Roman Scotland. Golf Scotland.

Wednesday 16 April 2008

George Mount Ancestry Tour of Scotland


George Mount Ancestry Tour of Scotland. This gravestone can be found in Moonzie Churchyard, Fife, Scotland. This stone was erected in memory of George Mount, who died the 3rd of April, 1792, aged 71 years.

Ancestry Tour of Inveresk Scotland


Ancestry Tour of Inveresk Village, Midlothian, Scotland.

Tuesday 15 April 2008

Moonzie Kirkyard Ancestry Tour of Scotland


Moonzie Kirkyard, North Fife, on an Ancestry Tour of Scotland.

Monday 14 April 2008

James Bonnar Ancestry Tour of Scotland


James Bonnar Ancestry Tour of Scotland. This gravestone can be found in Auchtermuchty Kirkyard, Fife, Scotland. In memory of Reverend James Bonnar, 59 years Minister in this town, Auchtermuchty. Born 1754, died 1847.

Tour Auchtermuchty, Fife, Scotland, on an Ancestry Tour of Scotland. Best Scottish Tours, Best Scottish Food, Best Scottish Hotels, Small Group Tours of Scotland, Rent a Cottage in Scotland. Golf Scotland.

Saturday 12 April 2008

Top Ten Ancestry Scotland Books

Top Ten Ancestry Scotland Books.

Alexander Russel Ancestry Tour of Scotland


Alexander Russel Ancestry Tour of Scotland. This gravestone can be found in Strathmiglo Cemetery, Fife, Scotland. Here ly buried the dust of Alexander Russel, Tennant of Pitlour, who died October 22nd, 1780, in the 55th year of his age.

Tour Strathmiglo, Fife, Scotland, on an Ancestry Tour of Scotland. Best Scottish Tours, Best Scottish Food, Best Scottish Hotels, Small Group Tours of Scotland, Rent a Cottage in Scotland. Golf Scotland.

Thursday 10 April 2008

Alexander Reid Ancestry Tour of Scotland


Alexander Reid Ancestry Tour of Scotland. This gravestone can be found in Forteviot Graveyard, Perthshire, Scotland. Erected by Margaret Douglas in memory of her husband, Alexander Reid, late of the 42nd Royal Highlanders, who died at Balaklava in the Crimea, December 10th, 1851, aged 35 years.

Tour Aberdeen, Tour Edinburgh, Tour Glasgow, Tour Inverness, Ancestry Tour of Scotland. Best Scottish Tours, Best Scottish Food, Best Scottish Hotels, Small Group Tours of Scotland, Rent a Cottage in Scotland.

Wednesday 9 April 2008

James Graham Ancestry Tour of Scotland


James Graham Ancestry Tour of Scotland. This gravestone can be found in Dunning Graveyard, Perthshire, Scotland. Erected to the memory of James Graham, New Town of Pitcairns, who died 2nd October, 1836, aged 58 years.

Tour Aberdeen, Tour Edinburgh, Tour Glasgow, Tour Inverness, Ancestry Tour of Scotland. Best Scottish Tours, Best Scottish Food, Best Scottish Hotels, Small Group Tours of Scotland, Rent a Cottage in Scotland.

Tuesday 8 April 2008

Monday 7 April 2008

Robert Stevenson Ancestry Tour of Scotland


Robert Stevenson Ancestry Tour of Scotland. This gravestone can be found in Forfar Cemetery, Angus, Scotland. In loving memory of The Reverend Robert Stevenson, M.A. Parish minister of Forfar, born near Campsie, 7th February, 1812. Ordained at Airdrie in 1837. Translated to Forfar in 1843. Died at the Manse, 21st March, 1877. He came to an almost epmty church, he left a communion roll of well nigh 8000 members.

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Sunday 6 April 2008

Robert Huddleston Ancestry Tour of Scotland


Robert Huddleston Ancestry Tour of Scotland. This gravestone can be found in Lunan Parish Churchyard, Angus, Scotland. In memory of Robert Huddleston, late Schoolmaster, Lunan, who died February 27th, 1821, aged 53 years.

Tour Lunan, Angus, Scotland, on an Ancestry Tour of Scotland. Best Scottish Tours, Best Scottish Food, Best Scottish Hotels, Small Group Tours of Scotland. Rent a Cottage in Scotland. Golf Scotland.

Saturday 5 April 2008

Elisabeth Scobie Ancestry Tour of Scotland


Elisabeth Scobie Ancestry Tour of Scotland. This gravestone can be found in Trinity Gask Parish Churchyard, Perthshire, Scotland. Erected by David Scobie, Mason, Gask, in memory of his aunt, Elisabeth Scobie, who died January 28th, 1837, aged 71 years.

Tour Trinity Gask, Perthshire, Scotland, on an Ancestry Tour of Scotland. Best Scottish Tours, Best Scottish Food, Best Scottish Hotels, Small Group Tours of Scotland. Rent a Cottage in Scotland. Tour Roman Scotland. Golf Scotland.

Friday 4 April 2008

Andrew Hepburn Ancestry Tour of Scotland


Andrew Hepburn Ancestry Tour of Scotland. This gravestone can be found in Kinfauns Kirkyard, Perthshire, Scotland. In memory of Andrew Hepburn, Pointsman, Glencarse, who passed away 29th January, 1933, aged 67 years.

Tour Kinfauns, Perthshire, Scotland, on an Ancestry Tour of Scotland. Best Scottish Tours, Best Scottish Food, Best Scottish Hotels, Small Group Tours of Scotland. Rent a Cottage in Scotland.

Thursday 3 April 2008

Ancestry Tours of Finavon Castle Angus Scotland


Ancestry Tours of Finavon Castle, Angus, Scotland. Finavon Castle is set within the small hamlet of Finavon, by Forfar in the centre of the County of Angus. Lying within the fertile Vale of Strathmore, Finavon is surrounded by glorious open farmland and stunning countryside. Nearby Forfar is a thriving, bustling market town. Finavon Castle was formerly one of the strongholds of the Lindsay family. The remains of the 15th century tower can still be seen.

Ancestry Tours of High Street Inverness Scotland


Ancestry Tours of High Street, Inverness, Scotland.

Ancestry Tours of Prestonpans Scotland


Ancestry Tours of Prestonpans Scotland. Prestonpans is a small town to the East of Edinburgh, Scotland.

Ancestry Tours of Ethie Castle Angus Scotland


Ancestry Tours of Ethie Castle, Angus, Scotland. Ethie Castle dates from around 1300 when a sandstone keep was built by the Abbot and Monks of Arbroath Abbey.

George Banks Ancestry Tour of Scotland


George Banks Ancestry Tour of Scotland. This gravestone can be found in the old graveyard at Scone Palace, Perthshire, Scotland. Here lies George Banks, Portioner in Scone, who departed this life, August 20th, 1788, aged 57.

Tour Scone, Perthshire, Scotland, on an Ancestry Tour of Scotland. Best Scottish Tours, Best Scottish Food, Best Scottish Hotels, Small Group Tours of Scotland. Rent a Cottage in Scotland.

Tuesday 1 April 2008

Isabella Thomson Ancestry Tour of Scotland


Isabella Thomson Ancestry Tour of Scotland. This gravestone can be found in Eassie Churchyard, Angus, Scotland. Erected by Charles Watson, Blacksmith, Eassie, in memory of his wife, Isabella Thomson, who died 1st October 1833.

Tour Eassie, Angus, Scotland, on an Ancestry Tour of Scotland. Best Scottish Tours, Best Scottish Food, Best Scottish Hotels, Small Group Tours of Scotland. Rent a Cottage in Scotland. Golf Scotland. Tour Roman Scotland.

Susan Robertson Ancestry Tour of Scotland


Susan Robertson Ancestry Tour of Scotland. This gravestone can be found in Alyth Cemetery, Perthshire, Scotland. Erected by John Fenton, late Merchant in Alyth, in memory of Susan Robertson, his beloved wife. She was born in May 1804, married on 18th December 1828. Lived a happy life for 45 years, and died suddenly on 24th December 1873.

The Alyth Hotel provides an ideal base for touring the many beauty spots of Perthshire, Angus and the Grampian Highlands.