There are several extensive estates in the
county, but property is very much divided. Farms in the lower districts
vary from 20 to 300 acres. In the hilly and mountainous districts,
however, they are considerably larger.
THE CALLENDAR ESTATE (William Forbes,
Esq.), which is one of the most extensive and valuable, stretches from
the vicinity of Slamannan on the south and east to Greenhill on the
west, falling down upon the river Carron at Camelon and Larbert, a
length of about 15 miles. In Muiravonside parish, Mr. Forbes own the
farms of Myrehead, which, in the valuation roll of the county for the
year 1880-81, is valued at 380 pounds; Haining, &c., at 397 pounds;
Waulkmilton, at 277 pounds; East Manuel, at 245 pounds; Avondale, at 170
pounds; Gilmeadowland, at 150 pounds; Manuel Haugh, at 83 pounds; and
Snabhead, at 67 pounds. In Falkirk parish, he owns 40 farms; West
Carmuirs, valued at 520 pounds; Mumrills, &c., at 520 pounds;
Randieford, at 250 pounds; Woodburn, at 221 pounds; Middlesfield, at 200
pounds; Carmuirs, at 200 pounds; Loanfoot, at 200 pounds; Kilbean, at
192 pounds; Craigieburn, at 190 pounds; Lochlands of Carmuirs, at 180
pounds; West Newlands, at 164 pounds; Bogton, at 152 pounds; Muirhouses,
&c., at 133 pounds; and Bantaskine, at 105 pounds. His grass parks
are valued at 180 pounds; woods, copse, and underwood of Callendar, at
400 pounds; and mansion house, at 550 pounds. Pirleyhill and Standalane
colliery is fixed at 1,264 pounds; and Loanfoot ironstone, at 846
pounds. In Larbert parish, he has Broomage Mains farm, which is valued
at 146 pounds; in Dunipace parish, property valued at 2,735 pounds; and
in Denny parish, lands and minerals, at 5,078 pounds. The total annual
value of Mr. Forbes’ possessions in the county is as under:
Parish of Muiravonside |
1,984 pounds |
Parish of Falkirk |
9,868 pounds |
Parish of Larbert |
146 pounds |
Parish of Dunipace |
2,735 pounds |
Parish of Denny |
5,078 pounds |
|
19,811 pounds |
Callendar, as we have previously stated,
was purchased by William Forbes, Esq., of London, in 1783, for 85,000
pounds.
The Right Hon. The Earl of Zetland, of
Kerse estate, is another large proprietor in the shire, holding property
to the annual value of 10,850 pounds. In Falkirk parish, he has 16
farms, and amongst these, West Mains and West Thorn, valued at 290
pounds; East Thorn, at 334 pounds; Fouldubs, at 263 pounds; Walton, at
193 pounds; Dalgrain, at 178 pounds; Kerse Mains at 166 pounds; Dorrator,
at 157 pounds; Cauldhame, at 155 pounds; Eastend, at 145 pounds; Seabegs
Place, at 116 pounds; Westfield, at 131 pounds; and part of Thicket, at
108 pounds. His lordship’s grass parks at Kerse are valued at 370
pounds. In Bothkennar parish he also owns the following farms: - Heuck
Island and Crofthead, valued at 290 pounds; Town Croft, at 209 pounds;
Newtonplace, at 149 pounds; Carronflats, at 105 pounds; and lands of
Crofthead, Towncroft, Thicket, and part of Newtonplace, at 266 pounds;
while 2,076 pounds are set against the Zetland pit colliery. In Airth
parish his lands of Halls of Airth are valued at 485 pounds; and those
in Polmont parish at 1,830 pounds.
The Stirlingshire possessions of the
Right Hon. The Earl of Dunmore, which lie in the parishes of St. Ninians
and Airth are valued at 8,133 pounds. His lordship’s grass parks in
hand are put down at 1,356 pounds, and the Dunmore Home farm, at 900
pounds.
William Graham, Esq. of Airth Castle, has
an annual valuation of 2,601 pounds. His farms in the parish are
Eastfield, valued at 235 pounds; South Greens, at 230 pounds; West
Westfield, at 229 pounds; North Greens, at 230 pounds; Airth Mains, at
207 pounds; Dougalshole, at 189 pounds; and South Westfield, at 182
pounds. He also owns the farm of Auchentyre, in Bothkennar parish, which
is valued at 116 pounds.
The Carron Company, who hold property in
nine parishes of the county, are down on the valuation roll for 8,890
pounds. In Airth parish, they possess 4 letham farms, valued at 681
pounds; in Bothkennar parish, West Mains, valued at 92 pounds; in
Muiravonside, Crosscroes, valued at 88 pounds; Kendrieshill, at 95
pounds; and Gateside and Shankend, at 40 pounds; in Polmont parish,
Bellsrig, valued at 75 pounds; Burnside, at 50 pounds; Muirpark, at 40
pounds; and Wallacerig, with freestone quarry, at 214 pounds. In Falkirk
parish they have 7 farms, and among these Jaw, valued at 250 pounds;
Mungalmill, at 122 pounds; Middlethorn, at 104 pounds; and Mungalhead,
at 96 pounds. In Larbert parish, the year’s valuation of their
property is 5,191 pounds, 3,870 pounds of which is placed against the
iron-works. In Dunipace parish they possess Herbertshire farm, valued at
102 pounds; in Denny parish they are down for 515 pounds; and in Kilsyth
parish, for 657 pounds; of which 338 pounds is against ironstone.
The trustees of the late William Dawson,
Esq. of Powfoulis, appear for 3,921 pounds. In Airth parish they have
the farm of Mains of Powfoulis and Saltgreens, valued at 414 pounds; and
Greendyke, &c., valued at 196 pounds; in Bothkennar parish, the farm
of Middlerig and Stonehouse, valued at 362 pounds; Backrow, at 230
pounds; Upper Gairdoch, at 212 pounds; and Pinfoldbridge, at 176 pounds.
The coal and iron-stone of South Mains is valued at 1000 pounds. In
Falkirk parish their farms are Dalderse, valued at 425 pounds;
Carronside and Langless, at 219 pounds; Coblebrae, at 143 pounds;
Yonderhaugh, at 102 pounds; and Millflats, at 90 pounds.
Against the property of Thomas George
Dundas, Esq. of Carronhall, there is a total valuation of 3,220 pounds.
In Bothkennar parish, farm of Kirkton and Closs, at 355 pounds;
Carronhall farm, at 169 pounds; Carronhall Colliery, at 300 pounds; and
harbour, &c., at Carronshore, 95 pounds. Under Larbert parish, the
mansion house and policy of Carronhall is valued at 207 pounds; and the
farm of Kersebrock and Powleys, at 209 pounds. For the lands in Dunipace
parish the amount is 573 pounds.
The lands, &c., possessed by the
Right Hon. Lord Thurlow, of Kinnaird, are valued at 1,981 pounds. The
farm of Halls of Airth and Bellsdyke, at 340 pounds; Drum, at 340
pounds; Back o’ Dykes, at 205 pounds; Cuttyfield, at 200 pounds; Grass
parks, at 163 pounds; and coal at Kinnaird, 173 pounds.
John Bell Sherriff, Esq. of Carronvale,
appears for 1,256 pounds – the farm of Kersie Mains being valued at
650 pounds; South Kersie, at 356 pounds; and Carronvale, at 250 pounds.
For Mrs. Ann. C. Stirling, of Glenbervie,
the amount is 1,256 pounds – the valuation of the farm of Shields
being 170 pounds; of Hamilton farm, 145 pounds; of Grass parks, 344
pounds; and of her possessions in Dunipace parish, 439 pounds.
The sum against the lands, &c.,
belonging to Joseph C. Bolton, Esq. of Carbrook, M.P., is 2,234 pounds
– for Wholeflatts, in Polmont parish, 290 pounds; for property in
Dunipace parish, 523 pounds; and in St. Ninians parish, 1,421 pounds.
Next to Mr. Forbes, of Callendar, His
Grace the Duke of Montrose is the wealthiest proprietor of the county
lands. His yearly valuation is as follows: -
Parish of Buchanan |
8,259 pounds |
Parish of Drymen |
4,000 pounds |
Parish of Fintry |
2,852 pounds |
Parish of New Kilpatrick |
105 pounds |
Parish of Strathblane |
361 pounds |
Parish of St. Ninians |
296 pounds |
Parish of Kilsyth |
688 pounds |
|
16,561 pounds |
His Grace owns the whole of the parish of
Buchanan, which is about 29 miles long and 5 miles broad, with the
exception of what belongs to the School Board and the minister’s manse
and glebe, valued in all at 77 pounds. He has here 17 farms, with an
acreage of 41,598 so that the estate only averages 4s. per acre. The
lands and farm of Gartfarren are valued at 35 pounds; Cobrach, at 320
pounds; Benlomond and Blairvockie, at 1,100 pounds; Cashell and Sallochy,
at 360 pounds; Corriearklet, at 270 pounds; Inversnaid, at 250 pounds;
Gartincaber, at 170 pounds; Creityhall, at 165 pounds; Auchmar, at 160
pounds; Cailness, at 120 pounds; Grass parks, at 443 pounds; Woods, at
328 pounds; Rowardennan shootings, at 300 pounds; and Inversnaid
shootings, at 250 pounds. In Drymen parish his Grace holds 14 farms,
valued as above; in Fintry parish, 5; in Strathblane parish, the farm of
Quinloch, and Mugdock castle; in New Kirkpatrick parish, Drumcloy and
part of Milton, Milngavie; St. Ninians parish, the farm of Kirk-o’-Muir,
and part of Todholes; and in Kilsyth parish, Slachristock, and a portion
of Binns, Carronbridge.
In the parish of Drymen there are 76
farms – its extreme length being 15 miles, and breadth 10. Here there
are numerous proprietors, but of the farms William Cunningham Bontine,
Esq. of Gartmore, possesses 19, valued at 2,053 pounds.
The whole lands of Fintry, which are
about 6 miles long by 5 broad, may be said to be owned between the Duke
of Montrose and Sir George Home Speirs, Bart. There are 9 farms in the
parish, and of this property Sir George holds a value of 1,465 pounds.
In Killearn parish there are 35 farms,
and the chief proprietors are – Archibald Orr Ewing, Esq. of
Ballikinrain, M.P., 2,395 pounds; John Blackburn, Esq. of Killearn, for
the trustees of the late Peter Blackburn, Esq., 2,373 pounds;
Vice-Admiral Sir Wm. Edmonstone, Bart., C.B., of Duntreath, 884 pounds;
John James Pollock, Esq. of Auchineden, 831 pounds; David M’Larn Bryce
Buchanan, Esq., Boquhan, 540 pounds; Michael Connal, Esq., Glasgow, 245
pounds; and Sir G.H. Speirs, Bart. (Glenboig farm), 210 pounds.
Strathblane parish is fully 5 miles long
by 4 broad. Its farms number 19. The principal landowners are – Sir
William Edmonstone, Bart., 1,940 pounds; Sir Andrew Buchanan, Bart.,
Craigend castle, 858 pounds; Miss Janet Gloriana Graham, 715 pounds;
Allan G.B. Graham, Esq. of Fereneze, 587 pounds; John Cameron Graham,
Esq. of Ardwell, Gatehouse-of-Fleet, 380 pounds; Misses Mary and Agnes
Aitken, Lomond Lodge, Killearn (farm of Auchengillan) 230 pounds; Major
Charles Campbell G. Stirling, of Craigbarnet (lands and farm of
Broadyett and part of Hillhead, &c.), 576 pounds; Trustees of the
late Ellis Wood, Esq. (printfield and land, Blanefield) 350 pounds;
Ebenezer M’Allister, Esq., 332 pounds; Trustees of late Alexander T.
Russell, Esq. (farms of Easterton and Bankhead) 240 pounds; and Trustees
of Moses Provan, Esq., C.A., Glasgow (lands and farm, Townhead of
Auchengillan), 108 pounds.
Campsie parish, which is 7 miles in
length and 6 in breadth, has 45 farms. The chief proprietors are – the
Hon. Charles Spencer Bateman Hanbury Kincaid-Lennox, 8,217 pounds; Sir
Charles Elphinstone Fleming Stirling of Glorat, Bart., 2,080 pounds;
Lady Agnes J. Gordon, 1,345 pounds; Capt. John Warden M’Farlane of
Ballincleroch, 1,179 pounds; Major Charles Campbell Graham Stirling of
Craigbarnet, 1,043 pounds; James King, Esq. of Campsie, 1,042 pounds;
Messrs. Hurlet and Campsie Alum Co., 850 pounds; Thomas Reid, Esq. of
Carlston, 617 pounds; John Reid, Esq. of Hayston, 614 pounds; Alexander
M’Nab, Esq. 589 pounds; J.S. Fleming, Esq. of Balquharrage, 491
pounds; James Ferrie, Esq., farmer, 269 pounds; Samuel M’Farlane,
Esq., 259 pounds; Robert Dunlop, Esq. (Watshod and Balfleurs farm), 206
pounds; Mrs. James Laing (lands of Broadleys, Todhills, Sandyfaulds,
&c.) 205 pounds; James Maitland, Esq., farmer, West Balgrochan, 160
pounds; Robert Buchanan, Esq., Blairquhosh (Crosshouse farm), 85 pounds;
and William Simpson, Esq. (farm of Carlston), 60 pounds.
In Baldernock parish there are 14 farms.
The principal landowners are – Robert Ker, Esq. of Dougalston, 1,408
pounds; John Buchanan Hamilton, Esq. of Leny House, Callander, 911
pounds; Hugh Bartholomew, Esq., 650 pounds; Trustees of late Sir William
Stirling Maxwell, Bart. (farms of Back o’ Hill and Redbog), 403
pounds; Robert Moyes, Esq. (Easter and Wester Bogside farm), 536 pounds;
Hon. C.S. Bateman Hanbury Kincaid-Lennox, 337 pounds; John Marshall,
Sen., Esq. (Laverockhill farm), 230 pounds; William Johnston, Esq.,
Barraston, 200 pounds; Robert Ronald, Esq., farmer, 200 pounds; Trustees
of late John M’Culloch, Esq. (East Blairskaith farm), 200 pounds; Mrs.
Janet Colquhoun (Upper Blochearn farm, Torrance of Campsie), 180 pounds;
Robert Watson, Esq. (farm of Bardowie and West Blairskaith muir), 178
pounds; George Donald, Esq., farmer, 160 pounds; Walter Craig, Jun.,
Esq., 112 pounds; The Old Man’s Friend Society, Glasgow (Blairnile
farm), 75 pounds; Andrew Winning, Esq. (Balmore farm), 72 pounds; James
Bowie, Esq. (farm of Whitefauld, Torrance of Campsie), 85 pounds; James
Maitland, Esq. (farm of Balmore), 60 pounds.
There are 11 farms in the portion of New
Kilpatrick parish that lies in Stirlingshire. The chief proprietors are
– the Trustees of Sir George Campbell of Succoth, Bart., 1,683 pounds;
Robert Ker, Esq. of Dougalston, 1,342 pounds; John Craig, Esq., Allander
paper mill, 600 pounds; Messrs. Allander Printing Co., 600 pounds;
Archibald Campbell Douglas, Esq. of Mains (farm of Keystone and lands of
Craigdow), 577 pounds; Representatives of the late Alexander Dunlop,
Esq. of Clober, 484 pounds; Rev. John Erskine Campbell Colquhoun of
Killermont, 450 pounds; Mrs. M’Intosh’s Trustees (farm of Lower
Barloch), 195 pounds; and James Wier, Esq. (lands and farm of Barrachan,
Milngavie), 100 pounds.
Balfron parish has 28 farms. Its length
is 11 miles, and breadth 3. The chief landowners are – Henry Ritchie
Cooper, Esq. of Ballindalloch, 6 farms, 889 pounds; Archibald Orr Ewing,
Esq. of Ballikinrain, M.P., 3 farms, 706 pounds; Sir George Home Speirs,
Bart., 4 farms, 694 pounds; James Galbraith, Esq. of Balgray, 2 farms,
675 pounds; William C.G. Bontine, Esq. 4 farms, 461 pounds; and Major
Charles C.G. Stirling of Craigbarnet, 1 farm, 299 pounds.
In Gargunnock parish, which is 6 miles
long and 4 broad, there are 26 farms. The principal proprietors are –
the Tutors of Alastair Erskine Graham Moir of Leckie (minor), 3,077
pounds; Capt. Henry John Fletcher Campbell of Boquhan, 1,783 pounds;
John Stirling Stirling, Esq. of Gargunnock, 1,426 pounds; Patrick
Francis Connal Rowan, Esq. (Meiklewood estate), 541 pounds; and Trustees
of late John Gowans, Esq., Park Terrace, Stirling (East Culmore farm),
222 pounds.
In Kippen parish there are 30 farms, over
a length of 8 miles and breadth from 2 to 4 miles. The largest holders
of property are – W.C.G. Bontine, Esq., 1,929 pounds; Michael James
Jamison, Esq., 916 pounds; Captain Henry John Fletcher Campbell, of
Boquhan, R.N., 879 pounds; James Stirling, Esq. of Garden, 764 pounds;
Thomas Littlejohn Galbraith, Esq., sheriff-clerk, Stirling (farms of
Blackhouse and Little Kerse), 429 pounds; and Moses Buchanan Scoular,
Esq. (farm of Middle Kerse), 280 pounds.
In the parish of Stirling, which is only
2 miles in length and 1 1/2 in breadth, there are 3 farms. The chief
proprietors are – Cowan’s Hospital, 545 pounds; The Crown (part farm
of King’s park), 364 pounds; Right Hon. Lord Balfour of Burleigh (Burghmeadow),
229 pounds; Messrs. James Sinclair & Co., Forthbank, 115 pounds; and
Rev. George Alexander, D.D., minister first charge (fishings in Forth),
75 pounds.
There are 7 farms in Alva parish, all of
which are possessed by James Johnstone, Esq. – Strude, 503 pounds;
Balquharn, 414 pounds; Myreton, 365 pounds; Burnside, 364 pounds;
Carsiepow, 250 pounds; Boll, 170 pounds; Greenhead, 146 pounds; and
lands of East and West Bank, 74 pounds – annual valuation in all,
2,286 pounds.
The principal landowners in Logie parish,
where there are 12 farms, are the Right Hon. Lord Abercrombie of
Airthrie Castle, 1,925 pounds; Sir James Edward Alexander of Westerton,
1,102 pounds; Bridge of Allan Hydropathic Company (Limited), 450 pounds;
Trustees of late James Robertson, Esq. (farm of Cornton, Causewayhead),
283 pounds; Bridge of Allan Water Company, 245 pounds; General Trustees
of the Free Church of Scotland (farm of West Haugh), 200 pounds; and
Right Hon. Lord Balfour of Burleigh (part lands of Dunmyat and
Blairlogie), 142 pounds.
The 6 farms of Lecropt parish belong to
the Trustees of the late Sir William Stirling Maxwell of Pollok, and are
valued at 1,810 pounds.
In St. Ninians parish, which has the
highest valuation of the county, there are 140 farms. The chief
proprietors are John Murray, Esq. of Touchadam and Polmaise, 9,824
pounds; Sir James Ramsay Gibson Maitland, Bart., 5,700 pounds; Sir Henry
James Seton Stewart, Bart. of Touch and Allanton, 2,586 pounds; Trustees
of the late William Simpson, Esq., 2,286 pounds; George Frederick
William Callander, Esq., 2,160 pounds; Major Herbert Buchanan of Arden,
1,943 pounds; Michael Hugh Shaw Stewart, Esq. of Carnock, 1,670 pounds;
Rev. James M’Gibbon Burn Murdoch, vicar of Riverhead, Seven Oaks,
Kent, 1,077 pounds; Allan’s Hospital, 968 pounds; Trustees of late
William Wilson, Esq. of Skeoch, 924 pounds; Cowan’s Hospital, 850
pounds; Alexander Wilson, Esq. of Alford, Dunblane, 696 pounds; Captain
David Stewart, London, (farm of Stewarthall and Balfornought), 653
pounds; John Dick, Esq., Stirling, 635 pounds; Alex. Binning Munro, Esq.
of Auchenbowie, 627 pounds; Alex. Bennet M’Grigor, Esq., Glasgow, 575
pounds; Alexander Henry Murray Menzies, Esq., 350 pounds; Trustees of
late Edwin Sandys Bain, Esq., 350 pounds; John Saunders Muschet, Esq. of
Birkhill, 318 pounds; Mrs. Anna Bow, or Monteath (farm of Small Burn,
Bogside, and Kermock), 315 pounds; Robert M’Brayne, Esq., Glasgow
(farm of Craigannet and Kirkburn), 300 pounds; Mrs. Elizabeth Honyman
Gillespie of Torbanehill, 283 pounds; Adam Smith, Esq. (farm of Meikle
Canglour), 273 pounds; Sir Robert Stewart, Q.C., Allahabad, India (Glenhead
farm), 255 pounds; Society in Scotland for Propagating Christian
Knowledge (farm of Whitehouse), 230 pounds; Peter Lennox, Esq., of
Oakfield, Helensburgh (farm of Muirhill, Glendales, and Briglandsteal),
230 pounds; Trustees of late John Christie, Esq., 210 pounds; James M’Pherson,
Esq., Townfoot of Dundaff (grass lands), 185 pounds; Right Hon. Lord
Balfour of Burleigh, 180 pounds; Mrs. Elizabeth Dobbie (farm of Easter
Craigannet, Denny), 145 pounds; Robert Buchanan, Esq., 183 pounds;
Trustees of the late Alexander Munnoch (farm of Wester Cringate), 124
pounds; and James Turnbull, Esq., Hallquarter of Canglour, 118 pounds.
In Kilysyth parish there are 32 farms.
The principal proprietors are Sir William Edmonstone, Bart., of
Duntreath, 6,783 pounds; Trustees of the late John Wilson, Esq. of Hill
Park, 429 pounds; including farm of Berryhill, 150 pounds; Auchinreroch,
135 pounds; and Auchenvalley, 85 pounds; Joseph Wilson, Esq., Glasgow,
395 pounds; Heirs of the late Andrew Walters, Glenample (lands and farm
of Inchterf), 197 pounds; John Christie, Esq. of Slafarquhar (lands of
Slafarquhar and Bentend), 300 pounds; Henry Morrison, Esq., Orchard, 120
pounds; John Wilson, Esq. of Banknock, 95 pounds. The minerals on the
Kilsyth estate (Messrs. William Baird & Co.) are valued at 2,823
pounds; and Banton coal and iron (Henry Caddell, Esq. of Grange), 879
pounds.
Denny parish has 70 farms. The principal
landowners apart from Mr. Forbes of Callendar, are William Wilson, Esq.
of Banknock, 960 pounds; William Ritchie, Esq. (farm of Knowehead,
&c.), 280 pounds; Peter Lennox, Esq. (farms of Overton and Easter
Langhill), 230 pounds; A. M. Monteath, Esq. (farm of Greenburn), 154
pounds; Mrs. John Laing of Leys, 154 pounds; Thomas Keir, Esq. (lands of
Linns), 119 pounds; Trustees of Mrs. Campbell (farm of West Thomaston),
115 pounds; Executors of the late Robert Millar, Esq. (Bankhead farm),
110 pounds; Mrs. Agnes M’Farlane (farm of Broadside), 105 pounds; D.W.
Paterson, Esq. (farm of Garvauld), 110 pounds; Trustees of the late
William Wilson, Esq., W.S., Edinburgh (farm of Cowdenhill), 95 pounds;
and John Hay, Esq. (Glenhead farm), 90 pounds. The Banknock colliery (J.W.
Burns, Esq. of Kilmahew) is valued at 423 pounds.
In the parish of Dunipace there are 30
farms, and the chief proprietors, in addition to those already
mentioned, are John Harvie Brown, Esq. of Quarter, 1,604 pounds; Messrs.
William Baird & Co. (Denovan farm), 143 pounds; and the
Representatives of Alexander Duncan, Esq. (farm of Risk, Denny), 130
pounds.
Larbert parish has 18 farms. The property
of Sir William C. Bruce, Bart., of Stenhouse, is valued at 1,685 pounds,
of which 285 pounds is placed against the Tryst ground; that of Henry
Cadell, Esq. of Banton, at 336 pounds; Larbert House (John Hendrie,
Esq.), with Broomage farm and grass parks, 722 pounds; and the Stirling
District Lunacy Board, 670 pounds – 40 pounds of that valuation being
against the farm of Gowkhill.
In Airth parish there are 34 farms –
Bellsdyke farm (Robert William Gillespie Stainton, Esq.) is valued at
396 pounds, and the minerals at 125 pounds; Pocknaive farm (Charles
Edward Walker Ogilvie, Esq.), at 213 pounds; farm of Neuck (the Hon.
Lady William Godolphin Osborne Elphinstone, of Bantreath), at 100
pounds; and Brackenlees (Mrs. James Foord), at 82 pounds.
Bothkennar parish has 16 farms – farm
of Westerton (Guardians of Henry Callendar, Esq. of Prestonhall) is
valued at 280 pounds, and the colliery at 150 pounds; lands of Thislet,
Howkerse, and Pinfoldbridge (Alex. Nimmo, Esq., Falkirk), at 146 pounds,
and the coal at 576 pounds; farm of North Newton (Trustees of the late
Alex. Bell, Esq.), at 137 pounds, and the coal at 168 pounds; farm of
Springfield (Messrs. J.S. & G.G. Mackay), at 120 pounds, and
colliery at 100 pounds; farms of Orchardhead and Hardilands (Charles E.
Walker Ogilvie, Esq.), at 193 pounds, and minerals at 230 pounds; farm
of Bellsdyke (R.W.G. Staniton, Esq.), at 134 pounds, and colliery at 125
pounds; Land of South Mains (Mrs. J. Watt or Beveridge, Culross), 41
pounds, and minerals 80 pounds.
There are 107 farms in the parish of
Falkirk – farms of Redbrae, Lippy, and Glenrig (Mrs. Eliza G.W.
Ralston), valued at 276 pounds; part of Merchiston and Mungal (Mrs. J.G.
Stainton), at 240 pounds; Mid and Easter Newlands (Thomas S. Maccal,
Esq.), at 190 pounds; farm of Newhouse (Trustees of William Marshall,
Esq.), at 172 pounds; Dyke (James Haldane, Esq., and others), at 155
pounds; Jaweraig (Trustees of William Scott, Esq.), at 105 pounds;
Oakerdyke (Mrs. Margaret Thomson Rankine), at 73 pounds; farm of
Strathavon (J.S. Douglas, Esq. of Polmunckshead), at 70 pounds; lands of
South Bantaskine, &c. (John Wilson, Esq.), at 396 pounds; Summerford,
&c. (Ralph Stark, Esq.), at 151 pounds; and colliery pit, Redding
(His Grace the Duke of Hamilton), at 350 pounds.
Many of the resident proprietors in the
parish of Polmont, though the value of their lands be not great, are
possessed of independent fortunes from other sources; and for several
generations the same estates have been held, in various instances, by
family succession. There are 39 farms in the parish. Abbotsgrange
(Charles Stirling Home-Dummond Moray, Esq. of Blair Drummond) is valued
at 700 pounds; Bowhouse (D. S. Robertson, Esq. of Lawhead), at 510
pounds; Polmonthill and Middlerig (His Grace the Duke of Hamilton), at
395 pounds; Inchyra Grange (Finlay Anderson, Esq.), at 307 pounds;
Reddock (G.K. M’Callum, Esq. of Braco), at 242 pounds; Saltcoats
(James Aitken, Esq.), at 191 pounds; Crossgatehead (William Napier,
Esq.), at 160 pounds; Awells (William Hodge, Esq.), at 150 pounds;
Powdrake (Miss M.B. Ferguson, Rivalsgreen), at 140 pounds; Overton,
Polmontside, Loanhead, Candylands, Oxgang, and lands of Polmont house
(Major John Kincaid Smith), at 512 pounds; Candie (Alexander Robertson,
Esq.), at 120 pounds; and Powdrakes (Trustees of the late Henry Aitken,
Esq. of Darroch), at 107 pounds.
Westquarter estate (T.L.
Fenton-Livingston, Esq.), is valued at 1,026 pounds; Millfield (Thomas
Hinton Campbell, Esq.), at 522 pounds; Parkhall (Thomas Livingstone
Learmonth, Esq.), at 308 pounds; Lathallan, including farm of Nicolton
(Mrs. Henrietta O’Valiant or Spens), at 209 pounds; Whiteside
(Trustees of Duncan M’Millan, Esq.), at 162 pounds; and Meadowbank
(Trustees of the late Matthew Waddell, Esq.), at 324 pounds.
In Muiravonside parish there are 54
farms. Andrew Stirling, Esq., whose valuation is 1,034 pounds, owns, in
addition to the Drumbowie minerals (500 pounds), the farms of Castlehill,
West Bowhouse, East Bowhouse, and Muirland, with grass parks valued in
all at 336 pounds. William Stirling, Esq. of Tarduf, who possesses the
lands of Greenknowes and Lochhead, with the farm of Gillanderland, has a
valuation of 321 pounds. Henry Cadell, Esq., owns the farm of Melon’s
place, valued at 101 pounds; Woodside, at 65 pounds; and grass parks,
Quarter lodge, at 18 pounds; Thomas Newton, Esq., the farm of Parkhill,
Burnside, and Eastfield of Wellshot, at 378 pounds; Alexander Dick,
Esq., Knowhead and Haugh of Craigend, at 151 pounds; George Gray, Esq.,
Windy-yett and lands of Hareburn, Avonbridge, at 225 pounds; Andrew
Stevenson, Jun., Esq., Whiterig, Manuelrig, etc., at 221 pounds; the
Trustees of the late James Russell, Esq. of Arnotdale, whose valuation
is 1,164 pounds, own the farms of Bogo, Blackbraes, Craigmad, Wester
Blackrig, etc.; Alexander Peddie Waddell, Esq., W.S., Kaemuir and
Hillhead, valued at 148 pounds; the Trustees of Alexander White, Esq.,
Glenhead, Glenend, East and West Hirst, and Hirst Park, at 250 pounds;
N.W.J. Strode, Esq., the farm of Candie, at 90 pounds; Robert Clarkston,
Esq., Toravon lands, at 100 pounds; John Calder, Esq., the Hill farm, at
70 pounds; John Boyd, Esq., the lands of Greencraig, Hillhead, Beedyke,
and Harestanes, at 114 pounds; Andrew Bryce, Esq., Blackstone farm, at
120 pounds; Miss Ann Black, grass lands and farm of Hillend, at 132
pounds; and George Bayley, Esq. of Manuel, grass parks and lands valued
at 488 pounds.
There are 39 farms in Slamannan parish.
James Rutherford, Esq., M.D., Woodielee, Lenzie, owns Easter Loanrig,
valued at 110 pounds; Mrs. Eliza G. Waddell Ralston, Balmitchell, at 120
pounds; Alexander Reston, Esq., Easter Whin and Wester Burnhead, at 115
pounds; Miss Aitken, Darroch lodge and Newfield dyke, at 120 pounds;
Mrs. Margaret T. Rankin, Southfield, at 110 pounds; Binniehill, at 95
pounds; and Thrashiehill and Blackrig, at 160 pounds; James Gowans, Esq.
of Gowanbank, Edinburgh, East Burnhead, at 106 pounds; Andrew Aitken,
Esq., and others, Drumclair, at 145 pounds; Matthew Cleland, Esq.,
Crosshill and Whitehill, at 70 pounds; Alexander Watt, Esq., Roughrig,
Todsbuchts, at 100 pounds; and James Paton, Esq., Edinburgh, lands of
Avonhill and farm of Craigend, at 164 pounds.
Mere acreage means nothing, as showing
the monetary value of the districts of such a county as Stirling. Few
shires are so much diversified in the productive quality of their lands.
All along the thinly-populated line, from Buchanan to Gargunnock, for
example, there is a preponderance of bare rocky uplands and barren moss
or heath, of which the yearly average value per acre scarcely reaches
the sum of ten shillings. In Strathblane, however, there is an acreage
of 9,068, with a valuation of 9,236 pounds; in Baldernock, 4,322, with
6,610 pounds; in the portion of New Kilpatrick, 2,747, with 11,859
pounds; and in Campsie, 17,872, with 27,834 pounds. Here, the
residential estates, too, although not so extensive as several of those
farther west, are on the whole of richer quality in their soil, and more
generally wooded.
The tract of country along the foot of
the Ochils is well known for its rare fertility. The acreage within the
shire, from Stirling on to Alva, is 9,176, with a valuation of 48,670
pounds, being an average of about five guineas per acre. Airthrie castle
and Westerton are naturally rich estates. Their grounds are not only
finely-wooded, but the deep verdure of their pastures are in complete
harmony with the prolific yieldings of the outlying fields. The average
value per acre of Logie parish, in which they lie, is fully 7 pounds
10s.
On the south side of the Forth, eastward,
the soil is also exceptionally good in quality, in spite of the general
presence of minerals. The Sauchie estate has been long noted, both for
its fine timber and the luxuriance of its grass. It stretches for about
three miles from north to south, with the old and new mansion-houses
lying concealed in the woods on the east. All the ordinary wild fruits
– rasps, brambles, blaeberries, sloes, and nuts are very abundant over
the grounds. Indeed, we have seen the first-mentioned berry so rich and
numerous in one of the copses, as to fully justify the local simile of
"soldiers’ coats outspread." Along the eastern portion of
the estate, from the old "Black Row," runs the public road to
Loch Coulter and Fintry.
Polmaise, too, with Airth and Dunmore –
although a considerable area of moss lies throughout this tract – are
not less valuable in fertile fields and extensive plantations. None of
the estates, however, are of any great length; but they are highly
cultivated, and most tastefully kept.
More than one-third of Bothkennar parish
belongs to the old estate of Kerse (Earl of Zetland). Here coal is
extensively wrought and continues a leading industry south through the
Grangemouth, Redding, Muiravonside, and Slamannan districts. Many of the
farms or lands were originally purchased and are, in many instances, now
held, for the value of the minerals underground. The residential estates
over this eastern portion of the shire are of no account, with the
exception of the few small but picturesque policies in the neighbourhood
of Polmont. We have already referred to those further west – the most
interesting of which, within a distance of ten miles, are West Quarter,
Callendar, and two Bantaskines, Larbert, Dunipace, Glenbervie, Torwood,
and Carbrook.
In Muiravonside parish, which has an
acreage of 7,963, with a valuation of 11,507 pounds, Mr. Stirling, for
the minerals of Drumbowie, is down on the roll for 500 pounds; His Grace
the Duke of Hamilton, for coal work, 398 pounds; Mr. Strode, for coal
and ironstone, 160 pounds; the Trustees of Mr. Alex. White, for Craigend
brick work, 180 pounds; and Mr. Alex. Dick, for free-stone quarry, 168
pounds.
Slamannan shows by far more waste ground
than any parish in the county, and whatever soil is clear of moss is
generally inferior and cold. It is, however, a valuable mineral field.
Mr. John Watson’s colliery has a valuation of 2,119 pounds; Drumclair,
1,031 pounds; Mr. Matthew Clelland’s minerals, 150 pounds; and
Southfield (Mrs. M.T. Rankine), 971 pounds.
Westquarter estate (T.L.
Fenton-Livingston, Esq.), as we have shown, is comparatively small, but
its beautiful glen and romantic linns render it very attractive. It
possesses, too, the mellower charms of antiquity in various phases, such
as are associated with its historical stones, and relics of ancient
armoury.
In the adornment of Millfield grounds,
the late proprietor, Mr. Miller, took a special delight. Scarcely a
stranger, in days bygone, came to the district who was not taken to the
sweet little estate for the enjoyment of the principal local treat. At
that time the clever engineering of the demesne into romantic features
was a novelty, but these are still carefully preserved in all their
original picturesqueness.
Callendar estate (Wm. Forbes, Esq.) is
one of the largest as well as one of the most interesting properties,
historically, in the county. Its woods cover several hundreds of acres,
and its fields, for the most part, are fairly fertile. In its ancestral
mansion both Queen Mary and Prince Charles Stuart found hospitality;
while General Monk had the house for a home while his troops remained in
Scotland.
South Bantaskine (John Wilson, Esq.), in
its northerly grounds, which rise with some boldness from the banks of
the Union Canal, consists of a succession of gentle "hillocks"
and hollows stretching about a mile in length from east to west. An
inviting plantation surrounds the nobly-situated house. And impressive
is this woodland for the genuine lover of nature. Now, as the day-light
fades, the sweet melodies of the birds are momentarily hushed. Extreme
is the silence. But hark! the stillness is suddenly broken by the
blackbird’s song. The brilliant burst of music, however, is like the
flicker of a dying light. Along the southern boundary of the estate runs
a public road called "Standalane," from which is seen one of
the grandest landscapes that any portion of the country presents – a
valley, indeed, tempting one to think that not in all Italy could a
finer vale be found. And besides its rare beauty, its connection with
historical incident, has turned it into classical ground. It formed one
of Wallace’s battlefields in the stirring times of the Wars of
Independence, and the spirit of Prince Charles still hovers around it.
Not yet has it had any tribute from the poetic muse, but the spell which
the great Scottish knight threw over its fields will remain, so long as
patriotism is a ruling feature of the national character. A considerable
part of the country to the south and west of Standalane is very bleak,
and the barren character of the district is shown by the scantiness of
its human habitations. Those that are to be seen are either farm-houses
or labourer’s cots; but, when Bonny bridge, Dennyloanhead, and
Castlecary appear in the valley, the landscape loses much of its dreary
appearance. Patches of cultivated ground and stretches of undulating
pastureland, with occasional pieces of woodland scenery, covering some
rounded knoll, is the pleasing prospect which meets the eye. Still, all
through this moorland strath, from Glenfuir westwards, the antiquarian
with a taste in this direction may find great scope for the exercise of
his science. There are, for instance, the Roman wall and its
fort-vestiges.
North Bantaskine (James Wilson, Esq.,) is
fully entitled to a place of some consideration among the notable
estates of Stirlingshire. The grounds contain some of the finest
specimens of the yew, larch, plane, and chestnut in the county, together
with a fine fragment of the Roman wall. The lawn in front of the mansion
is in beautiful condition, and the garden and green-houses are also in a
very perfect state. Mr. Wilson, who only became proprietor of the place
about two years ago, has not only enlarged, but greatly improved his
residence.
About a mile east of the Larbert
Tryst-ground lies Kinnaird house (Lord Thurlow) –
"A rural mansion on
the level lawn
Uplifts its ancient gables, whose slant shade
Is drawn, as with a line, from roof to porch,
Whilst all the rest is sunshine."
Here Robert Bruce, the preacher, and
James, the Abyssinian traveller, spent their latter years, and both died
within the grey old building. There are still veterans in the parish who
have a vivid remembrance of the traveller’s physique – sturdy
champion as he was of his name – and tell with zest many amusing
stories of his home-life: of Bruce, when he rode out one day, having
been pitched from horseback into the heart of a plot of whins at the
Goose-muir; of the profound pity, too, that existed all over the
country-side for the steed he rode, whose back was strikingly "howed"
from the man’s extraordinary weight; and of "daft Jamie Wilson’s"
services on the occasion of the great funeral – marching in front of
the burial procession with drawn sword and open Testament. The lands of
Kinnaird, which consist chiefly of farms, are rented at from 4 to 5
pounds an acre. Coal, however, of good quality, both for domestic and
foundry use, is also extensively wrought over the estate; and beyond the
immediate surroundings of the shaft-bottoms the pits are comparatively
dry. Their air-currents are likewise so thorough as to render the
remotest excavations –
"Those caves whaur
vent’rous men
Hae houkit mony a fathom ben."
fresh and cool, even though several of
the passages are not more than 2 feet square.
Any reference to the estates of the shire
would be imperfect without allusion to that of Stenhouse, the property
of Sir William C. Bruce, Bart. The mansion, in part, is one of the
oldest in the county, and within the grounds stood that puzzling piece
of antiquity, Arthur’s O’on. An avenue, breaking off from the main
one between the two lodges, and lined on either side with trees of great
size, leads to the baronet’s residence, which, however, has been let
for some years to a Glasgow brewer. The property, with its other fields,
or farms, has the widely-known old Tryst-ground – a common of about 80
acres. Stenhousemuir was also feued off the estate. The village does not
present any special features of interest to the stranger, but it has a
sturdy and independent look for all that, and numerous handsome villas
are growing up around. Its position is certain to insure its success, as
well because of the fine open character of the neighbourhood, as because
of the rapid and frequent railway communication it enjoys to and from
Glasgow.
Larbert estate is one of the smaller
sort. Snugly embosomed among trees, it has, however, many features of
beauty. Pasture lands, wood, and a lovely sheet of water, much prized by
the local curlers, all combine to form a pretty property. Originally, it
was possessed by Sir Gilbert Stirling – a perfect type of old noblesse
– from whom it passed into the Chalmers family, and was latterly
purchased by John Hendrie, Esq. Opposite the south-eastern extremity of
the grounds lies the parish grave-yard, where repose alike the ashes of
the men of yesterday and of those who fought the battle of life hundreds
of years ago. Many of the tomb-stones which lie scattered about are very
old, and exhibit the sculpture marks of a rude and unlettered age –
"arms, angels, epitaphs, and bones" – such as are not
uncommonly seen in country burying-grounds.
"You ask me where I
would be laid,
In what beloved spot
I would repose my life-tired head –
It matters not.
"You ask me if this
heart would like
Some one to trace my name
On the memorial-stone of grief –
‘Tis all the same.
"But stay! methinks I’d
like to sleep
By Carron’s gentle flow –
I’d like to have an humble stone –
Well! be it so."
Dunipace estate, which belongs to John
Harvie Brown, Esq., is rich in historical interest. It is situated in a
vale of great beauty, falling back northwards from the banks of the
Carron; while the two mounds referred to in an earlier chapter stand out
boldly in the foreground of the mansion. Close by their base is an
"auld kirkyard," into which not a jarring sound enters to
break the dead silence of the sleepers, nor a breath of wind gets
admission to wave the long rank grass that hides many a neglected grave.
A dyke, 5 feet high, conceals while it surrounds the burial-ground; and
out of the walls grows the sweet-eyed feather-few – an herb, from its
stimulant virtues, popular with the botanist. At the east corner an aged
elm outspreads its massive branches; while a plane opposite, like some
hoary saint with uplifted arms, seems ever imploring a blessing on the
hallowed wild. Within the enclosure are also the barberry, the henbane,
the bracken, and a variety of common shrubs. About forty years ago a
chapel stood close to the churchyard, in which Dr. Knox, who was at that
time minister of the united parishes of Larbert and Dunipace,
occasionally preached. An old friend of the writer’s, who was present
at several of the meetings, says, further, that so numerous were the
bats throughout the building the young folks used to catch them during
divine service and bring them out of church in their handkerchiefs and
pockets.
The property of Dunipace formerly
belonged to the Primroses, but was forfeited through a service done the
Highlanders on the occasion of the second battle of Falkirk. Here Edward
I., in 1301, signed a warrant to his plenipotentiaries for a truce with
the Scots, and Sir William Wallace was also familiar with the finely
wooded strath. But two thirds of the arable lands in the parish lying
partly of a substratum of sandstone, and partly on whin-rock, is
rendered of a very inferior quality. Jean Livingston, at whose
instigation, her husband, John Kincaid, of Wariston, Edinburgh, was
cruelly murdered in 1600, was, by birth, connected with Dunipace. She
was young and he was old. The ill-fated marriage form, the subject of an
old Scottish ballad: -
"It was at dinner as
they sat,
And when they drank the wine,
How joyful were laird and lady
Of bonnie Waristoun!
"But he has spoken a
word in jest;
Her answer was not guid;
And he has thrown a plate at her,
That made her mouth gush bluid."
Murderer and accomplice having been
caught while still bearing unequivocal marks of guilt, were immediately
tried by the magistrates of Edinburgh, and sentenced to be strangled and
burned at a stake. The lady’s father, the laird of Dunipace, who was a
favourite of James VI., used all his influence to procure a pardon for
his unfortunate daughter; but all that could be obtained from the king
was an order that she should pass away by decapitation, and at such an
early hour as to make the execution as little of a spectacle as
possible.
We had almost omitted to mention the
Stirlingshire poet, William Cameron, author of "Dinna cross the
burn, Willie," who was born in this neighbourhood, December 3,
1801. Like David Gray, the Merkland bard, whose life was "but a
piece of childhood thrown away," he was, in earlier life intended
for the ministry, but ultimately became, through the death of his
father, one of the schoolmasters of Armadale. His first song,
"Jessie o’ the Dell," had its origin in Miss Jessie Harvey
of the Mill. Then followed into equal popularity, through
drawing-rooms, nurseries, concert halls, workshops, and farm steadings,
such beautiful melodies as "Meet me on the Gowan Lea," "Bothwell
Castle," "Morag’s Fairy Glen," "Far may ye
roam," "My Willie and me," &c.
Carbrook estate, the property of J.C.
Bolton, Esq., M.P., lies on the very edge of all Torwood’s historical
traditions and incidents. Nature may be seen in wilder aspects, but the
scene of quiet beauty which meets the eye both within the grounds and in
their surroundings cannot fail to linger in the visitor’s memory.
Nothing could be finer than the golden tints imparted to the contiguous
heights and plantations as the wave of ebbing day recedes towards the
west. The Glen is situated a few yards distant from the famous old thorn
on the estate. Its dell, as may readily be imagined, is thickly covered
with brushwood and brackens, but it has also a musical burn in its rocky
centre, which in spate seasons bounds with real Cascadian passion over
the Sheep’s Linn that lies a short way down. The streamlet has a
tenantry of trout, too, and by the angler, with the freedom of its
waters, many a decent lot of "beauties" must be basketed. Not
a few local Waltonians take the liberty occasionally of an hour’s
cast, and the finny folk (all praise to their considerate courtesy!)
take as frankly to the bait of the trespasser as to that of the
proprietor.
Buchanan house, on the east side of Loch
Lomond, near the right bank of Endrick water, a mile west of Drymen
village, is the seat of the Duke of Montrose. It succeeded a previous
mansion which was accidentally burned in 1850, and has
extensively-wooded grounds. Strathendrick, opening fully to the view at
the adjacent shores, extends away to the east like a vast landscape
garden, with George Buchanan’s monument standing like a sundial in its
centre, and the Lennox hills engirdling most of it like a grand
defensive barrier. Under the name of Sweet Ennerdale it is celebrated in
the old song of the "Gallant Grahams."
Finnich Glen, which lies about two miles
distant, is a romantic gorge through sandstone rock, with mural sides
nearly 100 feet high, but not more than 10 feet wide; and has, in one
part, a large tubular mass of rock called the Devil’s Pulpit.
Gartness house was a favourite residence
of Napier, the inventor of logarithms; and at the Pot of Gartness is a
cauldron-shaped cavity, with a picturesque cataract, in the course of
the Endrick. Killearn house, Carbeth house, Boquhan Place, and
Ballikinrain, all interesting mansions, are in the vicinity of Killearn
village; while a short distance south are Dualt Glen and Carnock Glen
– two romantic wooded ravines, with traversing streamlets and
waterfalls. Duntreath castle, adjacent to Blane water, was long noted
for its dungeons, stocks, and other appurtenances of strong feudal
domination. Balglass castle, on the left bank of the Endrick, claims a
high antiquity, and is said to have given refuge to Sir William Wallace.
Flander moss, which extended formerly
about 14 miles from the vicinity of Gartmore to that of Stirling, is an
extensive, but flat and uninteresting territory, rising no higher at the
very watershed between the river systems of the Clyde and Forth than 240
feet above sea level. It was formed partly by the decay of the
Caledonian forest, and underwent modern reclamation to the aggregate of
nearly 10,000 acres, chiefly by means of channel cuttings to the Forth.
The improvement operations resulted in excellent meadow and arable land,
and yielded several interesting Roman relics, now preserved in the
antiquarian museum of Edinburgh.
Leckie house, near the base of the Lennox
hills, is an elegant mansion in the old baronial style, and has charming
grounds, commanding brilliant views of the upper basin of the Forth, and
of the frontier Grampians. Touch house is the seat of Sir Henry J.S.
Stewart, Bart., and stands in a picturesque ravine, traversed by a brook
with a fine waterfall. Craigforth mansion takes its name from a bold,
bosky crag of similar formation to Stirling Hill and Abbey Craig. If the
disembodied spirits of the old marauders of the Highlands could revisit
the scenes of their power and their feuds, and see the change that time
has wrought on this meet nursing ground for a brave and energetic race,
it is difficult to imagine with what kind of feelings they would be
seized. Would they not endeavour, all sinewless though they are, to beat
back the invader – civilisation? Would there not be an aerial wail of
all the Macgregors, "We’re landless, landless, Gregalach?"
The annual value of the real property of
the shire, as assessed in 1812, was 189,626 pounds; in 1815, 218,761
pounds; in 1842-3, 272,634 pounds; and in 1880-1, 406,153 pounds.
Lands and lairds of Larbert and Dunipace parishes
By John Charles Gibson (1908)
Mr. Gisson informs us that this is the first
instalment of a work on estates and their owners in the parishes of
Larbert and Dunipace. In this instance he has succeeded in giving us a
very interesting account, which is a good deal more than a bare
genealogy of the various owners of the lands. Several families notable
in Scottish history have been connected with Dunipace. The Umfravilles
are the earliest mentioned, and held the superiority until their
forfeiture in the reign of Robert the Bruce. They and other possessors,
on various occasions from 1190 onwards, gifted portions of the lands to
the Abbey of Cambuskenneth, which eventually seems to have acquired the
whole. In 1495 the Abbey sold the lands to the Livingstones, a younger
branch of the Callendar family. The second laird of this family was an
Extraordinary Lord of Session under the title of Lord Dunipace. His
grandson, Sir John Livingstone, the fourth laird, was father of Jean
Livingstone, Lady Warristoun, who was executed in 1600 for the murder of
her husband, John Kincaid of Warristoun. Sir John Livingstone, sixth of
Dunipace, sold the lands in 1634 to Sir Robert Spottiswoode, second son
of the Archbishop. He was an Extraordinary Lord of Session, first under
the title of Lord New Abbey, but afterwards as Lord Dunipace. He sold
Dunipace in 1643, two years before his execution after Philiphaugh. The
lands then passed through various hands, and were eventually purchased
in 1677 by Sir Archibald Primrose of Dalmeny, who settled the estate on
the sons of his eldest daughter, the wife of Sir John Foulis of the
Account Book (printed by the Scottish History Society, 1894), from which
Mr. Gibson gives some interesting extracts. Sir Archibald Foulis
Primrose of Dunipace, grandson of Sir John Foulis, was 'out in the '45',
and was executed in 1746. His estate was forfeited and was acquired in
1755 by James Spottiswood, ancestor of the present proprietor.
A. W. Gray Buchannan |