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PREFACE
THE following pages are the result of much gathering,
begun during my school and college days, of the traditions and legends
and songs of my native Parish, and of much searching, in more recent
years, for written records referring to it. I have endeavoured to give
in them a plain and accurate account of the Olden Times, and a true
picture of the Past. The work is, however, that of a novice in
book-writing, who has written it, for his own diversion and recreation,
during hours of freedom from the labours and anxieties of a busy
professional life; and, while no effort has been spared to ensure
accuracy of statement, the book is probably not without blemishes of a
literary nature which it might have escaped in other hands, and under
more favourable circumstances.
I have received generous help in connection with the
work. My parents, whose wonderful store of legend and song first
suggested it, and the old people, all over the Parish, whose tales at
many a ceilidh are still a pleasing recollection, are now
beyond the reach of this expression of my gratitude;
and so is The Chisholm, who
placed his family papers at my disposal. Others who helped are, happily,
still with us. To Caroline, Countess
Dowager of Seafield, I am specially indebted, for
free access to the numerous and invaluable ancient
papers preserved at Castle Grant. My thanks are also due
to Mr Eraser-Mackintosh of Drummond, for the use of interesting
documents in his possession; to Dr Dickson,
Curator of the Historical Department, Register House,
Edinburgh; Mr Clark, of the Advocates' Library; Mr
Law, of the Signet Library; the Rev. Walter
Macleod, Edinburgh; Mr Francis
James Grant, W.S., Edinburgh (a
worthy descendant of the learned
James Grant of Corrimony);
the Clerks of the Synod of Moray
and of the Presbyteries of Inverness and
Abertarff; and the officials of the Record
Office, London, for much courtesy
and aid in the course of my researches; to Provost
Ross, Inverness, for the very successful "restoration" of the Castle,
which forms the frontispiece, and
for the architectural description and ground
plan of the Castle; to Mr Mackintosh, artist, Inverness, for the
sketches of the Bridge of the Leap and Mac Uian's
Pool; to Mr Grant of Glenmoriston, for the loan of the Killicrankie
Shield, of which an illustration is given,
and for the portrait of Patrick Grant, the
protector of Prince Charles; to Mrs Grant, senior,
of Glenmoriston, for the drawings of Iain a' Chragain
's Sword and the Glenmoriston Pillory; to Miss
Cameron, late of Lakefield, for the drawing of ,
the Urquhart Brooch; to the Council of the Society
of Antiquaries of Scotland, for the illustrations of the Balnalick
Urn and Bronze Blade, and of
the Balmacaan Sculptured Stones; to Mr J. E. N.
Macphail, M.A., advocate, Edinburgh, who has, at
great trouble, revised almost all the proof-sheets; to Mr
Alexander Macbain, M.A., Inverness,
who, in connection with the appendix
on Place-Names, has freely given me out of the
abundance of his Celtic learning; to my
father-in-law, Mr John Mackay, Hereford, author of
"Sutherland Place-Names," for valuable suggestions
on the same subject;
and to my Wife, who has relieved me of much of the
labour connected with the transcription of old writings. It has
been the will of Fate that the story of the Parish
should be told by the last man who has a home or a
holding in it of a family who, for centuries,
acted some little part in that story. I
hope I am doing the old place a service
and not a wrong by
publishing it. I trust, also, that no one will
find cause of offence in anything I have recorded
concerning his or her forefathers. It is the duty of the historian,
however humble he or his subject may be, to tell
his tale truthfully and without favour;
and I have, in endeavouring to act
up to that duty, experienced the pain of having to record
unpleasant things, not only about my own forbears, but also regarding
ancestors and relatives of some
of my best friends on earth.
The only comforting reflection is that the men of the Past ought
not to be judged by the moral standard of the
Present.
WILLIAM MACKAY.
CRAIGMONIE, INVERNESS,
Christmas, 1893.
NOTE TO SECOND EDITION
THE first edition having for some
time been out of print, the Publishers find
themselves encouraged to issue a second. A few
necessary corrections have been made, and here
and there new information has been
given. Mr W. J. Watson, LL.D., author of
"Place-Names of Ross and Cromarty,"
has read the proofs of the Appendix on
Place-Names, and I am indebted to
him for valuable suggestions on difficult
and doubtful points.
WILLIAM MACKAY.
CRAIGMONIE, INVERNESS,
March, 1914.
CHAPTER I
OLDEN TIMES IN THE PARISH BEFORE 1296
The Early Ages. Physical
and Climatic Changes. Early Man. The Caledonii. The Picts. Urchard in
Moravia. The Legendary Origin of Loch Ness. The Children of Uisneach.
The Wars of the Picts. The End of their Kingdom. Incursions of the
Norse. Monie, Son of the King of Scandinavia. The Conflict of Craigmonie.
The Risings of the Moraymen. Conachar in Urquhart. The Big Dog and the
Wild Boar. Origin of the Forbeses, Mackays, and Urquharts. The Harrying
of the Church Lands. The Pope's Protection to the Church of Urquhart.
Gillespic MacScolane's Deeds and Death. Urquhart Granted to Thomas
Durward. Sir Alan Durward. Dispute regarding Church Lands. The
Settlement. Sir Alan's Death. The Cummings
CHAPTER II
OLDEN TIMES IN THE PARISH 1296 TO 1362
Edward I. invades Scotland. John of Glen-Urquhart.
Urquhart Castle taken by the English. Sir William Fitzwarine Constable.
He is harassed by Andrew Moray. A Sabbath Day's Journey and Fight. The
Countess of Ross in Urquhart. Moray Besieges the Castle. Death of
William Puer and Fitzwarine's Son. An Army of Relief. The King's
Instructions. Fitzwarine's Letter to the King. Sir William Wallace. The
English expelled from Urquhart. Forbes Constable. Fitzwarine in Prison.
His Wife's Devotion. Edward's Great Invasion. The English again in
Urquhart. Forbes and his Garrison put to the Sword. His Wife's Escape.
Sir Alexander Gumming Constable. Bruce. Thomas Randolph Proprietor of
Urquhart and Glenmoriston. His Highland Followers. His Regency and
Administration of Justice. His Murder. Death of his Son, Thomas
Randolph. John Randolph. Sir Robert Lauder holds the Castle against
Baliol. His Visitors at the Castle. Sir Robert Chisholm. John Randolph
Slain, and Chisholm made Prisoner. Chisholm Constable of the Castle.
Death of Lander. His Character.
CHAPTER III
OLDEN TIMES IN THE PARISH 1346 TO 1455
The Barony of Urquhart
reverts to the Crown. Is granted to the Earl of Sutherland. Acquired by
the Earl of Stratherne. Sir Robert Chisholm. His Urquhart Possessions go
to the Wolf of Badenoch. Stratherne lets the Barony to the Wolf. The
Wolf withholds the Rent. A Royal Quarrel. Appeal to the King. The Wolf
and the Bishop. The Burning of Elgin Cathedral. Thomas Chisholm. The
Wolf's Death. Scramble for his Possessions. Urquhart seized by Donald of
the Isles. Charles Maclean. Parliament deals with the Castle. The Red
Harlaw. The Barony possessed by the Earl of Mar. Claimed by the Duke of
Albany. A Compromise. . The Castle repaired by the King. Death of Mar.
The Lord of the Isles seizes the Barony. Hector Buie Maclean's Exploits.
The Tragedy of Caisteal Spioradan. Ogilvy of Balfour holds the Castle
for the King. The Castle taken by John of the Isles. No Rent. Parliament
annexes the Barony and Castle to the Crown.
CHAPTER IV
OLDEN TIMES IN THE PARISH 1455 TO 1509
The Lordship of Urquhart
granted to the Lord of the Isles for Life. He and his Highlanders in
England. His Rebellion and Attainder. The Earl of Huntly in charge of
the Lordship and Castle. The Macleans claim Urquhart. Their Position and
Power. A Thirty Years' War. The Lordship let to the Baron of Kilravock.
Opposition to him. Arbitration. Bonds of Friendship. Strange League
against the Baron. He throws up his Lease. The Parish Waste. Sir Duncan
Grant to the Rescue. His connection with the District. The Conflict of
Foyers. The Red Bard in Urquhart. Struggle for the Lordship. Lease to
the Bard. The Bard King's Chamberlain. He trades with the King. The
Lordship granted to Himself and his Sons absolutely. The reasons for the
Grants.
CHAPTER V
OLDEN TIMES IN THE PARISH 1509 TO 1535
The Charters of 1509. The
New Baronies of Urquhart, Corrimony, and Glenmoriston. Reservation of
Church Lands. The Proprietors' Duties and Services to the Crown. The
Castle to be added to and Strengthened. The Inhabitants to be Protected.
Waste Lands to be Reclaimed. The King's Highway to be Improved. Bridges
to be Maintained. Hemp and Flax to be Cultivated. Strange Division of
the Parish. Gradual re-adjustment of Marches. Troubles with the
Inhabitants. Troubles with the Crown. Compositions for Crimes. The Last
of the Macleans. Invasion of Sir Donald of Lochalsh. A Large Booty.
Prices of the Period. The Bard's Proceedings against Sir Donald. The
Bard's Treaty with Lochiel. Death of the Bard. Seumas nan Creach.
Barbarous Decree against the Clan Chattan. Urquhart exempted from the
jurisdiction of Local Courts.
CHAPTER VI
OLDEN TIMES IN THE PARISH 1535 TO 1560
Troubles in the Western
Highlands. Feud between Ranald Gallda and John of Moidart. The Lairds of
Grant and Glenmoriston assist Ranald. Battle of Blar-na-Leine. Glengarry
and Lochiel invade Glenmoriston and Urquhart. The Great Raid. The Spoil
and the Despoiled. Urquhart Burnt. Incidents of the Raid. The Strong
Woman of Richraggan. The Big Smith of Polmaily. His Adventures with the
Fairies. A Wonderful Filly. The Smith's Sons Slain. Legal Proceedings
against Glengarry and Lochiel. Their Lards apprised to the Lairds of
Grant and Glenmoriston. Glenmoriston's Death. His Character and
Influence. Dispute regarding his Succession. The Ballindalloch Feud.
Death of the Laird of Grant. Sad state of the Country. The Justiciar of
Urquhart and Glenmoriston. A ghastly Gift to the Queen Regent. The
Reformation. The Church's Patrimony Alienated. John Mackay acquires
Achmonie. The other Church Lands fall to the Grants.
CHAPTER VII
OLDEN TIMES IN THE PARISH 1560 TO 1626
The Camerons and Clan
Ranald plan another Raid. Mackintosh and Mackenzie of Kintail ordered to
protect the Parish. League of Loyalty to Queen Mary. The Men of Urquhart
and Glenmoriston in Arms for her. Their March into the South. Urquhart
Feu-duties applied toward the Queen's Maintenance in Lochleven Castle.
Patrick Grant of Glenmoriston invades Ardclach. He marries the Thane of
Cawdor's Daughter. The Thane builds Invermoriston House. Iain Mor a'
Chaisteil of Glenmoriston. His Combat with an Englishman. His Fir
Candles in London. His Influence and Acquisitions. Appointed Chamberlain
of Urquhart. He murders a Packman. Criminal Letters against him. Feud
between the Macdonalds and the Mackenzies. The Raid of Kilchrist. The
Conflict of Lon-na-Fala. Allan of Lundie's Leap. The Murder of the Mason
of Meall-a'-Ghro. Bonds of Friendship between the Laird of Grant and
Glengarry and Allan of Lundie. A Big Timber Transaction. The Laird saves
Allan.
CHAPTEE VIII
OLDEN TIMES IN THE PARISH 1603 TO 1640
The Proscribed Macgregors
seek Shelter in Urquhart and Glenmoriston. Their Harbourers Fined. Their
Evil Influence on the Men of Urquhart. Doule Shee's Raid. Commission of
Fire and Sword. Housebreaking at Balmacaan. The Carron and Ballindalloch
Feud. Career of Seumas an Tuim. His Supporters in Urquhart and
Glenmoriston. The Castle Repaired. The Clan Chattan in Urquhart. Their
Friends Prosecuted. The Earl of Moray persecutes Grant of Glenmoriston.
Grant visits the King, and His Majesty Intervenes. Death of Glenmoriston
and the Laird of Grant. The Story of the Covenant. The Covenant
subscribed by the Lairds of Grant and Glenmoriston. Opposed by the
Parish Minister and Lady Mary Ogilvy, Liferentrix of Urquhart. A Short
Conflict. The Minister Yields. Attempts to stent Urquhart for the Army
of the Covenant. Lady Mary's Concessions.
CHAPTER IX
OLDEN TIMES IN THE PARISH 1640 TO 1647
The Solemn League and
Covenant. Montrose and Alasdair Mac Cholla Chiataich take the side of
the King. The Laird of Grant and the Tutor of Glenmoriston hold aloof.
Alasdair's Requisition on the Tutor. The Tutor's Trick. A Brilliant
Campaign. Battle of Inverlochy. The Laird of Grant sends men to
Montrose. The Covenanters invade Glen-Urquhart. Lady Ogilvy robbed and
driven out of the Parish. Her Appeal to her Son. Undertaking to support
the King. Montrose's description of the Laird's Recruits. Urquhart Men
killed at the Battle of Auldearn. Montrose's Highlanders in Glen-Urquhart.
Raid upon the Aird. Lovat calls upon The Chisholm to drive the Eoyalists
out of the Parish. Disputes and Notarial Writs. Montrose's vengeance on
the Frasers. His skirmish in Glenmoriston. His Exile. Huntly takes the
field for the King. Middleton defeats Huntly in Glenmoriston. Lady
Ogilvy's Troubles and Death. Feud between her tenants and those of
Glenmoriston. A Fight at a Funeral. Death of the Big Miller. The
Condition of the Castle.
CHAPTER X
OLDEN TIMES IN THE PARISH 1647 TO 1668
Landing of Charles II. He
is supported by the Laird of Grant. Patrick of Clunemore at Worcester.
The Fate of his Followers. Cromwell's Soldiers in the North. Glencairn's
Eising for the King. Lochiel and Kenmure in Urquhart. Middleton
supersedes Glencairn. Middleton pursued by Monck. Monck in Glenmoriston
and Kintail. Middleton defeated. Dalziel of Binns and Middleton in
Glenmoriston and Strathglass. The Chisholm tried by Court-Martial, and
Fined and Imprisoned. The English place the First Ship on Loch Ness. The
Story of the Event. Peace and Prosperity. The Restoration. The Caterans
Let Loose. The Hanging of Hector Maclean. The Burning of Buntait.
Dispute between Glenmoriston and Inshes. Glenmoriston Burns the Barns of
Culcabock. He seizes Inshes and keeps him Prisoner. Is apprehended by
the Robertsons of Struan. The Dispute settled. Donald Donn and Mary
Grant. Donald's Career, Capture, and Death.
CHAPTER XI
OLDEN TIMES IN THE PARISH 1668 TO 1690
The Laird of Grant's
Chamberlain killed by Mackay of Achmonie. Mackay forced to surrender
Achmonie to the Laird. Fatal fight in Slochd-Muic. Achmonie conferred on
William Grant. Restored to the Mackays. Thomas Grant of Balmacaan.
Culduthel's Raid on Borlum. The Castle repaired. The Monmouth Eebellion.
Unsettled state of the Country. The Men of Urquhart and Glenmoriston
support King James. The Revolution. The Laird of Grant supports William
and Mary. The Men of Urquhart and Glenmoriston adhere to James. Dundee's
Campaign. The Camerons' Raid on Urquhart. Quarrels in Dundee's Camp
Killicrankie. Adventures of Men of Urquhart and Glenmoriston in the
Battle. Iain a' Chragain's Troubles. Invermoriston House Burnt, and
Glenmoriston Devastated. A Whig Garrison in Urquhart Castle. The Castle
besieged by the Jacobites. Supplies for the Garrison. The Haughs of
Cromdale. Close of the War.
CHAPTER XII
OLDEN TIMES IN THE PARISH 1690 TO 1708
The Parish Unsettled. The
Castle garrisoned by the Whigs. They Vacate and Destroy it. Its Last
Record. Its Chambers of Treasure and Pestilence. King William's Measures
to subdue the Highlands. Devastation of Urquhart. The Losses of the
Laird of Grant and his Tenants. Compensation recommended by Parliament,
but refused by the King. Insecurity of Life and Property. Raids and
Dackerings. Proceedings against Achmonie. Raids by Glenmoriston Men on
Dalcross, Glencannich, and Dunain. Colonel Hill endeavours to stop their
Adventures. Horses stolen from Shewglie. The Track and its Eesult. The
Macmillans of Loch-Arkaig-side take a Spoil from Glenmoriston. The Fight
of Corri-nam-Bronag. The Eaid of Inchbrine. The Conflict of Corribuy.
Death of Shewglie. His Son's Revenge. Death of Gille Dubh nam Mart.
CHAPTER XIII
OLDEN TIMES IN THE PARISH 1693 TO 1736
Fairs Established in Glen-Urquhart.
Erection of the Regality of Grant. Sir Ludovick Grant acquires Abriachan,
Culnakirk, and Clunemore. He makes over Urquhart to Brigadier Grant. The
Brigadier's Career. The Fifteen. The Brigadier on the side of King
George. The Men of Urquhart and Glenmoriston support the Chevalier.
Glengarry and Glenmoriston in Argyll. Sheriffmuir. Keppocli's Eaid on
Urquhart. The Brigadier and the Jacobites of Urquhart. Attainder of Iain
a' Chragain. Invermoriston House Burnt, and Glenmoriston Forfeited. The
Forfeited Estates Commissioners and their Difficulties. The Court of Sir
Patrick Strachan. The Battle of Glenshiel. The Commissioners' Factors.
The Factors in Glenmoriston. Patrick Grant joins Donald Murchison. The
Fight of Afch-nam-Muileach. General Wade. Fort-Augustus Built. Wade's
Eoads. Galley placed on Loch Ness. Glenmoriston purchased for Iain a'
Chragain. The Price and its Application. Iain a' Chragain's Death. His
Career and Character.
CHAPTER XIV
OLDEN TIMES IN THE PARISH 1719 TO 1746
Sir James Grant. The
Forty-Five. The Three Alexanders of Urquhart support Prince Charles. A
Message of Welcome to the Prince. Agitation and Threatenings. Jacobite
Recruits from Urquhart and Glenmoriston. Ludovick Grant's Policy of
Caution. The Prince's Letter to the Gentlemen of Urquhart. His Cause
espoused by the Minister. A Sabbath-Day's Meeting in support of the
Prince. The Factor's Reports to Ludovick. Ludovick's Letters to the
Factor. Patrick Grant of Glenmoriston joins the Prince. Their First
Interview. Prestonpans. Colonel Macdonell's Demand. Achmonie's Mission
to Castle Grant. Ludovick's Message to the Gentlemen of Urquhart.
Macdonell in Urquhart. An interrupted March. The Macdonalds and the
Erasers in Urquhart. The Conference of Tornashee. Doubts and
Hesitations. Corrimouy and Achmonie visit Ludovick. The Earl of
Cromartie, the Master of Lovat, and Macdonald of Barisdale in the
Parish. Achmonie's Undertaking to the Laird of Grant. The Cause of the
Prince prospers in the Parish. The Factor in Despair. The Prince's
arrival in Inverness. New Recruits from Urquhart.
CHAPTER XV
OLDEN TIMES IN THE PARISH 1746
The Battle of Falkirk. The
Duke of Cumberland in Scotland. Prince Charles at Inverness. Cumberland
crosses the Spey. The Men of Urquhart and Glenmoriston summoned to join
the Prince. Culloden. Incidents of the Battle and Flight. Alexander
Grant's Exploits. Heroic Wives. Ludovick Grant and his Eight Hundred in
Urquhart. Rebel-Hunting. Protections promised, and the Men of Urquhart
and Glenmoriston Surrender. Fears and Forebodings. Treachery. Despair
and Maledictions. Ludovick's Intercession and its Result. Shewglie and
his Son and the Minister in Tilbury Fort. Shewglie's Death. Release of
his Son and the Minister. Banishment to Barbados. The Fate of the
Exiles. Notices of some who Returned. Donald Mackay. William Grant.
Donald Macmillan. Alexander Grant. Donald Grant. Alexander Ferguson.
Donald Ferguson.
CHAPTER XVI
OLDEN TIMES IN THE PARISH 1746 TO 1747
The Government's Treatment
of Ludovick Grant. Glen-Urquhart harried by the English Cavalry. The
Blanket Raid. Invermoriston House Burnt, and the Glenmoriston People
Plundered. Cumberland at Fort-Augustus. Atrocities in Glenmoriston. A
Reign of Terror. The Story of Roderick Mackenzie. Cattle dealing between
English Soldiers and Southern Drovers. Gay Life in the English Camp.
Horse-Racing Extraordinary. The Seven Men of Glenmoriston. The
Wanderings of Prince Charles. The Prince in Glenmoriston. His Three
Week's Life with the Seven Men. An Oath of Secrecy and Fidelity. The
Prince's Movements. His Escape. His Appearance and Habits. Devotion of
the Seven Men. The English leave Fort-Augustus. Famine and Pestilence in
the Parish. The Use of Arms and the Wearing of the Hghland Dress
Prohibited. A Terrible Oath. Results of Culloden. Close of the Olden
Times.
CHAPTER XVII
THE CHURCH IN THE PARISH BEFORE THE REFORMATION
Introduction of
Christianity. St Ninian and Ternan. The Temple, or St Ninian's Chapel.
The Story of Merchard. His Church in Glenmoriston. Traditions concerning
Him. His wonderful Bell. Drostan, Patron Saint of Urquhart. His
Chaplainry and Croft. Relapse of the People into Paganism. St Columba's
Mission. Marvellous deeds in the district of Loch Ness. Opposition of
the Druids. Columba in Urquhart. Conversion of Emchat and Yirolec.
Invermoriston Church. Columba's Well. St Adamnan. The Church of
Abriachan. The Mission of Curadan. The Church of Corrimony. Gorman. The
Churches of Lag an t-Seapail, Achnahannet, Pitkerrald, Kilmichael, and
Kilmore. The Celtic Clergy and their Services. Fall of the Druids. Their
Religion and its Remains. The Roman Catholic Church Established. Origin
of Parishes and Church Endowments. Erection of the Parish of Urquhart.
The Parish Church and its Property. The Chapels and their Crofts. The
Chancellor of Moray. The Clergy of the Church and Chapels. The
Reformation. The Parish Priest turns Protestant. Loss of the Church
Lands in the Parish. The People Spiritually Destitute.
CHAPTER XVIII
THE CHURCH IN THE PARISH FROM THE REFORMATION TO THE REVOLUTION
The Church of the
Reformation. John Knox's Superintendents. Episcopacy. Presbytery
Established. Scarcity of Preachers. Exhorters and Readers. Mr James
Farquharson, Exhorter in Urquhart. The Parish under the Charge of Andrew
McPhail. John McAllan, first Protestant Minister. The Rev. Alexander
Grant. New Churches. Grant's Troubles with the Church Courts. He resists
the Covenant, but is forced to Subscribe. The Rev. Duncan Macculloch.
His Want of Maintenance, and Troublous Career. His Deposition. A Six
Years' Vacancy. Restoration of Episcopacy. Macculloch Reinstated. A
Presbyterial Visitation. Lamentable state of the Parish. Macculloch's
Resignation. How he slew a Glenmoriston Man. Loose and unruly walking in
the Parish. Searching for a Minister. The Rev. James Grant. His
Presbyterial Trials. Induction Ceremonies. Persecution of Roman
Catholics. Papal statistics of the Parish. The Rev. Robert Monro
appointed Preacher in Abertarff and Glenmoriston. His Difficulties,
Privations, and Irregularities. Lord Lovat's Midnight Marriage.
Presbyterial visitation of Urquhart. Peace and Prosperity. The Elders.
The Rev. Robert Gumming. Monro's Protest. Prelacy in the Parish.
Troubles in the Church. The Revolution. Presbytery Re-Established.
CHAPTER XIX
THE CHURCH IN THE PARISH FROM THE REVOLUTION TO THE DISRUPTION
Episcopacy in the Parish.
The Rev. Robert Cumming remains Episcopalian, but retains the Living.
Cumming and the Presbyterian Clergy. The State of the Parish.
Presbyterian Missionaries. Presbytery Meetings in the Parish. The Rev.
William Gordon. A Missionary Preacher settled in Glenmoriston. The Rev.
John Grant. He favours Prince Charles and is imprisoned in England. His
Death and Character. The Rev. James Grant. The Rev. James Fowler.
Troubles in the Parish. The Meetings of Duncan of Buntait. The Factor
interferes and mysteriously Dies. The Rev. James Doune Smith. Charges of
Immorality. The People desert the Church. Presbyterial Enquiry. Smith
interdicts the Presbytery. The Disruption. The Rise, Influence, and
Character of the Men. State of Religion in Glenmoriston. The Rev. Robert
Monro. Royal Bounty Missionaries. Glenmoriston erected into a Parish
quoad sacra. Churches and Chapels in Olden Times. Worship and Church
Service in the Past. Legends and Relics of the Saints. Festival Days.
Gaelic Liturgy. The Gaelic Bible. Gaelic Tunes. The Sabbath in Olden
Times. Sports and Pleasures. - -Sunday Christenings and Penny Weddings.
Lykewakes. atroduction of Puritanism. Its Progress and Effects.
CHAPTER XX
EDUCATION AND CULTURE IN THE PARISH
Education before the
Reformation. The Parochial System. Unsuccessful attempts to plant
Schools in the Parish. The First School. Charity Schools at Duldreggan,
Milton, Pitkerrald, and Bunloit. The First Parish School. Subsequent
Agencies. The Education Act. Old Salaries. Old School Books. Gaelic in
Schools. Old Punishments. Cock-fighting and other Sports. Urquhart
Authors. James Grant of Corrimony. Charles Grant. Lord Glenelg. Sir
Robert Grant. James Grant. John Macmillan. Buchanan Macmillan, King's
Printer. Patrick Grant. James Grassie. Angus Macdonald. William Grant
Stewart. William Somerled Macdonald. James Grant, Balnaglaic. Allan
Sinclair. The Bards of the Parish. Iain Mac Eobhainn Bhain. Ewen
Macdonald. Shewglie and his Daughter. Alasdair Mac Iain Bhain. Iain Mac
Dhughaill. John Grant. Archibald Grant. Angus Macculloch. Lewis Cameron.
Angus Macdonald. William Mackay. Hugh Fraser. Survival of Bardism.
CHAPTER XXI
FOLK-LORE IN THE PARISH
Decay of Folk-lore.
Decline of the Ceilidh. Satan in the Parish. His Conflicts with the Men.
The Death of the Factor. Fair Ewen of the Goblin. Hags and Goblins.
Cailleach & Chrathaich. Destruction of the Macmillans. Cailleach
Alltan-Diinain. Death of Macdougalls and Macdonalds. Cailleach
Allt-Saigh. Cailleach Chragain-na-Caillich. Donald Macrae's Adventure.
Daibhidh and Mor of Corri-Dho. Their Feud against the Men of Urquhart.
Bocan na Sleabhaich. The White Mare cf Corri-Dho. The Death of Alasdair
Cutach. The Fairies and their Haunts. Theft of Mothers and Babes. Other
Depredations. Fairy Lovemaking and its Results. Gay Life in Fairy Knowes.
The Fairy Smith of Tornashee. The Witches of the Parish. Their Pastimes
and Pursuits. Divination. Dead Men and Demon Cats. A Famous Seer.-^The
Evil Eye. Second Sight. Sacrifices and Safeguards.
CHAPTER XXII
INDUSTRIAL AND SOCIAL LIFE IN THE PARISH
Origin and History of
Agriculture and Laud-Ownership. Davachs and other Divisions. Rise and
Fall of Population. Sub-Division of Holdings. The Occupiers of the Soil.
Origin of the Crofter. Leases. Agricultural Productions and Customs.
Ancient Trade in Cattle, Skins, Wool, and Furs. Rents and Services.
Foundation of Lewistown and Milton. Famines. Game Laws. An Ancient Royal
Forest. Timber Traffic. Trades. Old Industries. Copper Mine. Iron Works.
Lime Manufacture. Distaff and Spindle. Linen and Woollen Factories.
Introduction of Spinning Wheels. Ale. An Ancient Brew-House.
Whisky-Making. Modern Breweries. Roads and Bridges. Traffic on Loch
Ness. Ancient Boats. Cromwell's Frigate. The Highland Galley.
Steamboats. Highland Hospitality. Inns. Samuel Johnson at Aonach. The
Dwellings of the Past. Modern Improvements. Law and Order. Sanctuaries.
Baron Courts and their Procedure. Curious Administrative Division of the
Parish. Church Courts. The Poor. Social Customs. Fights and Feuds.
Modern Changes. The Conclusion.
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A:
Description of Urquhart Castle
APPENDIX B:
I. Details of Spoil taken from Glenmoriston in October, 1544
II. Details of Spoil taken
from Tenants in Glen-Urquhart in April and May, 1545 .
APPENDIX C:
I. Lease by the Bishop of
Moray to John Mackay and his Wife, of Achmonie. 1554
II. Lease by the Laird of
Grant to Donald Cumming of Dulshangie, of Meikle Pitkerrald. 1660
III. Articles of Agreement
between James Grant, Esquire of Grant [afterwards Sir James Grant], and
James Delias, Mason at Garthkeen. 1770.
APPENDIX D:
Charter by the Bishop of
Moray to John Mackay and his Wife and Son, of Achmonie. 1557
APPENDIX E:
Donald Donn
APPENDIX F:
Proceedings Brigadier
Grant against Alexander Mac Uisdeau Glass in Buntait and his Mother
APPENDIX G:
Accompt Ludovick Colquhoun
of Luss with the Publick for the Purchase Money of the Estate late of
John Grant, late of Glenmoriston, attainted.
APPENDIX H:
I. A List of the Persons
in Urquhart who were Concerned in the Rebellion, Surrendered themselves
Prisoners to Sr. Ludovick Grant, and were by him brought in to
Inverness. 1746.
II. A List of all the Men
in Glenmoriston that Surrendered themselves to Sr. Ludovick Grant, May
the 4th, and by him delivered to his Royall Highness the Duke of
Cumberland, May the 5th, 1746.
III. List of Arms
Surrendered to Ludovick Grant at Balmacaan, May, 1746.
APPENDIX I:
Report of the Cattle and
other Effects taken by the Army from the Country of Urquhart in 1746.
APPENDIX J:
Extracts from Bishop
Forbes' "Lyon in Mourning".
APPENDIX K:
The Seven Men of
Glenmoriston.
APPENDIX L:
Notices of the Principal
Families of the Parish.
APPENDIX M:
Letters of Collation by
the Bishop of Moray in favour of Sir John Donaldson to the Chaplainry of
St Ninians. 1556.
APPENDIX N:
Stipend of the Parish
Minister at various periods.
APPENDIX O:
Selections from the
Productions of the Bards.
APPENDIX P:
Baron Court Records.
APPENDIX Q:
I. Abstract Accompt of the
Bussiness done at the Manufactureing Station of Glenmoriston and
Neighbourhood by me, Alexander Shaw, Undertaker for said Station, the
year 1764.
II. Account of the
Distribution of Wheels and Reels ordered by the Honourable Commissioners
of Annexed Estates to the Inhabitants in the Neighbourhood of the
Manufactureing Station of Glenmoriston, the year 1764.
APPENDIX R:
Extracts from the
Drumnadrochit Inn Visitors' Book.
APPENDIX S:
The Poor, and Fools.
APPENDIX T:
Papers concerning the
Marriage of an Urquhart Heiress in 1737.
APPENDIX U:
The Urquhart Settlement in
Nova Scotia.
APPENDIX V :
Urquhart and Glenmoriston
Place-Names
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