The History of Fettercairn
A Parish in the County of Kincardine by Archd. Cowie Cameron (1899)

Chapter VI.—History from 1600 to 1698
Troubles of the Covenant—Spalding's Memorials—Montrose's raids— At Fettercairn—"Fire and sword"—Counter marchings—General Baillie —Death of Montrose—Note, "Colkitto of Antrim "—Earl of Errol and train a night at Fettercairn—Their expenses—Cromwell's troops at Edzell —Foraging expeditions—Balbegno—Covenanters and North Water Bridge —The Laird of Balfour and Church seats -A minister "blooded."

Chapter VII.—History from 1698 to 1747
The old village hostelry—Reputed royal lodging—"Randall's Knap"— Story of "Kirky Croll or Pin the Wuddie"—The stolen watch—Duke of Cumberland's troops—Rebels after Culloden—Petition and complaint-Rebel fight at Fettercairn—Minister hurt Schoolhouse burnt—Kirk Session Registers destroyed.

Chapter VIII.—History from 1747 to 1861
Queen Victoria's Reign—Coronation rejoicings and Church building-Introduction of gaslight—A joint-stock company—Curling Club -Subscription Library—Rejoicings at marriage of Miss Forbes—Volunteer movement.

Chapter IX.—History from 1861 to 1898
Visit of Her Majesty Queen Victoria and the Prince Consort - Extract from Her Majesty's Journal—Ramsay Arms Hotel—A few incidents— Rejoicings at the Prince of Wales' marriage—Telegraphic communication —Fire at Fasque House— Majority of Captain, now Sir John R. Gladstone— Of the Hon. Charles F. Trefusis—The Queen's Jubilee—Grand Bazaar for a Public Hall-Distillery burnt—Golf Club—The Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Part Third—The Parish and it's Landowners

Chapter X.—Landowners prior to the Seventeenth Century
Scotland divided into Parishes—Four thanedoms—Fettercairn the leading one —William the Lion's Hawker—Luthra—Balbegno—"Waytinga"—Rents in kind—Valued rentals—Countess of Ross—"Wolf of Badenoch"—His doings—Donald, Lord of the Isles—Crown lands— Strachan of Thornton and rents—Earl of Rothes— Kirklands and Thomas Ogston—Adam Hepburn and Elizabeth Ogston—Successors—Kirk Commissioners—Kirklands sold—Levingstone of Drumhendry—Bishop's Rents—Farms of Fettercairn—John Tulloch—Robert Rate—Toothpicks —Crofts of Kincardine—Lands—Earl of Rothes—James Strachan—Earl of Middleton and Lands of Fettercairn.

Chapter XI.—John Earl Middleton and his successors
Name of Middleton Descent— Middle ton of .Caldhame—His sons— John Earl of Middleton—His career—His wife Qrizel Durham—Family— His death at Tangier—Charles, second Earl—Forfeiture—Family—Two Sons—Admiral Byng— Earl of Strath more—Principals of King's College-Janet Gordon of Beaton—Brigadier Middleton—His son and Lady Diana Grey—Fettercaira estate sold to Mrs Emilia Belsches—Note, Middleton descendants.

Chapter XII.—Families of Belsches, Stuart and Forbes
John Clerk, a Refugee in Fettercaira 300 years ago—Ancestor of the Clerks, Baronets of Penicuik—Of Emilia Belsches—Clerk's descendants, Merchants in Montrose and Paris—Margaret Clerk and Belsches of Invermay—John Belsches and Mary Stuart—Sir John Wishart Belsches —Name of Stuart—Lady Jane Leslie—Miss Stuart—James Mill, Historian of India—Sir Walter Scott—Miss Stuart, prototype of Matilda in Rokeby —Sir William Forbes-Dr. Beattie, "the Minstrel"—Sir William's character—James Skene and Sir Walter Scott's "Marmion"—Dr. W. F. Skene—Sir William, seventh Baronet—His sons—Sir John Hepburn Stuart Forbes—Lord Clinton—Family—Hon. Charles F. Trefusis-Lady Jane Grey Trefusis—Family.

Chapter XIII.—Newdosk or Balfour
A Thanedom -Knights of St. John—Robert the Bruce—Reginald de Chen—Grant to Lindsay of Crawford—Rents—Earl of Angus—Charter to Lindsays —To Sir John Wishart of Pitarrow—Lands sold to Sir John Straton of Lauriston—Advowson of Fettercaira Church—Successive Owners — Lindsay of Edzell — Descendants of Stratons — Forbeses of Balfour—Captain Forbes, the "Daft Laird "—Anecdote—Sir John Stuart.

Chapter XIV.—Balbegno, Balnakettle and Littlestrath
The Woods, thanes of Fettercaira—Original name, De Bosco—Notable Men -Grant of lands to Andro Wood and Mariota Moncreife—Charter by James IV. and English translation—Admiral Wood—His bust—John Wood —Woods of Craig—Walter Wood and Lady Helen Stewart of Atholl —A royal descent — Walter and Sir John Wood — Precept of Oliver Cromwell—Andrew Wood—Andrew Middleton of Caldhame—Major Wood and John Lindsay—John Wood, Colinsburgh—John and Mrs Wood, Carlisle—Andrew and Robert Middleton—John Ogilvy of Lunan—Wife and daughters—Dr. Brisbane—Hon. Walter and Donald Ogilvy- The Woods, proprietors of Balnakettle and Littlestrath—Lands sold—Andrew and William Fraser —The Reida, ministers of Banchory Ternan— Distinguished men—Dr. Thomas Reid—Revs. Alexander Leslie and Dr. Leslie of Fordoun—Leslies of Birkwood—Miss Paterson—William Straehan, proprietor—Lady Pliesdo—Her son, John Falconer —Her message to the Kirk Session—James Falconer of Monkton, and Sir Alex. Ramsay Irvine—Peter Falconer—Viscount Arbuthnott—David Scott-Rev. Dr. Pirie—Sir Thomas Gladstone and Fasque Estate.

Chapter XV.—Balmain and Fasque
Owners in reign of James III.—"The good old rule"—"Earl Beardie" and his son the Duke of Montrose—The King's favourites at "Lauder Brig"—Pitscottie's narrative—John Ramsay—His career and intrigues— Perkin Warbeck—Margaret of England—Lands of Balmain—His son and successor William Ramsay— David Ramsay and Catherine Carnegie-Rev. Andrew Ramsay—Sir Gilbert and Grizel Durham—Sir David-Property destroyed—Compensation—Sir Charles and Elizabeth Falconer —Marriage contract and seventeen witnesses—Retour of holdings in Barony of Balmain—Diralands of Fettercaim—Sir David and Sir Alexander —Improvers—Trees planted at Fasque—Sir Alexander R. Irvine—A great agriculturist—New appliances—His character—Sir Thomas Ramsay, seventh Baronet, Sheriff Burnet as Sir Alexander Ramsay, first Baronet of United Kingdom, and Elizabeth Bannerman—Seven sons—Their training and career—Admiral Sir William, K.C.B.—A death—Dean Ramsay -"Any tail "—Building of Fasque House —Sir Alexander, second Baronet—Portrait—Tenantry—Fasque sold—Sir Alexander, third Baronet—His family—Offices of honour—Sir Alexander Entwistle, fourth Baronet Lady Ramsay and family—A long connection closed.

Chapter XVI.—Balmain and Fasque (continued)
Purchase by John Gladstone—Baronetcy in 1846—His ancestry—Herbert de Gledstan—Edward I.—Sir William de Gledstanes— His son—Gladstones in Forfarshire—Eminent men—Lanarkshire branch—John Gladstones of Toftcombs — Thomas of Leith —Sir John —His career — Enterprise — Character—Improvements at Fascine—Family—Sir Thomas—Additional estates—Public affairs—Character—Lady Gladstone and family—Sir John R. Gladstone—Military career.

Chapter XVII. —Disclune, Arnhall and The Burn
Durrysclune—Early proprietors—Stratons—David Carnegie, first Earl of Southesk—James, second Earl, a hero of the Covenant—Robert, third Earl—CharJLes, fourth Earl—Rental Book—Farms and their rents—James, fifth Earl—Rebellion of 1715—"Piper o' Dundee"—York Building Co.— Sir James Carnegie—Highland Raiders—Lord Milton—"Catching fish at Arnhall"—Fontenoy and Culloden—Barclay of Urie—His letter—Sir David Carnegie—Disposal of the Estates—Popularity of the Carnegies— Lord Adam Gordon—Military career—Marriage—"For lack of gold," &c. —Great improvements—Anecdote—Alexander Brodie—His improvements —His daughter, the Duchess of Gordon—John Shand—Drainage of the moss—"Muckle ditch"—William Shand—Colonel M'Inroy—Life and character—Popularity—Colonel Charles M'Inroy—Primrosehill—Captain Airth—Improvements—William Airth.

Chapter XVIII.—Dalladies, Drumhendry and Capo
Lands of Delany or Dullachy and Trembleys or Turnbulls—Stratons and Carnegies—Turnbulls of Stracathro—Dr. Turnbull- His career -Frugality—Jocularity—Lord Panmure his friend—A conditional vote-Kay's Portraits — "Shoes blackened" —A considerate landlord —Miss Page Turnbull Robertson — Present owners — Levingstones of Dunipace— Drumry and Luthra—John Wood—Andrew ftaitt—David, Principal of King's College—Colonel Rait—Lord Falconer—Castle of Haulkerton— Keith-Falconer, Earl of Kintore—The present Earl and Countess— . Lord Inverurie.

Part fourtb.— Antiquities: Buildings, Ancient and Modern

Chapter XIX.—Antiquities and Old Buildings
Roman road—King's ford—Station of Tina—Causewayend— "Coupers' avenue"—Dr. Don's Roman Iter—Hill of Esslie—Roman outpost—Castle and garden—Old house of Balmain—Underground passage—Greencaim and other vitrified forts—Dimensions—Fenella's Castle—Sir Walter Scott's letter—Copy and fac-simile—William the Lion—Randolph the Falconer —Balbegno Castle—John Wood—Carved and Stirling heads—Admiral Wood's—Wood and Barclay Arms-The ceiling—Scotch peers—Dungeon —Moot hill, or "Tod hillock"—Mort-town-hole—"Taed's nest," or hangman's dwelling—Balfour House—The Stratons—Stones for Fasque House—Fasque Old House—Douglas's description and expression—"The Octagon a pasteboard cage"—The Chinese bridge—Balnakettle Old House—Old trees.

Chapter XX.—Antiquities and Old Buildings (continued)
Market Cross—Shape and dimensions—Jougs and Branks—Earl Middleton's Cross—Ogston'a (1504)—Kincardine Cross—Others in Scotland— Marykirk—Edinburgh—Scott's Marmion—Castle of Kincardine—Dimensions—Position—History—Kings and Queens of Scotland—Kincardine town and St. Catherine's graveyard -Astone cist and its contents—"The Deer Dyke."

Chapter XXI.—Bridges, Fords, and Ferries
Roman bridges—Bridge building a Church work -Fords and Ferries of the North Esk—King's ford boat—Edzell Kirk Coble—Lower North water Bridge—Marykirk Bridge—John Erskine of Dun and Northwater Bridge —James Black and Gannochy Bridge—His Charities - Jervise's story - Walter Strachan's—"Black's grey mare"—Millstones and the Kirk Session—Bridge doubled by Lords Adam Gordon and Panmure—Flood of 1829 —"Loups' brig" — Auchmull Bridge and John Shand — Church collections for bridges—Vacant stipend for the village bridges—Roads from the village and Blackiemuir Bridge.

Chapter XXII.—Modern Buildings
Fettercairn House, old, new and newer parts -1666, 1829, and 1877— Fasque House—Grand outlook—1809—£30,000—Builders, 1/6 a day—A fire—The Burn House—Fine situation—The Royal Arch—Subscriptions-Design by native—Outlines—Much admired—Expressions of loyalty-Forbes Memorial Fountain—Water supply-Sir Thomas Gladstone—Page Design by David Bryce, R.S.A. — Description — Site — Lady Clinton-Inscription — Public Hall —Bazaar and Funds —Andrew Carnegie-Contributions—John Milne, Architect—Library -Billiard Table—Sir John R. Gladstone—A success—The Manse—Schoolhouse—Houses—Shops-Site of village—"Provost's House"—"Whisky Raw"—Hotel.

Part fifth—Church and School

Chapter XXIII.—Churches and Churchyards
Parish Church—Elevated site—Early occupation—Druidical Temple— Pre-Reformation Kirk—Mr Foote's account—Balbegno Aisle -The Woods' Vault—"Bell hillock"—Tames Lyalland "King James"—New Church-Addition—Steeple—Sir John Gladstone—Wind storms—Turrets—Burials in Churches—The Churchyard—Enclosures—Old memorial stones—A series of Inscriptions—Dr. Gilbert Ramsay's benefactions—A lost stone— "Sandy Junor"—The Cairn Well—Tree-planting—Mrs Ritchie's Memorial —Sir Alexander Ramsay's Tablet—Mr Whyte's.

Chapter XXIV.—Churches and Churchyards (continued)
The Free Church—Site—Managers and Sir Alexander Ramsay—"Cold water"—St. Andrew's Episcopal Church—Site—Building and Consecration —Chancel added—Bishop of Brechin—Captain J. N. Gladstone—East window— Latin Inscription—Children of Hon. W. E. Gladstone—The vault—Later interments—New oriel windows and mural brasses of Gladstones, Forbes and M'Inroy—Newdosk Churchyard—St. Drostan's Well—"Piper's shade"—"Cardinal's pool"—Other old place-names-Headstones of Alexander Adam, Colonel M'Inroy and John Nicol— Chapelton of Arnhall—St. Martin and "Linn Martin"- Ruins of Chapel — Carvings — Earls of Southesk — Episcopal minister — Disused graveyard—Ash trees.

Chapter XXV.—Beadles and Kirk Officers
Beadle's various duties—Andrew Low, James Stephen—His emoluments —Hand-bell, table cloths and cups—Summons to deliver up arms-James Lyall, first, second and third—A strayed ewe—A dog hanged—A clockin' hen—Youths' pranks—The bell lost—George Watson, James Barron, John Column—"Nothing doing in the Kirkyard."

Chapter XXVI.—Ministers before and after the Reformation
David Setone, "persone" 1491—Alex. Rait, vicar—James Strachauchin —His letter to Thomas Strachauchin, a cousin—Bricius "persona de Neudonasse"—John Col lace, the last of Newdosk—Cadets of landed families—Witch burning and verses—Patrick Bouncle—Salary, etc.— Adam Walker and Sir David Wood—John Thorn and David Straton, readers—James Lindsay—Visit to Paris and Geneva—John Collace— Alex. Forbes, A.M.—Bishop of Caithness and of Aberdeen—Straton families—His public offices—"Collie"—Letter from James VI. to the Page Presbytery—William Wischart, A.M.—David Strachan, A.M., Bishop of Brechin—William Chalmers, A.M.—Hercules Skinner, A.M.-His debts —Visitation by order of Archbishop Sharpe—Humorous Practice— The preacher "wan throu" -Mr Skinner the last Episcopal minister-David Ramsay, A.M.—Heritors and Church sittings—List of Elders.

Chapter XXVII.—Ministers (continued)
Anthony Dow, A.M.—A long ministry—His elders Their duties-Fast day—Tokens—Mendicants' Badges-Glebe-Schoolmaster's ridges-Davidson, the rebel freebooter—John Barclay, A.M., Assistant—His Popularity—Publications—An anecdote recalled—Mr Barclay and the Presbytery—Certificate refused -The people's petitions refused-A Disruption—Berean Church at Sauchieburn -Other congregations—Mr Barclay's death—James Macrae- Berean lay preachers- Anthony Glen-William Taylor—John Todd—Oratory—Stipend- Good effected.

Chapter XXVIII.—Ministers {continued)
Robert Foote—Induction opposed—Insult and abuse—"Foote's wind"— Excellent ministry—His sons—Publications—Elders—James Keyden-Resignation—Anecdote—John Muir—Elders—Alexander Whyte, A.M.— Tutor and Schoolmaster—Publications—Pithy Sayings—Anecdotes-Elders ordained—Adam-Inch Ritchie—His family-Improvements-Translated to Whitekirk—William Anderson -Popular call—His family —Gratifying improvements. Free Church—"Ten years' conflict "—Excitement and unkindly feelings—David Paton—Ancestry—Family—Middleton portraits—Faithful ministry—Robert-Henderson Abel -Removal to South Africa—John-Ramsay Macmillan, A.M.—Efficient ministry. Episcopal Church—Mr Teed—Alexander Irvine—Charles Aitken-Popularity-Good works—Assisted by Rev. Alexander Somerville— George Frederick Hardman Foxton—Andrew Holmes Belcher, A.M.— Long and creditable ministry.

Chapter XXIX.—Schools and Schoolmasters
The Reformers and Acts of Parliament—John Thorn—Immediate successors blank—Alexander Morrice -Heritors' Assessments—Salary-James Watson and Alexander Strachan—John Gentleman—Favoured the Rebellion -Deposed—Alexander Strachan—John Melville John Law-Robert Milne -James Bate—David >'iddry—John Gordon—" School bed " —Cock-fighting-Clattering Brig School and "Dominie Young"—John Harper—Mr Foote's account—David Adamson and "Bawbie Harper"— Peats, "stour" and gunpowder pranks—Class-books—James Nicholson-Alex. Inglis, LL.D.—Rev. James Low—Archd. Cowie Cameron, A.M., LL.D. - Donald M'Kinven, A.M. Other Schools—Dalladies—Lady Harriet's- Inch School—Hannah Gold, LL.A. -Free Church School—Thomas Bruce -Alexander Murray -Transferred to Inch—Adam Moodie—Oldmains' School—David Durward, A.M.—Francis Birse -Lady Gladstone's new school—Certificated teachers Page — Mary Munro-Dame Schools—Bible and Catechism—119th Psalm — Proper names—" A pass-bye."

Part Sixth—Noteworthy Families and Persons - Miscellaneous

Chapter XXX.—Families
Disappearance of old family names—Notices of a few—The Austines, Valentines, Falconers, Duries, Strachans, Wallaces, Mackies—Respective descendants—Smiths, numerous —Don, recurring.

Chapter XXXI.—Eminent Men (of the Past)
Churchmen and Statesmen—Hon. W. E. Gladstone—Rev. Andrew-Ramsay, A.M., and Latin Poem (translation)—Rev. Alex. Peter, D.D.— Very Rev. Dean Ramsay—Rev. James Foote, D.D.—Rev. Alex. L. R. Foote, D.D.E. B. Sheriffs, M.D.—John L. Stewart, M.D.

Chapter XXXII.—Eminent Men (of the Present)
Rev. Alex. Roberts, D.D., Professor, etc., St. Andrews—Rev. John Falconer of Ettrick—Alex. Whyte, Naturalist—David Hall, A.M., Sheriff-Substitute of Ayrshire—Alex. Cameron, Monikie, Dundee—Hugh Knox, Buittle, Castle Douglas—William Craniond, A.M., LL.D., Cnllen—His publications—Rev. Thos. Nicol, A.M., D.D., Edin.—Honours, Publications—George Harris, Chapel, Kirkcaldy—Rev. Charles Durward, A.M., D.D. of Scoonie, Leven—Rev. Alex. M. Scott, A.M., Aberdeen—Rev. J. Fawns Cameron, of Blairingone, Dollar—Robert Milne Murray, M.D., Lecturer, etc., Edinburgh—Publications—David Prain, M.D., Superintendent of Indian Botanical Departments—Rev. Alex. Middleton, A.M., B.D., of St. Margaret's, Arbroath—George Robb, A.M., Buenos Ayres— George R. Croll, A.M., Dunkeld—George Harper, A.M., Slains, Aberdeenshire—William Abernethy, A.M., Coupar Angus.

Chapter XXXIII. —Administration of Justice
Sheriff Court, Stonehaven—Fettercairn Sunday rioters—Margaret Thow —Theft and Mischief—John Cowie—The "Laird of Balmain's trees"— Katherine Hampton and "her little brother "—Thefts—The Jougs, etc. —William Edminstone .and his "sons—Housebreaking, theft and sheep stealing—His trial and execution—Agnes Muffat—John Erskine—Theft-Execution—Resetters kicked and banished—John Low—Cattle stealing— Baron Court—Kirk Session and cases of slandering—Village lock-up ami " Archie Milne "—Charles Dinnie.

Chapter XXXIV.—Parochial Registers. Bequests, and Savings Bank
Old Register Books—An older one lost—Burning of Schoolhouse—A Marriage Proclamations Register lost -Morgan Case—Free Church Births Register—Quaint entries in old Registers. Page Bequests. —James Black's—Provost Christie's—Sir Alexander Ramsay Irvine's — Valentine's — Glen's — George Cooper's — James Smith's — Mrs Callum's—James and John Johnston's. Ramsay Bursaries.—Rev. John Ramsay and St. Andrews Bursaries— Dr. Gilbevt Ramsay and Aberdeen Bursaries—Savings Bank.

Chapter XXXV.—Meteorology, Woods and Plantations
Forty years' observations—Highest, lowest and mean temperature-Average rainfall—Heaviest shower—A flood—Rainiest week, month and year—Driest year—Barometer, highest and lowest readings—Destructive gales—A theory. Woods and Plantations —Ancient woods — Stately trees—Fasque beeches felled and re-set (1838)—Again felled (1893)—A silver-flr and other trees in Den of Fasque—Fettercairn woods—Lady Jane's wood—Ash, self-planted—Mr Muir's planting—Woods of Balbegno, Balfour and The Burn—Spanish Chestnut—Yews, hollies, and laburnums—Robbie's tree— "The Baker's" or "Teetotal tree"—Its public notices.

Chapter XXXVI.—Agriculture and Old Customs
In end of seventeenth century, death and famine—Waste lands—No roads—Rude implements—Note, The rigwoody and ropes from tree roots —Gaud8men and oxen—Old pro verbs—No drainage—Wicker creels—Bear-seed time—Horses in single file—Toothed reaping hooks—Threshing, winnowing, and milling—Failure of crops, 1681—Bad years of last century —"Snawy hairst"—Food supplies—Meal "girnal"—Farmhouses, mere hovels, and rudely constructed—Improved farm buildings—Food of the people—Kail brose—Sowens—Servants' wages—Balnakettle farm lease (1768)—A crofter's account of his old place. Markets—When and where held—Term markets—Holidays—David Hughes—Usual scenes—Discontinued—Anecdote.

Chapter XXXVII.— Place-Names
Number of homesteads—Names Celtic and Saxon—Celtic, on the dry spots—Saxon, on the wet lands improved—List of Celtic place-names and their meanings.

Chapter XXXVIII.—Anecdotes of Fettercairn Worthies
Mearns men have keen sense of humour—Dean Ramsay—Mr Inglis's Collections largely from the Mearns—John Gove's old gun—James Fearn in a park—Rob Jack and the window shutter—" Nae the same ass ava" —"Caulk's nae shears"—"On a new found," and "A gill o' the very warst"—The laird and his tenant—"A slockenin' o' drink"—Tall pCas— "Auld thievin' banes"—Old firearms—Willie Clark's sentiments—"A saxpence did mair guid"—A nonagenarian's new suit—He wanted snuff and came to the kirk—Johnnie Mathers' daughter—Johnnie Webster and the Rev. Dr. Leslie—Webster and his turnip hoe—Nancy and Mary, two opposite characters—Mary's hoard—A surprise. Conclusion, "Sweet Auburn" and Fettercairn.

The three pictures below were provided by Aberdeenshire Libraries

Fettercairn Village 1905

The Square

Victoria Arch

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