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“The Writing on the Wall”

The article in the May edition of Comment re alterations to St Adamnan’s Kirk in Dull in 1868 with names of some of the artisans involved, prompted Hector Robertson of Aberfeldy to delve into a booklet which reproduces the 1851 Census for the Parish of Dull.

This revealed that the Parish extended over an area of some 30 miles North to South, but only 4 to 12 miles East to West, including the Straths of Appin, Glenquaich, Foss and Fincastle. 

The population of the area was given as a total of 3342, with the distribution of surnames extensive.  This makes interesting reading 157 years on, and by omitting those which did not total 50 people (of all ages), the following is a list of the most numerous:

Anderson – 70; Cameron – 160; Campbell – 140; Crerar – 55; Dewar – 82; Forbes – 70; McDonald – 130; McGregor – 140; McIntosh – 60; McLaren – 80; McLean – 56; Menzies – 255; Robertson – 260; Scott – 70; Stewart – 350; Thomson – 70

In the higher numbers, Hector points out, the affinity to the old Clan territories is obvious.

He makes acknowledgement to ‘Tay Valley Family History’ for the information.