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Traditions of Loch Tay by Ewen MacDougall

This is copied from a bound volume titled 'Traditions of Loch Tay by Ewen MacDougall' in the possession of Alasdair Steven which has been typed from the original document. His copy is probably the second carbon. The original transcriber was no native of the area since her stabs at translating place names are bizarre e.g Murthly is Aturthly, Kynachan Rynachan & Derculich Drimlick. Most have been corrected to modern spelling, often after reference to a map

PREFACE

The Author of the following most interesting description of the River Tay and its surroundings and Traditions, was the late Ewen MacDougall Esq, Clerk at Taymouth, and likewise Clerk to the Baron Baillie Court. He passed away in his nephew's house at Milton Ardtalnaig, Loch Tay in 1832, his father was Ewen MacDougall of Achomer, died in 1765, aged 73 years. he held Wadsetts of lands in the districts of Ardtalnaig and Ardeonaig, having been present at the battle of Dunblane, now better known as Sheriffmuir, which readers wilt remember was fought on November 13th 1715.

The Author's grandfather was John MacDougall of Achomer, who died in 1715, aged 59 years, his gt-grandfather bore the same name, and was the only lawful son of John MacDougall who married Barbara Campbell of Mochaster. Their residence being Fearlochan House in Benderloch, this district being part of the vast territory originally held by his ancient clam.

The MS consists of 12 closely written sheets about 7.25 x 11.25, the ink being somewhat faded while an extra page has unfortunately been partially torn away.

Care has been taken to copy the original as closely as possible, and so far as can be judged from the text this record was written about 1817, [Col Alex Robertson of Struan, mentioned in the text as being 'late' died in 1822] and our readers will readily appreciate the powers of observation, care, and exactitude of the writer.

The papers are in the hands of the Author's gt-grand niece. Her gt-grandfather, Alexander MacDougall married his cousin Isobel, the sister of our Author. Many other documents of historical value would have been preserved but for the unfortunate fact that immediately after Ewen's death a mischievous lad of ten years of age set fire to the sacks in which the papers had been temporarily placed, in a barn behind the house, until after the funeral had taken place, instead of calling for help to extinguish the flames the boy turned to a young sister who was present saying "let us kneel down and pray"

Our only consolation is that some records were preserved for the benefit of those who follow after, and who still live amid the exquisite scenery which surrounds Loch Tay.

January 1904

Description of the River Tay from its rise to its termination at Broughty Castle below Dundee, with the rivers and great burns that fall into it on its long course, and of the different Nunneries, cathedrals, Castles, Gentlemens' seats on their respective banks and the Battles fought at different places etc.

The River Tay rises at Ben Lui which separates Perth from Argyle shire. In the near neighbourhood of Tyndrum a commodious and well kept Inn is a rich lead and silver mine belonging to the Rt Hon Earl of Breadalbane, near to which the battle of Dalree, or Kingshaugh, was fought between King Robert Bruce and John Macdougall, Lord of Lorne, by whom Bruce was defeated, and who as a trophy of his victory took from him his Velvet Scarf and the double silver brooch by which it was fastened, which are still in the custody of Patrick MacDougall of MacDougall, residing at Dunolly Castle in Lorne, his representative.

South of Dalree is a large firwood belonging to the Earl of Breadalbane, reckoned to be the best in the Highlands. A little below Dalree is Drochid-bhane, or white bridge, the first on the river called Fillans Water, and near to it is the Holy Pool so much resorted to and talked of, curing deranged people, where it is said St Fillan broke his Pastoral Staff, and the other part into the easter or women's part, praying that water might have the different Virtues ever since ascribed to him, and the head of which Staff like others of the kind resembles a Holster in shape, and contains sundry silver cups and Funnels which he gave as an Arichd, or great gift to Deor his Sexton or Servant, whose offspring Clan Deor na Harichd had it in their possession till a few years ago, that the then owner sold it for a trifle.

Below the Holy Pool, and on the farm of Kirktown of Strathfillan on the north side of the river, stood St Fillan's Cathedral, one of the sixteen of that kind then in Scotland, in which Fillan was buried, to whose grave has ever since pointed out, they bring such deranged persons as are bathed in the Holy Pool, and bed them well fastened to large logs of timber lying on the floor of the Old Kirk, part of the walls of which are still standing. On this farm stands also the Manse of Church of Strathfillan and the burying ground.

At Inverhaggernie now occupied by Mr James MacKinlay. Tacksman, stood the seat of Campbell of Loch Dochart, whose family are, except that of Glenfalloch, next to the Earl of Breadalbane, and on an island in Loch Dochart into which Fillan's river falls, stand the remains of a monastery said to have been built by King Robert Bruce in gratitude for the mighty victory obtained by him over Edward of Carnarvon, King of England, and his numerous host at the battle of Bannockburn, 24th June 1314. Inverardran on the south side of the river, the seat of Sir Gregor Macgregor, a most romantic place - Auchessan on the north side the summer seat of Mr Place who built a bridge over the Dochart below his house. At Innishewen on the north side of this river Dochart, which flows out of Loch Dochart, there stands a good old house which for very many years and till of late was the residence of the most respectable MacNabs of Innishewen. Below Innishewen, and on the same side of the river, stands Achlyne, which originally with Wester Ardchyle belonged to Donald La'dasach Macgregor, from which the MacGregors took their gathering call of Ardchyle, afterwards to the Campbells of Achlyne, who were the youngest branch of the family of Sir Robert Campbell of Glenorchy and of which the present Earl was the first cadet until the death of the late Earl of Breadalbane to whom he succeeded in the title and estate. Mr Campbell of Achallader, a former branch of the Glenorchy family is the present proprietor of Achlyne. At Bovain on the same side of the river stood the mansion of the MacNabs of that Ilk, one of whom called Findlay MacNab of Bovain, put a stop to the burning of Breadalbane carried on by Montrose and Alistair Ciotach MacCholla, alias Alexander MacDonald joint commanders of the Royal Army in the time of Cromwell. At Temaphubiue was fought an engagement between the Southrons and Highlanders opposite to which on the north side of the Dochart stood the Southrons and is still called Aird nan Gall.

Near the old kirk and burying ground of Killin which stood westward of the present is shewn the grave of Fion MacCouil King of the Fingalians of Ossian, whose heroic actions and poems with the other might heroes of that tribe have since .....

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.......Below Kinnell on the same side of the River stands Achmore, formerly the residence of the family of Achallader, by whom the old house was built to which the present Earl of Breadalbane and the Lord Viscount Glenorchy his son, the present possessor have built additions, - A is a most pleasant summer residence. Below Achmore, in the wood of Parichd na Cloich is the remains of Bravids Castle, who was son to the then King of Denmark, between the Castle and the Court, which i on top of a hill at some distance was a causeway of considerable breadth. The Court was well fenced with a strong dry wall of very large stones, and of considerable thickness. On the north side of Loch Tay, opposite said castle stood - At Balmore, the seat of Macgregor of Balmore. The castle of Edramucky, a little further down the seat of the barons of that place, a branch of the family of Lawers, who was a branch of the Glenorchy or Breadalbane family. Ancestors of the present Noble Earl of Breadalbane, and below Balrmore stood the seat of the laird of Lawers, who was a branch of the Glenorchy family, now represented by the Countess of Loudon and Moira.

At mains of Ardeonaig on the south side of Loch Tay stood a church or chappel of ease, where the Minister of Killin preached once in five weeks and a burying ground called Cill ma Charmaig. That place of worship was allowed to fall, and a very neat and commodious new on was lately built by the Earl of Brealabane in Tullich in Ardtalanaig, as also a Manse, Garden and Offices for the accomodation of a Missionary preacher, whose sallary is paid from funds left by the late Lady Glenorchy of most worthy memory.

He preaches Sunday about there and at Lawers on the north side of the Loch. At Milltown of Ardtalanaig opposite Lawers stands a huge cairn of stones called Cairn-barn, which as by tradition was gathered and piled up on the grave of one of King Duncan's nephews, who along with MacBeath and Banco, other nephews of King Duncan went at the head of an army to quell an insurrection raised by the them MacDougall, Lord of Lorne, who had rebelled against the King, and that young nobleman being mortally wounded died on his way back at Miltown where he is buried. At this place stood a kind of Castle, where the King and his Generals rested with their army on their way to and from the West Country when a rebellion would be raised, either by MacDougall, Lord of Lorne, or MacDonald, Lord of the Isles, which frequwntly happened, those mighty Chiefs being very powerful and restless. The House Bell used in the said Castle was about 50 years ago found in the stance or rubbage.

In after times MacIntosh of Monyvaird who was King's Baillie in Strathearn, and Glenmore, now called Breadalbane, which was both King's lands at that time, kept his court on the said cairn at the foot of which all those who were condemned by him were buried, part of whose bones were not long ago digg'd up that ground being used as a garden. Near to the said Cairn stood the House occupied by MacIntosh when he came there to hold his courts, which to this day is called the Baillie's house, and the lands thereto annexed which part of the farm of Milton is still called the baillie's land.

It is an old saying that it was not every day that MacIntosh kept a Court, and so much the better, as at every one kept by him, he condemned someone or mor.

At the head of Glentalanaig, which is immediately above Miltown is the most easy pass betwixt Dunkeld and larigilly or from Strathern, called Fhinn, or Fingal's pass, used by him when like the Patriarchs of old, removing in summer time, from one place to another, with his great herds of cattle, and to hunt the Deer etc. At Ardradnaig the farther down farm is in the district of Ardtalanaig which about the year was built by John Duth More, second son of Somerled, Lord of Lorne, who having a quarrel with the MacLean, Heir of Duart, killed him, left that country in order for preserving peace between these powerful chiefs, and came to Glenmore, and hearing that a Dragon had taken up its residence at Ardtalanaig, and that the possessors of a number of farms, on each side, were forced to remove to save themselves, and their cattle, he came there and killed the dragon and  its young, for which manly action he obtained these farms so deserted, from the King, and built a hiding place in the wall of his new house which wall being extraordinarily thick stood until about 1817 when the wood had been felled, the present tenant demolished the building for renewing the whole, and in it found a very large Brass brooch of amazing curious shape and workmanship used for fixing the side of the belted plaid, supposed to be once the property of Lord Lorne, his father, LsL, being cut out on it and  which Brooch is now in the possession of Ewen MacDougall, Barony Clerk of Brealbane, representative of the said John Duth More, and whose ancestors have since his time been living there, and in Achmor, the gifted lands being wrested from them by Sir Duncan Campbell foresaid, such being in those days winked at by the King and his Judges.

At the Burn of Acharn and about two miles from the village of Kenmore is a very large Den, in which, and facing a tremendous cascade, especially when the burn is high, the late noble Viscount of Glenorchy built a curious Hermitage leading to which is a long subterranean passage, and a shorter one going from it.

At the village of Stronfearnan, at the west end of Drummond Hill, on the North side of Loch Tay stood a Seat originally belonging to the Laird of Struan, Chief of the Clan Donochy, Fearnan at that time belonging to him, but having forfeited his estate in the year 1745, that part of it was excambed for other lands by the Crown with the late Earl of Breadalbane. Near the east end of Loch Tay, on the same side of the loch stands an Island which with twenty three of lesser size was built in the loch at the expense of King Alexander the first of Scotland for the accommodation of his Queen named Sibilla, daughter to William the Norman King of England, and sister to Henry Beauclerk his successor, she having retired with some nuns to a house built on the said Island, in June 1122 where she died and was buried, in July thereafter, as records inform us. For the better accomodation of the said Queen and Nun, the King gave the liberty of fishing on Loch Tay, at all seasons of the year, a the Charter shows, which liberty is still enjoyed by the Earl of Breadalbane. Some of the original fruit trees are still standing in the Orchard of [End of the Garden G.] which belonged to the Nunnery near to which is the earl's garden and hothouse, which are well stocked of the proper kinds of fruit.etc

On the top of Drummond at the east end stands the remains of a Danish fort, called Dun Mac Tuathl, or Tuath's eminence, said to be one of the Kings of Denmark. The walls which are built with very large stones without lime or mortar are extraordinarily thick. Under it nearer to Lyon point, on the North side of the river Tay which flows out of the Loch of that name, is to be seen the remains of a Druidish temple, as also at ?Machuim Lawers, and at Kinnell. Westward of said Temple is to be seen the ruins of the Church of Inchadney, Inchadney Manse and burying ground, and the Mineral Well to which the Nuns in the Island of Tay, and to that of Portbane opposite to the island, resorted to every year, on Nuns fair, at Kenmore, which caused that name being hitherto given to that market which holds on the twenty sixth of July, unless that happened to be on the Saturday, Sunday or Monday in which case it is held on the Tuesday following. Kenmore at the east end of Loch Tay is a very neat and clean kept village with a large convenient and extraordinary well and clean kept in, and excellent Stables and Offices, fit for the accomodating a numerous company. There are also here many houses and gardens for accomodating Tradesmen of different kinds and a large elegant Church, with high spire, and clock. At this place is a strong and handsome bridge over the River Tay at the end of the Loch, built at the expense of the late Earl of Breadalbane excepting a thousand pounds, given by his late Majesty of most worthy memory, out of the rents of the Annexed estates in Scotland. It consists of many arches. The Church, Spire, Clock and Bell, were likewise built and furnished at his Lordship's expense, as were all the houses in the Village, and the Manse, and Offices, on the South side of the Loch. Opposite the Church and near the village is Tomnacroich where previous to 1745 the Breadalbane family had liberty to hang felons as well as at Killin, at the other end of Loch Tay. And near to Tomnacroich is Tomanouile where the graves of those of the Atholl and Argyle men who were killed at Moinaghiuise [?Morenish G] in the hill above Balinlagain [Blarliaragin?], West of Kenmore, in the conflicts between the Earls of Argyle and Atholl were buried, many of whom were laid in coffins made of stone. At Taymouth, the Seat of the Noble Earl of Breadalbane is a large handsome Castle and Offices, etc, lately built by him at vast expense, in the stance of the former castle, built partly by Sir Colin Campbell, and finished by Sir Duncan Campbell his son, whose mother was Catherine Ruthven, daughter to the Earl of Gowrie and sister to John Earl of Gowrie, who with Patrick Ruthven his Brother, were innocently murdered in Gowrie House in Perth by James sixth of Scotland, and his cursed associates under pretence of their having conspired against his Majesty, a story well known to have been false, and without least foundation. Behind Taymouth is an excellent bridge over the Tay by which and that at Kenmore, the spacious long walks on each side of the river, and most extensive policies are joined, on which walks are sundry elegant seats and Summer houses or Temples, well worth seeing, together with a Fort on which are kept large and small Iron and Brass Guns.

In the parks, Woods, and Hills near Taymouth are a vast number of the Red and fallow Deer, Roes, Pheasants, Muir Fowls, Tarmigans, Partridges, Blackcocks and hares etc. A little below Taymouth is to be seen the remains of the Seat of Gregor MacGregor, Chief at that time of the Clan Gregor, who was married to Sir Duncan's eldest daughter, and to the eastward of that place the most entire Druidish Temple is to be seen in Britain, only one stone being awanting to make it in their way equal to one of our present most splendid cathedrals. Below that, at Stix, is St David's well which is medicinal, and the remains of the Chapel, and burying groud called Tibert, and Kill Daivie. The River Lyon which falls into the Tay at Lyon point takes its rise and runs down through Glen Lyon, a most beautiful country, on the north side of which River stands the castle of Meggernie the Seat of Stewart Menzies of Culdares, built by Calain Gorach Campbell, second laird of Glen Lyon, and nephew to Sir Duncan Campbell of Glenorchy.

Below Meggernie is a Stone bridge over the river at Lynn of Balgie the first of that kind on that river. On a hill above on the south side of the Lyon stood the house of Eion Duth nan Lann, Chief of the MacGregors, and laird of Glen Lyon, from whose it was wrested by    

And at Roroyere stands the house built and occupied for some time by the Campbells of Roro, Wadstters thereof, a branch of the Glen Lyon. At Balnahanaid stood a Roman Catholic Chapel which gave name to that farm near to which Chapel was the Burying ground now occupied as a Kailyard. At Miltown of Roro is to be seen the remains of a Danish Fort or Castle. Roromore the residence of MacGregor of Roro chief of the Clan MacGregor in his time was the last property they had in that country and the last MacGregor of Roro having only a daughter, the property was made over to the late John, third Earl of Breadalbane who then had the barony of Roro, in property, viz, Roromore, Miltown, Balnahanaid, Balemeanoch, Roroyere, and Balnacraig, with their Sheilings called lochs, consisting in whole of twelve and a half merkland, of Old extent. At Ruskich a Farm on the north side of the Lyon met the two parties led on by where they unsheafed their swords and commenced the Battle which ended at the farm of Lagga a Cha'dh, in favour of one of the descendants of Eoin Duth nan Lann, having signalised himself at that engagement, his Commander asked who he was, that fought so Lion like, and to whom the Victory ought to be attributed, and being told his name, he ordain'd him in all aftertimes to be called Lyon, and bestowed on him some lands in Strathmore for that day's singular service. From him sprung the present family of Strathmore who ought of course to be Chief of the Clan Gregor. The Glen and River, which formerly were called Glendyth and Uisge Duith, were since said engagement named the Lyon's Glen and River. At the farm of Carnban below that place stands the ruin of an old castle built by and belonging to the Macgregors, which they were obliged to give up, it being set on fire by th Campbells who had a commission to destry them on account of their wicked deeds for wich three Acts were passed at different periods against them in the Parliament of Scotland.

Near the foot of Glen Lyon on the said north side of the river and at the farm called Chesthill, stood the residence of the Campbells, Lairds of Glen Lyon, after they had sold the rest of the glen to Colonel Menzies alias the Crowner. At Chesthill which is most pleasantly situated was a garden well stocked with fruit trees of the best kinds which are now withered and fallen with age. At Tullich in Fortingall now called Glen Lyon House stands the Seat of the Campbells, Lairds of Glen Lyon of most worthy memory now belonging to Mr Gordon Campbell of Troup and Glen Lyon, the most pleasant and fertile place well stored with almost every kind of game and of course a proper sporting situation. Westward of Glen Lyon House the remains of a Roman Camp of considerable size where Roman armour and coins have been found. Below Glen Lyon House stands the Church and Manse of Fortingall with the school and many other houses. In the Chanter room adjoining the Church was the burying ground of the MacGregors of Glen Dyth, which as well as the estate was taken from them by the Campbells of Glen Lyon who not many years ago demolished the said Room and built a neat Chapel in its place where they also lie interred. East from the Kirktown on a hill above Balnacraig is the ruins of a Danish Fort, below Kirktown stands Drumcharry House, the Seat of Colonel David Stewart of Garth. William his oldest brother and Robert his father whom he succeeded and indeed all his ancestors were clever, active and most respectable gentlemen and the very best of landlords. Much money has of late years been spent by the Father and his two sons on building an addition to his House, building offices, removing the garden, enclosing, clearing, draining and beautifying the ground, and planting etc, by which it is now made a most beautiful and pleasant residence.

On the South Side of the River a little further up stands Duneaves, the residence of Stewart Menzies Esquire, Younger of Foss. It formerly belonged to a branch of the Glen Lyon family till it was sold a few years ago to Alexander Menzies Esquire, Writer to the Signet, Grandfather by the mother to the present proprietor. There are on this estate Deer, Roes, Pheasants, Blackcocks, Muir Fowls, Partridges and Hares, and plenty of Salmon and Trouts in the rivers, on the side of which it lies. The Castle of Garth the property of Colonel Stewart is a very old building part of the walls of which are still standing. It stands on the side of a very deep den which would only be passed over by a drawbridge, of course it was impregnable, and as tradition goes it was once the residence of one of the Queens of Scotland, afterwards that of the Stewarts of Garth. A little above where the Lyon joins the Tay on the South side of the Lyon stood the castle of Comry built by a branch of the family of Weem, ancestors of the present Sir Neil Menzies of Weem, baronet, who had a good part of the Barony of Comrie in wadsett from the Family of Atholl, from whom the late Earl of Breadalbane purchased these lands.

On the South Side of the Yay  about miles below Taymouth stands Bolfracks the residence of the Lairds of Bolfracks, sold with their lands of that Barony by the late Alexander Menzies Esquire of Bolfracks to the present Earl of Breadalbane, and this estate abounds with Deer, Roes, and every kind of Game, and the river with salmon and trouts. It is now the residence of Robert McGillewie Esquire, Factor, for the earl of Breadalbane.

In Appin of Dull on the North side of the Tay, opposite to Bolfracks stands the Ancient Town of Dull, where was held the first College in Scotland, untill removed to St Andrews, from which last mentioned place the Minister of Dull had a Chalder of Victual, and the price of another yearly, and at which place he was obliged to preach on one Sunday in the year. Round Dull are many stone crosses erected, within which was a Sanctuary for felons. Here stands a Church, Manse, Burying Ground, School, and many other houses, It is like Killin, Kenmore, Fortingall, and Weem, a market Town. Below Dull, and at Farleyer is a good House, Garden and Offices, lately occupied by Robert Menzies Esquire, Factor for the last three most worthy Knights of Weem, and now Robert Menzies Esquire, Writer to the Signet, his son, a most worthy gentleman, as was his father, who made up his employees, their tenants, and also himself, by his wise and prudent conduct and example. below Farleyer stands Castle Menzies, Offices and Garden under the Seat of Sir Neil Menzies of that Ilk, Baronet, built by Menzies in the year a most pleasant and well sheltered residence, where plenty of fish and game is to be had. At the east end of the Garden Path is the Village of Weem, in which is a Church, Manse, Schoolhouse, Change House, and many others for the accommodation of tradesmen and poor people. Aberfeldy, a large and regular built village at the south end of the bridge of that name. The houses are built on stances, which with ground for a Garden to each were let intact to the Builders at a certain rent, payable to the Earl of Breadalbane for the space of ninety nine years, and a certain quantity of land to each house, at such a rent as is and will be given for his other lands in that part of his Estates. There are a Lint, Meal, Rowing, and Waulk Mills, a Church and three public or Change Houses. Above the said Village is Moness House, Gardens and Offices, formerly the Seat of the ancient Baron Flemyngs of Moness purchased with other lands of that Barony several years ago by the present Earl of Breadalbane. The Falls of Moness are very well worth seeing. Borlick Holding of Sir George Stewart of Grantully and Murthly, Holding of the Earl of Murray, were purchased some time ago by the late Earl of Breadalbane from the then Sir Robert Menzies together with Miltown of Aberfeldy, Duntaylor, Duraskin and TullIchuil.

At Pitcairn in Grantully stands an old Church where on account of Grantully, it being in the Parish of Dull, the Minister of Dull was obliged to preach every fifth Sunday. A preacher is now settled there. Grantully Castle, a very old building, the ancient Seat of the Knights of Grantully, which with the Earl of Traquair, are branches of the Stewart of Stewart, once Lord of Lorne, who obtained the Lorne Estate on the Forfeiture of it by John MacDougall, Lord of Lorne, for fighting against Robert Bruce at Dalree in Strathfillan. Bruce having murdered John Roy Cumming, Lord of Badenoch, Atholl, and Lochaber, his uncle in the Church of Dumfries, Stewart, Lord of Lorne, was son to Stewart of Innermeath who in order for better securing the Estate to himself, married MacDougall's daughter. On the North side of the river Tay from the Bridge of Aberfeldy, to where the river Tummel joins the Tay, stands Killiechassie, the Seat of Mr Stewart of that place.

Clunie House the Seat of Miss Stewart of Clunie and Blackhill. At Edradynate the Seat of Dr Stewart of Edradynate, at Derculich the seat of Mr Stewart of Derculich, at Clochfoldich stands the seat of Robert Stewart Esquire of Clochfoldich, who with Killiechassie, Blackhill, and Edradynate, are descendants of Mr Robert Stewart once Minister of Killin, commonly called Curan an tsaghail, of the House of Cluny and Atholl. Near Clochfoldich at the Riverside is to be seen the vestige of a Roman Camp, at Pitnacree stands the Seat of the late Dr Menzies, of the Island of Jamaica a most worthy gentleman. At Ballechin stands the elegant Seat of Hope Stewart Esquire of Ballechinm a descendant of one of the Kings of Scotland of that name, a most independent, well bred and well informed gentleman, and a most generous landlord. At Logierait is a village with a Church, Manse, Schoolhouse and Inn, with many other Houses for merchants, Tradesmen and others.

There is here also a large old Courthouse where the Earls and Dukes of Atholl were wont to hold their head courts, where they had power to Hang untill after the year 1745 when these powers were vested only in the Crown. Near to this village betwixt it and the Ferry of Tummel stood a palace built and beneficed by King James the ?  On the opposite side of the Tay are Balnavert where the army resided, Balnaguard where the King's guard resided and at Balmore resided the Officers of his Court when he lived in the palace of Logierait. The Ericht which runs from Logierait through Glen Errochty and falls into the Garry below Kirktown of Strowan on the south side of loch Ericht stands the shooting box belonging to and on the south side of the river Ericht stands Trinafour the Seat of Mr Robertson of Trinafour and the seat of Mr Robertson of Auchleeks. The Garry rises in the Hills of Drumochter and falls down into Loch Garry, and thence down through Glengarry till it is joined by the Ericht, and from thence past Blair in Atholl etec until it falls into the Tummel at Invergarry. At Blair in Atholl stands Blair Castle part of which was built by John Roy Cumming, Lord of Athole, badenoch and Lochaber, who wrested the Earldom of Athole from the infant son of Patrick MacDougall then Earl of Atholl, by whom the Old Black Castle of Moulin was built, part of the walls of which are still standing on the estate of Baledmund below Blair, stands Lude House and Offices, and Kirk, and Burying Ground of Kilmavonaig. Below that are Rymory House, the seat of the Laird.

Below that are Shierglas House, an old huskley (sic)  House. Tummel rises in the hills of Rannoch and falls down into Loch Rannoch. The late Colonel Robertson of Strowan, Chief of Clan Donochy resided at the Barracks, at Invercomrie on the side of the said water flowing into the loch, and at Sir Neil Menzies has a neat shooting box where he resides during that season. At    is a neat but small shooting box built and occupied by the late Baron Norton of the Exchequer, father to the present Lord. At the east end of Loch Rannoch stands a neat village in which are a Church, Manse, Change House, and many other houses for the accomodation of tradesmen and Labourers, and at this place is a stone bridge over the river, which falls into Loch Rannoch. Below that and on the said north side of the river stands the house of Druinachavain the seat of    near to which stands an elegant large House built by the late Colonel Robertson of Struan for a family Seat, but to which he never removed. At Innerchadden, the Seat of Allan Stewart Esquire, the Laird of Bunrannoch, where a battle was fought between Scots and the English below which and on the same side of the river stands Dalchosnie House the seat of Colonel John MacDonald of Dalchosnie, a real gentleman and Soldier, Below that stands Crossmount House the seat of Captain James Stewart of Crossmount.

South of which is Schiehallion or Fairy Mount, noted for the height and medicinal well. In the Wood of Kynachan was an Orchard said to have been planted by King Robert Bruce. near to the bridge of Tummel where the Water falls out of Loch Rannoch is now called Tummel, stands Kynachan House, the property of Colonel David Stewart of Garth. At Kirktown of Foss stands a Church near to which is Foss House the Seat of Joseph Stewart Esquire of Foss, a very independent well bred and well informed gentleman, a generouslandlord and undoubted soldier. Below Foss stood Duntanlich House now the property of Dr Alexander Stewart of Borescude. On the north side of Loch Tummel stands Portnellen House belonging to the daughters of the late Charles Stewart of Portnellen. Northward of the Tummel stands Fincastle House the Seat of the late most Worthy Robert Stewart of Fincastle which signifies the land of the castle, there being the remains of eight or nine Danish Castles in that Glen, Below Foss Castle stands Bonskeid House the ancient residence of the Barons of Bonskeid, ancestors to Dr Stewart the present proprietor. At Coillebrochain in the point between the Garry and Tummel stands a good House, Garden and Offices, Houses, built and laid out by the late Sir James Ruttney Murray, on part of Bonskeid property and whose property these buildings are gardens now are.

South of these buildings is the Fall of Lynn of Tummel, so much admired for its fall and the vast number of salmon murdered in the Lynn by grappling irons of huge size fastened to a rope which they ley down into the water and pull up hastily taking with them any fish that are so unfortunate as to be in their way.

Below the junction of the rivers Garry and Tummel on the north side stands Dysart or New Faskally House, the Seat of Mr Butter of Faskally a considerable proprietor of land in that neighbourhood, opposite Faskally stands Cluny House the ancient Seat of the Stewarts of Cluny now belonging to Mr Butter. This and Kinnaird in Strathtay are most romantic places at the foot of large and high rocks from which the view is most extensive. Pitfourie, Baledmund, Balnakilly, Edradour, and Pitlochry, all in the flow of Moulin, are gentlemens' Seats. Opposite to Pitlochry on the south side of the river stands Fonab House the residence of Mr MacGregor, now of Fonab, a pleasnt and healthy situation. Further down is Dunfallandy House the seat of General Archibald Ferguson of Dunfallandy, chief of the Fergusons whose ancestors had an extensive Estate. A little below Dunfallandy stands Killiechangie, the Seat of the Robertsons of Killiechangie, now the property of the Duke of Atholl. At this place stood an old Roman Chappel and Burying ground which gave name to the place.

On the North side of the Tummel below Edradour are the Seats of Balinturin, Donavourd, Middle and East Haugh, Ballyoukan, and a great number of small Feuars. In and near Tullymet above East Haugh stood an old Chapel and Burying Ground called Ereich. At Dalcharn (sic)  is a Church and small village where the Minster of Dunkeld preached every fifth Sunday. On the South side of the river below where the Tummel joins the Tay stand Kinnaird House, Offices, and gardens, the property of which with Clunie, as already observed, are the most romantic places in that country. Below Kinnaird stands Dalguise House etc, the Seat of Mr Stewart of Dalguise. Below Dalguise and the termination of the Water of Braan stands the village of Inver, where is kept a very good inn and at which was formerly a ferry over the tay, but a Bridge being lately built at Dunkeld the ferry is discontinued (Dunkeld is a village in which much trade is carried on. Here is one of the Seat of the Duke of Atholl and a cathedral of very long standing. The Bishops of Dunkeld had a very large palace at the west end of the Loch of Cluny in the Stormont which is now in ruins, opposite Dunkeld in the South. The Water of Braan rises at the head of Strath Quaich, rund down thr Glen Quaich into Loch Quaich alias Loch Freuchy and from that Loch to Amulree, and thence throug Strath Bran and from which it takes its name. On the South side of the Water of Quaich stands the Seat of John Campbell of Garrows, and on the North side stands Tirchardie House the Seat of George Gow of Tirchardie, down from which stood the Castle of Shian, formerly the Seat of Menzies of Wester Shian, now the property of Lord Breadalbane and marching with that is Easter Shian the Seat of Patrick Campbell Esquire of Shian, near to whose house stood an old Roman Chapel and burying ground, below E Shian stood the old house of Turrerich the Seats of the lairds of Turrerich now the property of the Earls of Breadalbane. On the Loch Quaich or Freuchie is to be seen the remains of the Castle May who had a property there and who was in love with Fraoch mac  but observing him to be in love with his daughter determined his ruin, and feigning herself sick, sent for Fraoch and told him that nothing could cure or recover her but some of the Rowans that grew in the island in Loch Luain as it was then called. Where a dragon took up its residence and he was of the Fingallian race, being of a dauntless disposition and fearing no danger, swam to the island and carried from thence some of the wished for fruit, while the Dragon was sleeping, and brought it to his Meny, who seeing that he escaped the dragon told him that no less would satisfy her than pulling up the Tree from the root on which the fruit grew and bringing it to her. Hard as this task might appear Fraoch returned, swam to the Island and pulled up the Rowan Tree out of the ground and, when swimming back to land, the dragon awakened and followed him and attacked him on the shore and gnawed his legs and arms but was so bruised by him in the struggle that they both died side by side in the presence of may's daughter who could afford him no relief. Since which time and action the Loch has been called loch Freuchie or Fraoch's lake. The River and Loch Quaich are famour for Trouts and the Hills on both sides abound with Game. Below the end of the Loch is Amulree where there are a Church, Manse, Burying Ground and Inn where entertainment for man and Beast may be had. At the North end of the Bridge of Amulree which is the fifth on that water stands another Public House belonging to Mr Campbell of Kinloch near to which stood a Roman Chappel and Burying Ground called Killmaolrilhedh.

On the North side of the Braan, which the Water is now called, stands Kinloch House, Garden and Offices, the Seat of Campbell of Kinloch. Further down is Tomnagairn House the Seat of Mr Duff, laird of Tomnagairn, and below that is Ballinloan House the Seat of the ancient Baron Macduff of Ballinloan, who were proprietors of that Estate for upwards of seven hundred years. It is now the property of Sir George Stewart of Grantully who has many farms in Strathbraan. Below Balinloane stands the Church and Burying Ground of Lagginellochy where the minister of Dunkeld preaches every Sunday. Below that and on the same side of the Braan is a grand Hermitage belonging to the Duke of Atholl.

On the point between the Tay and the Braan stands the Village of Inver where there is a good Inn and many other houses, mills etc. On the South side of the Braan opposite to Ballinloan stood the castle of Trochrie and a good way below that stands the House of Ladywell, the Seat of the ancient Stewarts of that place now belonging to………At the Town of Dunkeld on the North side of the Tay is one of the Seats of the Duke of Atholl and one of the sixteen cathedrals of Scotland, and a very neat bridge lately built across the Tay.

On the South side of the Tay opposite to Dunkeld stands the Manse Church and burying Ground of Little Dunkeld, near to which at Inishavon is a good Inn and Offices lately built and very clean kept for the proper accomodation of passengers. Below that is Birnam Wood of which the Witches spoke who met MacBeth. Below that is the Hospital of Dalpourie supported by the Grantully family. At Murthly is one of the Seats of Sir George Stewart of Grantully, a very pleasant and well laid out situation.....(And so on, even more sketchily, down the Tay. 29 of 43 of the pages of this narrative have here been re-transcribed. Also within the bound volume are extracts by the original transcriber of documents from Court Books, the Black Book of Taymouth etc relevant to her MacDougalls and..)

Some further traditions by Ewen MacDougall

No1. Some differences having happened between the Atholl and Ogilvy, now of Airley their families, the Atholians headed by John Stewart commonly called Iain Dubh Biorach of Shierglass, Captain of Atholl, went and took away the Creach or cattle of Airley's tenants after fighting with and defeating the owners. Upon which occasion the Atholl piper composed and played the Pibreachd or march still called Bodich nan Brioggnish. This Iain Dubh Biorach seems to me to be John Stewart, first of Shierglas, of the family of Ladywell, a branch of the Family of Fincastle who descended from the old family of Garth. So the Bodich nan Briguish is the (Stewart) March, and not Lord Breadalbane's, as erronously supposed from its having been played by Donal Ruadh Mac….., Piper to Iain Glas, first Earl of Breadalbane, at the Blair in Gallie.

No 2. Some differences having happened between the Earls of Athol and Argyle the Tenants and dependents of the Earl of Argyle came and took the Creach of Athol, where upon the Atholians gathered and went and took that of Argyle, and the one continued to take that of the other for three different times, after which time the men of both countries met in the Hill of Acharn in Taymouth District and fought, in which engagement the Argyle men gained the victory. Those slain thereat were carried doen in sledges and buried in a Knoll in Kenmore Park, thro which a road was made last year when some of their skulls and other bones were found in graves laid and covered with flags.

No3. A famous robber from the North Countrie called MacGhilleshealich came with his men to take the creach of the then Laird of Menzies and his tenants, and it being harvest time, a man went into a Stook of corn, and fired a shot at the Robbers whereupon they instantly fled, thinking that every stook covered a man in hiding. The Gun which either belonged to MacGhilleshealich when it was fired, was in the Bolfracks Family until, as is stated given up by the late Bolfracks to the Laird of Menzies.

No 4. The MacGregors of Glenurchay who were then very numerous, went to the south country, as is though Monteith, and carried off the Creach of some people there which they drove through Glen Lochy, on their way through which glen, they met with a man who was coming out at his own door on the farm of Wester Kenknock in order to yoke his horse to the plough, from whom they demanded his horse to carry a sick member of their company, and he having refused their request they instantly stabbed him to death, whereupon notice was sent to Sir Duncan Dubh who was then at Finlarig who instantly sent for some king's men then in the Castle of Doune, who set off immediately and joined some Breadalbane men who were waiting them in the head of Glen Lochy, and upon the next day, after the aforesdaid man was killed in Kenknock, fought with and killed the greatest part of the MacGregors, at the battle of Beinloaig, which was the last gathering of that part of the then Kingdom of Scotland.

No 5. A robber from the north having brought a Creach from Strathearn was met at the south end of the Bridge of Dochart by the then Laird of Macnab who was married to one of the seven daughters of Sir John Campbell of Glenorchy, and who was grandfather to the late Francis Macnab of MacNab, and he having refused the robber and his party access through his land the robber drew his sword and attacked MacNab, who although very stout was obliged to retire, whereupon Donul Murdoch MacNab, then in Sleich of Kinnell, stood in his Chief's place, and obliged the robber to deliver up his sword, the people of that neighbourhood having convened, the Robber and his party were obliged to give up the Creach which was returned to its owners.

No 6. The Stewarts of Appine, and the MacLaurins of Balquidder, who are descendants of the Boyles, now Earls of Glasgow having had some differences, the Appine men and their followers came to Balquidder and took the Creach of the MacLaurins of whom by the Mother Dougall Stewart first of Appine, natural son of John, last Lord of Lorne, afterwards of Invermeath etc which was the title of his ancestors. The Maclarens who were then very numerous and strong having followed the Appine men ovetook them at a place on the east side of the river Urchay, (at the pool of Bindourain, the famous deer forest) in Leckado, where they fought with great vigour on both sides, and where the Stewarts would have been cut off, had not the Laird of Glenorchy gone to their assistance from his house, either in the island of Loch Toilleadh, or from his Castle in Achallader, both in the Braes of Glenorchy, notwithstanding whereof the Maclarens carried back their cattle, leaving most of their men slain, who with those of Appine gathered into heaps, and buried over which heaps small stons were put, which are still to be seen.

No 7. The MacDougalls of Nether Lorn a branch of the Lord Lorn, who were then also very numerous and strong, and whose seat was the Castle of Armady, having differed with the Clan Donochy of Struan, they came to Rannoch, and carried away the Creach of the inhabitants, who having gathered and followed came up with the MacDougalls between Druinliairt and Glensrae in Glenurchay where they fought bitterly, the Rannoch men were slain and their Chief fled with difficulty. The slain were buried in the same way as those who fell on Lecado, and the cairns are still called Cairn nan Rannoch, or Rannoch Men's Cairns, and their arms cast into a small Loch near the Cairns called Lochan nan Arn. (See In Famed Breadalbane. p47)