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Origines parochiales Scotiae.

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ORIGINES
PAROCHIALES SCOTIA.

THE ANTIQUITIES

ECCLESIASTICAL AND TERRITORIAL

SCOTLAND.

VOLUME SECOND.
IN TWO PARTS. PART II.

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A TABLE

O !•'

THE CONTENTS OF VOLUME II.
PART II.

ADVERTISEMENT
PREFACE

DIOCESE OF R O S S.

KINTAIL • .... 391,836

LOCHALSH . .... 395,836

LOCHCARKON . . . 398,83(5

APPLECROSS . . . 402,830

GAIBLOCH ...... 405,836

LOCHBEOOM ...... 407, 83G

KINCARDINE . . . 4]^

EDDERTOUN ..... 414

TAIN . . . 416,830

TARBAT . .... 433,837

^TIG<J . . . 454,837

KILMUIH EASTEK ... .. . 459

LOGIE EASTER ..... 406, 838

ROSKEEN ...... 468,838

ALNESS ...... 472

KILTEARN ...... 477

LUMLAIR . . . . . 481, 838

DINGWALL . .... 484, 838

FODDERTY . . . 498, 839

TABLE OF

KlXXETTES . . . 501

CONTIX ..... 504

KILMOBACK . • • 507,840

URRAY . . 518

KILCHRIST . • 522

KILLEARNAN . . • 524,840

KILMUIR WKSTKII . • 531

SUDDV . 537

AVOCII .... . 541,843

LOGIE WESTKU ..... 548

URQUUART .... 551

CULLICUDDEN ..... 552

KlRRMICHAEL ..... 556

CROMARTV . . . 558,843

KOSEMARKIE ..... 567, 843

LOCUIXETHKRKTH ..... 593, 845

KYXTERYTH ..... 593

ARDERSIER 593

DIOCESE OF CAITHNESS.

DORXOCH ...... 597, 845

GOLSPIE ...... 648,845

CRIECH ...... 684

ASSYNT ...... 692

LAIRG ...... 697

DURXESS . .... 701,845

FARR ...... 707,846

ROGART ...... 718

CLYXE ...... 722

LOTH . . . 730

KILDOXAN . . 734,846

THE CONTENTS.

REAY .... 742,846

THCRSO • .... 747,846

HALKIRK (Modern) .... 755

SKINNET . ... 756

HALK.IRK (Ancient) .... 757

SPITTAL ...... 757

LATHERON ...... 762

WlCK - . . 771,846

WATTEN ..... 731

BOWER ..... 783

OLRICK ..... 786

DUNNET .... 788

CANNISBAY . . ... 791,846

DIOCESE OF ARGYLE.

DEANEKY OF KINTYRE.

KlNTYRE ..... 819

KlLBLANE ...... 820

KlLCHOUSLAND ..... 821

KlLMAROW . . . 821

KlLLEAN . . . 821

KlI.CALMONEI,L ..... 821

KlLBERRY ...... 822

NORTH KXAHDALE ... . 822

DEANERY OF GLASSARY.

GLASSARY
DUNOOX

TABLE OF

STUACHUR
LOCHGOILHEAI)

KlLMORICH

TNVERAHAY

823
823

824
824

DEANERY OF GLASSARY OR OF LORN.

KlLMARTIX

CHAIGXISH

824
825

DEANERY OF LORN.

KlI.CHATTAN
KlLBRANDON
KlLBHIDE .
KlLMORE
KlLCHRENAN

IXISHAII,
MUCKAIKX .
GLENORCHY

AllDCHATTAX
LlSMORE

825
825
826
826
826
827
827
827
827

DEANERY OF MORVERN.

KLANFINAN

AKASAIG

GLEXELW

828
829
82!)

THE CONTENTS.

DIOCESE OF THE ISLES.

KlXGARTH ..... 831

KOTHESAY ...... 832

KlLBRIDE ...... &33

KILMORIE .... . 833

KILAKROW .... . 833

KILCHOMAN ..... 833

COLONSAY ...... 833

IONA .... 834

KlLNINIAN ...... 835

SOROBY ...... 835

KlRKAPOLL ..... 835

COLL ...... 835

KILDONAN ...... 836

CANNA ...... 836

UIG 836

ADVERTISEMENT.

IN announcing the completion of the SECOND VOLUME of this Work,
entirely from the pen of Mr. BRICHAN, and which bears the impress of
that laborious research and patient investigation for which that gentle
man is so distinguished, the Publisher ventures to solicit attention to its
usefulness and importance as an historical record, containing, as it does,
so many matters of importance to all Scotsmen never before given in
a collected view, and drawn chiefly from original documents, throwing
much light upon the history, antiquities, and manners of the country,
from the most remote periods on record. The present Part contains
the Dioceses of Ross and CAITHNESS, with additions to the Dioceses of
ARGYLE and the ISLES in the form of an Appendix.

The two Volumes embrace a large portion of the South of
Scotland, rich in ecclesiastical remains, and the whole Western Coast
and Isles as well as the Northern Peninsula, hitherto unillustrated by
any writer conversant in antiquities.

It is believed that the history of the many Churches, Districts,
and Families here given, the fixing of previously doubtful localities, and
the successful correction of traditionary and local errors, will give satis
faction to all who take an interest in Scottish antiquities.

THE PKEFACE.

THE learned editor of the first part of the present volume has remarked that the
chief interest of that part is ecclesiastical and centres in the great parent institution
of lona whose history is there detailed. It will be found that the chief interest of
the second part now published arises from a different source. The records of the
bishopricks of Boss and Caithness are not known to exist ; and those of the priory
of Beauly and the abbey of Fearn, the former of which were extant in the seven
teenth century, cannot now be found — the principal materials of their scanty early
history existing in copies of some Beauly charters preserved by Macfarlane and in the
original of at least one of the later Fearn charters preserved at Balnagown. A single
document of early date and of great interest already printed by the Bannatyne Club,
the charter of Bishop Gilbert instituting the chapter of Caithness, is still in the
Dimrobin charter chest, in which are also some later documents relative to the
ecclesiastical lands. The religious houses which existed in the diocese of Caithness,
none of them of great extent or wealth, seem to have decayed at a comparatively
early period, almost verifying the remark of an old writer quoted in the text, that
the climate was too cold and the soil too barren ' for that fry to nestle in.' Memo
rials indeed of an era preceding all written records will be found in the following
parochial histories in the case of churches and other localities still bearing the
names of Saint Columba of Hi, of Saint Malrube of Applecross, of Saint Congan of
Lochalsh, and even of Saint Ninian of Galloway, with other saints of less note. But
two centuries have passed since the church of Saint Barr of Dornoch was removed.

THE PREPACK.

and the day of his anniversary was held as a fair to a still later period. The saint
himself is now forgotten in the place, but the memory of Saint Fergus of Wick is
still preserved in the parish whose church was dedicated to his honour. Traces also
of Norse occupation and power will be seen in part of the ecclesiastical histories
here given. The interesting and not very recent notices of the church of Kildoiuin
and its connexion with the abbey of Scone — a connexion apparently in some manner
depending on that of the earls of Caithness and Orkney with the earls of Athole —
scarce form an exception from the general rule ; and altogether the materials available
for a parochial church history of the two dioceses are meagre in the extreme.

The great interest therefore of the present part is territorial, and lies chiefly in
the authentic history of certain districts including that of the prevailing families, now
presented to the reader in a form and with a minuteness entirely unprecedented — in
the fixing of several previously doubtful localities — and in the successful correction of
various local and traditionary errors. As examples of territorial connected with family
history may be mentioned the histories of the earls of Ross — of the Bissets and other
families of the Ard — of the lordship of Ardmanach — of the baronies of Avoch.
Cromarty, Skelbo, and Pronsy — of the earldom of Sutherland — of the districts of
Assynt and Strathnaver — of the lands in Caithness held by the Federeths, Chens.
Keiths, Sutherlands, Sinclairs, and Oliphants — and of the older and also the more
recent earldom of Caithness. Even the short notice of the somewhat modern family
of Grot is not without its interest, and many others might be instanced.

The obscurity which rested on the early history of the Freskyns of Moray and
Sutherland has not been removed ; but their possession of the district originally
named Sudrland ( Suthyrlandia) at a period probably anterior to that of Hugh the
son of Freskyn — the property of Strathnaver, held at a period scarcely less remote
by their kinswoman Johanna the wife of Freskyn of DiuTus — and the undoubted fact
of the lineal descent of the present earls of Sutherland from Hugh Freskyn — render
it very probable that the connexion of the family with the territory of Sutherland
stretches much farther into antiquity than we have now the means of fixing with
certainty. Of the descent of the earls of Caithness from the Norwegian jarls of
Caithness arid Orkney there can be no doubt, the dubious point in connecting their

THE PREFACE. xxi

history being the time and manner of the division of the old Caithness district, a
point involved in the same obscurity with the early history of the Freskyns.

As instances of the ascertainment of doubtful localities we have in the present
part the identification of the site of Ethirdover (formerly supposed to be Eddertoun
on the Dornoch Firth) with that of the Redcastle or castle of Ardmanach in Kil-
learnan — a matter left unsettled by the acute and learned Lord Hailes, and since
undecided by antiquarians ; of the promontory named Torfnes (formerly believed to be
Tarbatness in Boss) with Trouphead in BamTshire ; and perhaps also of the district
of Strathnaver with the Dales of Caithness — the latter being usually identified with
Dale in Halkirk. The site of Dunscath, formerly fixed, is confirmed by the notices
now given, especially by those in which it is connected with the ferry of Cromarty
and included in the lordship of Ardmanach, lying, with the single exception of
Dunscath, on the south side of the Cromarty Firth, It may not be out of place
to intimate an opinion not hazarded in the text, that the Dufeyras of the Sagas,
an emporium of Moray and hitherto conjectured to be Banff, was no other than the
old Roman station in the parish of Duff us, known to geographers as Alata Castra
and Ptoroton, to which its Norse occupiers subsequently applied their usual term
Burgh, and which still bears the name Burghead.

Of the correction of local or traditionary errors the intelligent reader local or
general will detect many interesting examples. An instance will be found in the case
of the romantic Ross-shire lake Lochmaree, originally known as Lochewe (the name
still applied to the arm of the Atlantic into which it falls), subsequently styled Loch-
mulruy from a chapel or cemetery on one of its islands dedicated to Saint Malrube,
and latterly corrupted into Lochmaree (Loch Malreeve) and locally fancied to be
named from the Virgin Mary. A conjecture given in a foot-note relative to the
etymology of the name Dunrobin may be worth the attention of the antiquary, espe
cially as the authentic history of the district and of its earls proves that the usual
etymology is wholly fanciful.

In addition to the three points of special interest now indicated a fourth will
occasionally occur to the reader in the curious forms of rent, tenure, and measures
of land anciently prevalent in the districts embraced in the present part, some of

XX11 THE PREFACE.

which appear to be entirely local, while others have been imported from Orkney or
from Norway.

There is in the General Register House a very interesting rent-roll of the earldom
of Sutherland dated early in the sixteenth century, which might have been given in
the appendix, but is rather too lengthy for that purpose.

The author of the present volume and of a large part of Vol. I. is solely respon
sible also as editor for that portion of the work which embraces the history of the
diocese of Caithness, and for the appendix in its present shape. For ready access to
the materials from which that history is compiled he has been much indebted to the
courtesy of His Grace the Duke of Sutherland — of the late James Loch Esquire
of Uppat — of U. Gray Esquire, Golspie — of David Laing Esquire of the Signet
Library, secretary to the Bannatyne Club — of Joseph Robertson Esquire, author of a
large portion of Vol. I. — and of Cosmo Innes Esquire, P. C. S., editor of the greater
part of the Work.

JAMES B. BIUCHAN.

Edinburgh, October, 1855.

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ORIGINES

PAROCHIAL ES S C 0 T I

ORIGINES PAROCHIALES SCOTLE:

KINTAIL.

Kyntaill ' — Kintale2 — Kintaill3 — Kildowich.4 (Map, No. 1.)

ABOUT the middle of the last century Kintail was divided into two parishes, Kintail and Glensheil.0

The old and extensive parish of Kintail is bounded on the south by Glenelg, runs northward
along the boundary between Inverness and Ross as far as Loch Monar, and has on the north
west the water of Long and the salt-water lochs Lochlong and Lochalsh. It is deeply indented
by Loch Duich, a salt-water loch running southward from the junction of the former two.
The district is entirely mountainous, and attains its greatest height in Tullochard OH the
north of Loch Duich.6 Its chief valleys are Glensheil, Glenlichd, and Glenelchaig.7

There appears to be no notice of this church before the Reformation, except its entry in
the Libellus Taxationum.8 It was a common church of the canons of Ross. In 1574 King
James VI. presented John Murchesoun ' to the haill commoun kirk baith parsonage and vica
rage of Kintale.'9 In 1582 the same king presented Donald Murchesoun to the same church,
then vacant by the demission of John Murchesoun.10

The church, apparently dedicated to Saint Duthace bishop of Ross, stood at Kilduieh at the
head of Loch Duich.11 It was burned in 1719, and has been since repaired or rebuilt.1- The
church of Glensheil was built in 1758 east of Loch Duich on the estate of Letterfearn.13

In Baiamund's Roll the church is rated at 53s. 4d. ; in the Libellus Taxationum it is valued at
£26, 13s. 4d.u In 1574 Mr. John Murchesoun reader at Kintale had £18 as his yearly stipend.15

The lands of Kintail are said to have been granted by King Alexander III. to Colin an
Irishman of the family of Fitzgerald for service done at the battle of Largs. The charter is not
extant and its genuineness has been doubted.16 In 1292 the sheriffdom of Skey, erected bv King

1 Circa A.D. 1535. Libellus Taxationum. 14 MSS. in Adv. Lib. lb Book of Assignations.

2 A.D. 1574. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlii. fol. 89. 16 The following are its terms as found in a copy of

3 A. D. 1574. Book of Assignations. A. D. 1582. the 17th century, said to be in the handwriting of tlw
Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 51. first earl of Cromerty.

4 A. D. 1600-1640. Macfarlane's Geog. Collect. MS. Alexander Dei gratia rex Scottorum omnibus probif
Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu. hominibus tocius terre sue clericis et laicis salutem.

5 New Stat Ace. 6 Old and New Stat. Ace. Sciant presentes et futuri me pro fideli seruicio mic/ii
7 New Stat. Ace. 8 MS. in Adv. Lib. navato per Colinum Hybernnm tarn in hello quam in

9 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlii. fol. 89. pace idea dedisse et hac presenti carlo, mea concessisse

10 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 51. dicto Colino et ejus successoribus tolas terras de Kintailc-

11 Macfarlane. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu. Old Tenendas de nobis et successoribus nostrit in liberam
Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace. baroniamcumgnardia- Reddendo servicium forimecum

12 Old Stat Ace. New Stat Ace. 13 New Stat. Ace. et fidelitatem • Testibui Andrea episcopo Moraviensi •

392 ORIGINES [KIXTAIL.

John Balliol, included the lands of the earl of Eos in North Argail, a district which comprehended
Kintail and several other large parishes in Ross.1 Between 1306 and 1329 King Robert Bruce
confirmed to the earl of Ross all his lands, including North Argyle (Borecdis Ergadia)? In 1342
William earl of Ross, the son and heir of the deceased Hugh earl of Ross, granted to Reginald
the son of Roderic (Ranald Rorisoune) of the Isles the ten davachs (or ten pennylands) of Kintalc
in North Argyle.3 The grant was afterwards confirmed by King David II.* About the year
1340 Ranald was succeeded by his sister Amie the wife of John of Isla.5 Between the years
1362 and 1372 William earl of Ross, the son and heir of the deceased Hugh earl of Ross,
exchanged with his brother Hugh of Rosse lord of Fylorth and his heirs his lands of all
Ergile, with the castle of Elandonan, for Hugh's lands in Buchan.6

In 14C3 the lands of Kintail were held by Alexander Mackenzie.7 Kenneth his son, who suc
ceeded him, was dead before 1493, and was succeeded by his son Kenneth Oig.8 In 1509 King
Jame.s IV. granted to John Makkenze of Keantalle (the brother of Kenneth Oig) the 40 mark-
lands of Keantalle, namely, the davach of Cumissaig, the davach of Letterfearn, the davach of
Gleanselle, the davach of Glenlik, the davach of Letterchall, the two davachs of Croo, and three
davachs between the water of Keppaeh and the water of Lwyng, with the castle and fortalice of
Eloandonnan, in the earldom of Ross and sheriifdom of Innernis, with other lands in Ross, which
John had resigned, and which the king then erected into the barony of Eleandonan.9 In 1530
King James V. granted to James Grant of Freuchy and Johne M'Kinze of Kintale liberty to go to
any part of the realm on their lawful business.10 In 1532, 1538, and 1540 the same John M'Kenich
of Kintaill appears in record.11 In 1542 King James V. granted to John M'Kenzie of Kintaill
the waste lands of Monar, lying between the water of Gleneak on the north, the top or summit
of Landovir on the south, the torrent of Towmuk and Inchelochill on the east, and the water of
Bernis running into the water of Long on the west — and also the waste lands of lie Ned, lying
between Loch Boyne on the north, Loch Tresk on the south, lie Ballach on the west, and Dawelach
on the east — in the earldom of Ross and sheriffdom of Innernes — lands which were never in the
king's rental and never yielded any revenue — for the yearly payment of £4 to the king as earl
of Ross.1- In 1543 Queen Mary granted to Kenneth Mackenze of Kintaill and Isabel Stewart his
wife the lands of Auchnaceyric, Lakachane, Strome-ne-mowklach, Kilkinterne, the two Ratega-
nis, Torlousicht, Auchnashellicht, Auchnagart, Auchcwrane, lie Knokfreith, Aucharskelane, and

Wallero Stewart' Ihnrico de BaliotK camerario • Ar- ' Acta Parl. Scot., vol. i. p. 91.

mildo de Campania- Tlicmia Ilostiario vicecomitc de '2 Rob. Index, p. 16, no. 7. Regist. Moraviensc, p. 342.

Jimeriies- Apnd Kincardine ix die Ja.nua.rii anno '•> Rob. Index, p. 48, no. 1; p. 99; p. 100, no. 1. 4 Ibid.

rcflni domini regie xvi. 5 Gregory, p. 27. 6 Balnagown Charters.

If tlie charter be genuine, it is not of Alexander III. " Gregory, p. 83. 8 Ibid. Acta Dom. Cone., p. 327.

or connected with the battle of Largs (1263). Two of 9 Keg. Mag. Sig., lib. xv. no. 89. Gregory, p. 83.

the witnesses, Andrew bishop of Moray and Henry de 10 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. viii. fol. 149.

Ii.-illicil chamberlain, would correspond with the IGth " Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. ix. fol. Ill ; vol. xii. fol. 21 ;

year of Alexander II. The writers of the family his- vol. xiv. fol. 32.

tory of the Mackenzies assert also charters of David 12 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxviii. no. 417. Neither the
II. (1360) and of Robert II. (1380) to ' Murdo filius Great Seal Record, nor any accessible map, nor the
Kenneth! de Kintail,' but without furnishing any Statistical or other accounts, all'ord the means of de-
description or means of testing their authenticity. tcrmining whether those lands lie ill Kintail or in
No such charters are recorded. some of the neighbouring parishes.

KINTAIL.] PAROCHI ALES. 393

Malegane, in the lordship of Kintaill, and other lands in Eoss, extending in all to 36 marks,
which he had resigned.1 In 1551 the same queen granted to John M'Kenze of Kintaill and
Kenzeoch M'Kenze his son and apparent heir a remission for the violent taking of John Hectour
M'Kenzesone of Garlouch, Doull Hectoursone, and John Towach Hectoursone, and for keeping
them in prison, ' vsurpand thairthrow our Souerane Ladyis autorite.'2 In 1554 there appear
in record John Mackenze of Kintaile and his son and heir apparent Kenneth Mackenze of
Brahan (apparently the same persons that appear in 1551). 3 In 1562 there appears in record
Kenzeoch M'Kinzie of Kintaill, apparently the heir of John.* In 1569 the same Kenzeoch was
heir in remainder to the chapel lands of Apilcroce, then granted by Sir William Stewart the
chaplain to Rory Makkangze and his heirs male.5 In 1570 King James VI. granted to Coline
Makcainze, the son and apparent heir of the deceased Canzcoch Makcainze of Kintaill, permission
to be served heir in his minority to all the lands and rents in the sheriffdom of Innernes in
which his father died last vest and seised, provided that his entry thus should not prejudice
the King or those who held of him the ward and relief of the lands.6 In 1572 the same king
confirmed a grant made bj Colin Makcanze of Kintaill to Barbara Graunt his affianced spouse,
in fulfilment of a contract between him and John Grant of Frewchie dated 25 April 1571,
of his lands of Climbo, Keppach, and Ballichon, Mekle Innerrenned, Devisduan Beg, Litill
Innerrenned, Devisduan Moir, Auchadrein, Kirktoun, Ardtulloch, Roroch, Quhissill, Tullych,
Derewall and Nvik, Inchero, Morowoch, Glenlik, Innersell and Nuik, Achazarge, Kinloch-
beaneharan, and Innerchonray, in the earldom of Ross and sheriffdom of Innernes,7 In 1574
the same Colin was served heir to his father Kenneth M'Keinzie in the davach of Lettir-
fernane, the davach of Glenschall, and other lands, in the barony of Ellendonane, of the
old extent of 5 marks.8 In 1586 King James VI. granted a remission to Colin M'Kainzie
of Kintaill and Rodoric M'Kainzie of Auchterfailie his brother for being art and part in
the cruel murder of Rodoric M'Allester in Stroll, Gorrie M'Allester his brother in Stron-
croag, Ronnald M'Gorrie the son of the latter — John Roy M'Allane V'Allester in Peitnean,
John Dow M'Allane V'Allester in Kirktoun of Lochcarroun, Alexander M'Allanroy, ser
vitors of the deceased Rodoric — Sir John Monro in Lochbrume, John Monro his son, John
Monro Hucheoun — and the rest of their accomplices, under silence of night upon the lands
of Ardmanichtyke (or Ardnachfaich), Dalmartene, Kirktoun of Lochcarroun, Blahat, and other
parts within the baronies of Lochcarroun, Lochbrume, Ros, and Kessane, in the sheriffdom of
Innernes ; and for all other past crimes, except treason against the King's person, and the murder
of his father, grandfather, and regent.9 In 1633 George M'Keinzie was served heir male to his
brother Colin Earl of Seaforth, Lord M'Keinzie of Kintail, in the lands and barony of Ellen-
donan, including the lands of Kintaill, namely, the davach of Coysag, the davach of Letterfairne,

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxviii. no. 524. Reg. Sec. Sig., 6 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxviii. fol. 119.
vol. xvii. fol. 56. 6 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxix. fol. 8.

2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiv. fol. 75. " Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xl. fol. 94.

3 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxii. no. 211. 8 Retours.

4 Coll. de Reb. Alb., pp. 143, 144. 9 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liv. fol. 98.

VOL. II. 3 D

394 ORIGINES [KIXTAIL.

the davach of Glenlick, the davach of Glenscheill, the davach of Lettirchoull, the two davaehs
of Croo, and three davaehs between the water of Keppach and the water of Luing, with other
lands, together of the old extent of £20.1 In 1669 Colin Earl of Balcarras was served heir
to his father Earl Alexander in the barony of Handonan or Kintaill, including Kintaill, Loch-
broome, Lochals, Lochcarrone, Kessurine, and other lands in Ross.2

Near the mouth of Loch Long is a small village named Dornie.3

Near the village, on a rock insulated at high water, are the ruins of the ancient fortress of
Ellandonan, now known as Castle Dounan.* It is believed to have been built by King Alexander
II. or III. as a place of defence against the Danes or Norwegians.5 In 1331 Randolph Earl
of Moray, then Warden of Scotland, despatched his crowner to Elandonan to prepare the castle
for his reception, and to arrest ' mysdoaris,' fifty of whom that officer put to death, and placed
their heads on the top of the castle walls.6 In 1350 William Earl of Ross and lord of Sky dates
a charter at Elandonan, and about the same period the castle was included in an exchange of his
lands in Ergile with his brother Hugh for the latter's lands in Buchan.7 Fordun about 1400 men
tions Elindonan as one of the insule lacuales with a castle.8 In 1503 Alexander Earl of Huntlie
undertook to reduce the castles which were considered ' rycht uecessar for the danting of the His,'
especially ' the Strome and Alanedonane,' and to furnish or raise men to keep them when reduced,
King James IV. engaging to provide a ship with artillery for the purpose.9 In 1509 that king, as
before stated, granted the castle to John Makkenze with the lands of Kintail.10 In 153!) Donald
Gorme of Sleat and his allies, aftor laying waste Trouterness in Sky and Kenlochew in Ross,
attempted to take the castle of Elandonan, but, Donald being killed by an arrow shot from the
walls, the attempt failed.11 In 1541 King James V. granted a remission to Donald's accomplices,
namely, Archibald His alias Archibald the Clerk, Alexander M'Conill Gallich, John Dow
Donaldsoun, Neil M'Ewin M'Lauchlane, Donald M'Ewin M'Lauchlane, Niel M'Ewiri M'Kerlich,
Donald M'Anguis M'Ane M'Gillcrnartcne, Alexander M'Breif, Finlay M'Quene, Tarmot Ger,
Patrik M'Conill Meill, Angus the Clerk, Gillereoch M'Queane, Donald Og, John Glas Gow, Ewin
M'Kynnane Murchew, Rodoric Mantochsoun, Donald Dow M'Gillespe, Hector Cam, Donald
M'Ane Roy, John Bane, Finlay M'Ferquhersoun, Donald Boreoch M'Cloid, Niel Cuke, Donald
Keill Ranaldsoun, Gillebreid M'Gilleangane, Gillecallum M'Federis, and his brother Peter
M'Federis, for their treasonable burning of the castle of Allanedonnand and of the boats there,
for the ' hereschip' of Kenlochew and Trouteness, and for all past actions except treason against
the King's person.12 ' The castell of Ylen Donen,' says a writer of the seventeenth century, ' is
composed of a strong and fair dungeon upon a rock, with another tower compasd with a fair
barmkin wall, with orchards and trees, all within ane yland of the lenth of twa pair of butts

1 Ketours. ' Balnagown Charters.

2 Iletours. " Scotichronicon, lib. ii. cap. 10.

3 New Stat. Ace. and Maps. Anderson's Guide, 9 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. ii. pp. 240, 249.
p. 282. 10 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xv. no. 89.

* Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace. Anderson, p. 282. " Gregory, pp. 145, 146. Border Minstrelsy. An-
5 Old Stat. Ace. Anderson, p. 282. derson, p. 283. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xv. fol. 46.

' Wyntownis Cronykil,c. xxiiii. 11. 119-144. i2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xv. fol. 47.

J.OCHALSH.] PAEOCHIALES. 395

almost round. It is sayd that of old that castel consisted of seaven tours.'1 It is marked by
Blaeu as Chastel Ylen Donen.2 It was destroyed by a ship of war in 1719, subsequently to a
battle fought in Glensheil between the royal troops and those of the Pretender.3 One side
of the tower or keep, which was 80 feet in height, and ruins of the other buildings remain.1

Near the manse of Kintail stood in 1790 Dounan Diarmod, a circular fort of stone 20 feet
high and 20 feet wide.5

Opposite Ellandonan on the coast of Letterfearn are the remains of a circular dun named
Castle Gruagach, of which the walls are 9 feet in thickness, and the internal diameter is 25 feet.6

LOCHALSH.

Lochelch7 — Lochelsche8 — Clachan Loclialse9 — Lochals10 — Lochallis11 —
Kilchoen in Locliaelsh12 — Kilchoen13 — Lochailse.14 (Map, No. 2.)

THIS parish includes a long strip of land stretching from south west to north east, the southern
portion forming a peninsula having Lochcarron on the north, and Lochalsh, Lochduich, and
Lochlong on the south.15 The northern and inland part is mountainous.16

We are informed by the Aberdeen Breviary that Saint Congan (about A. D. 600), having left
Ireland with his sister Saint Kentigerna and her sons, Felan, Furseus, and Vlcan, landed at
Lochelch in North Argyle, where he appears to have died, and where Saint Felan his nephew
afterwards built a church and dedicated it to Saint Congan.17 The subsequent history of the
church previously to the Reformation seems to be unknown, with the exception of the fact
that it was latterly a common church of the canons of Ross. In 1569 King James VI. pre
sented Alexander Fraser or Moir to the parsonage of Lochelsche, 'vakand as ane commoun
kirk of Eos.'18 In 1574 the same Alexander was reader at Lochelshe and Lochcarroun.19 In
1576 King James confirmed a grant by John bishop of the Isles to the deceased Angus Mak-
callister of Glengarrie of a markland of Clachan Lochalse.20 In 1582 the same king presented
Master Murdo Murchesoun to the parsonage of Lochals and Lochcarran (then apparently
united), vacant by the decease of Alexander M'Gruder.21

1 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect. 2 Blaeu's Map. » A. D. 1582. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 59.

3 Old Stat. Ace. Anderson, p. 280. 12 A. D. 1600-1640. Macfarlane's Geog. Collect.

« Old Stat. Ace. Anderson, p. 282. New Stat. Ace. 13 Circa A.D. 1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu.

5 Old Stat. Ace. 14 Circa A.D. 1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib.

6 Anderson, p. 285. New Stat. Ace. 15 New Stat. Ace. and County Maps.

7 A. D. 1510. Brev. Aberd. Prop. SS. pro temp. I6 New Stat. Ace.

estiv., fol. 126. " Brev. Aberd. Prop. SS. pro temp, estiv., fol. 126.

8 A. D. 1569. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxviii. fol. 61. 18 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxviii. fol. 61.
A. D. 1574. Book of Assignations. 19 Book of Assignations.

9 A. D. 1576. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xliii. fol. 83. *> Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xliii. fol. 83.

10 A. D. 1582. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 24. SI Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. ff. 24, 59.

396 ORIGLNES [LOCHALSH.

The church, dedicated to Saint Congan, stood at Kilchoan on the east shore of Lochalsh.1
Tlie present building was erected in 1641.2 Saint Congan was commemorated on the 20th
of February.3

In 1574 the reader at Lochelsche had for his stipend ' the haill commoun kirk of Lochelsche,
baith personaige and vicaraige,' the value of which however is not stated.*

The land of Lochalsh, as part of North Argyle, was included among the lands of the Earl
of Ros, in 1292 erected with others by King John Balliol into the sheriffdom of Skey.5 Be
tween 1306 and 1314 also it was the property of the Earl of Ross.6

In 1449 the lands of Lochalche were held by Celestine the brother of John Lord of the
Isles, styled Celestine of the Isles of Lochalche.7 The same Celestine appears in record in
1461, 1463, 1464, and 1472.8 In 1463 John of Yle, Earl of Ross and Lord of the Isles,
granted the lands of Lochalsche and others in Ross to his brother Celestine, and to his heirs
by his wife Finvola the daughter of Lachlan Macgillcone of Dowart, with remainder to his heirs
by any other wife (whom failing the lands were to revert to the Earl), for yearly payment of
six pennies blench fernie.9 In 1464 King James III. confirmed the grant.10 Celestine died in
1473, and was succeeded by his son Alexander, who appears in record in 1492, 1494, and 1495
as Alexander of the Isles of Lochalch.11 Alexander was dead in 1498, and his son Donald,
known as Donald Galda, and also as Sir Donald of the Isles of Lochalch, held the lands of
Lochalch till about the year 1518, and during the latter part of that period was noted for his
turbulence.12 In 1517 John Duke of Albany Regent appointed Colin Earl of Argyle, for
three years or more according to the Regent's pleasure, lieutenant of the Isles and of certain
other lands including Lochalche, for the purpose of establishing peace among the inhabitants.13
Sir Donald of Lochalche died about the year 1518, and left no male heir.1* In 1539 King
James V. granted anew to Alexander M'Kano M'A lister of Glengarre and Margaret Ylis his
wife in life rent, and to Angus M'Alister their son and apparent heir in heritage, the half
of the lands of Lochelch, which with other lands in Ross had been resigned by Margaret Ylis
(the sister and heiress of Sir Donald).15 In 1548 Queen Mary granted to James Grant of
Freuchy, assignee of his tenants, the liferent of the quarter davach of Inchcnarne and Ard-.
marrach, the quarter davach of Sellach, the quarter davach of Connachry, the quarter davach of
Ardelly, the quarter davach of Ardach and Auchtatorlyne, the half quarter davach of Nosti, the
quarter davach of Rewrag, the half davach of Ballimchroy, the half davach of Auchnahowgych,
the quarter davach of Cragy and Harsa, and the quarter davach of Durris, of the lands of

1 Macf'arlane. MS. Maps in Ail v. Lib. Blacu. 9 Keg. Mag. Sig., lib. vi. no. 116. 10 Ibid.

- Old Stat. Ace. 11 Gregory, p. 59. Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xiii. no. 203.

;1 Camerarius, p. 104. Coll. de Reb. Alb., pp. 84, 85. Acta Dom. Cone., p. 359.

1 Book of Assignations. 12 Gregory, pp. 106, 113-126. Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xiii.

3 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. i. p. 91. no. 336; lib. xix. no. 133. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. v. ff. 2,

6 Regist. Moravieuse, p. 342. Rob. Index, p. 16, 9, 26, 84, 101 ; vol. xiii. fol. 45.

no. 7. '3 Reg Sec gig., vol. v. fol. 102.

' Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xiii. no. 186. Gregory, pp. 41,59. " Gregory, pp. 126, 218.

b Argyle Charters. Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. vi. mi. 17, li Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxvi. no. 247. Keg. Sue. Sig.,

116; lib. xiii, no. 203. vol. xii. fol. 78.

LOCHALSH.] PAROCHIALES. 397

Lochelch, of the old extent of 12 marks, the liferent of which belonged to Alaster M'Keane
M'AJaster of Glengawrie ; and also the hereditary fee of the same 12 marklands, which be
longed in heritage to Angus the son and heir apparent of Alaster — which lands with others held
of the Queen for service of ward and relief had been apprised for the sum of £10,770, 13s. 4d.
in favour of James Grant for satisfaction of a ' spulzie' committed by Alaster, Angus, and their
accomplices.1 In 1554 (3 April) the same queen granted to John Grant, the son and heir
of the deceased James Grant of Fruchquhy, the relief of the same lands and others which
belonged to him in heritage.2 In the same year (24 November) Thomas Diugwell of Kildun sold
the same half of the lands of Lochelsche to Kenzeth Mackenze of Brahan, the son and heir apparent
of John Mackenze of Kintaile, to whom Queen Mary granted a crown charter of the lands.3
In 1492 Alexander of the Isles of Lochalch granted to Ewin the son of Alan, captain of
Clancamroun, Achenadariach and Lunde of the old extent of two marks ; Fairnamore, two
marks ; Culwoyr and Achmoir, two marks ; Fayrinnegveg and Fudanamine, and Acheache, two
marks ; Achechoynleich and Brayeintraye, two marks ; Culthnok, Achenacloich, Blaregarwe,
and Acheae, two marks ; Awnernis and Wochterory, two marks ; in the lordship of Lochalch.4
In 1495 King James IY. confirmed the grant.5 In 1528 the same 14 marklands were resigned by
Ewin Alansoun of Lochiell, and for his good service King James V. erected them and others in his
favour into the barony of Lochiell.6 In 1539 Ewin again resigned the lands of the barony,
including the 14 marklands of Lochalch, and the whole were then granted anew by King James
to Ewin Allansoun in liferent, and to his nephew Ewin Cammeroun in heritage.7 In 1548
Queen Mary granted to John Grant of Culcabok 5 marklands in Lochelche (part of the above
14), namely, the half davach of Achnadarrach and Lundy, the half davach of Fernagmoir, and
the quarter davach of Farnagbeg, Fynnyman, and Auchecroy, which belonged to Ewin Donald-
soun the nephew and heir of Ewin Alansoun, were held of the Queen by service of ward and
relief, and with other lands were apprised in favour of John Grant for the sum of £758,
12s. Id. as satisfaction for a ' spulzie' committed by Ewin and others.8 In the same year the
remaining 9 of the 14 marklands, namely, the half of the half davach commonly called the
davach of Fernabeg, Finneman, and Auchecroy, the half davach of Auchowlycht and Briatorich,
the half davach of Cuthok, Auchnacloch, and Blairgarrok, the half davach of Avarynnis,
Ochtirtirie, and Achich, and the half davach of Auchmoir and Killochir which belonged in
heritage to the same Ewin Donaldsoun, the nephew and heir of Ewin Alansoun of Lochelseli,
were in the same manner and for the same cause apprised in favour of James Grant of Freuehv,
to whom, as above stated, the 12 marklands called the half of Lochalsh were at the same time
apprised.9 In 1572 King James VI. granted to John Grant of Carron a crown charter of
5 marklands in Lochelsche, which were alienated to him in heritage by John Grant of Culcabok,

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxx. no. 314. Reg. Sec. Sig., 6 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxii. no. 52.
vol. xxii. fol. 4. " Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xiii. fol. 2.

2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxvii. fol. 22. 3 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxx. no. 263. Keg. Sec. Sig.,

3 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxii. no. 211. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxii. fol. 3.

vol. xxvii. fol. 87. 9 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxx. no. 314. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

4 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xiii. no. 203. 5 Ibid. vol. xxii. fol. 3.

398 ORIGINES [LOCHCARRON.

and which had of old belonged to the deceased Ewin Donaldsone, the nephew and heir of
the deceased Ewin Allanesoun.1 In 1583 the same king granted in heritage to Donald
M' Angus M'Allester of Glengarrie the nonentry and other dues of £20 lands in the earldom
of Boss and sheriffdom of Innernes, including the 14 marklands of Lochalch, and stated to have
been in the King's hands since the decease of Sir Donald Ylis of Lochels, Donald M'Allester's
predecessor and 'guidame's' brother.2 In 1611 John Grant of Glenmoristoun was served heir
to his grandfather John Grant of Culcabock in 5 marklands in Lochalsche.3

In 1633 George M'Keinzie was served heir-male to his brother Colin Earl of Seaforth,
Lord M'Keinzie of Kintail, in the lands and barony of Ellendonan, including the whole of the
lands and towns of Lochalsche of the old extent of £26, 13s., and with Lochbrein, Kissirin,
Assint, and Coegach, united into the barony of Lochalsche.4

LOCHCARRON.

Loclicarroun5 — Loclicarran6 — Chombrich Mulruy 7 — Clachan Mulruy .8
'(Map, No. 3.)

THIS parish includes a long narrow strip of hilly country extending about five miles north-west
from the river Carron and the arm of the sea called Lochcarron, from which it is named,
together with some detached lands lying within the parish of Applecross. On the coast are
a few islands.

Of the church there seems to be no notice till after the Eeformation. In 1574 Alexander
Eraser or Moir officiated as reader at Lochelsche and Lochcarroun.9 In 1582 King James VI.
presented Master Murdo Murchcsoun to the parsonage of Lochals and Lochcarran, vacant by
the decease of Alexander M'Grudcr.10

The church, dedicated to Saint Malrube, seems to have always stood on its present site near
the head of Lochcarron on its north-west shore.11 The present church was built in 1751.12

Near Attadale are two caves, styled by the inhabitants Uagh Ashoil (the stranger's cave),
and in their immediate neighbourhood a place of worship and a burying-ground.13

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xl. fol. 95. 9 Book of Assignations.

2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 189. 10 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. ff. 24, 59.

1 Retours. 4 Retours. " Macfarlane. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu. Mo-

5 A. D. 1574. Book of Assignations. A. D. 1600- dern Maps. The precincts of the church were of old
1 700. Macf'arlane's Geog. Collect. Circa A. D. 1010. a girth or sanctuary, as is implied in the name Chom-
MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. bricli Mulruy (the girth of Malrube). According to

6 A. D. 1582. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. ff. 24, 59. the Old Stat. Ace. it was formerly known as the Great
' A. D. 1000-1700. Macfarlane's Geog. Collect. Church of Lochcarron.

» A. D. 1GOO-1700. Macfarlane. Circa A. D. 1640. " Old and New Stat. Ace.
MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu. « Old Stat. Ace.

LOCHCARRON.] PAKOCHIALES. 399

The district of Lochcarron, as part of the lands of the Earl of Boss in North Argyle,
was included in the sheriffdom of Skey erected in 1292 by King John Balliol.1 Between 1306
and 1329 King Bobert Bruce confirmed to the Earl of Boss all his lands, which included North
Argyle, and among these expressly the lands of Tarrodall and others, apparently in Loch
carron.2

In 1463 John of Yle, Earl of Boss and Lord of the Isles, granted the lands of Lochcarryn,
Torvirtayne, Kischernis, and others in Boss to his brother Celestine of the Isles, and to his heirs
by Finvola the daughter of Lachlan Macgilleone of Dowart, with remainder to his heirs by any
other wife, on whose failure the lands were to revert to the Earl.3 In 1464 King James IV.
confirmed the grant.* In 1517 John Duke of Albany Begent of Scotland appointed Colin
Earl of Argyle, for three years or more at the Begent's pleasure, lieutenant of the Isles and of
certain other lands including Lochgarron and Kissirne, for the purpose of establishing peace
among the inhabitants.5

In 1472 Celestine of the Isles, lord of Lochalch, granted to Alan the son of Donald Duft'
captain of Clancamroun, and to his heirs, with remainder to the male heirs of Ewin the son of
Donald, the brother of Alan, the constabulary of the castle of Strome and the 12 marklands
of Kysryner (Kishorn) in the lordship and earldom of Boss and sheriffdom of Innernes, for the
maintenance and faithful keeping of the castle.6 In 1492 Alexander of the Isles of Lochalch
(the son of Celestine) granted to Ewin the son of Alan, captain of Clancamroun, 20s. of
Stromecarranach, 20s. of Slomba, 10s. of the quarter of Dovne, and 30s. of the three quarters
of Achinche, in the lordship of Locharrane and earldom of Boss.7 In 149o the grant was
confirmed by King James IV.8 In 1528 Ewin Alansoun of Lochiell resigned the same lands
and constabulary of Stroun, which King James V. then granted anew to him with other lands,
which for his good service he erected in his favour into the barony of Lochiell.9 In 1539
(6 March) the same king granted to Alexander M'Cane M'Alister of Glengarre and Margaret
Ylis his wife in liferent, and to their son and apparent heir Angus M'Alister in heritage, the
castle, fortalice, and manor of the lands of Strome, and half of the lands of Lochcarne and other
lands, in the earldom of Boss and sheriffdom of Innernys, which were resigned by Margaret
Ylis.10 In the same year (11 April) Ewin Allansoun resigned the lands and barony of Lochiell,
including the lands and castle granted to him in 1528, which King James then granted anew
to him in liferent, and to his nephew Ewin Cammeroun in heritage.11 In 1546 Queen Mary
granted to George Earl of Huntlie the escheat of certain lands which belonged in heritage to Ewin
Allansoun of Lochiell, and among these the lands of Strom and Kesrom in the earldom of Boss.12
In 1548 the same queen granted to John Grant of Culcabok the liferent of the quarter davaeh of
Auchinschallauch, the quarter davaeh of Dalmartyne, and the half davaeh of Torredaill, in Loch-

1 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. i. p. 91. ' Ibid.

2 Rob. Index, p. 16, nn. 5, 7. Regist. Moraviense, 9 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxii. no. 52.

p. 342. 10 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxvi. no. 247. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

3 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. vi. no. 116. 4 Ibid. vol. xii. fol. 78.

5 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. v. fol. 102. » Reg. Sec. Siff., vol. xiii. fol. 2.

f' Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xiii. no. 203. >3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xx. fol. 72.

400 OEIGINES [LOCHCAHRON.

arron, extending to 2£ marks old extent, and valued at 359 marks 3 shillings and 8 pence, belonging
to Alestar M'Kaane M'Alestar; and also the heritage of the same 2^ marklands, belonging to
Angus the son and apparent heir of Alestar ; which were held of the Queen by service of ward and
relief, and were with other lands apprised in favour of John Grant for satisfaction of a ' spulzie'
committed by Alestar, Angus, and their accomplices.1 In the same year Queen Mary granted
to James Grant of Freuchy the liferent of the quarter davach of Dalquharrane, the half quarter
davach of Ruboachanc, and the half davach of Attadale. together of the old extent of 4 marks
20 pence, of the lands of Locharrone, belonging to the same Alestar ; the heritage of the same
lands belonging to his son Angus ; and 13 marklands old extent of Kessern, namely, the davach
of Achbane, the davach of Auchnacreak, the davach of Stromecastell, Ardnagald, Ardnanaskene,
and Bleyat, and the quarter davach of Tannachtan, with the castle of Strome and the office of
constable of the same, belonging in heritage to Ewin Donaldsoun the nephew and heir of Ewin
Alansoun of Lochelsch ; all which with other lands held of the Queen had been apprised in
favour of James Grant for the same reason as the lands granted to John Grant.2 In 1553 the
Queen granted to George Earl of Huntlie the lands of Strome and Kesrome, which had been
forfeited by Ewin Allansoun of Lochiell for the crimes of treason and lese majesty.3 In 1554
she granted to John Grant, the son and heir of the deceased James Grant of Fruchquhy, the
relief of the lands- of Kessarne, Lochquharrone, and others, in the sheriffdom of Innernes. which
belonged to him in heritage.* In 1572 King James VI. confirmed a charter by the deceased
John Grant of Culcabok, alienating in heritage to John Grant of Carron the 1\ marklands of
Lochcarrou granted to the former by Queen Mary in 1548.5 In 1575 (G March) the same king
granted to Alexander Bayne of Tulch and Anne Frascr his wife, and their heirs, with remainder
to Alexander's heirs whomsoever, a crown charter of half the lands of Tovirtane with the salmon
fishings in salt water and fresh, sold to them by Thomas Dingwell of Kildun.6 In the same year
(0 May) he granted in heritage to John Diugwell of Kildun, the son and heir of the deceased
Thomas Dingwell of Kildun, the nonentry and other dues of the lands of Lochcarroun, Kisyrne,
and the fortalice of Strome, in the sheriffdom of Innernes, in the King's hands since the decease
of Thomas Dingwell in 1573, or of the last lawful possessor.7 In the same year (5 November)
he granted to Alexander Bane of Tullycht the nonentry and other dues of the lands of Torerdane
and Dalmartene in the sheriffdom of Innernes, in the hands of the crown since the decease of
Jonet and Margaret His, sisters and heiresses of those lands, or since the death of the last lawful
possessor.8 In 1583 the same king granted to Donald M' Angus M'Allester of Glengarrie the
nonentry and other dues of £20 lands in the earldom of Ross and sheriffdom of Innernes,
including 10 shillinglands of the Dun, 10s. of Slowmba, 20s. of Stroymcarroinche, 30s. of
Midstroyme, Stromecastell, and Rerog, 40s. of Achintrait, 40s. of Achwanye, 10s. of Safnachan,

1 Hog. Mag. Sig., lib. xxx. no. 263. Reg. Sec. Sig., 4 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxvii. fol. 22.
vol. xxii. fol. 3. '•> Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xl. fol. 95.

*• Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxx. no. 314. Reg. Sec. Sig., 6 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlii. fol. 117.
vol. xxii. fol. 4. ^ Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xliii. fol. 1.

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 145. 8 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xliii. fol. 39.

T.OCHCAREON.] PAROCHIALES. 401

10s. of Blyat, 20s. of Kassor, and 10s. of Kesser, in the King's hands since the decease of
Sir Donald Ylis of Lochels, Donald M'Allester's predecessor and ' guidarue's' brother.1 In 1584
King James confirmed a charter by John Dingwall of Kildun alienating to Colin M'Kainzie
of Kintaill and the heirs male of his body, with remainder to his heirs male whomsoever
bearing his surname and arms, the half of the lands of Achnesellache and Coulone the half of
of Edderdacharrane, the half of Attadill, the half of Rowborchan, the half of Braclache and
Dalmartein, held in feu by the deceased Robert Bane, with fishings in salt water and fresh, in
the barony of Lochercarne, earldom of Ros, and sheriffdom of Innernes.2 In the same year
Donald M'Angus M'Alcster of Glengarrie was served heir to his grandmother Margaret of His
in half of the lands of Auchnell, half of the lands of Arimachlag, half of the lands of Torrerdone
with the fishings, and half of the lands of Auchinsellach, in Lochcarren, of the old extent of
53s. 4d.3 In 1611 John Grant of Glenmoristoun was served heir to his grandfather John Grant
of Culcabock in 2^ marklands of Lochcarron (as in 1548 and 1572), of the old extent of 33s. 4d.4

In 1633 George M'Keinzie was served heir male to his brother Colin Earl of Seaforth, Lord
M'Keinzie of Kintail, in the lands and barony of Ellendonan, including the barony of Lochalsche,
in which was included the barony or the lands and towns of Lochcarron, namely, the towns
and lands of Auchnaschellach, Coullin, Edderancharron, Attadill, Ruychichan, Brecklach,
Achachoull, Delmartyne with fishings in salt water and fresh, Dalcharlarie, Arrinachteg, Achintie,
Slumba, Doune, Stromcarronach, in the earldom of Ross, of the old extent of £13, 6s. 8d. ; and
also the towns of Kisserin and lands of Strome with fishings in salt and fresh water, and the
towns and lands of Torridan, with the pertinents of the castle of Strome, Lochalsche, Lochcarron,
and Kissirin, including the davach of Achvanie, the davach of Auchnatrait, the davach of Strom-
castell, Ardnagald, Ardnerkan, and Blaad, and the half davach of Sannachan, Rassoll, Meikle
Strome, and Rerag, in the earldom of Ross, together of the old extent of £8, 13s. 4d.5

At Janetown on Lochcarron there is a small fishing village.6

The castle of Strome or Strone, as stated above, appears in record in the years 1472, 1528,
1539, 1548, 1575, and 1633.7 It appears also in 1503, in which year Alexander Earl of Huntlie
undertook to reduce the castles which were considered necessary ' for the danting of the His',
particularly the Strome and Alanedonane, and to supply or raise men to keep them when
reduced, on condition that the King (James IV.) should furnish a ship and artillery for the
purpose.8 In 1517 Colin Earl of Argyle received power from the Lords of Council to seize, if
possible, on the castle of Strome.9 About the year 1602 it was besieged by Kenneth Mackenzie,
first Lord Kintail, and surrendered to him, on which he caused it to be blown up.10 Its ruins
remain at the foot of a hill on Loch Kishorn named the hill of Strome.11

At Janetown (or Tomaclare) and at Laganduin are the remains of two of those circular
buildings so frequent upon the west coast.12

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 189. 9 Acta Dom. Cone., vol. xxix. fol. 211.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. 1. fol. 58. 3 Retours. 10 Gregory, p. 302. Old Stat. Ace.

4 Retours. 5 Ibid. » Macfarlane's Gcog. Collect. Old Stat. Ace. New
6 Anderson's Guide, p. 565. 7 See pp. 399-401. Stat. Ace.

8 Acta Parl. Scot.,vol.ii. pp. 240,249. Gregory.p. 120. 12 Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace.
VOL. II. 3 E

402

ORIGINES

[APPLECBOSS.

APPLECEOSS.

Aporcrossan, Apercrossan, Apuorcrosain1 — Crosain2 — Appillcroce3 — Abil-
Cros4 — Apilcors5 — Apilcroce6 — Abilcors7 — Apilcorce, Appilcorce8 —
Chombrich-abricb9 — Combrich10 — Apilgirtb11 — Aplecroce.12 (Map,

No. 4.)

THIS parish, chiefly mountainous, lies between the salt-water lochs named Loch Kishorn and
Loch Torridon, and includes three districts, Kishorn, Applecross, and Lochs. On the coast
there are some small islands.

We are informed by the Irish annalists that in the year 673 Maelruba (known in Scotland
as Saint Rufus, Malrubius, or Malrube, and commemorated on the 27th of August) founded
the church of Aporcrossan.13 From the same source we learn that he died at Apercrossan on
the 21st of April 722, aged 80 years, three months, and 19 days.14 Saint Malrube, says the
Aberdeen Breviary, was murdered at Urquhart in Ross by Norwegians who landed on the
coast, and who understood that he preached a different faith from theirs. He lived some days
after receiving his death wounds, and ordered his body to be buried at Appilcroce.15 He was
succeeded in the rule of the monastery (as it then appears to have been) of Apuorcrossan by
Failbe M'Guaire, who in the year 737 perished at sea along with 22 followers who manned his
vessel.16 The Aberdeen Breviary, without giving the date, informs us that the Danes, having
landed at Appilcroce, violated the sacred territory of six miles round the church, insulted and

1 Ante A. D. 1088. Tigernachi Annales.

a Post A. D. 1088. Annal. Ulton.

3 A. D. 1510. Brev. Aberd. Prop. SS. pro temp, estiv.,
fol. 90.

« A. D. 1515. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. v. fol. 29.

6 A. D. 1539. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xiii. fol. 26. A. D.
1600-1700. Macfarlane's Geog. Collect.

6 A. D. 1540. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xiii. fol. 73; vol.
xiv. fol. 36. A. D. 1542. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xv. fol. 84.
A. D. 1561. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxx. fol. 53. A.D.
1569. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxviii. fol. 119. A.D. 1574.
Book of Assignations. A. D. 1575. Reg. Sec. Sig.,
vol. xliii. fol. 17. A. D. 1576. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xliii.
fol. 100. A. D. 1583. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 165.

7 A. D. 1548. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxii. fol. 38. A. D.
1549. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiii. fol. 10.

8 A. D. 1561-1566. Book of Assumptions.

9 A. D. 1600-1700. Macfarlane's Geog. Collect.

10 A. IX 1600-1700. Macfarlane's Geog. Collect. Circa
A. D. 1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu.

11 Circa A. D. 1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib.
" A. D. 16G2. Retonrs.

13 Tigernaclii Annales. Dr. Reeves in a paper pub
lished in the Irish Ecclesiastical Journal for 1849

affirms that Saint Rnfns and Saint Malrube were dif
ferent persons. If so, they were frequently confounded
in Scotland. Kilarrow in Islay was named also Kil-
row, that is, the church of Malrube and the church of
Rufus. An island off Saint Malrube's own territory of
Applecross is named Saint Ruffus' Island. The town
of Keith in Banff, of old called Kethmalruf (Reg. Mor.
no. 25.) after the saint of Applecross, and where the
annual fair is still known as Summareve (Saint Mal-
ruve) fair, is locally and popularly said to have been
dedicated to Saint Rufus. See Reg. Episc. Aberdon.
vol. i. p. Ixxxvi. ; vol. ii. p. 17.

14 Tigernachi Annales. Thomas Innes in his history
of Scotland now in course of publication by the Spalding
Club says that Saint Maelrubius or Mulruy was com
memorated on the 21st of April.

16 Brev. Aberd. Prop. SS. pro temp, estiv., fol. 90.
By other authorities Saint Malrube is said to have
been slain in Mernia, that is, in Kincardiueshire, which
by some is by mistake rendered Nairn. Urquhart, it
appears, was known by the Gaelic name Urchudin-
cill-na-chrossan. Paper by Dr. Reeves above cited.
Keith's Bishops.

16 Tigernachi Annales. Annal. Ulton.

APPLECBOSS.] PAEOCHIALES. 403

robbed the priests and other ministers in contempt of Saint Malrube, and returned to their
vessels, which were afterwards sunk in sight of land without any storm.1 The church was after
wards a common church of the canons of Boss.2 This seems to complete its known history
before the era of the Keformation. In 1574 Murquho or Murdoch Johnnestoun was reader
at Apilcroce, and in 1575 he was presented by King James VI. to the parsonage and vicarage of
Apilcroce, ' being ane commoun kirk of the bischoprik of Eos.'3 In 1662 John M'Keanzie of
Aplecroce was served heir to his grandfather Alexander Mackeanzie of Coull in the lands of
Aplecroce and the advowson of the church.*

The church stood at the head of the bay of Applecross on the west coast of the parish.8 The
building which existed in the seventeenth century is styled by a writer of the time ' a fair hieland
kirk.'6 The church standing in 1788 was then condemned as insufficient, and the present church
was built in 1817.7 Near it are the remains of an ecclesiastical building, but whether those of a
church or of a monastery does not appear.8 In the last century it was common with the
inhabitants to swear by the Ider of Applecross.9

There was a chaplainry in Applecross, dedicated to Saint Malrube, and served by one or two
chaplains. In 1515 King James V. presented Sir Alexander Makcloid to the two chaplainries
within the parish church of Abilcors, when they should be vacant by the decease or inhability of
Sir Murdoc and Sir Cristin the chaplains.10 In 1539 the same king presented Sir John
Donaldsoun to the chaplainry of the chapel of Saint Malrube in Apilcors, vacant by the decease
of Sir Alexander M'Clode.11 In 1540 (20 March) he presented Sir John Donaldsoun to the
chaplainry of Saint Malrube in Apilcroce, vacant by the decease of Sir Christofer Johnesoun ;
and in the same year (29 March) he granted to Master John Cameroun and Sir John Donald
soun chaplains all the goods that belonged to the deceased chaplain, which were in the King's
hands by reason of his having been born and died illegitimate.12 In the same year (29 November)
he presented Master John Cameroun to the chaplainry of Saint Malrube in Apilcroce, when it
should be vacant by the resignation of Sir John Donaldsoun.13 In 1542 the same king presented
Sir Murdoc Johnsoune younger to half the chaplainry of Apilcroce, when it should be vacant by
the resignation of Sir Murdoc Johnesoun the elder.1* In 1548 Queen Mary granted a similar
presentation in favour of the same Sir Murdoc or Murquhard Jhonestoun the younger to the
chaplainry of Saint Mulrube the martyr of Abilcors, the presentation belonging to the Queen
during the vacancy of the see.15 In 1549 that queen, who was patron plena jure, presented
Sir John Donaldsoun to the chaplainry of Saint Malrube the martyr in Abilcors, vacant or when

1 Brev. Aberd. Prop. SS. pro temp, estiv., fol. 90. 7 Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace.

The parish is still locally styled Comrich, -which sig- 8 Letter from Rev. John M'Qucen to Gen. Hutton,

nifies ' girth ' or ' sanctuary.' Old and New Stat. Ace. 1789. Old and New Stat. Ace.

Hacfarlane. In the year 800 the Irish annalists 9 Old Stat Ace.

record the death of Macoige of Apercrosan abbot of I0 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. v. fol. 29.

Bangor. ' Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xliii. fol. 17. ' Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xiii. fol. 26.

3 Book of Assignations. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xliii. 2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xiii. ff. 73, 87.

fol. 17. « Rctours. 3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xiv., fol. 36.

5 Old and New Stat. Ace. County Maps. 4 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xv. fol. 84.

6 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect. 5 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxii. fol. 38. In the record of

404 OKIGINES [APPLECROSS.

vacant by the resignation of Master John Camroun.1 In 1561 she presented Sir William Monro
chaplain to the chaplainry of Apilcroce within the girth of the same, vacant by the decease
of Sir John Donaldsone.2 In 1569 King James VI. confirmed a grant made by Sir William
Stewart chaplain of Apilcroce, with the consent of John bishop of Eoss, the dean, and the
canons, to Eory Makkangze and his heirs male, with remainder to Kenzeoch M'Kangze of Kintaill
and his male heirs whomsoever bearing his arms and surname, of half of the lands of Bonnadell,
Longoll and Achechork, Kippech, Satrell and Drumloy, Cowlmoir, Corchirie, Coulnakill, Ardes-
tang, Scheildag, Dybege, Rischill, and Lestang, in the earldom of Eoss and sheriffdom of
Innernes, which belonged to Sir William as the patrimony of the chaplainry.8 In 1576 the
same king granted to Kenoch M'Kenze, the son of master Alexander M'Kenze of Kilchrist, for
his ' sustentatioun at the sculis' for seven years, one of the chaplainries of Apilcroce, vacant by
the decease of Sir William Stewart.4 In 1583 he granted to Patrick Dunbar, the son of the
deceased David Dunbar of Penik, the same chaplainry, vacant by the ' outrunning' of the grant
to Kenzeoch M'Kainzie.5

Saint Euffus island, Loch-an-tagart (the priest's loch), Island-na-nuagh (saints' island),
Loch-na-nuag (the holy loch), and other names, indicate the former veneration for the asylum
and territory consecrated by Saint Malrubc.6

In 1574 Murquho Jolmnestoun reader at Apilcroce had for his stipend the sum of £17 and 8d.7

Between 1561 and 1566 the united value of the chaplainries of Saint Monauis (in Kiltearn)
and Apilcorce, held by Sir William Stewart vicar of Dingwall, was stated by him at 36 marks.8

The district of Applecross was probably included in the lands of the Earl of Eoss in North Argyle,
which formed part of the sheriffdom of Skey erected in 1292 by King John Balliol.9 It seems also
to have been included among the lands of the Earl of Eos between the years 1306 and 1329. 10

In 1662 John M'Keanzie of Aplecroce was served heir male to his grandfather Alexander
M'Keanzie of Coull in the lands of Aplecroce, including the towns and lands of Eossollis
commonly called Over and Nether Eossollis, Eesker, Toskag, Barradaill, Longoll, Keppach,
Auchmoir, Sacadaill, Drumley, Culmoir, Tercherrie, Drumclaughan, Kirktoun of Aplecroce,
Killiemorie, Culdnakle, Ardestag, Schildag, Sacrell, Testang, Sadilack, Auchiechock, and
Culnakle, with the advowson of the church of Aplecroce, in the parish of Aplecroce and
bishoprick of Eoss, of the extent of 48 marks, with 3s. 4d. in augmentation of the rental.11

At Shieldag on Loch Torridou there is a fishing village with a population of 200. 12

In the district of Applecross are the remains of a subterranean dwelling or place of conceal
ment, four feet wide and four feet deep, faced with stone, and roofed with flags.18

tliis presentation the cliapluiury is said to be founded possibly have been the chapal of Saint Malrube, either

' in the parish church of Ross in the diocese of the forming part of the old church or detached,

same.' ' Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiii. fol. 10. 4 Keg. Sec. Sig., vol. xliii. fol. 100.

2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxx. fol. 53. 5 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 165.

'" Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxviii. fol. 119. Of the build- « See Thomson's Map. 7 Book of Assignations,

ing whose ruins remain beside the church the Old Stat. 8 Book of Assumptions.

Ace. says — ' It was richly endowed with lauded pro- 9 Actn Parl. Scot., vol. i. p. 91.

perty, which tradition relates to have been conveyed '" Rob. Index, p. 16, no. 7. Reg. Morav., p. 342.

by the last Popisli missionary (incumbent) in the place, " Ketours. Prom this it appears that the chapel

known by the designation of the Hed Priest of Apple- lands included nearly all the lands of the parish,

cross, to his daughter.' This building therefore may 12 New Stat. Ace. » Old Stat. Ace.

GAIRLOCH.] PAROCHIALES. 405

GAIRLOCH.
Garloch1 — Gherlocli2— Gerloch.3 (Map, No. 5.)

THIS large parish extends from Loch Torridon on the south to Loch Gruinord on the north,
having a rocky coast from 80 to 100 miles in length indented by Lochew and the Gairloch,
from the latter of which it is named. It is divided into two unequal parts by its principal
lake Loch Maree, which is 18 miles long and studded by twenty-four wooded islands. Its
highest mountain range, named the Slioch or Sliabhach, is 3000 feet in height.4 Round the
coast are a few small islands.

At the Reformation Sir John Broik appears to have been rector of this church.5 From that
period till 1583 it appears to have been vacant.6 In 1583 King James VI. presented Alexander
M'Kainzie to the parsonage and vicarage of Garloch, ' vacand in cure Souerane Lordis handis
contenuallie sen the reformatioun of the religioun within this realme' by the decease of Sir
John Broik.7

The church, built in 1751, stands on the site of an older at the head of the Gairloch.8

At the upper end of Loch Maree (anciently Lochewe) at Kinlochew stood a church, apparently
used as a place of worship till the year 1791 or later.9

In an island about the centre of Loch Maree, named Island Maree, there is a cemetery, which
the inhabitants on the north of the loch continued to use in the end of the last century.10 In
the same island are the remains of a cairn or circle of stones,11 The cemetery, or the chapel
which it probably contained, locally supposed to have been dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was
in fact dedicated to Saint Malrube, a circumstance which gradually occasioned the abolition of
the old name Lochewe, and substituted for it Loch Mulruy, now pronounced Loch Maree.12
The carrying of an insane person round the island or cemetery was even till recent times locally
believed to effect a cure.13

On the north side of Loch Maree near the east end is Claod-nam-Sasganach, a spot in
which some Englishmen, who in the seventeenth century wrought iron mines there, buried
their dead.14

1 A. D. 1574. Book of Assignations. A. D. 1583. 9 Macfarlane. MS. Maps. Blaeu. Old Stat. Ace.
Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 62. lu Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace.

2 A. D. 1600-1700. Macfarlaue'sGeog. Collect. Circa » Old Stat. Ace.

A. D. 1640. Blaen. 12 Macfarlane. Pennant. Old Stat. Ace. New

3 Circa A. D. 1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Stat. Ace.

4 New Stat. Ace. I3 Anderson's Guide. Information procured on the

5 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 62. spot, 1853. Pennant says that the patient drank of a

6 Ibid. Book of Assignations. well dedicated to the saint, and was thrice dipped in

7 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 62. the lake — the operation being repeated for several

8 Macfarlane. JUS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu. Old weeks.

Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace. " New Stat. Ace.

406 OEIGINES [GAIRLOCH.

Gairloch as a part of North Argyle, and the property of the Earl of Boss, was included in
the sheriffdom of Skey erected in 1292 by King John Balliol.1 Between 1306 and 1329 it
was with his other lands confirmed to the Earl by King Eobert Bruce.2 In 1366 William
Earl of Koss, Lord of Sky, granted to Paul M'Tyre and to his heirs by Mary of Grahame, with
remainder to the lawful heirs of Paul, the lands of Gerloch within the parts of Argyle, for
yearly payment of a penny of silver in name of blench ferme in lieu of every other service
except the forinsec service of the King when required.3 In 1372 King Kobert II. confirmed
the grant.* In 1430 King James I. granted to Nele Nelesoun, for his homage and service in
the capture of his deceased brother Thomas Nelesoun a rebel, the lands of Gerloch and others
in the earldoms of Koss and Sutherland and sheriffdom of Innernys.5 In 1517 John Duke of
Albany Kegent appointed Colin Earl of Ergile lieutenant of the Isles and other lands, including
Garloch, for three years or more at the Eegent's pleasure, for the purpose of establishing peace
among the inhabitants.6

In 1528 King James V. granted to John Dingvale, provost of Trinity College Edinburgh,
the ward of the lands and rents of Garloch in the sheriffdom of Innernys, which belonged to
the deceased Auchinroy Makenze.7 In 1547 Queen Mary granted to John Earl of Suthirland
all the goods belonging to John Hectoursone of Garloch, forfeited by him for assisting the
English.8 In 1551 that queen granted to John M'Kenze of Kintaill, and to Kenzeoch M'Kenze
his son and apparent heir, a remission for the violent taking of John Hectour M'Kenzesone of
Garlouch, Doull Hectoursone, and John Towach Hectoursone, and for keeping them in prison,
' vsurpand thairthrow oure Souerane Ladyis autorite.'9 In 1566 Alexander M'Einzie was served
heir to his brother german Hector M'Einzie of Garloch in the lands of Garloch, namely, Garloch,
Kirktoun, Syldage, Hamgildail, Malefage, Innerasfidill, Sandecorran, Cryf, Baddichro, Bein-
sanderis, Meall, AUawdill, with the pasturage of Glaslettir and Tornagullan, in the earldom of
Ross, of the old extent of £8.10 In 1567 Queen Mary granted in heritage to John Banerman
of Cardenye the ward of the lands and rents belonging to the deceased Hector Makkenych of
Garloch, with the relief of the same when it should occur, and the marriage of John Eoy
Makkenych the brother and apparent heir of Hector, and, should he die unmarried, the marriage
of any other heir or heirs male or female.11 In 1569 John M'Kcnzie was served heir to his
brother german Hector in the lands of Garloch as specified in the service of 1566.12 In 1638
Kenneth M'Keinzie of Garloch was served heir male to his father Alexander M'Keinzie of
Garloche in the lands and barony of Garloche, including Kirktoun with the manor-place and
gardens of the same, Sildag, the two Oyngadellis, Mailfag, Debak, Inneraspedell, Sandcarrane,
Badeehro, the two Sandis, Erredell, Telledill, Clive, Tollie, the two Nastis ; the lands of Ellenow

1 Acta Par]. Scot., vol. i. p. 91. « Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. v. fol. 102.

2 Rob. Index, p. 16, no. 7. Reg. Morav., p. 342. 7 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. viii. fol. 163.

3 Rob. Index, p. 98, no. 327. Reg. Mag. Sig., p. 92. « Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxi. fol. 31.
Coll. de Reb. Alb., p. 62. a Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiv. fol. 75.

* Rob. Index, p. 98, no. 327; p. 114, no. 10. Reg. 10 Retours.

Mag. Sig., p. 98. " Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxvi. fol. 6.

5 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. iii. no. 64. ia Retours.

LOCHBROOM.] PAROCHIALES. 407

Auldgressen, with the waters and salmon fishings of Ken-ie and Badechro ; the half of the water
of Ew and the salmon fishings of the same, Achitcairne, Meoll with the mill, Udroll ; the loch
of Lochmaroy with the islands of the same, and the manor place and gardens in the island of
Dinrory ; the loch of Garloch with the fishings of the same ; the forest, pasturage, and ' grossing'
of Glaslatter and Torranecullane ; together of the old extent of £8 ; with other lands in Ross,
all united into the barony of Garloche — and the town of Olive with the harbour and shore of
the same, being part of the same barony of Garloch, erected into a burgh of barony, of the
extent of £3 feuferme.1

In 1539 the district of Kinlochew was laid waste by Donald Gorme of Sleat and his allies,
and in 1541 the latter after the death of Donald Gorme had a remission from King James V.
for the 'hereschip' of Kinlochew and other crimes.2

LOCHBROOM.

Lochbraon 8 — Lochbreyne * — Lochbrune 5 — Lochbreyin 6 — Lochbruyne 7 —
Lochbreyn8 — Lochbrein.9 (Map, No. 6.)

THIS large district (which of old may have included several parishes) is composed of four smaller
tracts of country, namely, Coigeach, Lochbroom proper or the Meikle Strath, the Little Strath,
and the Laigh.10 It is chiefly mountainous, but has some cultivated valleys near the sea.11
Around its rocky coast, about 100 miles in extent, and indented by Loch Enard, Lochbroom,
Little Lochbroom (the Loch Carlin of Blaeu), and Loch Gruinord, lie the islands Ristal,
Tanara, Isle Martin, Isle Gruinord, Priest Island, and the Summer Isles.12

In the year 1227 Mathew the parson of Lochbraon was present at Kenedor in Moray with the
other clergy of Ross at the settlement of a dispute between the bishops of Ross and Moray
regarding the diocesan right of the churches of Kyntalargyn and Ardrosser.13 The church of
Lochbrune was a common church of the canons of Ross.14 In 1569 King James VI. presented
John Monro Alexandersoun to the vicarage of Lochbreyne, then vacant by the decease of Duncan
Rannaldsoun.15 In 1573 he presented Angus Makneill M'Kenze to the vicarage, vacant by the

1 Retours. 2 See KINTAIL, p. 394. ' A. D. 1600-1700. Macfarlane's Geog. Collect

3 A. D. 1227. Regist. Moraviense, p. 82. In printed 8 Circa A. D. 1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu.

* A. D. 1569. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxviii. fol. 88. ° Old and New Stat. Ace.

5 A. D. 1573. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xli. fol. 126. A.D. ' New Stat. Ace.

1574. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlii. fol. 89. Book of Assig- 2 New Stat Ace. and Maps. Blaeu.
nations. 3 Regist Moraviense, p. 82.

6 A. D. 1600-1700. Macfarlane's Geog. Collect Circa * Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlii. foL 89.

A. D. 1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. « Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxviii. fol. 88.

408 ORIGINES [LOCHBROOM.

death of John Monro.1 In 1574 Donald Ferquharsoun was reader at Lochbrune, and in that
year was presented by King James VI. to the ' haill commoun kirk baith personage and vicarage
of Lochbrune.'2 In 1681 the barony of Tarbet, as confirmed by King Charles II. in favour of
Sir George M'Kenzie of Tarbett and John M'Kenzie his son, included the patronage of the
parish church of Lochbrein.3

The old church stood at the head of Lochbroom, where the present church also was built in
1817.4

In the parish are seven burying-grounds, representing seven churches and chapels (including
the parish church) that once existed in the district.5 Of these there appears to have been one at
Kildonen on Little Lochbroom, dedicated, as its name implies, to Saint Donan.6

In 1 574 Donald Ferquharsoun reader at Lochbruue had a stipend of £14, 13s. 4d., probably
the third of the parsonage and vicarage.7

In 1463 John of Yle, Earl of Eoss and Lord of the Isles, granted the lands of Lochbryne and
others in Eoss, for yearly payment of six pennies blench ferme, to his brother Celestine of the
Islos, and to his heirs by his wife Finvola the daughter of Lachlan Macgilleone of Dowart, with
remainder in succession to his heirs by any other wife, and failing these the lands were to revert
to the Earl.8 In 1464 King James III. confirmed the grant.9 After the forfeiture of the Lord
of the Isles in 1476 the lands were held of the crown by the family of Lochalsch, the descendants
of Celestine.10 In 1517 John Duke of Albany, Eegent of Scotland, for the purpose of establish
ing peace among the inhabitants of the Highlands and Isles, appointed Colin Earl of Ergile
lieutenant of the Isles and other parts, including Lochbrene, for three years or more according to
the Eegent's pleasure.11 In 1539 King James V. granted to Alexander M'Kane M'Alister of
Glengarre and Margaret Ylis his wife in liferent, and to Angus M'Alister their son and heir
apparent in heritage, with remainder to Alexander's lawful heirs whomsoever, the half of the
lands of Lochbrome and other lands in the earldom of Eoss and sheriffdom of Innernys, which
Margaret Ylis had resigned.12 In 1543 Thomas Dingwell of Kildone sold the lands of Lochbryne
with the fishings to John Makkenze of Kintail, in exchange for the lands of Fotherty and for a
certain sum of money, for yearly payment of six pennies blench ferme to the Queen as Earl of
Eoss ; and in the same year Queen Mary granted to John Makkenze a crown charter of Loch
bryne.13 In 1548 that queen granted to James Grant of Freuchy the liferent of the half davach
of Aglonoquhan, the half davach of Auchadaskild, the quarter davach of Auchquhedrane, the
quarter davach of Lachmaline, the quarter davach of Logy, the half davach of Auchnadonill, the
half davach of Braklewch, the half quarter davach of Derymuk, the quarter davach of Crumnor-

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xli. fol. 126. » Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. vi. no. 116.

- Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlii. fol. 89. Book of Assigna- 9 Ibid,

tions. 3 Acta I'arl. Scot, vol. viii. p. 385. 10 Gregory, p. 59.

4 Macfarlane. MS. Maps. Blaen. Old Stat. Ace. " Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. v. fol. 102.

New Stat. Ace. " Rcg Mag Sig ; lib xxy; no 247. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

» Pennant, vol. i. p. 364. New Stat. Ace. vol. xii. fol. 78.

6 MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu. Modern Maps. 13 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxix. un. 93, 205. Reg. Sec.

" Book of Assignations. Sig., vol. xvii. fol. 93.

LOCHBBOOM.] PAROCHIALES. 409

tumergoseill, the quarter davach of Cambusgannich, the quarter davach of Sand, the quarter
davach of Drumork, the quarter davach of Towrnek and Kernsery, the half davach of Innerew,
the quarter davach of Auchnaschene, the half oxgang of Auchnaschow, and the half davach of
Davachlatrik, together of the old extent of 17 marks and 20 pence, of the lands of Lochbrume, of
which the liferent belonged to Alaster M'Keane M'Alaster of Glengawrie ; and also the heritage
of the same lands, which belonged to Angus the son and apparent heir of Alaster.1 In 1554
Queen Mary granted to John Grant, the son and heir of the deceased James Grant of Eruchquhy,
the relief of the lands of Lochbrwyne and others in the sheriffdom of Innernes, which belonged
to him in heritage.2 In 1574 King James VI. confirmed a charter by John Grant of Freuchie to
Colin Mackanze of Kintale and Barbara Grant his wife, with remainder to Colin's heirs whom
soever, alienating to them half of the lands of Lochbroyne, especially those specified in the grant
of 1548, namely, Auclmaglownachane, Auchadrachskalie, Auchindrewyne, Lochmalyne, Logy,
Auchtadonill, Braklauch, Derynomwik, Gruinzord and Mungosteill, Camskannycht, Sanda, Drum-
cork, Turnek and Carnesare, Innerew, Dawachnalitheraucht, Auchnaschene, and Auchanewy,
extending in all to 17 marklands and 40 pennylands, and to be held of the crown.3 In 1633
George M'Kenzie was served heir to his brother Colin Earl of Seaforth, Lord M'Kenzie of
Kintail, in the lands and barony of Lochalsche, including with other lands those of Lochbrein
above specified, with the fishings of the same, of the old extent of £23.*

In 1502 King James IV. commissioned Alexander Earl of Huntlie, Thomas Lord Eraser of
Lovate, and William Monro of Fowlis, to let the lands of Cogeach, Assent, and all the other
ferme lands that belonged to Torquell Makloid of Lewes, then in the King's hands by reason of
Torquell's being the King's rebel, at his horn, and fugitive from the laws, with power ' to gif
a parte tharof in seal to guide trew men ' for such a time as the Earl should deem expedient for
the King's honour.5 In 1508 the same king granted to Odo Makky in Strathnavern, for his
faithful service in resisting and attacking the King's rebels, the lands of Assent and Ladocchogith
in the sheriffdom of Innernys, forfeited for treason by Torquell Makcloid formerly of the Lewis,
with power to sublet.6 In 1511 (29 June) he granted the same lands and others, with their
fortalices, houses, waters, fishings, mills, and patronage of churches, all erected into the barony
and lordship of Lewis, to Malcolm Makclode the son of the deceased Rory Makclode of Lewis."
In 1538 (2 April) King James V. granted to Bory M'Cloyd, the son and heir of the deceased
Malcolme M'Cloid of the Lewis, the nonentry and other dues of the barony of Lewis, Wattirnes,
Assent, and Coidgeach, from the 30th of June 1511 to a year after the date of the grant.8 In
1541 the same king granted to Rodoric M'Loid of Lewis and Barbara Stewart his affianced
spouse the lands and barony of Cogeach, and other lands in the earldom of Ross and sheriffdom
of Innernes, resigned by Rodoric and erected anew by the King into the free barony of Lewis.9

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib xxx. no. 314. Reg. Sec. Sig., 6 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xiv. no. 464. Reg. Sec. Sig.,
vol. xxii. fol. 4. vol. iii. fol. 157.

2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxvii. fol. 22. 7 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xvii. no. 16. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlii. fol. 56. vol. iv. fol. 126.

1 Retours. 8 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xi. fol. 66.

5 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. ii. fol. 108. 9 Reg. Sec. Sig... vol. xv. fol. 77.

VOL. II. 3 P

410

ORIGINES

[KINCARDINE.

In 1572 Rodoric Makcloyd resigned the lands and barony of Cogeauoh, and his other lands, with
the castles, mills, fishings, and advowson of churches and chapels, which King James VI. then
granted to his son and apparent heir Torquil M'Cloyd and the male heirs of his body, with
remainder to Gillecallum Garwe M'Cloyd of Raisay and his male heirs, and to Torquil's male
heirs whomsoever bearing the M'Cloid surname and arms, reserving the liferent to Rodoric on
condition that he and Torquil should commit no crime against the King.1 In 1617 Donald
M'Kcanzie M;Ane in Leadmoiris of Assint was served heir to his brother german John M'Keanzie
M'Donald M'Ane of Dauachnahard in Coegach in a davach of the lands of Auchnahard in the
barony of Coegach in the sheriffdom of Innernes, including the towns and lands of Davachnahard,
Auchnahard, Dorny, Badintarbat, Akilvy, Badskalbay, Stracholdyn, Stranagruen, Reiff, and the
pasture between Lynlovack and Killek, of the old extent of 26s. 8d.2 In 1655 Sir George
M'Keinzie of Tarbit Baronet was served heir male to his father Sir George in the lands and
barony of Cogeach, of the old extent of 4 marks.3

There arc a village and harbour established by the British Fishery Society at Ullapool on
Loch Broom.4 The village contains about 900 inhabitants.5

Tlie parish abounds with remains of those circular buildings known as duns.6

KINCARDINE.

Kyncardyn7 — Kincardin8 — Kincam9 — Kincairdein10 — Kincarne11 —
Kincardine12 — Kincairdync.13 (Map, No. 7.)

THIS parish stretches on the north along the whole course of the river Oikel (the boundary
between Ross and Sutherland) and along its estuary the Dornoch Firth as far as the water of
Fearn, by which it is bounded on the east. It is mountainous and abounds with small lakes.14
Its western part, a hilly district of great extent, is named the Forest of Balnagown or Frevater.15
In the year 1227 Maurice the parson of Kyncardyn was present with others of the clergy
of Ross at Kenedor in Moray at the settlement of a dispute between the bishops of Moray

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xl. fol. 63.

2 Retours.
1 Retonrs.

4 New Stat. Ace. and Maps. Note by Rev. N.
Macleod.

1 Note by Rev. N. Macleod.

" Old and New Stat. Ace.

7 A. D. 1227. Regist. Moraviense, p. 82. A. D. 1487.
Acta Dom. Cone., p. 236.

•< A. D. 1533. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. ix. fol. 191. A. D.
1539. Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxvi. no. 335. A. D. 1501-
15fl(). Book of Assumptions. A. D. 1560. Reg. Sec.

Sig., vol. xxxvi. fol. 4. A. D. 1574. Book of Assigna
tions. A. D. 1587. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. Iv. fol. 89.
Circa A. D. 1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib.

9 A. D. 1536. Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxv. no. 380.
A. D. 1600-1700. Macfarlane's Geog. Collect. Circa
A. D. 1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu.

0 A. D. 1561-66. Book of Assumptions.

1 A. D. 1562. Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 480.

2 Circa A. D. 1564. Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross.
A. D. 1624. Retours.

New Stat. Ace.

Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace. Thomson's Map.

KINCARDINE.] PAROCHIALES. 411

and Eoss respecting the diocesan right of the churches of Kyntalargyn and Ardrosser.1 In 1487
Sir John Buschild was either rector or vicar of Kyneardyn.2 In 1533 the vicar was Sir Archibald
Balconie.3 From 1536 to 1566 Master Thomas Dunnone was rector of Kincardin.4 In 1566
Queen Mary presented Master Alexander Leslie for life to the parsonage and vicarage of Kincardin,
vacant or when vacant by the decease or demission of Master Thomas Dynnvne.5 The rector of
Kincardine was a canon of the cathedral, and as such had a manse within the canonry of Eoss.6

The church, built in 1799, seems to occupy the site of its predecessors at the mouth of a small
stream on the Dornoch Firth about a mile east from Invercarron.7 About the year 1790 the
church was thatched with heather.8 At the same date the inhabitants used five cemeteries, two
in Kincardine, and three in the parish of Creich in Sutherland.9

At Kilmachalmag on the Oikel stood a chapel, dedicated, as its name implies, to Saint Calmag.10

In the Book of Assumptions the rental of the parsonage and vicarage of Kincardin, as given
by Mr. Thomas Eos parson of Alnes, was 120 marks or £80, but the rental, he stated, could
not be made perfect, as the vicarage was unpaid.11 In the Libellus Taxationum the church is
valued at £26, 13s. 4d., exactly the third of the above rental.12 In Baiamund, as preserved by
Bisset, it is rated at 53s. 4d.13 In 1574 the reader at Kincardin had as his stipend £13, 6s. 8d.
and the kirklands.1*

In 1341 William Earl of Eoss granted to Hugh of Eoss his brother the lands of Strath-
ochill, Strathcarron, and others, with the fishing of Acheferne and Stogok.15 In 1365 Hugh
of Eoss lord of Fylorth, the brother of William Earl of Eoss, granted to Paul Mactyre and
to his wife Mariot of Grahame the niece of Hugh of Eoss, and to their heirs, with remainder
to Paul's heirs by any other wife, and to his brothers and their lineal descendants, the lands of
Tutumtarvok, Turnok, Amot, and Langvale, in Strathokel.16 The same Paul, who is styled
the grandson of Lendres one of three sons of a king of Denmark, is said to have acquired the
lands of Stracharron, Strahoykil, and Friewatter.17 His daughter Catherine married Walter
Eoss of Balnagoun, who thus seems to have acquired the same lands.18 In 1430 King James I.
granted to Nele Nelesoun, for his homage and service in the capture of his deceased brother
Thomas Nelesoun a rebel, the lands of Daane, Moyzeblary, Croinzueorth, Tittuintarwauch,
Lanchort, Drinayde, and others in the earldoms of Eoss and Suthirland, some of which appear
to lie in the parish of Kincardine.19 In 1490 King James IV., as tutor of his brother James
Duke of Eoss, granted in heritage to David Eoss, the nephew and apparent heir of John Eoss
of Balnagown, among other lands those of Stracharroun and Strathochell, with the mills,

1 Regist. Moraviense, p. 82. 9 Old Stat. Ace. This circumstance and others seem

2 Acta Dom. Cone., p. 236. to intimate that part of Creich at one time belonged

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. ix. fol. 191. to Kincardine, but we have no direct evidence on the

4 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxv. no. 380 ; lib. xxvi. no. 335 ; subject.

lib. xxxi. no. 480. Book of Assumptions. Reg. Sec. 10 Macfarlane. Blaeu. Retours.

Sig., vol. xxxvi. fol. 4.

5 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxvi. fol. 4.

s Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. Iv. fol. 89. Retonrs.

' Macfarlane. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu. Old
Stat Ace. New Stat. Ace. 8 Old Stat. Ace.

1 Book of Assumptions. 12 MS. in Adv. Lib.

Rolls of Court, p. 209. 14 Book of Assignations.

Balnagown Charters.
0 Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross. " Ibid.

Ibid. 19 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. iii. no. 64.

412 ORIGINES [KINCARDINE.

brewhouses. tenants, and tenandries, resigned by Jolm Ross, and reserving to him the liferent.1
In 1515 Sir Donald of the Isles of Lochalch granted to Hector Monro of Foulis his fishing of
Kelysakkell (the Kyles of Oikel) in the sheriffdom of Innernys.2 In 1528 King James V.
granted to William Ros, the brother of the deceased Walter Ros of Ballangowne, the ward,
relief, and nonentry of the 5 marklands of Ocumyord (or Gruinyord), the 10 marklands of
Langoill, the 3 marklands of Crokkane, the 7 marklands of Cullace, and the 5 marklands of
Pellavelnic (probably not all in Kincardine), in the sheriffdom of Innernys, which were in the
Kinsj's hands by reason of the decease of David Ros of Ballangowne, for the yearly payment of
20 marks to James Earl of Murray or any other having the ward and relief of the lands.3 In
1529 Pope Clement VII. confirmed to the canons of New Feme all their possessions, including
amon"1 others two measures of land commonly called davachs in the place called Inncrcharron ;
the pasture they had in the places called Halchmaguli, Braghlugudi, and Salki ; the fishing
which they had in the water called Okeal in the place called Banaff; the fishing commonly
called Clmro in the town of Kyncarden ; a davach in the town called Greater Fern ; a half
davach in the town called Lesser Fern ; the land they had in the place called Archanagart ;
the fishing and ferry of the same ; and a davach and a half in the place called Dwne.4 In
154G Queen Mary granted to Alexander Ros of Balnagovn and Jonet Sinclair his wife the lands
of Westir Gronzeart, Eistir Gronzeart, and others in Ross, which Alexander had resigned.5
Among the sums of money and victual given out of the bishoprick of Ross yearly at the period
of the Reformation are mentioned 4 bolls of victual and 40s. to the ' kenar ' of Kincairnc.6
About the same period Henry Sinclair bishop of Ross, at the request of Thomas afterwards
abbot of Fearn, granted to the laird of Balnagown Ardgay amounting to a davach of land, the
Kirktmvn of Kincardine, the salmon fishing of the same amounting yearly to a last, and the
mill of Kincardin which yielded yearly 24 bolls victual.7 At the same time the laird of Bal-
nagowne held of the abbot of Fearn the lands of Wester Ferine, Innercarroun, Downy, and
others.8 In 1578 the lands and barony of Strathokell (partly in Kincardine), and the lands and
barony of Strathquharrone, the latter including Innerquharron, Seoll, Langwell with the fishing,
Skenchall, Grumzordie with the fishing, and Auchingullane, in Kincardine, and some lands in
Eddertoun, which belonged in heritage to Alexander Ros of Balnagowne and George Ros his
son and apparent heir, and which with other lands were held by them of the bishop of Ros, the
commendator of Feme, and the sacrist of Thane, were in defect of movable goods apprised in
favour of James Scrymgeour of Duddop constable of Dimdie, to be held of the crown for the
services formerly due.9 In 1582 King James VI. granted to George Ros of Balnagowin and
to the male heirs of his body, with remainder to his male heirs whomsoever, the lands and
baronies apprised in 1578 in favour of James Scrymgeour, subsequently apprised by him to

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xii. no. 285. ' Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xx. fol. 51.

- Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. v. fol. 84. « Book of Assumptions.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. ix. fol. 140. " Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross.

4 Balnagown Charters. One or both of the Ferns may 8 Book of Assumptions,
possibly lie in the neighbouring parish of Eddertouu. 9 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlv. fol. 67.

KINCARDINE.] PAEOCHIALES. 413

Alexander Eos of Balnagowin the father of George, and also resigned by the same James.1 In
1584 George Eos apparent of Balnagown sold to Hugh Munro of Asschyn in heritage certain
lands in Strahokell, and in warrandiee the town and davach of Langwell with the wood of
Skatwell, with Lonnillodloch, Cromlie, the salmon fishing of the Halfepolmorall, and all the other
salmon fishings within the bounds of Langwell, in the baronies of Strahokell and Stracharroun,
in the earldom of Eos and sheriffdom of Innernes.2 In 1642 Robert Lord Eos of Halkheid and
Melvill was served heir to Lord William his brother german in the lands of Strathokell, including
with others Dalnauchtane and Down, the lands of Stracharroun, Soyall, Knockinnarrow, Long-
wall with the salmon fishings, Scuttiechaell, Gruntzeardis with the salmon fishings, Auchnagullan,
and Tormichaell, with the Forest of Friewater, and other lands in the earldom of Eoss and
sheriffdom of Inverness, all united into the barony of Balnagoune, and together of the old extent
of £200. 3 In the same year Lord Eoss was served heir to his father James Lord Eos of Halk
heid and Melville in the Kirktoun of Kincardine extending to a quarter davach or 30s., with 6s.
in augmentation ; the mill of Kincardine extending to 12 bolls victual ; the alehouse of Kin
cardine with its lands, of the extent of 53s. 4d. and 10s. 8d. in augmentation ; the lands of
Ardgye, a davach, of the extent of £10 and 40s. in augmentation ; the fishing of the Yair of
Kincardine, of the extent of £20 ; the lands of Eddertyne, a davach, of the extent of £5, 6s. 8d.
and 21s. 4d. in augmentation ; the alehouse of Eddertayne, of the extent of 17s. 9d. and
3s. 6|d. in augmentation ; in all £44, 9s. 5jd. feuferme — with other lands united into the
tenandry of Kirktoun of Kincardine, for the new augmentation of the whole by the sum of
6s. 8d.4 In 1657 David Eos of Balnagowin was served heir male to his father David in the
same lands, baronies, and tenandry, with the following difference in the details — the lands of
Dalvanachtan and Downe, extending to 6 davachs, of which 4 davachs lie benorth the water
of Oickell in the sheriffdom of Sutherland, and 2 on the south of the same in the sheriffdom of
Ross, of old the sheriffdom of Innernes ; the lands of Strathcarron, Soyall, Knockinuarrow, and
Languall, with the salmon fishings ; the lands of Skuittichaill, the lands of Auchownaguillen,
the lands of Tormichell, and the lands of Esbolg, with the Forest of Friewater, all extending
to a davach and a half, with other lands in the earldom of Eos and of old in the sheriffdom of
Innernes, united into the barony of Belnagowne in the sheriffdom of Eoss.5

In 1686 King James VII., in a deed confirming the barony of Balnagowan to David Ross
of Balnagowan, erected the village of Ardgay in Kincarden into a burgh of barony to be called
the burgh of barony of Bonarness, with two yearly fairs, one on 2 June, and the other on the
second Tuesday of July, with a weekly market every Friday.6

There is a fair called Feille-Edeichan held at Kincardine in the end of November or beginning
of December.7

In 1179 King William the Lion crossed the Ochiel with his army on his way to Caithness.8
About the same period he sent a large army into Ros against Gothred Mac William (or Donald

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 11. 5 Retours. 6 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. viii. p. 629.

' Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. 1. fol. 111. 7 New Stat. Ace.

3 Retours. * Ibid. 8 Ford. Scot., lib. viii. c. 59.

414 OEIGINES [EDDEBTODX.

Ban), and soon aftenvards following in person he built or fortified two castles in Ros, laid waste
the country, and nearly extirpated the followers of Gothred, who, having escaped with a few,
besieged and destroyed one of the castles when the King's army had retired ; but, on the King's
return with Prince Alexander, Gothred was betrayed by his followers to the Earl of Buchan,
and being brought to the King at Kyncardin was put to death.1

In the parish arc several ancient round towers known as duns, and several stone circles.-'

In the churchyard is a sculptured stone sarcophagus, 5 feet long, 2 broad, and 2 deep, and
divided into two compartments.3

Near the church there is a walled lane terminating in a semicircular space, said to have been
used of old for wapinshawings.4

At Craigcaoineadhan in this parish the Marquis of Montrose in 1650 fought his last battle
and sustained his final defeat.5

EDDERTOUN.

Eddirtane8 — Eddirthane7 — Iddirthane8 — Attlierthane9 — Eddirtayn10
-Eddertane11 — Edirdin12 — Edardin.13 (Map, No. 8.)

THIS parish, stretching along the Dornoch Firth from the water of Fearn to the Muckle Ferry,
and about six miles inland, consists chiefly of arable land backed by hills varying from b'OO to
1000 feet in height.14 The coast is sandy, except at one rocky point where a hilly ridge abuts
upon the water's edge.

In 1532 Sir John Eos the vicar of Eddirtane died in Ballone.15 The church of Eddirthane
at the period of the Reformation belonged to the subdean of Ross.16 In 1583 King James
VI. presented Donald Simpsoun to the vicarage of Eddertane, vacant by the decease of Master
William Strauthauchin.17

The church, built in 1743, stands apparently on the old site at Ardcronie near Balinlich or
Ballioch on the Dornoch Firth.18

The abbey of Fearn, founded early in the thirteenth century by Ferquhard Earl of Ross
' beside Kincardin in Stracharrin,' stood at Fearn, prohably Middle Fearn, in this parish, where

1 Ford. Scot., lib. viii. cc. 28, 76. Chronica de Mail- " A. D. 1561-1566. Book of Assumptions,
ros, pp. 90, 112. Ext. e var. Cron. Scocic, p. 82. "' A. D. 1574. Book of Assignations.

2 Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace. " A. D. 1583. Reg. Sec. Sig, vol. xlix. fol. 17'-'.

* Old and New Stat. Ace. '2 A. D. 1600-1700. Macfarlane's Geog. Collect.

* Old Stat. Ace. " Circa A. D. 1640. Blaeu.
5 Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace. '4 New Stat. Ace. and Maps.

11 A. D. 1532. Calendar of Fearn. A. D. 1501-1566. !5 Calendar of Fearn. 16 Book of Assumptions.

Book of Assumptions. " Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 172.

' A. D. 1561-1566. Ibid. ls Macfarlanc. Blaeu. Old Stat. Ace. New Stat.

* A. D. 1561-1566. Ibid. Ace. Modern Maps.

EDDERTOUN.] PAROCHIALE S. 415

the convent appears to have remained for about 15 years before its removal to New Fearn, and
where vestiges of its buildings seem to have been visible till the end of the sixteenth centurv.1
Malcolme, one of two ' quhite channonis,' said to have been met by the Earl in Galloway
bearing relics of Saint Ninian, which with the bearers he carried to Eoss, was abbot for 15
years, and was succeeded by Malcolme of Nig, during whose rule (apparently about the year
1238) the site of the monastery was changed.2

In the year 1574 the reader at Eddirtayn had for his stipend 20 marks and the kirklands.3
In 1341 William Earl of Boss granted to his brother Hugh of Eoss the lands of Westray and
others, with the fishing of Acheferne and Stogok.* Between 1350 and 1372 Hugh of Eoss
granted to his armiger William Marescal, for his good and faithful service, his land of Dachynbeg
in Vestray.5 Daane, Westray, and perhaps other lands granted by King James I. to Nele Nele-
soun in 1430, and by King James IV. to David Eos in 1490, appear to lie in this parish.0 In
1550 Alexander Eos of Balnagown granted to William Carnecors of Colmishill or Colmislie the
lands of Milntown of Westray with the mill, the lands of Ballinleich, and the lands of Mekill
Doles, in special warrandice of the lands of Estir Earechy which he then sold to the same
William.7 At the Eeformation all or nearly all the lands in the parish were held and paid tithe
to the subdean of Eoss as follows — Iddirthane, half a davach (or 23 plotighgates), occupied
by Alexander Eos of Balnagown, 10 marks 6s. 8d. ; Westray and Meltoun, half a davach,
occupied by the same Alexander, 4 marks ; Eowny (or Downe), a davach, occupied by the
same, 14 marks ; Mekle Doles and Lechestoun, half a davach, occupied by the same, 10
marks; Lytill Doles, three quarter davachs, occupied by John M'Colemestoun or Eoss, 10
marks ; Wastir Farine (now apparently in Kincardine), a davach, occupied by William Eos, 18
marks ; Estir Feme, a davach, occupied by Thomas Eos, 8 marks ; Dathan Mekle, three fourths
of a davach, occupied by Walter Eos otherwise named Alexander Waltersoun, his mother, and
Thomas Eos, 6 marks; Dathan Lytle, a quarter davach, occupied by William Eos and his
brother, 3 marks ; the subdean's croft and mains within the canonry of Eos, occupied bv
Andro Wilgues, 3 marks.8 In 1577 William Carncors of Colmeslie was served heir to his father
Eobert in the lands of Mylntoun and Westra with the mill, Ballinlechie, and Mekill Doles, in
warrandice of Eister Earechie.9 In 1578 the lands of Litill Dolles, Mekle Dolles, the Myln-
town of Westry, and Litill Dovane, with other lands held in heritage by Alexander Eos of
Balnagowne, and George Eos his son and apparent heir, of the bishop of Eos, the commendator
of Feme, and the sacrist of Thane, were apprised in favour of James Scrymgeour of Duddop
constable of Dundie in defect of movable goods, to be held of the crown for the services
formerly due.10 In 1582 King James VI. granted to George Eos of Balnagowin and the male
heirs of his body, with remainder to his male heirs whomsoever, the same lands with those of
Ballelich, formerly belonging to James Scrymgeour of Dudop, apprised by him to Alexander

1 Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross. New Stat. Ace. 7 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxx. no. 555. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

2 Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross. vol. xxiv. fol. 6.

3 Book of Assignations. 8 Book of Assumptions. Cronicle of the Earlis of

4 Balnagown Charters. 6 Ibid. Ross.

6 See KIKCAKDINE, p. 411. 9 Retours. I0 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlv. fol. 67.

416 ORIGLNES [TAIN.

Eos the father of George for large sums of money, and resigned by the same James, to be
held for the services formerly due.1

The site of the castle of Eddertoun, erroneously supposed to be one of the two founded or
fortified by King William in 1179, lies near the sea.2

The circular buildings styled duns were at one time numerous in the parish, and one of them
named Dunaliskag during part of the last century was nearly entire.3

West from the church is a large plain with tumuli, where a battle is believed to have been
fought with the Danes or Norwegians, and beside it a circular mound with a rude obelisk in
the centre about ten feet high.4

TAIN.

Tene8 — Thane6 — Tayne7 — Tayn.8 (Map, No. 9.)

THIS parish (named in Gaelic Sgire-Duich, the parish of Duthace), about 9 miles long from
cast to west, and two miles in breadth from north to south, consists of three tracts, a low sandy
plain about 15 feet above the sea (representing the most recent sea-board of geologists), a fertile
and cultivated plain or terrace about 50 feet above the sea (representing an earlier geological
beach), and a still higher district culminating in the Hill of Tain 780 feet above the same level.8
From the coast there stretcli directly across the Dornoch Firth several large sand banks, the chief
of which is the Geyzen or Gizzen Brigs, a few miles below Tain, and the extension of the pro
montory a short way above that town at the Muckle Ferry anciently known as Portincoultyr.10
In the year 1227 (during the rule of Robert bishop of Ross) Brydinus the vicar of Tene was
present with others of the clergy of Ross at Kenedor in Moray at the settlement of a dispute
between the bishops of Moray and Ross about the churches of Kyntalargyn and Ardrosser.11
Saint Duthace, alleged to be the successor of Bishop Robert, born in Tayne, and subse
quently reverenced there, died in 1249 or 1253, and was buried in the town of Tena (Tain)
on 19 June in either of these years.12 Thenceforward there appears to be no notice of
the church of Tain till the year 1436, in which died Finlaw abbot of Feme, the grandson
of Sir William Feriar vicar of Tayne.13 In 1456 Alexander Sutherland of Dunbeath in

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 11. 8 A. D. 1574. Book of Assignations. Circa A. T>.

2 New Stat. Ace. See Chronica de Mailros, p. 90 ; 1G40. MS. Slaps in Adv. Lib.
Ford. Scot., lib. viii. c. 28 ; and The Family of Kil- 9 New Stat. Ace.

ravock (Spalding Club), pp. 109, 110. 1° Miller's Scenes and Legends (ed. 1850), pp. 25-28.

3 Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace. 4 Ibid. New Stat. Ace. Anderson's Guide (1834), pp. 505-508.

5 A. D. 1227. Rcgist. Moraviense, p. 82. Blaeu's Map.

6 A. D. 1483. Acta Parl. Scot., vol. ii. p. 159. » Regist. Moraviense, p. 82.

* A. P. 1487. Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. x. no. 109. A. D. 12 Brev. Aberd. Prop. SS. pro temp, hyem., fol. 66.

1510. Brev. Aberd. Prop. SS. pro temp, hyeiu. fol. 66. Camerarius, pp. 112, 113,159. Keith's Bishops. Trea-

Ante A. D. 1615. Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross. suror's Accounts.

Circa, A. D. 1640. Blaen. " Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross.

TAIN.] PAROCHIALES. 417

his will appointed 30 trentals to be said for his soul, of which four were to be said in Tayno
(doubtless in the church of Saint Duthace).1 In 1483 William Cluny macer passed to the town
of Thane in Boss, where the Lord Creichtoun lived in the vicar's house, and in the presence of
witnesses, among whom were William Johnsoun a bailie of Thane and Thomas Rede a bailie of
Cromarty, summoned that lord to appear at Edinburgh in parliament to answer for his treason.2
In 1487 Master Thomas Eos was rector of the church of Tayne.8

In the same year Thomas bishop of Ross, at the instance of King James III., for the weal
of his soul, and of the souls of his predecessors and successors Kings of Scotland, and of all
who had contributed any thing towards the foundation, erected the chapel of Saint Duthace
of Tayne, bishop, confessor, and priest, into a collegiate church for a provost, five canons, two
deacons or subdeacons, a sacrist with an assistant clerk, and three singing boys.4 The
provost was invested with full ordinary jurisdiction over the canons and other officials, their
familiars and servitors dwelling in the town of Tane, and other persons that might be
added to the foundation, with power of suspension and excommunication ; with power also
of excommunication and absolution over the inhabitants of the towns of Newmore, Morynchy,
Tallirky, Cambuscurry, and Dunskaith, and all who should in any way molest them. The
five canons or prebendaries were to be regularly qualified priests, trained in morals, litera
ture, and especially singing, and were bound to be present with the other officials at
matins, vespers, and other canonical hours and masses, in good surplices made at their own
expense, and to sing at the mass De corpore &c. every Thursday. Absentees were to be
punished according to their demerits by pecuniary fines or otherwise as should seem good to
the provost or the canon whom he appointed to supply the absentee's place. The provost was
to have for his maintenance the vicarage of Tayne ; and for the fabric of the church and the
repair of its ornaments and books the teindsheaves of the towns of Tallirky, Morinchy, and
Cambuscurry, within the girth of Tayne, granted by consent of Master Thomas Ros rector of
Tayne to the provost, and to be applied at his discretion. To the provost were allotted also
the escheats of the courts of the town of Tayne. He was to have moreover the town of
Newmore, recently added to the foundation by King James III., for which he was bound to
maintain one of the five prebendaries, who should preside in his absence, and celebrate a private
mass daily for the state (status) of the King, his ancestors, and his successors, and should have
from the provost for his maintenance ten marks yearly. The presentation to this prebend was
vested in the King, and the presentation and collation to the provostry in the bishop of Ross.
The third person was to be the prebendary of Dunskaith, and to have for his maintenance the
lands and fruits formerly annexed to the chaplainry of Dunskaith, to rule the choir in singing,
to instruct in singing the boys of the choir, to be presented by the King, and to be admitted
by the provost. The fourth was the prebendary of Tallirky, who should have for his main
tenance the lands and fruits formerly annexed to the chaplainry of Tallirky. The fifth was the

1 Misc. of Bannatyne Club, vol. iii. 3 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. x. no. 109.

3 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. ii. p. 159. * Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. x. no. 109.

VOL. II. 3 G

418 ORIGINES [TAIN.

prebendary of Morynchy with a similar provision for his maintenance. The sixth was the prebendary
of Cambuscurry, to be maintained from the revenues of that chaplainry. The patronage of the
latter three chaplainries or prebendaries was vested in the Earl of Eoss, and the admission in
the provost. The seventh person, a deacon or subdeacon, was to have for his maintenance six
marks Scots from the lands of Innerathy, to be paid yearly by the lord of the same, who should
have the presentation, while the admission belonged to the provost. The eighth, a deacon or
subdeacon, should have for his maintenance yearly six marks Scots, four of which were to be
paid by Finlay Faid, and two by John Fayd, from their lands of Innerathy and Tayn; the
patronage to belong to Finlay Fayd and his heirs, and the admission to the provost. The two
deacons or subdeacons were to be regularly instructed and sufficiently qualified in singing and
in literature. The ninth, or sacrist, was to have for his maintenance the mill of Morinchy as
he formerly had, together with such suffrages as clerks usually have, to be trained in singing
and literature, and to have under him an assistant with a surplice and becoming dress, who
should ring the bell and supply fire and water in the church ; the patronage to belong to
the provost. The three singing boys, scholars, or choristers, were to be either secular or
clerical, and to have for their service yearly each three marks or forty shillings Scots; the
first to be paid by John Monroo of Foulis and his successors — the second by John Merschell
of Davachcarty and his successors — and the third by the heirs of the deceased Andrew
Alanesoun. The whole of these officials were bound continually to reside in the college, and
not to be absent above eight days, or even so long without the license of the provost or pre
sident ; and should they be longer absent even in the courts of the king, the bishop, or the earl,
they should ipso facto forfeit their respective offices, which, if the regular patron neglected to
fill them up within a month, should be disposed of by the provost ; and not even an apostolical
dispensation should have power to release them from continual residence. The visitation and
correction of the provostry were to belong to the bishop, and the visitation and correction of the
other functionaries, and full ecclesiastical power over them, to the provost ; so that they were
not to be sued before any one but the provost, except for crimes which inferred degradation from
their sacred office. The provost and four of the prebendaries were bound to appear yearly in
the bishop's synod, one prebendary remaining to celebrate mass in their absence. Each of the
officials was bound at institution to swear obedience to all the statutes made and to be made,
and especially to that relating to residence and the invalidity of a dispensation therefrom.
The rest of the rules were to be similar to those of the collegiate church of Saint John the
Baptist of Corstorphin. In 1492 the erection was confirmed by Pope Innocent VIII.1

In 1514 a mandate of Robert Fresel dean and official of Eoss is witnessed by William of
Spyne provost of Tane.2 In 1541 Sir Donald Monro was provost of the church of Tayne.3
In the same year King James V. presented George Ogiluy to the provostship, vacant or when
vacant by the demission or decease of Sir Donald Monro.* In 1542 the same king presented

1 Original at Tain. 3 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxvii. no. 159.

2 Beauly Charters apud Macfarlane. * Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xiv. fol. 60.

TAIN.] PAROCHIALES. 419

Sir Hugh Gray chaplain to the provostry, then vacant by the decease of Sir Magnus Vaus.1
In 1544 the provost was Master John Thorntoun precentor of Moray.2 In 1549 Queen Mary
presented Sir Nicholas Eos to the provostry of the college church of Thane, and to the vicarage
of that church annexed to the provostry, when they should be vacant by the demission of Sir
Alexander Gray.3 In 1550 and between 1561 and 1566 Sir Nicholas Eos appears as provost.4
In 1567 he demitted the provostry of Thane for the abbey of Feme, and John bishop of Ross
granted it to Thomas Eos parson of Alnes, the presentation being confirmed by Queen Mary.6
In 1571 Thomas Ross appears as commendator of Feme and provost of Tayne.6 In 1584 he
resigned the abbacy or commend of Feme with the provostry of Tayne, which King James VI.
then granted for life to Walter Eos, reserving to Thomas the liferent of both with reversion
to the abbacy in case of Walter's death, and to the ministers serving the parish churches of
the abbey and provostry the liferent of their stipends.7

In 1515 King James V. presented Sir Donald Rede chaplain to the chaplainry called
Newthmore in the college church of Saint Duthac in Thane, when it should be vacant by the
resignation of Sir Finlay Fergussoun.8 In 1518 the same king presented Master Andrew
Sinclare to the chaplainry of Newmore, then vacant by the decease of Sir Donald Reid.9 In
1529 he presented Alexander Grant (or Duff) to the chaplainry of Neomoir (stated in the
presentation to be situated in the cathedral church of Ross), vacant by the decease of Master
Andrew Sinclar.10 In 1530 the same king presented Master John Bissate vicar of Kilmure to
the same chaplainry (in the college church of Thane), vacant by the decease of the same Master
Andrew Sinclar.11 In 1531 he granted to Sir Alexander Duff chaplain, a letter confirming his
presentation to the chaplainry of Newmoir, vacant by the decease of Master Andrew Sinclare,
and stating that this chaplainry was situated within the college church of Tayne for suffrages
and divine service to be performed there, notwithstanding a clause in the presentation to the
effect that it was situated in the cathedral church of Eoss, where it should have been said the
college church of Tayne. and that the King therefore admitted the presentation to Sir Alexander
Duff to be to that chaplainry, and by his letter of confirmation discharged all others from the
same.12 In 1541 the same king granted a letter of protection for life to Master John Bissate
chaplain of the chaplainry of Newmoir within the college kirk of Tane, and to his friends and
property.13 In 1543 Master John Bissate, the same prebendary or chaplain of Newmore in the
college church of Saint Duthac of Thane, with the consent of Queen Mary, of the Earl of Arran,
and of Eobert bishop of Eoss, granted to George Munro of D'awachcarty the kirklands of the

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xvi. fol. 41. been given in accordance with the original founda-

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xviii. fol. 36. tion.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxii. fol. 91. In the record of 6 Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross,

this presentation it is stated to be in the crown plena 7 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. i. fol. 90.

jure, which indicates the alteration of the original 8 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. v. fol. 8.

foundation as given above. 9 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. v. ff. 120, 121.

* Reg. Mag. Sig., vol. xxx. fol. 535. Book of As- I0 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. viii. fol. 135; vol. ix. fol. 40.

sumptions. " Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. viii. fol. 170.

' Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxvi. fol. 41. Cronicle of the 12 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. ix. fol. 40.

Earlis of Ross. This presentation appears to have 13 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xv. fol. 68.

420 ORIGINES [TAIX.

chaplainry, namely, the lands of Newmore with the alehouse, Inchedowne, Baddequhondachy,
Eowecorracht, and Newmoyr in Strathowre, in the earldom of Eoss and sheriffdom of Innerness,
which the tenants used to have for the annual ferme of 7 marks Scots, 40s. grassum, 30 bolls
victual, 4 muttons, 4 dozen poultry, 4 marts, and 12 capons — the grantee paying accordingly,
the victual to be half oatmeal half bear by Leith measure.1 At the Eeformation the same
George Munro appears to have been feuar or chaplain of Newmoir.2 In 1570 King James VI.
presented Master George Monro student to the chaplainry of Newmoir, vacant by decease of his
brother german Master Hector Moriro.3 In 1571, by a deed dated 10 February at Striueling
and 28 February at the canonry of Eos, Master George Munro prebendary and chaplain of
Newmoir in the collegiate church of Saint Duthac in Tayne, with the consent of King James
VI., of the Eegent Mathew Earl of Lennoxe, of Master Kintigern Monypenny dean and vicar
general of Eos, of Thomas abbot of Feme and provost of the church of Tayne, and of the
prebendaries of that church, for the augmentation of his rental by the sum of six marks Scots,
granted to Andrew Munro in Newmoir, the son and apparent heir of George Munro of
Dauchartye, and to his male heirs, with remainder to his heirs whomsoever bearing the surname
and arms of Monro, the churchlands of the chaplainry, namely, the lands of Newmoir with the
alehouse, the lands of Inchedown with the mill and 'straith' of the same, the lands of Baddie-
quhoncar, Eawsnwye, Killymano, Eewchorrack, Newmoir, with the ' straythis ' of Aldna-
frankach, Aldnaquhoriloch, and Eewthlasnaboa, in Strathrowrie, in the earldom of Eos and
sheriffdom of Innernes— which were formerly held in heritage by the same George, and were
resigned by him because from the dearness of the lands he had reaped no profit from them,
but had sustained loss by the payment of the dues, and because the whole yearly revenue
of the lands, according to the rental given in for payment of the thirds of the profits of the
chaplainry, amounted only to the sum of £30 Scots — to be held by Andrew Munro for yearly
payment of 7 marks Scots in name of feuferme, 40s. grassum, 30 bolls victual or 8s. 4s. Scots for
each boll, 4 muttons or 3s. 4d. for each, 12 capons or 6s., 4 dozen poultry or 12s., together with
the sum of £4 Scots for arriages, carriages, bondages, and every other burden, and for the
augmentation of the rental beyond what the lands ever before yielded, amounting in all in
money to the sum of £30, 14s. 8d. Scots for feuferme and customs.4 The lands were to be held
according to the following boundaries. The lands of Intoun of Newmoir, Inchedown, Baddie-
quhonchar, Eawsnwye, and Kellymoir of Newmoir ; Beginning at the summit of the hill called
Correyewny towards the west — and thence descending the shoulder of the hill across the burn
which runs from the loch of Auchnaclaych southwards to the little hill called Knokderruthoill
— and thence passing southwards to the marchstone in the cultivated field called Ardachath
of Newmoir on the west side of a cairn called Glascarne near the road lying on the north
side of the said cairn which leads westwards to the lands of Badcall — and from the said
marchstone to the marchstones as they are situated as far as the marchstone situated on the

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. iviii. ff. 14, 15. 3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxix. fol. 48.

2 Book of Assumptions. * Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxix. ff. 69-71.

TAIN.] PAROCHIALES. 421

east side of the hill called Knoknasteraa lying on the south side of the wood or haining
(taluieule) called Abianemoir — and from the said marchstone situated on the east side of the
said hill called Knoknasteraa passing eastwards to the marchstones as they lie as far as the
marchstone situated at the common road which leads thence to the lands of Inchefure — and
from the said marchstone passing eastwards on the south side of the said road as far as the
hill called Kirkchaistull or Pollogroyscheak — and from the mountain called Kirkchaistull pass
ing eastwards from hill to hill to the summit of the same as wind and weather schere (vt ventus
et aer seruiuni) as far as the first hill lying on the south side of the east part of the lands of
Kellymoir of Newmoir — and in like manner passing from that first hill northwards across the
stream called Alddanaherar to the marchstone called Clachinnumoir — and thence passing also
northwards across the burn called Craskayk to the well called Tobirinteir — and thence passing
northwards to the rock (petra) called Eistir Glakgowir — and thence passing straight1 to
the summit of the great hill called the Hill of Inchedown and Kandylrwyf to the north —
and passing from the summit of that hill westward as wind and weather schere along the
summit of the hills to the said hill called Corryzewynie to the west ; which bounds and
marches lie between the said lands of Intown of Newmoir, Dorrewchoill of Newmoir, Inche
down, Baddequhonchar, Rewsnwye, Glaslowis, and Kellymoir of Newmoir, and the lands of
Auchnocloych, Brakach, and Tollye, towards the north respectively. The lands of Rawchar-
rache, Newmoir in Straythrowrie, Strayth of Aldnafrankache, Aldnaquhorolache, and Rew-
claschenabaa ; Beginning from the lands of Cabreithe, Dalnaclerauch, and Chanduirwyf, towards
the east, and the lands of Auchnacloy, Badkall, and Culcarne, on the west — the lands of
Chanderaig, Ardnagaik, Feathilachie, Delany, and Inschefure, towards the south — the summit
of the hill called Binebreychst and the well in the same called Feromenarbinbreichst towards
the north — and descending thence southwards to the fall (preciputium) of the burn called
Kethanebontaeone — and thence descending and passing on the east side of that burn as it
runs as far as the water called Owarie towards the south — and thence passing across the ford
in that water called Ahanenalawg eastwards to the Reid Braa called Skedane Roy — and thence
eastwards passing a hollow or the How Dayne Claschenagowarane as far as the burn called
Aldmaddow towards the east — and thence passing northwards on the west side of that burn
to the well in the hill called Correbruoch or Foranecorrebruoch towards the north — and thence
from the said well and the summit of the hill called Correbruoch passing westwards along the
summit of the hills as wind and weather schere as far as the said hill called Binebreichst to
the well in the same called Quharanebinebreichst ; which boundaries lie between the said lands of
Rewchorache, the Strayth of Aldnafrankach, the Strayth of Aldnaquhoroloch, and Claschenabaa,
with their pendicles and pertinents belonging to the land of Newmoir, and the lands of Tollie,
Chwleauchmeanach, Chwyulaichmoir, Brakach, and Auchnacloy, towards the west — the lands of
Strathrorie, belonging to Walter Innes in Calrossie, towards the south — the lands of Westray
towards the east — and the lands of Stray thcharrone and the burn called Aldcassane towards

1 In record herialiter; qu. linealiter ?

422 ORIGINES [TAIN.

the north. In 1574 Master George Munro, on his promotion to the chancellary of Eoss,
resigned the chaplainry of Newmore, which King James VI. then granted for seven years to
George Monro the son of Andro Monro of Newmore ' in suppoirt of his sustentatioun at the
scoles.' l In 1579 the chaplainry was resigned by Master George Munro, and granted by King
James to his brother John Munro for the same term and purpose.2 In 1585 King James
confirmed the grant of the lands of the chaplainry, made in 1571 by Master George Monro to
Andrew Monro.3 In 1586 King James renewed to John Monro the grant of 1579 for the same
period.4 In 1639 Robert Monro of Obstaill was served heir to his father Colonel John Monro
of Obsteill in the churchlands of the same chaplainry, of the extent of £30, 14s. 8d. feuferme.5
In 1500 King James IV. presented Sir Alexander Eoss to the chaplainry of Dunskaith within
the college kirk of Tane, vacant by the promotion, incapacity, or demission of Sir John Poilson
chanter of Catneiss, last chaplain — the patronage belonging to the King and the collation to
the bishop of Eoss.6 In 1533 Sir Nicholas Eoss, the natural son of Sir Alexander Eos, was
chaplain of Dunskeath.7 Sir Nicholas had four sons, Nicholas, William, Donald, and Thomas,
who received letters of legitimation from Queen Mary in 1543.8 In 1544 that queen presented
Sir Thomas Stevinsoun chaplain to the chaplainry and prebend in the college church of Thane,

then vacant or when vacant by the decease or demission of Sir Eos.9 In the same year

she granted a precept of legitimation in favour of Sir Nicholas Eos the chaplain of Dunskeith.10
By a deed dated at the college church of Thayne 24 March 1544 Sir Nicholas, with the consent
of Queen Mary, of the Earl of Arran, of Eobert bishop of Eoss, and of Master John Thorntoun
provost and the prebendaries assembled in chapter, granted to Nicholas Eos (his son) and his
heirs male, with remainder to William Eos the brother german of Nicholas and his heirs male, to
Donald Eos their brother german and his heirs male, to Thomas Eos their brother german and
his heirs male, to the eldest of the female heirs of Thomas, and to the heirs of Nicholas whom
soever, his lands of Dunskaith in the lordship of Ardmanach and sheriffdom of Innernes, together
with a revenue of two marks Scots from the ferry dues and profits (de naulo et proficuis) of
the Queen's port and ferry of Cromatye — which lands and revenue belonged to him as the
patrimony of the chaplainry, and extended in his rental to the sum of 18 marks Scots — the
grantee paying yearly 20 marks in augmentation of the rental by two marks, and engaging to
build and maintain a sufficient mansion upon the lands.11 In 1549 Queen Mary presented Sir
Donald Scherare chaplain to the chaplainry of Dunskayth, when it should be vacant by the
resignation of Sir Nicholas Eos.12 In 1578 King James VI. granted the chaplainry to Thomas
Dauidsoun, the son of John Dauidsoun in Edinburgh, for his support at school for seven years.18

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlii. fol. 45. 9 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xviii. fol. 27. The chaplainry,

- Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvi. fol. 33. though unnamed, is apparently Dunskaith, and tlie

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liii. fol. 11. chaplain, whose first name is blank, Sir Nicholas Ros.

4 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liv. fol. 54. 10 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxix. no. 208. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

5 Retours. vol. xviii. fol. 32.

6 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. i. fol. 126. " Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xviii. fol. 36.

7 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxv. no. 42 ; lib. xxix. no. 208. 12 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxii. fol. 91.
s Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxix. no. 209. » Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlv. fol. 47.

TAIN.]

PAROCHIALES.

423

In 1580 he confirmed a grant in heritage by Andrew Dauidsoun chaplain of Dunskaith, given
with the consent of the chapter to John Dauidsoun, of the manse and tenement lying in the
town of Thayne on the north side of the same, between the lands of Thomas Fiddes burgess
of Thayne on the east, the common road on the west, the public road on the south, and the
garden of the said Andrew on the north.1 In 1582 the same king granted to Thomas
Dauidsoun, the son of John Dauidsoun burgess of Edinburch, the chaplainry of Dunskaith,
not exceeding the sum of 20 marks yearly, vacant by the decease of Sir Andro Dauidsoun.'-'
In 1586 he granted to the same Thomas Dauidsoun, 'bursar in the college of Cambrige in
Ingland,' for seven years, ' and that for supporte to hald and interteny him at the said college
for his bettir educatioun in vertew and guid lettres,' the chaplainries of Dunskeyth and Ardefaill
in the diocese of Ross, not exceeding the sum of £30, vacant by expiration of the grant made
to the said Thomas and his brother James, or in any other way.3 In 1587 he granted to Robert
Monro, the son of Hucheoun Monro in Fyreis, for seven years, ' to hald and interteny him at
the scules,' the same two chaplainries, vacant by the expiration of the grants made to the two
sons of John Dauidsoun tailor ' throw thair not abyding actuallie at the scules,' or otherwise.*
In 1503 King James IV. presented Master Alexander Gordoun to the chaplainry of TallSrcy,
vacant by the decease of Sir Thomas Kilqwhous.5 In 1505 the chaplainry is stated to have
been resigned by Master Alexander chanter of Moray, and granted by the same king to Sir
George Gordoun.6 In 1506 King James presented Sir Thomas Tarbart to the same chap
lainry, when it should be vacant by the demission of Sir Alexander Gordoun, then chaplain.7
In 1529 King James V. presented Sir Robert Mailuile chaplain to the prebend or prebendary
chaplainry called Tarlogy in the college church of Thane, when vacant, in exchange for the
vicarage of Abirtarf.8 In 1559 Sir Robert Mailuile, perpetual chaplain of Tallarky, granted in
liferent to George Monro of Dawachcarty, and to Donald Monro his son and his male heirs,
with remainder to the male heirs of George Monro, and to the eldest of his female heirs without
division, the lands of Tallarky in the sheriffdom of Innernes, for payment to the chaplain yearly
of 29 marks 4s. 6d., with two dozen of capons, and 2s. lOd. in augmentation of the rental.9
In the same year Queen Mary confirmed the grant.10 Between 1561 and 1566 Sir Robert
Melvill was still chaplain, and George Munro feuar of Tarlaquhy.11 In 1574 King James VI.
granted for seven years to George Monro, the son of Donald Monro of Talrawky, for his
education at school, the chaplainry of Talrawky, vacant by the demission of Master George
Monro, who was promoted to the chancellary of Ross 12 In 1580 the same king granted to
Donald Monro's son Hucheoun for the same period and purpose the chaplainry of Talrekie, not
exceeding £20 yearly, and in 1586 he renewed the grant.13

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvi. fol. 139.

2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlviii. fol. 120.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liv. fol. 53.
1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. Iv. fol. 32.

5 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. ii. fol. 134.

6 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. iii. fol. 16.
' Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. iii. fol. 79.

» Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. viii. fol. 49.

9 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 460. Reg. Sec. Sig.,
vol. xxix. fol. 92. In the Reg. Mag. Sig. the name of
the chaplain is Sir John Maluile.

10 Ibid. " Book of Assumptions.

12 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlii. fol. 45.

13 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvii. fol. 16 ; voL liv. fol. 54.

424 ORIGINES [TAIX.

In 1526 King James V. presented Sir Donald Henrisone to the chaplainry of Morinch in
the church of Saint Duthac of Thane, when it should be vacant by the resignation of Sir Donald
Morisone.1 In 153C the same king presented Sir John Scott to the chaplainry, then vacant by
the decease of Sir John Moresoun.2 In 1545 (8 July), and in the same year and month (14
July), Queen Mary presented Sir Symon Blyith and Sir David Weir successively to the prebend
of Morinche, vacant by the decease of Sir John Scott.3 In 1547 she presented Sir Thomas
Fergusoun chaplain to the same prebend, vacant or when vacant by the demission of Sir Symon
Blyth.4 In 1574 King James VI. granted for seven years to Thomas Ros, the lawful son of
the deceased John Ross or Reid in Annet, for his education, the same chaplainry of Moirinche,
not exceeding yearly 20 marks Scots, vacant by the decease of Sir Jeromy Paip.5 In 1580 he
granted the chaplainry for seven years to Walter Ros the son of Master Thomas Ros in Tane for
his education at school.6 In 1584 King James confirmed a grant made by Sir Jerome Pape
(before or in 1574), with the consent of Nicholas Ros provost of Tayne and commendator of
Feme, and of the prebendaries of the college, to Donald Ros Hendersoun and his heirs, of
the following lands (apparently those of the chaplainry of Morinche), namely, the two Thesklaris
lying on the west side of the town of Tayne, extending to the sowing of three bolls of bear
or thereby — the lands lying above the lands of Enycht, extending to the sowing of six pecks
of bear — two rigs of land extending to the sowing of six pecks of bear — one rig of land
extending to the sowing of one peck of bear, lying at the west end of the town of Tayne —
one rig of land lying near the lands of the provost of Tayne, of the sowing of half a firlot of
bear — one rig of land lying between the roads, of the sowing of a firlot of bear — one rig
of land lying at the west end of the town of Tayne, extending to the sowing of three pecks
of bear — the lands called the Buttis lying on the west side of the provost's lands, extending
to the sowing of one firlot of bear — one rig of land extending to the sowing of three pecks
of bear — one croft of land called Croftmatak, containing seven buttis, extending to the sowing
of two firlots of bear or thereby — one rig of land of the sowing of 3 pecks of bear — one butt
(sulcus) of laud of the sowing of one peck of bear — one small butt, and another butt, with four
rigs of land lying contiguously, extending to the sowing of two firlots of bear — one rig of
land of the sowing of two pecks of bear — one rig of land extending to the sowing of two
firlots of bear or thereby, at least to the sowing of one firlot — one rig extending to the sowing of
one firlot of bear — one rig of the sowing of three pecks of bear — another rig of the sowing of
three pecks of bear — one rig of the sowing of a firlot of bear — one rig of the sowing of two
pecks of bear — one rig of the sowing of two pecks — six rigs called Watleyth Croft, of the sowing
of three firlots of bear — one rig of the sowing of three pecks of bear — another rig of the same
sowing — two rigs extending to the sowing of six pecks of bear lying contiguously — one rig with
one butt lying upon Poltak — one rig of the sowing of three pecks of bear — another of the sowing
of two pecks — and also the sowing of a boll of bear at the north end of the town of Tayne ; namely,

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. vi. fol. 53 ; vol. vii. fol. 57. 4 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxi. fol. 48.

J Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. x. fol. 132. 5 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xli. fol. 142.

' Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xix. fol. 23. « Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvii. fol. 12.

TAIS.]

PAROCHIALES.

425

two rigs extending to the sowing of a firlot ; the Buttis extending to the sowing of three pecks ;
four rigs in Neclacanalych extending to the sowing of six pecks of bear ; the sowing of three

pecks of bear at the burn (apud torrentem) ; and one rig of the sowing of two pecks of bear

all specially bounded as in the charter.1 In 1586 King James, understanding ' the gude and
fervent affectioun borne be his Hienes louit Williame Eos, sone to Thomas Eos abbot of Feme,
towardes science and lettres, and to gif him occasioun to continew at the scuillis for obtening
thairof,' granted to him for life the chaplainry of Morinche, vacant by the decease of the last
chaplain, and then held by Walter Eos student the brother of William by the King's grant
for seven years — his entry to take place on expiration of that grant.2

In 1506 King James IV. presented Sir Thomas Heriot to the chaplainry of Cambuscurry,
vacant by the decease or inhability of Sir Donald Rede.3 In 1515 King James V. presented
Sir Thomas Fergussoun chaplain to the same chaplainry, when it should be vacant by the
resignation of the same Sir Donald Eede.4 In 1544 Queen Mary presented Sir Symon Blyth
to the same prebend, vacant or when vacant by the decease of Sir Thomas Fergussoun.5 In
1547 (2 June) the same queen presented Master John Giffert to the prebend of Cammiscurre,
vacant by the decease of Sir Thomas Fergussoun, or when it should be vacant otherwise.6
In the same year (20 September) she again presented Sir Symon Blyth chaplain to the same
prebend, then vacant or when vacant by the demission of Sir Thomas Fergussoun.7 In 1550
the same queen presented Master Alexander Dingwell to the chaplainry, then stated to be
vacant by the decease of Sir Thomas Fergusoun.8 The prebend of Cambuscurry seems to be
the ' prebendrie of Than perteining to Symond Blyth,' for which he accounted to the collector
of thirds in 1561-1566.9 In 1578 King James VI. granted to Eobert Coluill, the son of Master
John Coluill chanter of Glasgow, for his education during seven years, the chaplainry of
Cambuscurry, not exceeding 20 marks yearly, vacant by the decease of Master Alexander
Dingwall.10 In 1580 Mr. John Coluill demitted the chaplainry, which King James then
granted for the same time and purpose to Gillicallum Eos the son of Alexander Eos of
Balnagoune.11 In 1618 David Eoss of Pitcarline was served heir to his uncle Malcolm Eos
of Cambuscurrie in the half of Cambuscurrie with the salmon fishings and other privileges, of
the extent of 7 marks feuferme — the half of the alehouse and croft of the same, extent 6s. 8d.
feuferme and grassum — the half of the boat and ferryboat in the harbour of Portinculter, with
the rights of port belonging to that half, extent 6s. 8d. feuferme — and the other arriages and
carriages of the same lands, extent 2s. 6d.12

In 1507 King James IV. presented Sir William Fudes to the sacristy of the church of Saint
Duthace of Tane, founded on the mill of Morinch, when it should be vacant by the resignation
of Sir Donald Eede.13 In 1532 King James V. presented Sir James Wythand to the same

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. li. fol. 191.

2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liii. fol. 1G2.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. iii. fol. 70.

4 R«g. Sec. Sig., vol. v. fol. 8.

5 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xviii. fol. 107.
0 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxi. fol. 20.

VOL. II.

" Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxi. fol. 48.

8 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiv. fol. 40.

9 Book of Assumptions.

10 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlv. fol. 97.

11 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvii. fol. 115.

12 Retours. u Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. iii. fol. 139.

426

OEIGINES

[TAIN.

sacristy, when it should be vacant by the resignation of Sir Malcolm Mortimer.1 In 1539
(5 June) the same king presented Sir Florimund Hume chaplain to the sacristy, vacant or
when vacant by the inhability of Sir James Wythhand, or otherwise.2 In the same year (29
June) he presented George Ogiluy to the same sacristy, vacant by the inhability of Sir James
Withhand, who had committed murder.3 In 1541 (4 October) the same king presented Master
Hugh Guthrie his servitor, and (5 October) Alexander Vddart, to the same prebend or office
of sacrist, vacant by the decease of Sir James Withand last possessor.4 In 1544 Queen Mary
presented Stephen Kincaid to the office of sacrist in the college church of Thane, then vacant
by the decease of Sir James Wythand, or when it should be vacant by the inhability or de
privation of Alexander Vddart, or by any other means.5 In 1546 the Queen issued a second
presentation in favour of Stephen Kincaid, and the sacristy was again stated to be vacant by the
decease of Sir James Wythhand and the deprivation and inhability of Alexander Vdwart, or
otherwise.6 In 1557 she presented Robert Kincaid to the same office, then vacant by the
demission of Stephen Kincaid.7 At the Reformation the mill of Morinch, on which the sacristy
of Tain was founded, was held of the bishop of Ross by George Moreis for the yearly payment
of 2 chalders of victual.8 In 1618 David Ross of Pitcarlinc was served heir to his uncle
Malcolm Ros of Cambuscurrie in the grain mill of Morinschie with the mill croft and multures,
of the extent of 20 marks and 6s. 8d. in augmentation.9

Besides the chaplainries originally founded in the collegiate church of Tain by King James III.
there was a chaplainry subsequently founded by King James IV. In 1495 and subsequently
the sum of £5 was paid every half year to Sir Donald Rede chaplain, who was appointed to sing
for the soul of King James III. in Saint Duthois chapel at Tayn.10 In 1517 King James V.
presented Sir John Feme chaplain to the chaplainry pensionary of £10 Scots, to be yearly raised
from the fermes of the earldom of Ross, founded by King James IV. in the college church of
Tayne, when it should be vacant by the resignation of Sir Donald Rede.11 In 1543 (26 March)
Queen Mary presented Sir John Nycholsoun to the same chaplainry, then vacant or when vacant
by the demission or decease of Sir Hugh Farny.12 In the same year (2 April) that queen pre
sented Sir William Home chaplain to the same chaplainry, stated to be vacant by the decease
of Sir John Farny.13

The church, dedicated to Saint Duthace, appears to have stood on the low beach north of
the town, where its ruins, composed of strongly cemented granite blocks, and now known as the
chapel of Saint Duthace, may still be seen.14 The chapel of Saint Duthace stood in the town
or close to it, and, as above detailed, was in 1487 erected into the collegiate church of Tain,

Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. ix. fol. 151.
Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xiii. fol. 7.
Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xiii. fol. 11.
Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xv. ff. 42, 46.
Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xviii. fol. 27.
Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xx. fol. 34.
Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxix. fol. 2.
Book of Assumptions.

3 Retours.

0 Treasurer's Accounts.

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. v. fol. 117.

2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xvii. fol. 43.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xvii. fol. 44.

4 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. x. no. 109. Old Stat. Ace.
New Stat. Ace. Anderson, p. 305. Miller's Scenes
and Legends, p. 28.

TAIX.] PAROCHIALES. 427

the fabric of which is still standing.1 This church consists of a chancel, nave, a chapel at the
south east end of the chancel (a complete ruin), a south porch, a detached tower in the middle of
the town, and a detached chapel a little south of the former, still nearly perfect.2 It has a pulpit
bestowed by James Stewart Earl of Moray, ' the good Regent.'3 Above a porch at the west
end of the church is a niche with a stone image of a priest in eucharistic garments ; and in a
niche on its north side is the effigy of a bishop, supposed to be Saint Duthace.* The present
parish church, built in 1815, stands at the east end of the town.9

About the year 1790 the remains of a small chapel were to be seen in the neighbourhood
of Lochslin three miles east from Tain.8

The shirt of Saint Duthace (camissa Sancti Duthaci) was in the fourteenth century preserved
and reverenced at Tain, and Saint Duthace's cairn is still shown.7

A well, covered by the sea at high water, and of old believed to be a cure for consumption,
is known as Saint Mary's Well.8

In the Libellus Taxationum the provostry of Tayne is valued at £40 ; in the Taxatio
Sec. xvi. it is rated at £12, 8s., and in Baiamund (perhaps the rating is that of the church of
Tayne in 1270) at £4.9 At the Reformation the rental of the provostry was stated by Mr.
Henrie Kinros as follows — ' The said haill provestrie consistit in offrandis and the vicarage of
Tayne, of the quhilk vicarage the kirk kow and clayth with the pash offrandis ceiss, and only
restis teind lamb and teind lynt, quhilk will not extend to xx. lib. or thairby.'10 At the same
period the other tithes of the parish, then annexed to the subdeanery of Ross, were given as
follows — The town of Tayne, occupied by Nicolas Ros commendator of Feme, Thomas Fiddes,
Andro Ros and his mother, Nicolas Ros, and Mitchell Furde, paid 104 marks ; Morinchie, a half
davach, occupied by Nicolas Ros, 12 marks ; Talraquhy, a davach, occupied by Alexander Ros
laird of Balnagowne, 22 marks ; Cambuscurry, three-fourths of a davach, occupied by Adame
Hay, 21 marks ; Plaiddes, three-fourths of a davach, by Alexander Innes of Catboll, 8 marks ;
Pettogarty, half a davach, by the same Alexander, 8 marks ; Ballecherye, a quarter davach,
by the same, 4 marks ; Innerartie and Balnatouch, half a davach, by Michall Furde, 6 marks ;
Petgerello, half a davacb, by John Drumond, 8 marks; Balnagaw, half a davach, by Walter
Innes, 4 marks ; Lochislyne and Newtown, a davach, one half belonging to the bishop, and the
other to the subdean, 6 marks ; Skardy with the pendicles, occupied by Agnes Ros, 6 marks ;
Kerskeith, by Andro Ross, 3 marks ; Auley, by Agnes Ros, 2 marks.11 In 1574 Finlaw Man-
soun, the minister serving Tayn, Eddirtayn, Nyg, and Tarbert, had for his stipend £66, 13s. 4d.,

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. x. no. 109. New Stat. Ace. * Paper by D. Laing, Esq. Neale's Ecclesiological

2 Ecclesiological Notes on Man, Ross, Sutherland, Notes.

and Orkney, p. 62. The Treasurer's Accounts mention 6 New Stat. Ace.

' Sanct Duthois chapell quhair he was borne,' ' Sanct « Old Stat. Ace.

Duthois chapell in the kirkzaird of Tayn,' and ' Sauct " New Stat. Ace. J. Major, lib. v. c. 12.

Duthois kirk.' The present church, says Mr. Neale in 8 Ibid.

his ' Ecclesiological Notes,' from the excessive shortness 9 MSS. in Adv. Lib.

of its nave, though founded for secular priests, could 10 Book of Assumptions.

never have been parochial. » Ibid. For farther notice of Balnagaw (or Ballin-

3 New Stat. Ace. gall) see RosKEENpos*.

428 ORIGINES [TAIN.

the kirklands, and some other perquisites ; and William Fraser, reader at Tayne, had £1G and
the kirklands.1

The rental of the chaplainry of Newmore, as stated at the Reformation by George Munro
the feuar was as follows — ' Newmoir extendis to xii. bollis beir ; item to xii. bollis aitmeill ;
item to xii. bollis small custumis aitis ; item four mairtis, four muttounis, iiii. do. pultrie ; item
to xvi. merkis money ; the quhilk rentall was sett to the said George in assedatioun be vmquhill
Johne Bissatt chaplane thairof, and now be Hectour Monro chaplane for this tyme present, for
the sowme of xxx. lib. money allanerlie.'2

The rental of the chaplainry of Tarlaquhy, held in feu by George Munro of Sir Robert Mclvill
the chaplain, is stated at the same period at £20.3

Sir Simon Blyth at the same era gives in to the collector of thirds the rental of his prebend
(apparently that of Cambuscurry) as follows — ' The rentall of the prebendrie of Than perteining
to Symond Blyth, quhilk sould pay yeirlie to him iiii. lib., and serve the self, albeit I haif
gottin na payment thairof this vi. yeiris bygane.'4

The girth (immunitas or libertas) of Tayne or of Saint Duthace was nearly coextensive with
the parish. By an inquest held in 1439, of which a notarial copy is preserved among the burgh
records, the girth, included between four crosses which marked the four corners called the
girth crosses, is averred to have been founded by King Malcolm Canmore, and afterwards
confirmed by King David II. and some of his successors.5 In 130G or 1307, while King
Robert Bruce was in the island of Rachryn, his queen and her daughter Marjory left the
castle of Kildrumy in Aberdecnshire, and took refuge in the girth of Tane.

The quene, and als dam Marjory
Hir dochtir that syn worthely
Was coupillit into Goddis band
With Walter Steward of Scotland,
That wald on na wis langar ly
In castcll of Kildrumy
To bid ane sege, ar ridin rath
With knichtis and squyaris bath
Throu Ros richt to the girth of Tane :
Bot that travale tha mad in vane,
For tha of Ros that wald nocht ber
For tham na blam na yhct danger
Out of the girth tham all has tane,
And syn has send tham evirilkane

1 Book of Assignations. more died in 1093, Saint Duthace about 1253. If the

- Book of Assumptions. 3 Ibid. girth was founded by Malcolm, in that age it could

4 Ibid. originally have no reference to the saint whose name

5 Municipal Corporation Reports. Malcolm Can- it afterwards bore.

TAIN.] PAROCHIALES. 429

Richt intill Ingland to the king,
That gert draw all the men and hing,
And put the ladyis in presoun,
Sum into castell, sum in dongeoun.1

In the year 1439 Alexander Earl of Ross became bound, in case he should lawfully obtain
certain lands from Alexander of Suthirland and his wife Maryoun of the Ilys the Earl's sister,
to grant to them in heritage lands of equal yearly value between the bridge of Alnes and the
gyrth of Tayne.2 In 1458 John of lie, Earl of Ross, Lord of the Isles, and sheriff of Innernys,
addressed to John M'Culloch, bailie of the girth of Sanct Duthowis, a letter requiring him to
protect the privileges of the burgh of Innernys in that quarter.3 In 1487, as we have seen,
the foundation charter of the collegiate church places the towns of Tallirky, Morinchy, and
Cambuscurry, within the immunity of Tayne.4 Among the acts of parliament in 1503 occurs
the following memorandum — ' Anent the girtht, that my lord of Ros and the kirkmen
prouide tharfor as they think to be dovne.'5 In 1512 King James IV. granted anew to
William Makculloch of Pladdis the lands of Scardy, Pladdis, Petnely, Pettogarty, Balmoduthy
(apparently Bailedhuich or Tain), and Ballecarew, with the office of bailie of the immunity
of Tane, in the earldom of Ross and sherifFdom of Inneruys, which William had resigned,
reserving to the King the escheats of the bailie courts, for the usual services and the yearly
payment of 5 marks to a perpetual chaplain in the cathedral church of Ross.6 In 1533 William
M'Culloch of Pladis sold to Walter Innes of Towchis two-thirds of Pitnely with the tofts and
crofts, and the half of Balmathoche with the tofts and crofts, to be held of the granter and
of the King as Earl of Ross, to the latter of whom were reserved the right of the escheats of
court, of bludewitis, and of theft.7 In the same year King James V. granted to Walter Innes
a crown charter of the lands.8 In 1535 William M'Culloch sold to William Dunnon a minor
(puerd), lord of the third part of Arkboll, with remainder to his brother David Dunnon and
his heirs, to John Dunnon and his heirs, and to Andrew Dunnon and his heirs, the lands of
Pittogartye lying within the immunity of Saint Duthace of Tain, in the earldom of Ross and
sherifFdom of Innernys.9 In 1536 King James V. granted to William Dunnon a crown charter
of the lands, and to William M'Culloch a letter of reversion to the same.10 In 1539 the same
king granted to the same William a letter of reversion to two-thirds of Pitnely and the half of
Ballethoche, alienated by him in 1533 to Walter Innes of Towchis.11 In the same year William
Makculloch sold those lands to William Dunnone of Pittogerte, and King James V. granted to
the latter a crown charter, and to the former reversion to the lands.1-' In 1540 he seems to have

1 The Brus (Spalding Club), xxviii. 39-56. ~ Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxv. no. 42.

2 Cawdor Charters. s Ibid.

3 Inverness Burgh Charters. 9 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxv. no. 245. Reg. Sec. Sig.,
1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. x. no. 109. See above, p. 417. vol. x. fol. 70. 1(i Ibid.

5 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. ii. p. 248. " Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xii. fol. 88.

6 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xviii. no. 82. Reg. Sec. Sig., " Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxvi. no. 335. Reg. Sec. Sig.,
vol. iv. fol. 197. vol. xiii. fol. 35.

430 ORIGINES [TAIJT.

granted another letter of reversion to the same William M'Culloch.1 In that year he confirmed
the same lands to William Dunnone of Pittogarte, and in special warrandice of them the lands
of Plaidis ; the two-thirds of Pitnele and the half of Ballecouth, which formerly belonged to
the deceased William Makculloche of Plaidis, having been alienated by him under reversion to
the deceased Walter Innes of Touchis, and now belonging to William Dunnone as assignee of
William Makculloche, who redeemed the lands from Walter Innes.2 In the same year King
James confirmed to Mariot Grant her liferent of the same lands granted to her by William
Dunnone.3 In 1541 he granted to Thomas Makculloch, the son and heir of the deceased
William Makculloch of Pladdis, the nonentry and other dues of Pladdis, Skardy, Bellcairich, and
the office of bailie of the immunity of Thane, which had been in the King's hands for the last
two terms.4 In 1547 William Dunnone of Petnelie granted to Elizabeth Vrquhart, the relict of
the deceased John Vause of Lochslune, and now his own wife, as compensation for her dowry,
the liferent of the lands of Petnelie and Pettogarty.5 In 1548 Queen Mary confirmed the
grant.6 In 1550 a charter is witnessed by Robert Makculloch of Pladis.7 In 1552 the same
Robert sold to his uncle Alexander Innes of Catboll captain of Orknay, and to Elizabeth Innes
his wife, the lands and lordship of Plaidis, Pettogarte, Balleguith, Ballekere, Petnele, Scarcle
with the mill, Torane with the office of bailie of Tayne, and Litill Kintes with the mills and
other pertinents, lying in the lordship and barony of Plaidis, in the bailiary of Tayne, and
sheriffdom of Innernes.8 In the same year Queen Mary granted Alexander Innes and his wife
a crown charter of the lands.9 In 15C2 that queen confirmed a charter of William Denwne of
Petnele, granting, with the consent of his curators Master Thomas Dcnowne rector of Kincarne
and Alexander Clunes burgess of Cromertie, to Katherine Vans, the daughter of Jasper Yaus of
Lochslyn, the liferent of the lands of Petnele, then occupied by Master Thomas Denowne and
John Makculloch.10 At the Reformation the lands of the parish were occupied as above.11
They subsequently passed into various hands, and the office of bailie of Tayne within the four
girth crosses was held in 1579 by Alexander Innes of Cromy (to whom it was sold with the
barony of Pladdis by Alexander Innes of Pladdis), in 1617 by Sir William Sinclair of Catbol
(who in that year was served heir in the same barony to his father Sir George Sinclair of May),
and in 1681 by Sir George Mackenzie of Tarbett.12

Tain, said to be the Norse thing (a place of judgement), and locally styled in Gaelic Balegowich
or Balduich (the town of Saint Duthace), was formerly asserted to have been created a royal
burgh by King Malcolm Canmore before the year 1093.13 By the fictitious grant of that
king, said to have been confirmed by some of his successors, the inhabitants had power to

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xiv. fol. 6. 9 Ibid.

3 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxvii. no. 47. Reg. Sec. Sig., 10 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 480. Reg. Sec. Sig.,
vol. xiv. fol. 6. vol. xxxi. fol. 48.

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xiv. fol. 32. " See p. 427.

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xv. fol. 49. " Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvi. fol. 48. Retours. Acta

' Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxx. no. 254. 6 Ibid. Parl. Scot., vol. viii. p. 385.

7 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxx. no. 535. ;3 Worsaae, p. 259. Macfarlane's Geog. Collect Old

H Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 76. Reg. Sec. Sig., and New Stat. Ace. Inquest among Burgli Charters
vol. xxiv. fol. 130. cited in Mun. Corp. Reports.

TAIN.] PAEOCHIALES. 431

buy and sell within the four corner crosses of the immunity, were exempted from the payment
of all contributions to the King and the Earl of Ross, excepting the King's custom, and had tin-
privilege of working (trafficking?) and navigating with their merchandise and goods everywhere.1
According to these grants and confirmations, the inquest of 1439, and subsequent deeds, the
girth or immunity of Saint Duthace seems to be identified with the immunity or liberty of the
burgh of Tain.2 The letter dated 1458, already cited, addressed by the Earl of Ross to his
bailie of the girth of Sanct Duthowis, bears, ' Forthi at is cumyn beto our heryng in maner of
grewous complaynt be the aldirman, bailyeis, and comunite of Innernys our nychtbouris, that
sinder of the inhabitandis the toun of Tayn and vtheris of the north partis of thar fredome of
Innernys occupiis merchandis in buying, sellyng, cappyn, and owthawyng of merchandice and
gudis langand thar fredome fra thar burgh in grete hindering, scaithe, and lak to thaim, and
in lessyng of ladding of thar schippis — quharfor we stratly charge and commawndis all and
sinder that sail be requiryt tharapon, and specialy our forsaid bailye, that, quhat person of the
said burgh of Innernys sail happyn to cum quhar sic gudis is owthad be schippyn or vthirwayis,
ye help, supple, manteme, and defend that nychtbur of Innernys togidder with the Kingis
mayr, and that ye thole nocht impediment or let be made to thaim in the vsing of the autorite
commyttyt to thaim be our Soueren Lord the Kyng for the inhalding of merchandis and gudis,
hot erar ye assist to thaim as ye will do to vs singlar emplesance and vndir all payn that ye
may commit and inryn anent our Soueren Lord and vs.'3 In 1483 the citation of the Lord
Creichtoun at Thane to answer in parliament for the crime of treason was witnessed among
others by William Johnsoun a bailie of Thane.4 In 1494 (3 December) the Lords Auditors
ordained that letters should be addressed to the bailies of Thane ' to enter Effe Monylaw to
the possessioun of all landis and tennentis Hand within thar boundis that vmquhile Donald
Stephin Raithsone burges of Thane deit last westit and sesit as of fee, becaus it is fundin be
ane inquest takin before the bailyeis of Thane that the said Effe is lauchfull are to the said
vmquhile Donald;' and the Lords further ordained ' that Cristiane Innecloud sail decist and
ces of all vexatioun and trubling of hir in the saidis landis in sa fer as pertenis to hir.'°
Cristiane, though frequently summoned to answer in this case, failed to appear.6 Six days
therefore after their first decree (9 December 1494) the Lords Auditors ordained ' that for
ocht that thai haf yit sene Cristiane Innecloid dois wrang in the intrometting and with-
halding of ane croft of land with ane barne liand within the fredome of the burgh of Tane,
and tharfore ordinis hir to decist and ces tharfra to be broikit and manurit be Donald Hen-
drisone ay and quhill he be lauchfully put tharfra.' 7 The Lords further ordained ' that the said
Cristiane dois wrang in the detentioun and withhaldin fra the said Donald of the avails and
proffitis of the saidis landis be the space of twa yeris bipast, that is to say, for the first yere xiiiis.
iiiid., and for the seciind yere four bollis of bere and vi bollis of aitis, takin vp and intromettit

1 Mun. Corp. Reports. * Acta Parl. Scot., vol. ii. p. 159. See above, p. 417.

2 Mun. Corp. Reports. Acta Dom. Aud., pp. 189, 5 Acta Dom. Aud., p. 189.
192. Retours. Acta Parl. Scot., vol. viii. p. 385. 6 Ibid.

3 Inverness Burgh Charters. 7 Acta Dom. Aud.. p. 192.

432 ORIGINES [TAIN.

with be the said Cristiane, as wes sufficiently preffit before the Lordis,' and that letters should be
addressed to the bailies of Tane to put their decreet in execution.1 In 1503 parliament among
other acts appointed a sheriff to be created and called the sheriff of Ross, and to sit at Thane or
Dingwall as the case required.2 In 1505 King James IV. granted to Andro Aytoun, captain
of the castle of Striueling, the customs of all the burghs and bounds between Banf and Orknay,
including Tane, for the yearly payment of £50 to the King's comptroller and others.3 In 1507
the same king appointed a commission, consisting of Andro bishop of Cathnes, James Redeheuch
comptroller, Sir John Ramsay and Sir John Striuelin knights, Master John Spens, and Master
Thomas Leslie, to assemble the communities of Dingwell and Tane, and all the other free
tenants and inhabitants of the lordships of Dingwell and Ardmannach, and to examine their
infeftments ; and, should any of them be found to occupy illegally any of the King's lands, such
as mosses or woods, farther than their infeftments bore, to note them and to send copies of their
infeftments under the seals of the commissioners to the King, that they might be duly punished.4
In 1509 King James appointed Alexander Earl of Huntlie sheriff of Inneruys, with power to
hold courts and appoint deputies within Ross and other distant parts, and to sit daily in the
towns of Tane and Dingwall for the bounds of Ross.5 In 151C died Stephen Fudis burgess
of Tayne." In 1548 Queen Mary appointed Master Thomas Marjoribanks burgess of Edin
burgh her custumar within the bounds of Ross, including the burgh of Tane, for seven
years, for payment of £40 Scots yearly.7 In 1556 she appointed the sheriff courts of
Innernes to be held at Tane and Dingwall for the earldom of Ross.8 In 1587 King James
VI. confirmed all former grants to the burgh, and granted or confirmed to it the ordinary-
privileges of a royal burgh.9 In 1612 the same king again confirmed all former charters,
and granted 1. The burgh with the lands perambulated yearly within the four corner crosses
called the girth crosses — 2. The lands of Innerrathie, Gorlinges, Clerk-island, and Priest-
island, belonging to the burgh from time immemorial — 3. The harbour and shore adjacent to
the burgh, with the customs and privileges of a free port, the fishings of salmon and of white
fish in fresh water and in salt, and also of chouses and rock chouses, mussel-scape, and mussels,
within the flowing of the sea within sight of the burgh and the boundaries called Duthois Scape,
with wrack and ware within the bounds of the crosses and both above and below the bounds of the
adjacent sands.10 In 1675 King Charles II. confirmed all the former grants made to the burgh.11
There are three annual fairs held at Tain, and known as Saint Duthace fairs, at Midsummer,
Lammas, and Michaelmas.12

1 Acta Dom. Aud., p. 192. • Reg. Sec. SIR., vol. xix. fol. 28.

• Acta Parl. Scot, vol. ii. pp. 241-249. This seems 8 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 400.

to indicate an intention to divide the sheriffdom of 3 Mun. Corp. Reports.

Inverness, which was carried into effect about a cen- 10 Mun. Corp. Keports. Saint Duthace' Scalp, mis-

tury and a half later. read into Ewchois Scape, is still known by the former

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. iii. fol. 30. designation.

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. iii. fol. 106. » Mun. Corp. Reports.

5 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xv. no. 63. Reg. Sec. Sig.. >2 New Stat. Ace. The Calendar of Fearn gives
vol. iii. fol. 204. three fairs at Tane, on 18 March, 9 August, and 20

6 Calendar of Fearn. December, the last styled ' Makcarmochis day.'

TARBAT.]

PAROCHIALES.

433

At Inver in the eastern extremity of the parish there is a village with a fishing population.1
In 1496, 1497, 1501, 1503, 1504, 1507, and 1513, King James IV. made pilgrimages to the
shrine of Saint Duthace at Tain (the last having been performed within a month of his death at
Flodden), and on these occasions he made offerings (usually of the sum of 14 shillings), in ' Sanct
Duthois chapell quhair he was borne,' in ' Sanct Duthois chapell in the kirkzaird of Tayn,' in
' Sanct Duthois kirk/ and at ' the stok of Sanct Duthois town,' and generally gave a gratuity
to the man that bore ' Sanct Duthois bell.'2 He possessed a ' relict of Sanct Dutho set in
silver' (of what kind does not appear), which was doubtless preserved as having a miraculous
power of healing, and which continued in the hands of his son King James V. down at least
to the year 1534. 3 In 1528, previously to the condemnation of Patrick Hamilton, the bishops
and clergy tried to persuade King James V. to 'pass in pilgrimage to Sanct Dothess in Rosso,'
but it is not recorded that he went.4 In the upper part of the parish of Tain a footpath
leading across a moor is known as the King's Causeway, and may possibly be the old bridle
road by which King James IV. ' raid to Sanct Duthowis.'5

T A E B A T.

Arterbert6 — Terbert7 — Tarbat8 — Terbat9 — Tarbet10 — Tarbert11 —
Tarbart12 — Terbart.18 (Map, No. 10.)

TILL the year 1628 the parish of Tarbat included the present parish of Fearn, which was
separated from it ' by the special consent of the bishop and whole diocese,' each parish
having 10 davachs land.14

The old parish of Tarbat thus consisted of two districts — Fearn, generally level and arable,
and Tarbat, a low bare promontory terminating eastward in the point known as Tarbatness,
probably the Torfnaes of the Norwegian chroniclers.15

1 New Stat. Ace.

2 Paper by D. Laing, Esquire, read to the Society
of Antiquaries in 1846. Treasurer's Accounts.

3 Ibid. Pitcairn's Grim. Trials, vol. i. p. 283.*

4 Paper by D. Laing, Esquire. Knox's History of the
Reformation, edited by Mr. Laing.

5 New Stat. Ace. Treasurer's Accounts. In the
English poem on Flodden field the Scots in the reign
of King James IV. are reproached with their devotion
to ' Doffin their demigod of Ross.' Sir David Lyndsay
in the following reign speaks of 'Sanct Duthow borit
out of ane block.' Weber's Battle of Flodden Field,
pp. 27, 154, 155.

6 A. D. 1227. Regist. Moraviense, p. 82.

7 A. D. 1529. Balnagown Charters.

VOL. II.

8 A. D. 1561-1566. Book of Assumptions. A. D.
1600-1700. Macfarlane's Geog. Collect.

9 A. D. 1561-66. Book of Assumptions. Circa
A. D. 1640. Blaeu.

10 A. D. 1571. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxix. fol. 101.

11 A. D. 1574. Book of Assignations. A. D. 1586. Reg.
Sec. Sig., vol. liii. fol. 97. I2 A. D. 1629. Retours.

13 Circa A. D. 1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib.

14 Original in the Tower, London. Macfarlane's Geog.
Collect. This, says the writer in Macfarlane, is shown
by old desks in the church of Tarbat bearing names
and arms of proprietors in Fearn who had no lands in
Tarbat.

15 New Stat. Ace. Notes by W. H. Murray, Esq.
Worsaae's Danes, p. 264.

434 ORIGINES [TARBAT.

In the year 1227 Andrew the vicar of Arterbert was present at Kenedor in Moray with others
of the clergy of Boss on the occasion of the settlement of a dispute between the bishops of Ross
and Moray about the diocesan right of the churches of Kyntalargyn and Ardrosser.1 Before
the year 1529 one of the bishops of Ross granted to the canons of New Feme the vicarage of
the church of Saint Colman situated in the place called Terbert.2 The canons had also the
teindsheaves in the town called Alen in Terbert belonging to the vicarage, four acres of land
beside the church of Terbert, and an acre of land in the town called Terbert.3 In 1529 all
these were with their other possessions confirmed to the canons by Pope Clement VII.* At
the Reformation the parish church of Tarbat was included in the rental of the bishoprick of Ross
given up to the collector of thirds, being probably a mensal church of the bishop.5 In 1586
King James VI. granted for life to Andro Wod his comptroller a yearly pension of £200 Scots,
and to John Fentoun the comptroller's clerk a yearly pension of 200 marks Scots, out of
two-thirds of the bishoprick of Ross, to begin respectively in 1585 and 1588; and assigned
as payment to the former 10 chalders bear at £20 the chalder, and to the latter 6 chalders
10 bolls bear, out of the fruits of the parish of Tarbert, being part of the bishoprick.6

The church, dedicated, as appears, to Saint Colman the bishop, stood at Tarbat on the
Dornoch Firth.7 It was probably rebuilt on the same site about the year 1C28, when the
parish was divided.8 Under it till the year 1707 or later there was a vault 30 feet long,
said to have been built as a church by Saint Columba (Colman ?).9 A new church was built
in 1756.10

On the coast near the old castle of Tarbat or Ballone there was a chapel known as Teampul
Eraich, and near it a well named Tobair Mhuir or Mary's Well.11

At Portmahomack, styled, says a writer of the seventeenth century, in old charters Portus
Columbi, but probably meaning the port of Saint Colmac or Calmaig, there is a green hill
known as Chapelhill or Knockshorty, on which a chapel appears to have stood.12

Between 1486 and 1516 Thomas M'Culloch abbot of Fearn built a chapel at Midd Genie,
which afterwards came to be known as Chapel Barr, being probably dedicated to Saint Barr.13

Before the year 1529 Pope Clement VII. confirmed to the canons of Fearn the chapel of Saint
Mary situated in the place called Cathabul.14 This is probably the small chapel, the outlines of
which are still to be seen amid a clump of trees in a field named Baleachan (Hector's town) on
the farm of Cadboll Mount formerly named Hill of Geanies.15

There is a ruined chapel at Hilton on the Moray Firth.16

1 Regist. Moraviense, pp. 81, 82. "> Old Stat. Ace.

2 Balnagown Charters. « Old Stat. Ace.

3 Ibid. » Ibid. " New Stat. Ace. Notes by W. H. Murray, Esquire.
5 Book of Assumptions Old Stat. Ace. Macfarlane's Geog. Collect.

c Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liii. fol. 97. 13 Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross. Macfarlane's Geog.

7 Balnagown Charters. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Collect Old. Stat. Ace.
Blaeu. Macfarlane. Camerarius, pp. 102, 103. u Balnagown Charters.

8 Macfarlane. Note by W. H. Murray, Esquire. l5 Notes by W. H. Murray, Esquire.

9 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect. 16 Miller's Scenes and Legends, p. 283.

TARBAT.] PAROCHIALES. 435

In 1633 Alexander Corbatt of Arkboll was served heir male to his father John Corbat of
Arkboll in two-thirds of the lands of Arkboll, including Portnawest or the harbour of Saint
John, with the chapel of Saint John.1 The chapel stood at Wester Arboll, and was dedicated
to Saint John the Baptist.2

There was also a chapel at Alhansallach, apparently dedicated to Saint Bride.3
Early in the thirteenth century (probably about 1227) Ferquhard Earl of Ross founded an
abbey of Premonstratensian monks at ' Fame beside Kincardin in Stracharrin.'* Whatever
truth may be in the alleged origin of Feme, the abbey long acknowledged its dependence
upon the mother house of Whitherne. Malcolm was the first abbot, ruled for fifteen years,
and after his death 'was holden amongis the peopill as a sanct.'5 He was succeeded by
Malcolm of Nig, during whose rule (apparently about the year 1238) Earl Ferquhard removed
the abbey to the parish of Tarbat, after which it was styled New Feme, latinised Nova
Farina.6 Between the years 1252 and 1274 appears Machabeus Makkersin third abbot,
during whose rule probably between 1261 and 1264 the convent was established and their
regulations confirmed by Pope Urban IV.7 Between 1274 and 1323 there appear to have
been four abbots, Sir Colin, who was abbot in 1281, Mertein and John (canons of Quhyt-
horne), and Mark Ross the son of Sir Mark Ross, who became abbot in 1321.8 The last
three were presented by the prior of Quhythorne.9 In 1336 the abbey being built only of
rough stones and clay, and appearing ruinous, William Earl of Ross suggested that it should
be rebuilt with hewn stone, and seven brethren were appointed to ' beg and thig ' through the
country for contributions.10 The rebuilding was begun in 1338 under abbot Mark, who died
about 1350 and was buried within the abbey church.11 Abbot Mark Ross was succeeded by
Donald Pupill, who was elected by the convent, and whose election was confirmed by the prior of
Quhythorne.12 In 1356 William Earl of Ross, on the narrative that the abbey of New Feme
was founded and strengthened with privileges by its founders, as appeared from charters granted
to it by Alexander King of Scotland, to the effect that it should be free from all royal exactions
and contributions, confirmed its freedom from the same, with the exception only of that clerical
tax (clericatura) proclaimed by Ottobon the Pope's legate in Scotland, of which the collectors
were Roger bishop of Ross and Donald abbot of Feme.1 Between the years 1350 and
1372 various charters are witnessed by abbot Donald, and in 1372, while he still ruled, the
rebuilding of the abbey was finished.14 In the last named year Earl William, who built
and repaired the abbey church, is said to have granted to the canons ' the kirk of Tarridie

1 Retonrs. 8 Regist Moraviense, p. 282. Oonicle of the Earlis

2 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect. 3 Ibid. of Ross.

4 Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross. Spotiswood's Re- 9 Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross,

ligious Houses. See EDDERTOUN, p. 415. ° Ibid.

6 Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross. l Ibid. Balnagown Charters.

6 Balnagovrn Charters. Floors Charters. Cronicle 2 Ibid.

of the Earlis of Ross. Regist. Moraviense, p. 282. 3 Balnagown Charters.

Spotiswood's Rel. Houses. * Balnagown Charters. Floors Charters. Cronicle

7 Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross. of the Earlis of Ross.

436 OBIGINES [TARBAT.

in Koss.'1 Abbot Donald died in 1383.2 Adam Monilaw, his successor, was abbot in 1398,
died in 1407, and appears to have been succeeded by Thomas Kethirnathie, who was appointed
by the prior of Quhythorne, and after ruling for a short time resigned.3 The next abbot
was Finlaw, the nephew of Sir William Feriar vicar of Tayne, who after having ' theikit
the kirk of Feme' died in 1436.4 He appears to have been succeeded by Finlay Macfaid,
who was abbot in 1442.5 During his rule, by a will dated 1456, Alexander Sutherland of
Dunbeath bequeathed to the 'chanon' of Feme for a daily mass with a note of the Regina
6 marks from the lands of Mulfayle and Drumerne, and, failing these, from the lands of
Dumbeath ; and of 30 trentals to be said for his soul he appointed four to be said in Feyrne.6
All his goods not specially disposed of were left at the disposal of abbot Finlay and others.7
Finlay Macfaid died in 1485 and was buried within the abbey church.8 His successor was
Master John Fearn, who built Saint Michael's aisle on the south side of the church, founded
the dormitory, built the cloister, and purchased in Flanders for the abbey a tabernacle and lettron
of brass, the organ, chalices, vestments, and various other ornaments.9 He appears to have ruled
about a year, having died in I486.10 Thomas M'Culloch succeeded to the abbacy in 1486, and
appears in record in 1487 and 1488.11 He completed the dormitory, but, being deprived of the
possessions and revenues of the abbey, except the mill of Fearn and the town of Mid Geny, by
Andrew Stewart bishop of Caithness, who was appointed abbot on a false representation to the
Pope, he retired to Mid Geny, where, as before stated, he built a chapel.12 He died in 1516. 13
Bishop Stewart, after being actual abbot for a year, died at Skibo in 1517. u ' And after him
succeeded Master Patrick Hamiltoun, who was accused for heresie be James Beaton archbishop
of Saint Andrews, primat of Scotland, with the counsell of the haill clergie of Scotland, and was
decerned to be burnt and delivered in the seculars hands for diverse articles of heresie grounded
upon Luther's laws . . . upon the whilk articles the said Archbishop gave sentence definitive
at the metropolitan kirk of Saint Andrews the last day of February 1527 [1528], where the said
Master Patrick Hamiltoun was burnt in presence of Gavin bishop of Glasgow, George bishop of
Dunkcld, John bishop of Brechin, William bishop of Dunblane, Patrick prior of Saint Andrews,
David abbot of Arbrothok, George abbot of Dumfermling, Alexander abbot of Cambuschkynoch,
Henry abbot of Lindores, John prior of Pittenwemyss, the dean and subdean of Glasgow, Mr.
Hugh Spence, Thomas Ramsay, and Allan Meldrum.'15 The successor of Patrick Hamilton was
Donald Denoon.16 In 1529 Pope Clement VII. confirmed to the canons of New Feme all their

1 Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross. Calendar of " Ibid. Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. \. no. 109. Balnago\vn
Fearn. Charters.

2 Calendar of Fearn. >2 Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross.

3 Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross. 13 Ibid. Calendar of Fearn.

4 Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross. '* Ibid.

6 Ibid. is Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross. This list is not

6 Misc. of Bannatyne Club, vol. iii. complete. For the names of the rest, and for some

7 Ibid. interesting notices of Patrick Hamilton, see appendix

8 New Stat. Ace. Tombstone in Abbey. to Laing's edition of Knox's History, vol. iii.

9 Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross. "> Ibid. Balnagown Charters. Reg. Mag. Sig., lib.

10 Ibid. xxv. no. 245.

TARBAT.] PAROCHIALES. 437

possessions, including the place in which the monastery was situated with its pertinents, the
vicarage of the church of Saint Colman situated in the place called Terbert which a deceased
bishop of Ross with the consent of his chapter had given them, the chapel of Saint Mary situated
in the place called Cathabul, and the teindsheaves in the town called Alen in Terbert belonging
to the said vicarage — four acres of land which they held beside the said church — the free

passage which they held at the small ports of Ardnacolternach, Hardnanen, and Ardnadoler

the land called Davnaclerach situated near the towns called Cathabul and Gathenn — the land
which they had in the place called Innerladour — the use of timber and trees they had in the
woods of the Earl of Ross, granted of old to the monastery by its founder Ferchard Earl of
Ross — an acre of land they had in the town called Terbert — an annual revenue of 8 Ibs. of
wax they had in the town called Conten — two measures of land commonly called davachs
in the place called Inuercharron — the pasture they had in the places called Halchmaguli,
Braghlugudi, and Salki — the fishing they had in the water called Okeal in the place called
Banaff, and the fishing commonly called Choro in the town of Kyncarden — a davach in the
town called Greater Fern, and a half davach in the town called Lesser Fern — the land they
had in the place called Archanagart, with the fishing and ferry of the same — a davach and
a half in the place called Dwne — three davachs in the towns called Rathne and Pitkeri, and the
lake called Lochlin in the same place — a davach in the town called Gathne — another davach in
the same town — two davachs in the towns of Rochani and Balmochi — a davach in the town
of Cathbulnacrene — and half a davach in the town of Lachelawak.1 Donald abbot of Feme
appears in record in 1534, 1535, and 1539 ; and Robert Strabrok a canon of Feme in 1538.2
Abbot Donald died in 1541, and was succeeded by Robert Carnecross bishop of Ross, who died
in 1545.3 In the latter year Queen Mary granted to her secretary Master David Paniter the
temporalities of the bishoprick of Ros and the abbacy of Feme, having before presented him to
the bishoprick and abbacy, vacant by the decease of Robert last bishop and commendator.4 It
is said however that bishop Robert was in 1547 succeeded in the abbacy by James Carnecross,
who in 1550 granted part of the abbey lands to Alexander Ross of Balnagowne, and afterwards
resigned it in favour of Nicolas Ross provost of Tain.5 In 1558 the ' dortour ' of Feme was
burned through the negligence of a boy named Huchon M'Cullo.8 Between the years 1561 and
1566 we have the following rental of the abbey given up by Nicolas Ros as commendator of Feme
to the collector of thirds — ' First, the landis contenit in the laird of Ballangownis few chartour,
Innercarroun, Vestir Ferine, Downy, Westray, Mwldarg, Knokydaff, Myltoun, Balmoch, Midil-
gany, Pitkery, the Manes of Fearine, Eistir Gany, Wastir Gany, Meikill Rany, Ballieblair, the
Dow Croft, Brighous, Mylcroft, and Weitland and the fishing of Bonach ; quhilkis giwis in
maillis, fearmis, girsum, bonage silver, mairtis, muttoun, caponis, henis, and in augmentatioun,
as his chartour proportis, sic as efter followis — Item in maillis, girsum, and bonage silver, and

1 Balnagown Charters. 3 Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross. Keith's Bishops.

2 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxv. nn. 140, 245 ; lib. xxvi. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xv. fol. 43.
no. 62 ; lib. xxvii. no. 48. 4 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xix. fol. 70.

5 Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross. 6 Calendar of Fenrn.

438 ORIGINES [TARBAT.

augmentatioun, the sowme of £89, 12s. 8^d. f ; Item mairtis, mwttoun, capoun, hen, and fir
silver, the sowme of £20, 10s. 8d. ; Item victuall, 23 ch. 2 fir. 2 pc. ; Item in aitis, 16 bollis —
and heirof of the said money allocat to the said laird as his chartour proportis in bailyie fie, £40.
Item the landis of Catboll-fishar, Lawch-clawethe, Tulloch, Lytill Eany, Amot, Eister Feme,
llelony, sett in few to the Dwnnwnis, quhilkis payis conforme to thair [chartour] as efter
followis — Item in maill, girsum, bonage silver, and augmentatioun, the sowme of £31 ; Item
mairtis, mwtoun, and capoun silver, £6, 14s. ; Item in victuall, 2 bollis ; Item in aittis, 6 bollis.
The mylne and vtheris landis quhilkis are not sett in few payis as efter followis — Item the
mylne of Ferne in victual 7 eh. ; Item four ailhouss with their croftis, £4, 6s. 8d. ; Item the
smithis landis, barne croft, the croft callit Eoresouns croft, the croft callit Ballanasharach,
vtherwayis callit the Cottaris Delwingis, payis 54s. ; Item the fisharis aucht akeris of land,
quhilk newer payit ane penny, bot giwin to thaim to dwell vpon for furnishing of fishe to the
place and cuntrie vpon the cuntries expenss ; Item the place and yeards with the waird for feding
of hors newer payit ane penny nor cam newer in rentall. Deducit heirof — Item to the laird of
Balnagowne conforme to his chartour as said in bailyie fie, £40 ; Item in contributioun to the
coledge of iustice, £5 ; Item to the sustentatioun of the channounis, 3 ch. 12 bs. victuall and
£24 money ; Item ane pensioun to John Nicolsoun quhairvnto he is provydit of auld, 24 bs.
victual.'1 The whole rental amounted to £165, 7s. O^d. f, 30 ch. 2 fir. 2 pks. victual, and 22 bolls
of oats.2 At the same time the abbot of Fearn paid teind to the bishop of Ross to the amount
of 2 ch. 14 bo. 3 pks. victual.3 In 1569 Nicolas Ross died and was buried at Fearn in the
north of the choir.* In 1566, three years before the death of Nicolas, Master Thomas Ross
parson of Alnes was appointed abbot.5 He ' theikit the dortour' which had been burned through
negligence, built a new hall, chambers, cellars, pantry, and kitchen, and made various other
repairs about the monastery ; he built also two barns of stone, rebuilt the old mill with stone
and clay, and erected a new mill 'bcwest the place of Fearn.'6 Subsequently to the year 1568,
from some disagreement with Alexander Ross of Balnagown, he left Ross and lived for ten years
at Forres in Moray, where he purchased land and built houses ' on both sides of the road.'7 In
1570 King James VI., for the good service done by Alexander Suthirland during the regency
of James Earl of Murray and subsequently, granted to him for life a yearly pension of 80
bolls of victual out of two-thirds of the bishoprick of Ross, then vacant by the forfeiture of
John bishop of Ross for treason and lesemajesty ; and as security he granted to him the
teind victual of the lands of Eister Gany, Midgany, Westir Gany, Balleblair, and Mekill Gany,

1 Book of Assumptions. Balnagown Charters. is of the dait 23 April 1600 yeris, and registrat 28 of

2 Ibid. The above rental is almost verbatim the same November 1GOO, quher Sir Patrik is obleist to dispone
in the Balnagown papers and in the Book of Assump- tlieis landis in sic formes as they sail think expedient
tions. In the former there is appended to the rental and that may stand be the law to warrand the samen
the following memorandum — 'Thair is inhibition in both for byganes and tim to cum.'

the laird of Mayis custodie at the instance of George Ibid.

Ros of Ballangown and George Sinclar of Mey contra Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross. Calendar of Fearn.

Sir Patrik Morray registrat at Edinburgh penultima Ibid.

Junii 1G03, fols. 332 and 333, Mr. John Skcne Clerk. Ibid.

The contract anent the lands of the abbacy of Ferne Ibid.

TABBAT.] PAROCHIALES. 439

in the parish of Tarbert, extending yearly to 80 bolls (teinds which arose from the lands
of the abbacy), 'without preiudice of the said Alexanderis executioun vpoun the reddiest
vthir fruitis of the said bischoprik in cais he be not thankfullie ansuerit of the saidis fruitis
assignit.'1 In 1571 he leased some of the abbey lands to the same Alexander.2 In the
same year (10 July) King James VI. granted to Issobell Rois, the relict of the deceased
Thomas Rois, the escheat of the goods of the deceased Thomas Rois the son of Nicolas Ros
abbot of Feme, a rebel and at the horn for not paying to Andro Monro, the chamberlain of the
bishoprick of Rois, certain teinds of the lands of Eister Gany and Tarrall in the parish of Tarbet
for the years 1569 and 1570 ; and (2 December) he granted the same to Alexander Suthirland.3
In 1574 the same king confirmed a grant in heritage, made to Alexander Feme by the deceased
Nicolas commendator of Ferae, of the conventual lands of Cullyne with the alehouse and croft
then occupied by Donald Makconachie, lying between the ditches of the monastery commonly
called the ward dykis towards the north and the lands of Eister Rarecheis as the march stones
and the fauld dyk extend towards the south, the meadows of the lands of Eister Rarecheis
towards the west and the common road descending to Tulloch towards the east — also of a
croft of land called the smyihis croft lying between the public road on the west and the lands
of Kilpot on the north, and the lands and crofts of Ballechyricht on the south and east — and
of the crofts of the monastery and the ' meringis ' of Ballechericht formerly called Waltir
Makroreis crofts, lying between the said smith's croft and the public road on the west, Tobur-
nayngor, Graystane, the pasture and the moss of Feme on the east, the lands of Eister Kilpot
and Rynmoir on the north, and the common pasture of the monastery adjacent and extending
to the lands of Catbollfischear and Tulloch on the south — all within the abbacy of Feme and
sheriffdom of Innernes.* In 1584 King James VI. granted to Walter Ros for life the abbacy
or commend of Feme with the provostry of Tayne, resigned by Thomas commendator of the
same, reserving to Thomas the liferent with reversion to the abbacy in the case of Walter's death
occurring before his, and to the ministers serving the parish churches of the abbey and provostry
the liferent of their stipends.5 In 1587 the same king confirmed three grants made by Thomas
Ros commendator of Feme — one to Donald Ros in Littil Rany and his heirs of the lands then
in his hands lying between the lands of Lytill and Mekill Allanis towards the west, the lands
of Arthreis, Coillen, and Ballesuith on the south, the feu-ferme lands (terras feudifirmas) of the
monastery of Feme belonging to the laird of Ballingown on the east, and the lands of Ballinblair,
Brigend, Mylncroft, Doweatcroft, and Weitlandis, on the north, with the four alehouses and
brewlands of the monastery lying near it and occupied by John M'Allane, John Reid, John
Murray, and Andrew Dowglas, the kill commonly called the kill of Feme, the gardens occupied
by Andrew Dowglas, David Reid, and John Murray, and the mill of Feme with the astricted
and other usual multures — another to Donald Ros Hucheinsoun in Ballemakie and his heirs
of the lands of Ballemakie extending to a davach, resigned by Alexander Ros of Balnagowne

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxix. fol. 37. 4 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlii. fol. 83.

2 Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross. 5 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. 1. fol. 90.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxix. fol. 101 ; vol. xl. fol. 31.

440 OKIGINES [TABBAT.

formerly fcufermar of the same — and a third to John Ros of Litill Allane and the heirs male
of his body, with remainder to his heirs male whomsoever, of the lands of Muldearge and
Knokandow, resigned by George Ros of Balnagowne — all lying within the abbacy of Feme
and sheriffdom of Innernes.1 Abbot Thomas Ross died at Tain in 1596, and was buried at
Fearn in Saint Michael's aisle.2 In 1606 James Gordoune of Letterfurie was served heir to his
father Patrick Gordoune of Letterfurie in the manor of Feme, of old called the monastery of
Feme, the demesne lands and lands of Feme, the lands and towns of Eister and Wester Feme,
the mill of Feme, the lands of Innercarrone, the lands of Downe Westra, the lands of Muldarge,
Ukades, Miltoune, Ballemochie, Midganie, Pitkerie, Easterganie, Wasterganie, Mikillrane, Balblair,
Dowcroft, Brighouse, Mylcroft, Veitland and the fishing of Bronache, Catboll-fischer, Lachclawy,
Tullichc, Littilrane, Arnote, Ryland, the four alehouses of Fearne, the lands called Smythisland,
Hartecroft (or Bartyscroft), the croft called Robesoun's (Roresoun's ?) croft, the croft called
Baildnaseaucht (or Balleneserache) or the Cotteris Dcillings, and eight acres of land occupied
by the fishers of Feme, with the mill, all formerly belonging to the abbacy of Feme as part of
its patrimony, and of the extent of £337, 13s.3 In 1615 David Ros of Balnagowne was served
heir to his father George in the lands of Wester Feme, Downie and fishings of Bonack, Ruylome,
Meikill Rayny, Pitkerie, Muldarg, Torrendow, the half of Wester Ganie, Cullin, Ballinsirach,
the croft of Ballinsirrach, Easter Drum and Feme, four acres of Catbollfischer, the limekiln of
Feme, the mill of Feme, the demesne lands of Wester Drum and Feme, with the dues and
feufermes of the same, and half of the manor, buildings, and gardens of Feme, of old named
the monastery of Feme, in the barony of Gaynes and sheriffdom of Innernes, of the extent of
£222, 11s. 2£d. of old ferme and augmentation^4 In 1617 King Jaines VI. annexed the abbacy
to the bishoprick of Ross in favour of Bishop Patrick, and in 1633 King Charles I. renewed or
confirmed the annexation in favour of Bishop John.5 At an earlier period of the same century
the abbacy came to be known as the barony of Ganyes (now Geanies) ; and in 1643 Sir James
Sinclair of Cannesbyc Baronet was served heir male to his grandfather George Sinclair of May
in half the manor of Feme of old called the monastery of Feme, the lands and towns of Eister
Ganny and Mid Ganye, and the alehouse and croft of the same, the lands of Bellamuthie and
Ballavaiche, the lands of Cadboll-fischer and Tulloche, the lands of Lachclaveig, Sallachie, and
Muckirnach, with the alehouse and alehouse crofts, half the lands of Cotteris Delvingis and
eight acres of old occupied by the fishers of Feme, the lands of Litle Mylntoun of Feme, the
lands of Litle Ranny, the lauds of Belblaire with the alehouse and its croft, the lands of Dow-
croft, Brighouse with alehouse and croft, Milcroft, Wcitland, Almet, Innercharrone, with alehouse
and croft, and Eister Feme, all in the barony of Ganyes and sheriffdom of Innernes, and united
into the barony of Cadboll, of the extent of £170, 6s. lOf d. feuferme.6

The Calendar of Fearn gives us the following obits of persons connected with the abbey,
or buried within it — In 1512 Alexander Ros of Balnagown, who was buried in Feme ; in

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. Iv. ff. 64, 68, 201. « Ibid.

• Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross. Calendar of Fearn. 5 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. v. p. 71.

3 Retours. 6 Hetours.

TARBAT.] PAROCHIALES. 441

1519 Sir Donald M'Gillemeil canon ; in 1525 John Monelaws canon ; in 1543 Sir William
Caldour canon ; in 1548 Sir John M'Culloch canon, and Patrick Davidson chaplain of the altar
of the Virgin Mary ; in 1549 James Reid, who built the well in the cloister, and died at Feme ;
in 1552 Donald Faid canon and subprior ; in 1554 George Baxter faber lignarius; in 1557
Robert Strabrok canon, mentioned above in 1538 ; in 1564 Andrew Dauson monk ; in 1588
Dean David Reid canon ; in 1592 David Clepen citizen of Leyth, who died at Feme in the
house of Alexander Feme at Balnasyrach, and was buried at Tane ; and in 1596 Alexander
Feme, who died at Balnaclune and was buried in Feme.

The abbey church consisted of a choir with two chapels, and a nave, on the north of which
the conventual buildings appear to have stood.1 The choir, still standing, and measuring 99 feet
by 25^, was used as the parish church from 1628 when the parish of Fearn was erected till
1742, when the roof fell in while the people were assembled for worship, and killed 36 persons.2
It appears to have been disused till 1772, when it was repaired and again used as the parish
church.3 Within it there is a stone effigy of a warrior shown as that of Ferquhard Earl of Ross.*
In Saint Michael's aisle is the effigy of abbot Finlay M'Fead, with the inscription, Hie jacet
Finlaius M'Fead abbas de Fern qui obiit anno mcccclxxxv.5

In the rental of the bishoprick of Ross, as given up to the collector of thirds by Bishop Henry
Sinclair between the years 1561 and 1564, the teinds of the parish church of Tarbat are stated
at 33J chalders victual, £26, 8s. teind silver, and 40 muttons.6 Among the ' sowmes of money
and victuall giwen out of the bishoprick of Ros in ordinar now yeirlie' the bishop includes as
given to the curates of Nyg and Terbat £40, and to the preacher of the kirks of Nyg and
Terbat £50.7 In 1574 Gawin Dunbar reader at Tarbert had for his stipend 20 marks and the
kirklands.8

Among the sums given out of the bishoprick yearly at the era of the Reformation the bishop
includes also 12 bolls of victual to the chaplain of Allan*-, probably the same as Alhansallach
before mentioned.9

In the Taxatio Sec. XVI. the monastery of Feme is rated at £82, 13s. Id., and in the Libellus
Taxationum it is valued at 400 marks.10

In the year 1281 William Earl of Ros, as the compensation exacted of him and his by
Archebald bishop of Moray for injuries done to the churches of Petyn and Brachuli, granted
to the bishop the two davachs of land in Ros which were called Kattepoll, and a quarter
(quarterium) of land which was called Petkenny, for the maintenance of the Friars Minorites
who should for any time dwell at Elgyn in their house near the cathedral church ; so that
the bishop with the advice of his chapter should appoint some discreet and faithful person
as distributor, to receive yearly the whole ferme of the said lands, and to distribute it as

1 Neale's Ecclesiological Notes, p. 59. 6 Book of Assumptions.

3 Old Stat. Ace. Miller's Scenes and Legends, p. 208. 7 Ibid.

In the latter authority see a curious tradition connected 8 Book of Assignations.

with the above catastrophe. 9 Book of Assumptions. See above, p, 435.

3 Old Stat. Ace. « New Stat. Ace. 5 Ibid. 1° MS. in Adv. Lib.

VOL. II. 3 K.

442 OKIGINES [TABBAT.

he should see fit for the maintenance and necessary uses of the said friars ; but, should the
friars not be in the place or refuse to remain there, the ferme of the lands was to be wholly
converted at the discretion of the bishop and chapter to the maintenance of two chaplains
who should minister continually in the cathedral church of Elgyn for the souls of all the
faithful dead ; and the Earl bound himself and his heirs, if they should ever contravene the
arrangement, to submit to the jurisdiction of the bishop, or, in case of the vacancy of the see,
of the dean and chapter, who should compel them by the censures of the church to observe it.1
In 1375 William of Clyn, claiming to be tenant of the town of Cathboll belonging to the bishop
of Moray, appeared in presence of witnesses at the town of Nyg in Ross, and requested of
Master William of Chesholme treasurer of Moray and John of Forbes lord of that Ilk, the
procurators of Alexander bishop of Moray, that the lands and his corns of the said town,
arrested by those procurators for the fermes of the town both past and present, should be given
him to pledge (ad plegium) — promising on his oath, which he of his own accord gave by the
hands of the said treasurer, that he would settle with the bishop about the said town and fermes
against the feast of Saint Andrew the apostle next instant, or, if he could not come to an
agreement within that time, that he would not thenceforth intromit with the town, or raise any
controversy with the bishop or his church regarding it, or publicly or privately offer any
obstruction to them or to those to whom they might lease the town ; on which Master William
of Chesholme, with the consent of his comprocurator, forthwith restored to William of Clyn to
pledge a certain glove in lieu of the lands of the town and of his corns, and suspended all
inhibition before made by the procurators till the feast of Saint Andrew the apostle immediately
following.2 In 1478 William bishop of Moray, with the consent of his chapter and of Gilbert
Richardson and John Williamson the chaplains of Catbollis, for the promotion of divine wor
ship and the augmentation of the salary of the chaplains, leased to John M'Culloch and three
successive heirs either lineal or collateral the lands of Catpolle lying in the earldom of Ross and
sherift'dom of Innernis, which the deceased William Earl of Ross granted for the maintenance of
two chaplains in the church of Moray, for payment of 14 marks Scots yearly in the cathedral
church of Ross at the usual terms, and making one suit either in person or by deputy at the
bishop's head court to be held yearly at Elgyn after Easter.3 In subsequent records occur the
names Catboll or Cadboll, Wester Catboll, Catboll-abbot, and Catboll-fisher, applying probably
to only two towns or properties, Cadboll perhaps being the lands granted to the bishop of Moray,
and the other three being but different designations of a Cadboll belonging to the abbot of
Fearn. In 1552 appears in record Alexander Innes of Catboll captain of Orknay, to whom the
lands of Plaidis and others were sold by his nephew Robert M'Culloch, perhaps the descendant
of John M'Culloch to whom the chaplains' lands of Cadboll were granted in 1478.4

In 1534 there appears in record Andrew Dunnune of Wester Catboll.5 In 1536 John
Denowne of Dauidstoun grants a charter at Catboll (in this instance apparently Wester Catboll)

1 Regist. Moraviense, pp. 281, 282. « Keg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 76. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

2 Ibid., pp. 180, 181. vol. xxiv. fol. 130.

3 Ibid., pp. 232, 233. ' Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxv. no. 140.

TAKBAT.J PAROCHIALES. 443

to Dowy Makculloch (of the Plaidis family) and her heirs by his own son Donald Denowne.1
In 1562 Andrew Denowne of Wester Catbole again appears in record, and about the same
period, as we have seen, the lands of Catboll-fisher were among those leased to the Dwnnwnis
by the abbot of Fearn.2 In 1606 John Denone was served heir to his father Andrew Denone
of Catboll-abbot in the lands of Catboll-abbot, Tulloch, half of Sallochie, half of Lachclawak,
and half of Muikarniche, in the earldom of Ross, of the extent of £14, 7s. (a part of those held of
the abbot of Fearn by the Dwnnwnis of the previous century).3 In 1643, as we have seen, the
same lands, including those of Cadboll-fischer, were part of the barony of Ganyes or Cadboll
held by Sir James Sinclair of Cannesbye.* In 1649 Andrew Denune was served heir to his
father John Denune of Catboll in nearly the same lands, including Catboll-abbat, and of
the same extent, £14, 7s., in the subdeanery and sherift'dom of Ross.5 In 1666 Master John
M'Keinzie was served heir male to his father Master Thomas M'Keinzie of Inverlawell in
various lands, including those of Wester Catboll or Fisher, of the extent of £9 feuferme.6

In 1351 Hugh of Ross, the son of the deceased Hugh Earl of Ross, confirmed to William of
Marischal and Mariot his wife 6 marks of valued rent of Tarbart, granted to them by his father
Hugh and brother William Earls of Ross.7 In 1368 Mariot of Hirdmannystoun, the daughter of
the deceased Andrew of Hirdmannystoun, and widow of William Mariscall, quitclaimed to the
same Hugh of Ross the same 6 marks of yearly revenue of Tarbart, which were then confirmed to
him by his brother Earl William.8 In 1374 or 1375 King Robert II. confirmed to Hew of Ross
the same 6 marks or £4.9 In 1375 there appears in record Sir Walter of Tarbard (whether
clerical or lay is not apparent).10 In 1476 King James III. granted to Elizabeth Countess of
Ross, the wife of John Lord of the Isles, for her maintenance certain lands in the earldom of
Ross and sheriffdom of Innernes, including 5 marklands of Tarwat; and in 1477 on attaining
his majority he confirmed the grant.11 In 1485 (25 January) the Lords of Council ordained that
James of Dunbar should pay to Elisabeth Countess of Ross the sum of 100 marks of the mails of
her lands of Ross (including, as afterwards appears, those of Easter Tarbart) due at the term of
Whitsunday last.13 They further ordained that the consideration of a claim made by the Countess
against James of Dunbar for 13 chalders of victual and 100 marks received on her behalf from
the Earl of Huntle should be deferred till the 24th of March, and that the Earl should be
summoned to appear for his interest.13 An action raised by the same James against the Coun
tess for payment of £40 of fee which he alleged remained due by her for five years, and for
fulfilment of a condition under which he alleged that he held her lands, namely, that the dues
should be diminished when the lands were waste, the Lords deferred till the same 24th of March.14
In 1489 (21 January) the Lords Auditors ordained that James of Dunbar of Cumnok should pay

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxi. fol. 393. s Balnagown Charters.

2 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 480. See above, p. 438. 9 Rob. Index, p. 120, no. 64 ; p. 129, no. 32.

3 Retours. 10 Regist. Moraviense, p. 181.

4 Ibid. See above, p. 440. " Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. vii. no. 371 ; lib. viii. no. 40.
s Ibid. a Acta Dom. Cone., p. 100»

« Ibid. 13 Ibid.

7 Balnagown Charters. " Ibid.

444 ORIGINES [TAHBAT.

to Elizabeth Countess of Ross the sum of 736 marks Scots due by him for the mails of the lands
of Eos which he held of her in lease, as proved by a bond under his seal and subscription ; that
his lease should be declared null because he had failed in payment of the dues at the terms
contained in his bond ; and that his lands and goods should be distrained for payment.1 James
of Dunbar, though regularly summoned in the case, failed to appear.2 He seems however still
to have held the lands, as in the following year (25 February 1490) the Lords of Council
ordained him to pay to the Countess 200 marks Scots as the dues of the lands for Martinmas
preceding, as shewn by his bond.3 In the same year King James IV., as tutor of his brother
James Duke of Eoss, granted to David Eoss, the nephew and apparent heir of John Boss of
Balnafown, a yearly revenue of 6 marks from the lands of Tarbat, with certain lands in Eoss,
resigned by John Ross and reserving to him the liferent.4 In the same year he appears to have
granted to him the lands of Tarbat.5 In 1494 (9 December) the Countess of Eoss brought
another action against James of Dunbar for wrongfully withholding from her £42, ' with the mare
of the Witsonday tonne' of her lands of Eos, and four score head of oxen and cows, and for
wrongfully occupying her lands of Dolguy (Delgny ?) and Estir Tarbart with the rest of her
lands of Eos ; in which case the Lords Auditors in presence of the parties ordained that James
of Dunbar did wrong, that he should cease to occupy the lands, that he should give to the
Countess the dues and cattle in question in so far as she could prove her case before William
Monroo of Fowlis, that the latter should be empowered to hear the case, and, if it was proved,
to distrain accordingly, and that the lands should forthwith be 'red' to the Countess.6 In
1506 King James IV. commissioned Andro bishop of Caithnes to let all the lands in the
lordships of Eoss and Ardmannach which formerly belonged to Elisabeth Countess of Eoss, ex
cept the lands of Tarbat, for the term of five years to the tenants by whom they were formerly
held or to others.7 In 1507 the same king granted his lands of Tarbart in Eoss, with power to
sublet, to Master Gawine Dunbar archdeacon of Saint Andrews.8 In 1514 James Dunbar of
Tarbart appears in record.9 In 1516 King James V. granted to James Dunbar, the son of
David Dunbar of Durris, the King's lands of Tarbart in the earldom of Eoss, then occupied by
him, for nine years from the following Whitsunday, with power to sublet.10 In 1526 the same
king granted in forme to James Dunbar of Tulyglennis his lands of Estir Tarbert with the
fishings in fresh and salt water.11 In 1531, 1538, 1540, and 1542 James Dunbar of Terbart or
of Tullyglennis appears in record.12 In 1542 King James V. confirmed to James Dunbar of
of Tuliglennis and Elizabeth Leslie his wife, and to their heirs male, with remainder to James's
own heirs male, to his uncle Eobert Duubar and his heirs male, and to his own heirs whomsoever,

1 Acta Auditorum, p. 122. 2 Ibid. >« Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. v. fol. 60.

3 Acta Dom. Cone., p. 126. » Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxi. no. 34. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

4 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xii. no. 285. vol. vi. fol. 45 ; vol. vii. fol. 46. Acta Parl. Scot., vol. ii.
3 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xii. no. 228. pp. 310, 311.

6 Acta Aud., pp. 192, 193. 12 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxiv. no. 65; lib. xxvi. no. 63;

7 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. iii. fol. 108. lib. xxvii. no. 130 ; lib. xxviii. nn. 255, 263, 285. Reg.
» Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. iii. fol. 157. Sec. Sig., vol. ix. fol. 11; vol. xi. fol. 63; vol. xiv. fol.
"> Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxii. no. 170. 36 ; vol. xvi. ff. 6, 36.

TARBAT.] PAROCHIALES. 445

the lands of Estir Terbert with the fishings, they paying yearly to the King £11, 19s. 8d. with
one reek hen or 4 pence, in order to augment the rental by the sum of 9s., and to the chap
lain of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Balnagoune £4 for his daily prayers for the King and his
successors.1 The same James Dunbar of Terbat appears in record in 1543, 1545, 1546, 1554,
1555, and 1556.2 In 1558 Queen Mary granted to James Dunbar, the son and apparent heir
of James Dunbar of Eister Terbart, the lands of Eister Terbart with their salt and fresh water
fishings, resigned by his father, to whom the liferent was reserved, the grantee paying as in
1542.3 Between the years 1561 and 1566 the bishop of Boss states the yearly rent of the mills
of Tarbat and Kincardin, held by the laird of Balnagowne and Walter Innes of Terbat, at 20
bolls of victual ; and among the sums given yearly out of the bishoprick includes 18 bolls of
victual and £10 paid to the ' gantar' men of Nyg and Terbat.4 In 1578 the quarter lands
of Tarbet, with other lands belonging to Alexander Bos of Balnagowne and George Eos his
son and apparent heir, and held by them of the bishop of Ros and others, were apprised in
favour of James Scrymgeour of Duddop constable of Dundie.5 In 1569 James Dunbar of
Tarbet appears in record.6 In 1601 Alexander Dumbar of Tarbert was served heir to his father
James Dumbar of Tarbert in the lands and mill of Eister Tarbert and the fishings in salt and
fresh water, of the old extent of £3.7 In 1604 Master James Dunbar of Sanquhar, then of
Tarbert, appears as heir male and of entail to Alexander Dunbar of Tarbert his brother.8

By a deed dated at the abbey of New Fearn in 1357 William Earl of Ross, the son and heir
of the deceased Hugh Earl of Ross, granted the land of Estir Alane to Hugh of Ross his
brother.9 The grant by King James III. to the Countess of Ross in 1476, confirmed by him in
1477, included 20 marklands of Mekle Alane and 10 marklands of Litill Allane.10 In 1490
King James IV. granted the lands of Litill Allane, resigned by John Ross of Balnagovn, to
David Ross his nephew and apparent heir, reserving the liferent to the former.11 In 1547 there
occurs in record the legitimation of Alexander Ros of Litill Allan, the son of the deceased Walter
Ros the apparent heir of Sir David Ros of Ballegown.12 The lands of the mairdom of Allane
belonged at the Reformation either wholly or partly to the bishop of Ross, who includes them
in his rental given up between 1561 and 1566 to the collector of thirds.13 In 1569 King James
VI. granted in heritage to Andrew Monro of Newmoir the escheat of all the goods upon the
quarter lands of Mekill Allane, with the crops of that year, which were forfeited by John bishop
of Ross for treason and lesemajesty.14 In 1579 George Ros the son and apparent heir of
Alexander Ros of Balnagowne, fear, and his father liferenter, for certain sums of money titulo

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxviii. no. 255. Reg. Sec. Sig., 6 Reg. Sec. Sig. vol. xxxviii. fol. 72.

vol. xvi. fol. 6. 7 Retours. s Ibid.

2 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxix. nn. 206, 419; lib. xxx. 9 Balnagown Charters.

no. 306 ; lib. xxxi. nn. 54, 281. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xix. 10 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. vii. no. 371 ; lib. viii. no. 40.

fol. 75 ; vol. xx. fol. 53 ; vol. xxiv. fol. 119. See above, p. 443.

3 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 506. Reg. Sec. Sig., » Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xii. no. 285.
vol. xxix. fol. 37. 12 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xx. fol. 92.

4 Book of Assumptions. 13 Book of Assumptions.

5 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlv. fol. 67. See pp. 412, 415. " Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxviii. fol. 95,

446

ORIGINS S

[TAKBAT.

oneroio, sold to Alexander Ros of Litill Tarrell and Elizabeth Ros his wife, and to Alexander's
heirs whomsoever, certain lands in Ross, and a yearly revenue from the lands of Vmass Litill
Allane, which were held in heritage by Alexander of Litill Tarrell ; and King James VI., of
whom the lands were to be held, granted to the latter a crown charter of the same.1 In 1 582
that king granted in heritage to Master John Ros of Hiltoun the ward and other dues of half of
the town and lands of Litill Allen and others in the earldom of Ros, in the King's hands since
the decease of Alexander Ros of Lytill Terrell, with the relief when it should happen, and the
marriage of Marione Ros and the other two lawful daughters and heirs apparent of Alexander
Ros.2 In 1586 he granted in heritage to his domestic servant William Keith for his good service
the lands of Meikill Allane with the alehouse, and others in Ross, the grantee paying yearly
for Mekill Allane 53s. 4d., 3 chalders bear, 3 chalders oatmeal, 10 reek hens, and 16s. of
bondage silver, with the usual services, for the alehouse 13s. 4d., and as gressum every five
years 13s. 4d.3 In 1596 Marjory and Isobcl Ross were served heirs portioners to their father
Alexander Ross of Litill Tarrell hi a third (apparently a third each) of the lands granted in
1579, including the third of a yearly revenue of 8 marks 3 shillings from the lands of Umaist
Littill Allan.4 In 1623 George Monro of Mylntoun was served heir to his father George
Monro of Tarrell in a fourth of the lands and town of Meikill Allane or Allanemoir, containing
two oxgangs, of the extent of 13s. 4d., and a fourth of the alehouse, of the extent of 3s. 4d.s
In 1666 Master John M'Keinzie was served heir male to his father Master Thomas Mackeinzie
of Inverlawell in the quarter davach of Litle Allan called Balnagone, with the half of the
wards of Wester Litle Allan, and the half of the Cordincrlands, in the parish of Fearne, of the
old extent of £2, 5s.6

About the year 1368 John of Tarrell appears in record.7 In 1534, 1535, 1538, and 1539,
appears in record Angus M'Culloch of Terrell or Mekle Terrell, and in 1538 Alexander his
son and apparent heir.8 In 1542 King James V. granted to John Macculloch, the nephew
and heir apparent of Angus Macculloch of Terrell, with remainder to Hugh and Angus the
sons of Angus Macculloch, the lands of Mekill Terrell in the earldom of Ross and sheriffdom
of Innernes, which Angus had resigned, reserving the liferent to him and the terce to his
wife.9 In 1544 Queen Mary granted to Hutcheon M'Culloch of Hiltown the marriage of John
M'Culloch, the nephew and heir of the deceased Angus M'Culloch of Terrell, in the Queen's
hands by reason that Angus held his lands of Terrell of her as Earl of Ros; and, if John
M'Culloch should die unmarried, the marriage of any other heir.10 In 1553 the same queen
confirmed to Cristina Monypenny, the sister of Thomas Monypenny of Kingkell, the lands of
Mekill Terrell, granted in that year in fulfilment of a marriage contract by John Makculloch
of Tarrell to Cristina in liferent, with remainder to his heirs by her, and to his own heirs

Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlv. fol. 124.

Reg. Sec- Sig., vol. xlix. no. 7.

Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liv. ff. 46-48.

Retours.

Ibid.

7 Balnagown Charters.

8 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxv. nn. 140, 245; lib. xxvi.
nn. 62, 335.

9 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xv. no. 92. Reg. Sec. Sig.,
vol. xxviii. fol. 70.

10 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xviii. fol. 31.

TARBAT.] PAEOCHIALES. 447

whomsoever.1 In 1559 the queen granted to John M'Culloch the right of reversion to the lands
of Mekle Terrell, stated in the grant to have been alienated under reversion to Thomas Mony-
penny of Kinkell.2 In 1562 a charter of John Dunnvne lord of the third part of Arkboll is
witnessed by John the son of William M'Culloch of Mekill Terrall, and by Alexander Gar
in Mekill Tarrall.3 In 1567 (6 May) Queen Mary granted in heritage to Master David Chalmer
the ward and other dues of the lands of Mekill Terrell, and of the other lands and property of
the deceased John M'Culloch of Terrell, in the Queen's hands by his decease in April last, or
by reason of his holding the same of her by ward or relief, or by decease of her late husband
Henrie Duke of Albany and Earl of Ross, the immediate superior of the lands, together with
the marriage of Angus Makculloch the son and apparent heir of John, or of any other heir.4
In 1568 King James VI. granted in heritage to Andrew Monro of Newmore the escheat of
the grant to Master David Chalmer, who was denounced rebel and at horn for not finding
surety to appear and answer for the slaughter of James Balvany in Prestoun and other persons
slain at the field of Langsyid.5 In 1571 he confirmed the grant to Andrew Monro.6 In 1577
Mariot M'Cullo was served heir to her father John M'Cullo of Mekill Tarrell in the lands
of Mekill Tarrell, together with the revenue of 50s. from Eister Ard above mentioned, of the
old extent of 4 marks.7 In 1578 King James VI. granted to Mariot M'Culloch, and to her
future spouse George Monro the son and apparent heir of Andrew Monro of Newmoir the
lands of Mekill Tarrell, which formerly belonged to Mariot in heritage, and which she had
resigned with the consent of her curators Robert Monro of Fowlis, James Dunbar of Tarbert,
George Dunbar of Awauch, and Master George Monro chancellor of Ros — to be held of the
crown for the services formerly due.8 In 1579 King James VI. granted to Elizabeth Ros,
the widow of Angus Makculloch of Mekill Tarrell the grandfather of John Makculloch of Mekill
Tarrell, and then the wife of Alexander Ros of Litill Allan, a crown charter of the half of the
third part of the lands of Mekle Tarrell called Royeindavoir (or Rover, Davoir), Renmasrysche,
Creitnacloyithegeill, Creitemantae, Kilpottis, Rownakarne, Rownaknoksenidis, a piece of the
land of Callechuinetulle, and the sowing of a boll of bear in the field called Kandig, lying
contiguously between John Makcullach's lands of Kilstane towards the north, the lower part
of the lands of Mekill Tarrell on the west, the public road leading from the road of Mekle
Tarrell to the sea on the east, and the rocks (petras marinas) towards the south — sold to her
in liferent by John Makculloch as full satisfaction for her terce of the lands of Mekill Tarrell
or of others that might fall to her by the decease of the said Angus her husband — reserving
to the crown all the rights and services due from the said half third before the present con
firmation.9 In 1598 George Munro of Mekle Tarrell appears in record.10 In 1627 John
M'Kenzie of Tarbat was served heir male to his father Sir Rotheric M'Kenzie of Coegache in

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 124. Reg. Sec. Sig., * Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxix. fol. 76.
vol. xxv. fol. 94. 7 Retours.

2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxix. fol. 69. 8 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlv. fol. 68.

3 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxii. no. 597. 9 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlv. fol. 63.

4 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxvi. ff. 45, 46. 10 History of Family of Kilravock (Spalding Club),
b Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxviii. fol. 12. p. 287.

448 ORIGINES [TARBAT.

the lands of Eister Aird, Eister Tarbat with the fishings, Mekill Tarrell, and an annual revenue
of 50s. from the lands of Eister Aird, all united into the barony of Mekill Tarrell.1

In 1562 there appear in record Alexander Boss of Litill Terrell and Elizabeth Ross his wife.2
Alexander is said to have died in 15G8.3 It is certain that he was succeeded by Alexander Eos
his son, and that the father was dead before the year 1579, and the son before 1584.4 In 1596
Marjory and Isobell Eoss were served heirs portioners to their father Alexander Boss of Litill
Tarrell in the third part of the lands of Litill Tarrell, of the extent of 22s. 4d. feuferme.5 In
1617 Hugh Eos was served heir in certain lands to his father John Eos of Lytel Tarrell.6

In 1463 John of Yle, Earl of Eoss and Lord of the Isles, granted to Thomas the younger of
Dingvale, with remainder in succession to his brother John of Dingvale and his heirs, and to the
better and more worthy successor of his relatives of the name of Dinguale, the lands of Vsuy in
the earldom of Eoss and sheriffdom of Innernys, with certain reservations, in exchange for the
third part of Arkboll and the lands of Inchfure in the mairdom (maragium) of Delny, for pay
ment of 6 pennies in the name of blenchferme.7 In 1464 the grant was confirmed by King
James III.8 In 1506 King James IV. granted to John bishop of Eoss two-thirds of the town of
Arkboll in the earldom of Eoss and sheriffdom of Innernes, resigned by Thomas Dingwell of
Kildon.9 In 1507 he granted to Alexander Fresell the same lands of Arboll, formerly resigned
by Thomas Dingwell, and granted to the bishop of Eoss, through whose decease in bastardy
the lands were escheat to the crown.10 In 1514 John Frisale, the son and heir of Alexander
Frisale burgess of Liiilithgw, sold the two-thirds of Arboll to James Dunbar of Tarbart, to
whom King James V. then granted a crown charter of the lands.11 In 1531 James Dunbar
sold the two-thirds of Argbole to William Dunnvne, with remainder to his brothers John and
Andrew ; and in the same year King James V. granted to William Dunnvne a crown charter of
the lands, and to James Dunbar a letter of reversion to the same.12 In 1534 James Dunbar of
Tarbart sold one-third of the lands of Arboll to John Corbet of Estir Ard and Mariot Dunbar his
wife, who in the same year received a crown charter of the land from King James V.13 In 1535
and 1536 William Dunnon is styled a minor (puer) and lord of the third part of Arkboll.1* In
1544 John Corbett portioner of Arboll granted to James Corbett his son and heir apparent
the half of the two-thirds of the lands of Arboll, with the half of the two-thirds of the mill,
reserving the lifercnt to himself and a reasonable terce to his wife Catherine Eorisoun ; and the
grant was confirmed by Queen Mary.15 In 1546 James Dunbar of Terbert sold to Eobert Vaus
burgess of Innernes his lands of the third part of Arkboll, lying between the third part of the
same belonging to John Corbet one of the portioners of Arkboll towards the east and the other

1 Retours. 9 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xiv. no. 263. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

* Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxii. no. 597. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. iii. fol. 81.

vol. xxxi. fol. 79. o Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. iii. fol. 122.

3 Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross. ' Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxii. no. 170.

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxviii. fol. 72 ; vol. xlv. fol. 2 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxiv. no. 65. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

118; vol. 1. fol. 111. vol. ix. fol. 11.

5 Retours. 3 Rcg jjag gjg-j jjj, xxv no 173

6 Ibid. i Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxv. no. 245.
' Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. vi. no. 17. 8 Ibid. > Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xviii. fol. 33.

TARBAT.] PAROCHIALES. 449

third part belonging to John Denowne the remaining portioner towards the west, together with
the third part of the mill of Arkboll ; and Queen Mary granted a crown charter to Robert
Vaus, with reversion to James Dunbar.1 In 1547 the same queen granted to William Dennowne
of Petnele the nonentry and other dues of Ardboll and other lands, which were in her hands
since the decease of Alexander Dunnvne of Dauidstoun.2 In the same year she granted to John
Dunnvne, the second son of John Dunnvne of Dauidstoun, the western third part of the lands of
Arkboll, reserving the liferent to John Dunnvne the elder who had resigned the lands.3 In
1554 the same queen granted to Elizabeth Dunbar the liferent of the lands of Mydthrid of
Arboll, with the third part of the mill and fishings, resigned by her husband Jaspar Waus.4
In 1556 she granted to John Denone and his wife Katherine Ross the third part of the town
and lands of Arboll which John had resigned.5 In 1562 John Dunnvne, styled lord of the
third part of Arkboll, in fulfilment of a contract made at Litill Terrell in that year, and with
the consent of his wife Katherine Ross, sold the third part of the town and lands of Arkboll to
Alexander Ross of Litill Terrell and his wife Elizabeth Ross, to whom in 1563 Queen Mary
granted a crown charter of the lands.6 In 1569 King James VI. granted to Alexander Ros of
Litill Tarrell and Isabella (Elisabeth ?) Ros his wife and their heirs a crown charter of a half of
the third part of Arkboll alienated to them by James Dunbar of Tarbet, to whom at the same
time the King granted the power of reversion to the lands.7 In 1579 he granted to John Waus
of Lochslyne and his heirs the third part of the town and lands of Arkboill with the third part
of the mill, alienated to him by the deceased Alexander Ros of Litill Tarrell.8 In 1582 the
same king granted to Master John Ros of Hiltoun in heritage the ward and other dues of the
third of Arboll and Escboll, and other lands in Ros, which were in the hands of the crown since
the decease of Alexander Ros of Lytill Terrell, or other lawful possessor, with the relief when it
should happen, and the marriage of Marione Ros and the other two lawful daughters and apparent
heirs of Alexander Ros.9 In 1584 he granted to Margaret Mwnro the daughter of Hugh Mwnro
of Asschin a crown charter of the liferent of the west third part of the town and lands of
Arkboll, sold by the deceased Alexander Ros of Lytill Terrell to Margaret and the deceased
Alexander Ros his son, to whom she was at the time betrothed, and to her heirs by him, with
remainder to Alexander's heirs whomsoever ; and also the ward and nonentry of the same third
part.10 In 1596 Marjory and Isobel Ross were served heirs portioners to their father Alexander
Ross of Litill Tarrell in the third of the west third of the lands of Arboll, of the old extent of
9s. 6|d.11 In 1601 Alexander Dumbar of Tarbert was served heir to his father James Dunibar
of Tarbert in a third of the lands and mill of Arbo in the sheriffdom of Innernes, of the old
extent of 7s. 2d.12 In 1633 Alexander Corbatt of Arkboll was served heir male to his father

1 Keg. Sec. Sig., vol. xx. fol. 53. Reg. Mag. Sig., 6 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxii. no. 597. Reg. Sec. Sig.,
lib. xxix. no. 419. vol. xxxi. no. 79.

2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxi. fol. 30. 7 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxviii. fol. 72.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxi. fol. 33. 8 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlv. fol. 118.

4 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxvii. fol. 37. 9 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 7.

5 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 337. Reg. Sec. Sig., 10 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. 1. fol. 111.

vol. xxviii. fol. 36. " Retours. 12 Ibid.

VOL. II. 3 L

450 ORIGINES [TARBAT.

John Corbat in two-thirds of the lands of Arkboll with the pendicles, namely, the pondicle called
Aldiquhilbar — the marshes and moors named Mulboyeid lying contiguously — the rabbit warrens
lie linkis of Arkboll — the marsh and moor named Lonteanaquhat — the marsh and moor lying
contiguously at the eastern part of the lands of Arkboll on its south side, and on the east side of
the loch called Lochan tony— the marsh and moor lying adjacent to the west part of Arkboll
on its south side — the great marsh and moor adjacent to the west part of Arkboll on its west
side — the marsh and moor adjacent to the northwest part of Arkboll near the sea shore named
Knockangirrach — together with the harbours of Portnagrigach, Portnacloich, Portnawest or the
harbour of Saint John, the chapel of Saint John, the port called Camray, and the privilege of
having boats for taking salmon, herring, and other fish within those harbours and other parts
of the sea off the lands of Arkboll, with the 'wrack and wair' within the same bounds — all
lying in the earldom of Ross and sheriffdom of Innernes, united into one free tenandry, and of
the old extent of 57s. Sfd.1

In 1512 King James IV. granted anew to John Vaus of Lochslyn the lands of Lochslyn in the
earldom of Ross and sheriffdom of Innernys, which he had resigned, for yearly payment of one
pound of cucumber (cucumeris) or of three pence at Whitsunday.2 In 1534 King James V. granted
to Robert Vaus burgess of Innernis a crown charter of the lands of Lochislin and Newtoun in the
earldom of Ross, sold to him in that year by John Vaus of Lochislin, and to be held of him and
of the King as Earl of Ross.3 In 1535 a charter of William Makcullo of Plaidis is witnessed by
John Vaus of Lochslyne.4 In 1536 the same John resigned the lands of Lochslyn (with the
exception of the lands of Newtoun), which King James V. then granted anew to him and
Elizabeth Vrquhard his wife.5 In 1538 that king again granted to Robert Vaus burgess of
Innernys a crown charter of Lochislyn and Newtoun, sold to him by John Vaus of Lochislyn,
and reserving to John Vaus and his wife Margaret (Elizabeth ?) Urquhard the liferent of
Lochslyn, and to himself the lifercnt of Newtoun only.6 The charter of John Vaus is given
at Lochislyn, and witnessed among others by Sir Magnus Vaus vicar of Abirtarf, apparently a
relative of the family, and at different times appearing in record also as notary public, chaplain,
rector of Y, provost of Tain, and commissary of Inverness.7 In 1554 Master Patrik Waus
parson of Wigtouu had from Queen Mary a grant of the marriage of Katherine, Margaret, and
Agnes Waus, daughters of the deceased John Waus of Lochslyn, and of any other heir suc
ceeding to the lands of Lochslyn and Newtoun.8 In 1562 appear in record Jasper Vaus of
Lochslyn and Katherine Vaus his daughter.9 In 1570 King James VI. granted in heritage
to John Waus, the son and apparent heir of Jaspar Waus of Lochslyne, the nonentry and
other dues of the lands of Lochslyne and Innerathy in the earldom of Ros and sherifFdom of
Innernes, the lands of Lochslyne being in the King's hands since the decease of John Waus

1 Retours. e Reg_ Mag. gjg^ m,. xxvi. no. 62. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

2 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xviii. no. 89. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xi. fol. 53.

vol. iv. fol. 197. 3 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxv. no. 140. 7 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxvi. no. 62. See pp. 381, 418.

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxv. no. 245. 419.

5 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxv. no. 362. lltg. Sec. Sig., s Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxvii. fol. 91.

vol. x. fol. 173. 9 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. nn. 480, 481.

TARBAT.] PAROCHIALES. 451

at the field of , and those of Innerathy since the decease of Paul Maktyre,

or in whatever other way.1 In 1571 the same king granted in heritage to Walter Vrquhard
sheriff of Cromartie the escheat of the goods that belonged to Jasper Waus of Lochslyne, who
was denounced rebel and at the horn for non-payment to Master Robert Richardsoun commendator
of Sanct Marie He, the King's treasurer, and to his assignee Andro Lamb indweller in Leith,
of certain sums of money, for the payment of which Jasper Waus and John Neilsoun burgess
of Innernes were sureties, namely, £20 due by John Reauch M'Fail in Cullevlar, £100 by
William M'Farquhar in Cultclachquhy, £20 by John M'Farquhar in Cultclachquhy, and other
sums entered in the treasurer's books.2 In 1579 appears in record John Waus of Lochslyne,
and in 1609 John Vauss junior was served heir to his father John Vauss of Lochslyne in the
lands of Lochslyne and Newtoune, of the old extent of 30s.3

In 1520 King James V. granted to John Campbell thane of Calder the lands of Estir Ard
called Corbettislandis in the sheriffdom of Innernys, formerly belonging to the deceased Master
John Caldor precentor of Ross, and in 1522 he confirmed the grant.* In 1524 John Corbet of
Estir Ard sold in heritage to James Dunbar, with remainder to his brother John Dunbar and
his heirs, and to James's heirs whomsoever, the fourth part of the lands of Estir Ard, and the
superiority of another fourth part on the east side, with the new lands between the bank of
Saltoun and the bank of Wattertoun of his lands of Estir Ard, in the earldom of Ross and
sheriffdom of Innernes.5 In 1525 King James V. granted to James Dunbar a crown charter of
the same lands.6 In 1527 James Dunbar portioner of Estir Ard, on the narrative that John
Corbett of Estir Ard had alienated to him the same lands under reversion on payment of the
sum of 259 marks 10s., appointed Sir William Fudas chancellor of Caithness his assignee, and,
the above sum having been paid, granted to him the lands.7 In 1528 King James V. granted
to Sir William a crown charter of the lands.8 In 1531 that king granted to William Hay of
Mayn the same lands and superiority, formerly belonging to the deceased Sir William Fudes
chancellor of Caithness, and escheat to the King by reason of his bastardy.9 In 1534 appear
in record John Corbet of Estir Ard and Mariot Dunbar his wife.10 In 1538 King James V.
granted to James Dunbar of Tarbet and Elizabeth Leslie his wife the lands of Estir Ardis called
Corbettisland, formerly belonging to the deceased Master John Caldor precentor of Ross, at
whose death they reverted to the crown, and were granted by the King to Sir John Campbell of
Caldor, who now resigned them.11 In 1540 James Dunbar of Tarbert and Estir Arde sold to
John Corbet of Arde and Katherine Roresoun his wife the fourth part of the lands of Estir

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxix. fol. 51. The name of 5 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xx. no. 134. Reg. Sec. Sig.,
the battle is blank in the register. It must have been vol. vii. fol. 104. 6 Ibid,
fought between the years 1538 and 1554, during which ~ Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxii. no. 70.

period occurred the Rout of Solway, the Battle of 8 Ibid.

Ancrum, the Battle of Pinkie, and various sieges and 9 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxiv. no. 144. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

minor conflicts. vol. ix. fol. 63.

2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxix. fol. 69. 10 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxv. no. 173.

3 Retours. " Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxvi. no. 63. Reg. Sec. Sig.,
' Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xx. nn. 86, 87. vol. xi. fol. 63.

452 OEIGINES [TARBAT.

Arde, and a fourth of the four crofts called Ladycroft, Makhucheounecroft, Scheipherdcroft, and
the croft cultivated by Megot Enymmawnise, to be held for yearly payment of one penny
blenchferme.1 In the same year King James V. granted to John Corbet a crown charter of
those lands 2 In 1542 that king granted to John M'Culloch, the nephew and heir apparent of
Angus M'Culloch of Terrell, with remainder to Hugh and Angus the sons of Angus M'Culloch,
a yearly revenue of 50s. from the lands of Estir Hard, which Angus had resigned.3 In the
same year he granted to George Monro of Davachcarty a crown charter of a fourth of the lands
of Ester Arde, called the Intoune of Estir Arde, sold to him by his kinsman James Dunbar of
Terbert.4 In 1545 James Dunbar of Terbat sold to John Corbat of Arkeboill the fourth of
Eistir Ard, and the fourth of the crofts called Ladycroft, M'Hutcheoncroft, Croft-nageracht,
and Croftnacon (spelled also Croftnatoun and Croftnarone) ; and in 1546 Queen Mary granted to
John Corbat a crown charter.5 In 1552 that queen confirmed to Andrew Munro and Katherine
Vrquharcl his wife the fourth of the lands of Eistir Ard, granted to them by George Monro
of Dalcarty." In the same year she granted to George Monro of Dalcarty and Jonet Eraser
his wife a crown charter of the fourth part of Eister Ard called the Intoun, and of other lands
iu Ros sold to them by James Dunbar of Terbert. to whom at the same time she granted the
right of reversion.7 In 1553 John Makculloch of Tarrell, in fulfilment of a marriage contract,
granted in liferent to Christina Monypenny the sister of Thomas Monypenny of Kingkcll, with
remainder in succession to his heirs by her, and to his own heirs whomsoever, a yearly revenue
of 50s. Scots from the lands of Eistir Aird ; and Queen Mary in the same year confirmed the
grant.8 In 1556 that queen confirmed to Marjory Ogiluy, the daughter of Walter Ogiluy
of the Boyne, the liferent of the lands of Eister Airdis called Corbettisland, granted to her in
1555 by James Dunbar of Terbert and Eistir Airdis.9 In 1558 she granted to James Dunbar,
the son and heir apparent of James Dunbar of Eister Terbert, the same lands of Eistir Airdis,
which his father had resigned, reserving the liferent to the same Marjory Ogiluy.10 In 1559
she granted to John M'Culloch of Mekle Terrell a letter of reversion to the yearly revenue of
50s. from the lands of Eistir Hard, alienated by him under reversion to Thomas Monypenny
of Kinkell.11 In 1567 she granted in heritage to Master David Chalmer the ward and other
dues of the property belonging to the deceased John M'Culloch of Terrell, including the same
yearly revenue of 50s.12 In 1568 it was forfeited by Master David Chalmer, and granted by
King James VI. to Andrew Monro of Newmore, to whom in 1571 it was confirmed by the same

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxvii. no. 130. Reg. Sec. Sig., 8 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 124. Reg. Sec. Sig.,
vol. xiv. fol. 36. vol. xxv. fol. 94. The Reg. Mag. Sig. gives the sum as

2 Ibid. 5s., the Reg. Sec. Sig. as £50 Scots — but from the

3 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxviii. no. 70. Reg. Sec. Sig., grant of 1542 and subsequent deeds the true sum ap-
vol. xv. fol. 92. pears to be 50s.

« Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxviii. no. 285. Reg. Sec. Sig., 9 Keg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 281. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

vol. xvi. fol. 36. vol. xxviii. no. 6.

5 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxx. no. 306. Reg. Sec. Sig., "> Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxii. no. 326. Reg. Sec. Sig.,
vol. xix. fol. 75. This seems the same as the transac- vol. xxix. fol. 37.

tion of 1540, yet both are recorded and dated as above. " Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxix. fol. 69.

6 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiv. fol. 119. " Ibid. I2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxvi. ff. 45, 46.

TARBAT.] PAROCHIALES. 453

king.1 In 1577 Maviot M'Cullo was served heir to her father John M'Cullo of Mekill Tarrell
in the same yearly revenue from the lands of Eister Ard.2 In the same year King James VI.
granted to Hugh Monro of Assint and Cristina Monro his wife a crown charter of the lands
of half the Intoun of Easter Aird, occupied by Hugh Monro, and alienated in heritage to him
and his wife by James Dunbar of Tarbart with consent of his wife Marjory Ogilbie ; granting
at the same time to the latter parties a letter of reversion to the lands.3 In 1578 the above
yearly revenue of 50s. was resigned by Mariot M'Culloch, and granted in heritage by King
James VI. to her and her future spouse George Munro the son and apparent heir of Andrew
Monro of Newmoir.4 In 1601 Alexander Dumbar of Tarbert was served heir to his father
James Dumbar of Tarbert in the lands of Eistir Aird called Corbettisland with the mill, of
the old extent of 17s.5 In 1604 Master James Dumbar of Sanquhar, now of Tarbert, was
served heir male and of entail to his brother Alexander Dumbar of Tarbert in the lands of
Eistir Aird called Corbetsland, with the mill and fishings in salt and fresh water, of the old
extent of £3.6 In 1627 John M'Kenzie of Tarbat was served heir male to his father Sir
Rotheric M'Kenzie of Coegache in the lands of Eistir Aird of the old extent of £3, 6s. 8d.,
and in a yearly revenue of 50s. from the same lands of the old extent of 23s. 4d.7

In the parish are three fishing villages, Ballintore, Hiltown, and Portmahomack.8

On a small creek near Tarbatness, named Port-chaistal, is the site of an ancient castle or fort,
defended on the land side by a deep ditch, and by some supposed to be the ancient Ethirdover.9
From it the first Earl of Cromarty took the style of Castlehaven.10 On the Black Moor in its
neighbourhood are vestiges of an encampment.11

The castle of Ballone or Tarbat stands on the east shore of the parish, and is still nearly
entire.12

There was a castle at Cadboll on the same coast, of which there seem to be few or no
remains.13

In the north east of the parish, near a lake variously named Locheye, Lochlin, and Lochslin
(which belonged of old to the abbot of Fearn), stands the castle of Lochslin, the old dwelling
of the Vauses, consisting of two towers 60 feet high, and respectively 38 and 20 feet square.14
In it was born in the year 1630 Sir George Mackenzie of Tarbat, afterwards first Earl of
Cromertie, one of a family who succeeded the Dunbars in the possession of the Tarbat
estates.15

There seem to have been several other castles in the parish, one of which belonged to the
Sinclairs of Dunbeath.16

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxviii. fol. 12; vol. xxxix.
fol. 76.

2 Retonrs. A

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlv. fol. 3.

4 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlv. fol. 68.

5 Retours.

0 Old Stat. Ace.

1 Miller's Scenes and Legends, p. 276. New Stat.
cc.

2 Old and New Stat. Ace.
Old Stat Ace.

4 Old Stat. Ace. Miller's Scenes and Legends, p.

6 Ibid. 7 Ibid. 296. Balnagown Charters.

8 New Stat. Ace. 15 Old Stat. Ace. Miller's Scenes and Legends, p.

8 Old Stat Ace. New Stat. Ace. 151. 16 Old Stat Ace.

454 ORIGIN! S [NIOO.

In the churchyard are a monument called the Dingwalls' Tomb, and fragments of a cross said
to have stood on a small green mound at the east end of the church.1

At Hilton stands one of three obelisks supposed without much foundation to commemorate
the three sons of a Danish king who perished at sea off the neighbouring coast.2 One side
is richly sculptured ; the other, from which the sculptures were erased about two centuries ago,
bears a rude shield and label with an unmeaning Scotch inscription.3

NIGG.

Nig4 — Nyg5 — Nigg.6 (Map, No. 11.)

THIS parish consists of the Hill of Nigg, of old called the Bishop's Forest, about 500 feet in
height, and forming about one-third of the whole parish ; a fertile slope on the north west side
of the hill ; a considerable extent of plain ; and a level tract called the Sands of Nigg covered
by the sea at high water.7 The cliffs extending along the Moray Firth and the entrance to
the Firth of Cromarty, where the Hill of Nigg takes the name of the Northern Sutor, have
an average height of 300 feet above the sea.

In the year 1296 John of Dunbretan parson of the church of Nig of the county of Ros
swore fealty to King Edward I. of England.8 Thenceforward till the Reformation there seems
to be no mention of this church, but it appears to have been a mensal church of the bishop of
Ross.9 In 1569 King James VI. presented Finlaii Mansoun reader at Nig to the vicarage of
that church, vacant and in the King's hands ' as omittit and not gevin vp in rentall be the last
possessour thairof or vthirwyis quhatsumcuir.'10 In 1574 it was vacant, and in 1578 and again
in 1581 King James VI. presented Alexander Clunes to the vicarage of Nig, vacant by the
demission of Fynla Mansoun.11

The church, built in 1626, and repaired in 1725 and 1786, stands at Nigg near the Sands,
apparently on the site of its predecessors.12

At Culiss there is a small enclosure named the Chapel Park, in which in last century were
some slight vestiges of a chapel.13

1 New Stat. Ace. 6 Circa A. D. 1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib.

- Miller's Scenes and Legends, pp. 39-41. New " New Stat. Ace. " Ragman Rolls, pp. 142, 143.

Stat. Ace. 9 Book of Assumptions. Old Stat. Ace.

1 Miller's Scenes and Legends, p. 41. 10 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxviii. fol. 109.

4 A. D. 1296. Ragman Rolls, pp. 142, 143. A. D. " Book of Assignations. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlv. fol.
1561-1566. Book of Assumptions. A. D. 1569. Reg. 53; vol. xlvii. fol. 113.

Sec. Sig., vol. xxxviii. fol. 109. A. D. 1578. Reg. Sec. 12 MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu. Old Stat. Ace.

Sig.,. vol. xlv. fol. 53. A. D. 1581. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. New Stat. Ace.

xlvii. fol. 113. Circa A. D. 1640. MS. Maps in Adv. « old Stat. Ace. In 1585 Sir Jerome Paip appears

Lib. Blaeu. as chaplain of Cullis, but whether at Cullis or within

5 A. D. 1561-1566. Book of Assumptions. A. D. the cathedral church is not stated. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol.
1374. Book of Assignations. lii. fol. 71.

NIGG.] PAEOCHIALES. 455

At Shandwick there was a chapel and burying-ground, of the former of which the walls
towards the end of last century were nearly entire.1 There seems to have been near it another
burying-ground, the enclosure of which was visible at the same date.2

At the Reformation the bishop of Ross gave up the teinds of the parish of Nig to the collector of
thirds at 19 chalders 5 bolls of victual, £15, Os. 9d. in teind silver, and 29 muttons.3 Among the
sums yearly given from the bishoprick the bishop enumerates as given to the curates of Nyg and Ter-
bat the sum of £40, and to the preacher of the same churches £50.4 In 1568 Fynlay Mansone as
reader had for his stipend £20, and in 1569 as vicar he had £40 ; the sum assigned as stipend to the
reader at Nyg in 1574 was 20 marks, and in 1576 it was £6, 13s. 4d. the amount of the vicarage.5

In the year 1333 Hugh Earl of Boss, who died in that year, granted to his son Hugh of Ross
the four davachs of Rarechys.6 This Hugh of Ross is styled the first laird of Rarichies and
Balnagown.7 In 1351 he dates a charter at Culuys.8 In 1368 he is styled Hugh of Ross lord
of Raricheis.9 He was succeeded by William of Ross, apparently his son.10 In 1394 Walter of
Ross was infefted in the lands of Rarichies on a precept of Euphame Countess of Ross.11 In 1398
Alexander of Lesley Earl of Ross, the son and heir of the deceased lady Eufamia Countess of Ross,
granted to Walter of Ross lord of Raricheis a davach of Culluys in the mairdom of Delgeny.12
Walter was succeeded by Hugh Ross, whose son John was infefted in the same lands on a
precept of Alexander of lie Earl of Ross between the years 1429 and 1449. 13 In 1490 King
James IV., as tutor and governor of his brother James Duke of Ross, granted to David Ross, the
nephew and apparent heir of John Ross of Balnagovn, the lands of Rareche, with the mills,
brewhouses, tenants, and tenandries, and the lands of Estir Rareche, resigned by John Ross, and
with reservation of the liferent to him ; and to the same David Ross and his wife Helen Kethel
the lands of Westir Rareche and Culleis.u In the same year David Ross on a precept of the
same king was infefted in the lordship of Balnagowne (which included Rareche) as heir to his
grandfather John Ross of Balnagowne.15 In 1546 Queen Mary granted to Alexander Ross of
Balnagovne and Jonet Sinclare his wife the lands of Eistir Rereyche, with the pasture, ale
houses, and fishings in salt water, and other lands in the lordship of Balnagovne, which Alexan
der had resigned.16 In 1550 Alexander Ros of Balnagoun sold to William Carnecors of Colmis-
hill (or Colmislie) the lands of Westir Rarechy and the lands and mill of Culles in the earldom of
Ross and sherhTdom of Innernes, and in special warrandice of those lands the land of Balnagoun,
the mains and mill of the same, the lands of Mylhill, Garthie, Knockgarthie, and Culcarne.17 At
the same time he sold to the same William the lands of Estir Rarechy, and in special warrandice
of them the lands of Mylntoun of Westray with the mill, the lands of Ballinlcich, and the lands

1 Old Stat. Ace. 2 Ibid. 12 Balnagown Charters.

3 Book of Assumptions. 4 Ibid. 13 Ibid. Gregory's Highlands and Isles.

5 Register of Ministers. Book of Assignations. u Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xii. nn. 228, 229, 285.

6 Balnagown Charters. Cronicle of the Earlis of 15 Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross.

Ross. 16 Ibid. Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxix. no. 426. Reg. Sec.

7 Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross. Sig., vol. xx. fol. 51.

8 Balnagown Charters. 9 Ibid. 17 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxx. no. 535. Reg. Sec. Sig.,
>» Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross. " Ibid. vol. xxiv. fol. 6.

456 ORIGINS S [NIGG.

of Mekill Doles.1 In the same year Queen Mary granted to William Carnecors a crown charter
of all the lands thus sold to him by Alexander Ross.2 In 1554 she granted to Sir John Bellen-
den of Auchnoule the noncntry and other dues of the lands of Rarechys Eistir and Westir, with
the mill and lands of Cullis, in her hands since the decease of William Carncors of Colmslie.3
In 1557 she granted to Robert Carncors of Colmislie and Barbara Hume his wife the same
lands and mill, which he had resigned to the Queen's mother as Regent of Scotland.4 In 1577
William Carncors of Colmislie was served heir to his father Robert Carncors of Colmislie in
the same lands and mill, of the old extent of £43, 3s. 2d., and in the lands granted in war-
randice of the same.5 In 1578 — on the narrative, notwithstanding that Alexander Ros of Bal-
nagowne had sold in heritage to William Carnecors of Colmslie the lands of Westir Rarechie
with the lands and mill of Culles, and in special warrandice of them the lands of Balnagowne,
the demesne lands and mill of the same, and the lands of Mylnhill, Garthe, Knockgarthe,
and Culcarne — and notwithstanding that the said William had granted to the said Alexander
two letters of reversion to the same, namely, one to the lands of Westir Rarechie on the
payment of 2455 marks 5 shillings and 10 pence Scots, together with a letter of lease of the
lands for five years following their redemption, the lessee paying yearly 9 chalders of bear and
meal and 10 bolls of dry multure, or 10 marks for each chalder, 1 mart or 30 shillings, 8 mut
tons or 4s. 2d. for each, 12 dozen of poultry or 4 pence for each poultry, and 12 bolls of oats
or 4s. 2d. for each boll, with various other conditions specified in the letter of reversion, dated
5 April 1550; and another letter concerning the lands and mill of Culles, redeemable on pay
ment of 1000 marks Scots, together with a letter of lease of the lands and mill for five years
after their redemption, the lessee paying yearly 4 chalders 13 bolls of victual, bear and meal, or
10 marks for each chalder, 6 capons or 8 pence for each, and 100 eggs or 12 pence Scots, with
other conditions specified in the letter of reversion of the same date as the former ; which rever
sions Alexander Ros had assigned to Alexander Innes of Plaidis and his heirs, and which
reversions and assignation Alexander Innes had sold in heritage to George Sinclare chancellor
of Cathanes — King James VI. granted to the same George and his heirs that, as soon as those
conditions should be fulfilled by William Carnecors of Colmslie or his heirs, and the sums of
money specified in the letters should be paid by them, George and his heirs should have full and
free reversion to the said lands and mill, both the principal lands and those granted in warran
dice, as Alexander Ros had before his alienation of the lands ; and the King constituted George
and his heirs immediate hereditary tenants of the same.6 In 1617 Sir William Sinclair of Catbol
was served heir to his father George Sinclair of May in the lands of Wester and Eister Rarichies,
and the lands and mill of Cullis, as principal, of the old extent of £15, and in the lands of
Rarichies, of the old extent of £10 ; and in the lands formerly granted in warrandice of the
same.7 Rarichies and Guiles soon after became the property of the Roses of Kilravock
through intermarriage with the Sinclairs of Dunbeath.8

1 Keg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxx. no. 535. Reg. Sec. Sig., 4 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 557. 5 Retours.

vol. xxiv. fol. 6. 2 Ibid. « Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlv. fol. 60. ~ Retours.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxvii. fol. 89. s The Family of Kilravock, pp. 93, 339, 340.

siGo.] PAROCHIALES. 457

A transaction in 1375 relating to the lands of Cathboll in Tarbat took place at the town of
Nyg in the diocese of Eos, and was witnessed by brother Adam of Nyg, probably one of the
canons of Fearn.1 The mairdom of Nig, which included the lands of Logy extending to a davacli,
with the brewhouse and brewlands of the same, belonged at the Reformation to the bishop of
Ross.2 The third of the dues of that mairdom, as stated by Bishop Sinclair, amounted to
£161, 18s. 3d., 1 chalder 6 bolls 2 firlots of victual, 8£ marts, 42 muttons, 36 kids, and 16
dozen and 6 capons.3 Among the sums of money and victual yearly given out of the bishoprick
the same authority states as given to the ' gantar' men of Nyg and Terbat 18 bolls victual and
£10.4 In 1581 King James VI. confirmed three grants of land in the barony of Nyg — 1. A
grant by John Jacksoun, chancellor of Cathanes and commissary of the deceased Henry bishop of
Ross, with consent of the dean and chapter, to Alexander Feme and his male heirs, with
remainder to his eldest female heir without division, of the fourth part of the town and lands of
Nyg extending to a quarter davach, a fourth of the alehouse of Nyg occupied by the grantee,
an oxgang of the same lands formerly occupied by Thomas Tulloch, and the half of the town
and lands of Pitcalzeane, extending to half a davach, occupied by Alexander and his son, re
serving to the bishop the manor-place, mansion, orchard, garden, moothill, stanks (stagnis), and
granary of Nyg ; 2. A grant by the deceased John bishop of Ross, with the consent of the dean
and chapter, to the same Alexander Feme and his male heirs, with remainder as before, of an ox-
gang of the town and lands of Pitcalzeane besides the half davach contained in the above grant
of Bishop Henry ; and 3. A grant by Bishop John to Donald Fiddes in Nyg and his heirs of
an oxgang of the lands and town of Nyg, with a fourth of the alehouse and its croft, and
half an oxgang of the town and lands of Pitcalzean.5 In 1582 the same king confirmed a
grant by John bishop of Ross, cominendator of Lundoris, to Fynlay Mansoun in Pitcalzeane
and his heirs of a fourth of the town and lands of Pitcalzean in the barony of Nyg, which
Fynlay then occupied.6 In the same year he confirmed a grant, made by the same bishop
to Andrew Monro of Nig, of the half of the lands and town of Nig, and half the alehouse
and its croft, with the keeping of the place and manor of Nig.7 In 1584 he confirmed a
grant by the deceased John bishop of Ross to Donald Gibsoun in Pitcalzean and his heirs
of half an oxgang of the town and lands of Pitcalzeane, and the brewhouse and its croft
then occupied and laboured by the same Donald.8 In 1598 George Munro of Mekle Tarrell
became bound ' to releve and skaythles keip' Elizabeth Ros the widow of Waltir Vrquhart sheriff
of Cromertie, William Gordoun of Bredland her husband, William Ros of Kilrawak tutor testa
mentary to Alexander Vrquhart the son of the said Waltir, and Alexander himself and his heirs
— at the hands of Donald Ros, Magnus Feme, David Feme, and Finlay Manson, the assignees
appointed by the deceased Alexander Feme portioner of Pitcalyean to his right of reversion to
the ' eister half dawine land' of the lands of Picalyean granted to him by the deceased Waltir

1 Regist. Moraviense, pp. 180, 181. 5 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvii. fol. 133.

J Book of Assumptions. Keg. Sec. Sig., vol. liv. fol. 6 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlviii. fol. 122.

61. 7 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 57.

3 Book of Assumptions. * Book of Assumptions. 8 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. li. fol. 38.
VOL. II. 3 it

458 ORIGINES [NIGG.

Vrquhart and Alexander Feme — of their renunciation of the reversion to Andro Munro the
son and heir of the deceased David Munro and to his tutor testamentary.1 In 1662 Andrew
Fearne of Pitcahane was served heir to his great-grandfather Alexander Fearne of Balna-
sturache in a fourth of the town and lands of Nyg, extending to a quarter davach, of the
extent of 33s. 4d. feuferme; a fourtli of the alehouse of the same, of the extent of 5s. feu-
ferme ; an oxgang of the town and lands of Nyg, of the extent of 16s. 8d. feuferme ; and
half of the town and lands of Pitcahane, a half davach, of the extent of 53s. 4d. feuferme ;
formerly in the sheriffdom of Innernes, but then in the sheriffdom of Ross.2

There are two small fishing villages, named Balnabruach and Balnapaling, each containing
about 20 families.3

Hugh's Fair, named from its founder Hugh Rose of Kilravock, sheriff of Ross and Cromarty,
was formerly hold at Wester Rarichie, but is now held at Ankerville, on the third Tuesday of
November.*

Behind the parish church were to be seen about 1790 the foundations of a building 90 feet
long styled the bishop's house, and doubtless the remains of the old manor-place of Nigg men
tioned in the above grants.5

In the year 1179 King William the Lion during an expedition into Ross built or fortified
the castle of Dunscath.6 Its site is believed to have been a little green knoll on a farm still
named Castle Craig, situated at the foot of a steep declivity, where the slope of the south end of
the Hill of Nigg or Northern Sutor of Cromarty terminates about 150 feet above the level of the
sea.7 The moat and part of an outwork on the land side may still be traced.8 The lands of
Dunskaith seem to have continued to be royal property till the erection of the college church of
Tain in 1487, when with a revenue of two marks Scots from the royal ferry of Cromarty they
were assigned by King James IV. to the chaplainry of Dunskaith in that foundation.1*

A ledge of rock running for some miles along the east coast of the parish about half a mile
from the shore, and covered at high water, is locally known as the King's Sous ; a cave on the
adjacent shore is named the King's Cave ; and near it is Port-an-righ (the King's Harbour) ;
and a path winding to the top of the rocks is styled the King's Path.10 These names are
traditionally connected with three sons of a king of Denmark, whose vessel or vessels are
believed to have been wrecked on the ledge which bears their name.11 It is further believed
that the three young men were buried respectively at Hiltown in Fearn already noticed, and
at Shandwick and Nigg in this parish, at each of which places a sculptured obelisk is still to be
seen.12 The obelisk at Shandwick, which stood in the ancient cemetery near the chapel, and
which bore on one side a sculptured cross, and on the other sculptures of various kinds, was some

1 History of the Family of Kilravock, p. 287. " Miller's Scenes and Legends, p. 46.

2 Retours. * Reg. Mag. Sig.,lib. x. no. 309. Reg. Sec. Sig., Vol.

3 New Stat. Ace. * Ibid. xviii. fol. 36. Sec p. 417.

5 Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace. See above, p. 457. I0 Old Stat. Ace. Miller's Scenes and Legends, p. 39.

6 Chronica do Mailros, p. 'JO. Ford. Scot. lib. viii. c. 28. New Stat. Ace.

7 Old Stat. Ace. Miller's Scenes and Legends, p. 44. " Ibid.
New Stat. Ace. 12 Ibid.

RILMUIE EASTER.] PAROCHI ALES. 459

years ago blown down and broken into three pieces.1 The obelisk at Nigg stands in the parish
burying-ground, having on one side a cross and other sculptures, and on the other figures of
men and animals.2 It was blown down in 1725 by a storm which destroyed the belfry and broke
the bell of the church, but is now replaced at the east end of that building.3

At Easter Rarichie is a detached hillock said to be the site of a Danish fort, and exhibiting
sonic remains of a wall or rampart.4

KILMUIR EASTER.

Kilmor 5 — Kilmur6 — Kilmure-Madath7 — Kilmowr8 — Eistir Kilmure9 —
Kilmuir Eistir10 — Kilmure-Meddett11 — Kilmoor, Kilmoore.12 (Map,
No. 12.)

THIS parish, stretching about 5 or 6 miles along the north coast of the bay of Nigg, and about
3 miles inland, is flat and sandy on the coast, cultivated and wooded in the interior, and moor
and wood in its upland parts.13

In the year 1296 Roger of Foderingeye, vicar of the church of Kilmor of the county of
Ros, swore fealty to King Edward I. of England.14 In 1475 James of Werk (Weik ?) parson of
Kilmur witnesses an indenture between M'Gilleoin of Lochboy and Ross of Ballnagovin.15 At
the Reformation George Dunbar was parson of Kilmowr.16 In 1569 King James VI. presented
William Ros to the vicarage of Eistir Kilmuir, vacant by the decease of Alexander Sutherland.17
The reader in 1572 was Donald Reid, and in 1574 and 1575 Neil Monro.18 In 1575 King James
VI. presented Neil Monro to the vicarage of Kilmure or Kilmure-Meddett, vacant by the demis
sion of William Ros parson of Roskin.19 In 1585 the same king presented John Monro the son of
John Monro in Pithraachtie to the vicarage of Kilmuir Eister, vacant by the deposition of Neill
Monro for non-residence and not serving the cure.20 The rector of Kilmuir Eister had a manse and
garden in the canonry of Ross, showing this benefice to have been a prebend of the Cathedral.21

1 Old Stat. Ace. Millers Scenes and Legends, p. 41. u Ragman Rolls, p. 172. Though not quite certain,

2 Millers Scenes and Legends, pp. 41, 42. it is at least highly probable that Kilmuir Easter is

3 Old Stat. Ace. Scenes and Legends, p. 41. here intended.

4 New Stat. Ace. " Acta Dom. Cone., p. 347. In 1456 Alexander

5 A. D. 1296. Ragman Rolls, p. 1/2. Sutherland of Dunbeath bequeathed £200 to his son

6 A. D. 1475. Acta Dom. Cone., p. 347. Alexander to pass for him on a pilgrimage to Rome,

7 A. D. 1541. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xiv. fol. 80. the money to be placed in the hands of Sir James of
s A. D. 1561-66. Book of Assumptions. Weik(probably then or afterwards parson of Kilmuir).
9 A. D. 1569. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxviii. fol. 61. Misc. of Bannatyne Club, vol. iii.

10 A. D. 1572-1574. Register of Ministers. Book of 16 Book of Assumptions. Apparently Kilmuir Eister.
Assignations. A.D. 1585. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liii. " Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxviii. fol. 61.

fol. 26. A. D. 1621. Retours. l8 Register of Ministers. Book of Assignations. Reg.

11 A. D. 1575. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlii. fol. 111. Sec. Sig., vol. xlii. fol. 111.

12 Circa A. D. 1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaen. 19 Rec. Sec. Sig., vol. xlii. fol. 111.

13 New Stat. Ace. and Maps. » Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liii. fol. 26. 21 Retours.

460 ORIGINES [KILMUIR EASTER.

The old church stood on the bay of Nigg, where the present was built in 1798, and succeeded
one built in 1621.1 Beside the present church is a round tower dated 1616.2

In 1368 Mariot of Hirdmannystoun, the daughter of the deceased Andrew of Hirdmatmystoun,
resigned the patronage of the chapel of Balnagown.3 About the same time William Earl of Eoss
granted to his brother Hugh of Ross lord of Philorth the lands of Balnagown and others,
resigned by the same Mariot, the grantee finding a chaplain to officiate twice or thrice in the
week at the altar of the Virgin Mary in her chapel at Balnagown.4 This chaplainry (whether in
the mansion-house or otherwise does not appear), founded for daily prayers in behalf of the reign
ing sovereign, and supported by the yearly payment of £4 from the lands and fishings of Estir
Terbert, was held in 1542 by James Dunbar of Tuliglennis and Elizabeth Leslie his wife, and
in 1558 by James Dunbar his son and apparent heir.5 In 1642 Eobert Lord Eos of Halkheid
and Molvill was served heir to his brother William Lord Eos of Halkheid and Melvill in the
barony of Baluagoune, including the advowson of the chaplainry of Balnagoune, and the kirk-
lands, the last being of the extent of £4 feufcrme.6

In 1512 the yearly payment made by Andrew Monro for the croft called the markland of
Tulloch, then granted to him by King James IV., was one pound of wax to be paid at Mid
summer within the chapel of Delny.7 In 1521 King James V. presented Alexander Dunbar to
the chaplainry of Delny.8 In 1529 he presented David Dunbar to the same chaplainry, vacant
or when vacant by the resignation of Alexander Dunbar.9 In 1541 Master David Dunbar,
chaplain of the chaplainry of the Virgin Mary in the parish of Kilmure Madath, with the
consent of the King and of the bishop of Eoss, granted to Thomas Eos of Ballintrait and
Elizabeth Dunbar his wife and their male heirs, with remainder to John Dunbar of Bannagefield
and his male heirs, and to George Monro of Dalcarty and his male heirs, the churchlands called
Preistishill and Vlladule, with the croft of John the Baptist, and the glebe, manse, houses,
buildings, gardens, and pertinents of the same, belonging to the chaplainry, reserving to himself
and his successors one acre of the lands of Preistishill, lying near the manse on the south side,
for a manse and garden to be there constructed — .all which were rented by husbandmen and
tenants for 12 marks yearly — the grantee paying yearly 12 marks, and 40s. in augmentation
of the chaplain's rental, in all £10 Scots.10 In 1580 King James VI. granted for seven years
to Colin Dunbar the son of George Dunbar of Awach, 'for help of his sustentatioun and in-
tertenement at the scoles,' the chaplainry of Delny, vacant by the decease of Master David
Dunbar.11 The chapel, dedicated, as we have seen, to the Virgin Mary, stood with its
cemetery on a bank at Delny till near the end of the last century, when the stones of the
building were removed and otherwise used, and the ground ploughed up, although it was

1 MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu. Old Stat. Ace. 6 Retours.

New Stat Ace. ' Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xviii. no. 72. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

2 New Stat. Ace. vol. iv. fol. 195.

3 Balnagown Charters. 6 Reg gec g;g ; voi v foi 150.

4 Ibid. 9 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. viii. fol. 36.

5 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxviii. no. 255 ; lib. xxxi. no. 10 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xiv. ff. 80, 81.
506. » Reg. Sec. Sig., vo!. xlvii. fol. 31.

KILMUIR EASTER.] PAKOCHIALES. 461

afterwards enclosed and sown with grass.1 At the same period an eminence near the chapel con
tinued to bear the name Cnoc-an-tagairt or Priestshill, and in the same neighbourhood were the
remains of a cross at the extremity of a village, the seat of the old baronial court of Delny. s

In Baiamund's Eoll the church of Kylemure is taxed at £4 ; in the Taxatio Sec. XVI. at
£12, 8d. ; and in the Libellus Taxationum it is valued at £40.3 At the Eeformation the par
sonage and vicarage of Kilmowr, as given up by the parson George Dunbar to the collector of
thirds, amounted yearly to 100 marks or £66, 13s. 4d.4 In 1572 the reader at Kilmuir Eistir
had for his stipend £20, and in 1574 he had £12, 13s. 4d.5

The chaplaniry of Delny, as we have seen, rented before 1541 at 12 marks 8 shillings, and
let in that year for £10 Scots, did not in 1580 exceed the value of 20 marks yearly.6

The chaplainry of Balnagowne, belonging at the Reformation to Master Thomas Ros parson
of Alnes, was then of the yearly value of £4, corresponding to the value given above at
previous and subsequent dates.7

The mairdom (maragiurn) of Delny, a district including various lands in Kilmuir and other
parishes, belonged of old to the Earls of Ross, one of whom, Earl William, died at Delny
in 1323.8 In 1356 a charter of William Earl of Ross (the grandson of the former) is dated at
Delgeny in Ross.9 In 1362 William Earl of Ross and lord of Sky granted certain lands in
the mairdom of Delgeny to Henry Stewart and his wife Mariot the Earl's kinswoman.10 In
1368 an indenture between Mariot of Hirdmanystoun lady of Balnagown and Hugh of Ross
lord of Raricheis is dated at Delgeny.11 Earl William died at Delny in 1372.12 In 1384
Alexander Earl of Buchan, lord of Ross and of Badenoch, dates a charter at Delgeny.13 In
1463 John of Yle, Earl of Ross and Lord of the Isles, granted to Thomas the younger of
Dingvale the lands of Vsuy in exchange for other lands in the mairdom of Delny.14 In 1476
King James III. granted to Elisabeth Countess of Ross, the widow of John Earl of Ross and
Lord of the Isles, for her maintenance certain lands in Ross which she held in conjunct infeftment
with her husband before his forfeiture ; and besides these, for her gratuitous services to the King's
father and his consort, and considering that she took no part with her husband in his rebellion,
he granted to her £100 of land and yearly revenue in Ross, including 20 marks of Delne and
other lands.15 In 1477, on attaining his majority, he confirmed the grant.16 In 1485, 1489,
and 1494 the lands belonging to the Countess, including Delgeny, were the subject of a long
litigation between her and James of Dunbar of Cumnok, by the latter of whom they were
occupied.17 In 1586 King James VI. granted in heritage to his domestic servant William
Keith master of his wardrobe, for his good service and for other reasons, certain lands in

1 Old Stat. Ace. - Ibid. 9 Balnagown Charters. 10 Charter at Floors.

3 MSS. in Adv. Lib. " Balnagown Charters.

1 Book of Assumptions.

5 Book of Assignations.

6 See above, p. 460. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvii. fol. 31.

7 Book of Assumptions. See above, p. 460.

8 Charter at Floors. Retours. Cronicle of the Earlis
of Ross. Balnagown Charters. Calendar of Fearn.

2 Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross. Calendar of Fearu.

3 Balnagown Charters.

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. vi. no. 17.

Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. vii. no. 371.

Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. viii. no. 40.
' See TABBAT, pp. 443, 444.

462 OEIGINES [KILMUIB EASTER.

Ross, including Delny, its alehouse with toft and croft, its two alehouses without toft and croft,
and tlie orcheard of Delny, for the yearly payment of 3 chalders bear and oatmeal, 8s. of
bondage silver, and 6 poultry, for Delny — 13s. 4d., and the same sura every 5 years as gressum,
for the alehouse with toft and croft — 13s. 4d. for the alehouses without toft and croft — and
30s. for the orcheard and the croft called Gardinaris Croft.1

In the year 1333 Hugh Earl of Eoss appears to have granted the lands of Balnagown to
Hugh Eoss his son, the first laird of Balnagown.2 Between 1336 and 1341 or 1351
William Earl of Eoss (the son and successor of Earl Hugh) granted to Marion, the kins
woman and alumpna of Emma the wife of Thomas of the Abbacy, the davach of Awchale,
which belonged to Andrew of Erwynd, who witnesses the grant.3 In 1341 a charter of
the same earl is witnessed by William Marischal of Balnagown.4 In 1351 Hugh 'of Eoss, the
son of the deceased Hugh Earl of Eoss, confirmed to the same William and Mariot his wife
the lands of Balnegown and Achawyl, granted to them by his father Hugh and his brother
William Earls of Eoss.5 In 1368 Mariot of Hirdmanystoun, the daughter of the deceased
Andrew of Hirdmanystoun (and the widow of William Marischal), appears as lady of Balna
goun.6 In that year, by a deed dated at Balnagoun, she resigned the lands of Balnagoun,
Achenwyl, and Gorty.7 Apparently in the same year William Earl of Eoss and lord of Sky
granted the same lands to his brother Hugh of Eoss lord of Philorth.8 In 1374 or 1375
they were confirmed to the same Hugh by King Eobert II.9 In 1384 there appear in
record William Eoss of Balnagown (the son of Hugh) and his wife the daughter of Lord
Livingstone, and in 1394 and 1398 Walter Eoss his heir.10 The latter, who was sur-
named Clugganache, married Catherine the daughter of Paul M'Tyre.11 Between 1429 and
1449 appears John Eoss of Balnagown, the son and heir of Hugh Eoss.1'-' In 1451, in the
chapel of Saint Nicolas in the cathedral church of Eoss, in presence of Andrew of Munro
archdeacon of Eoss, commissary of Bishop Thomas and auditor of consistorial cases, and of
other witnesses, John Eoss lord of Balnagowan produced certain charters, of which a transumpt
was then made.13 By an indenture made at Dingwall in 1475, and publicly recorded in 1494,
it was agreed that a son of Alexander Eoss, the son and heir of John of Balnagovin, should
marry a daughter of Hector M'Gilleoin of Lochboy.1* In 1488, in presence of Thomas bishop
of Eoss and of Thomas abbot of Fearn, John Eoss of Balnagown resigned his house and
living to Sir Gilbert Keith of Inverugie and to David his 'oye' and apparent heir.15 In
1490 King James IV., as tutor of his brother James Duke of Eoss, granted to David Eoss,
the nephew and apparent heir of John Eoss of Balnagovn, the lands of the lordship of Balna-
govn with the castle and manor, and other lands in Eoss, with the mills, brewhouscs, tenants,
and tenandries, resigned by John Eoss, and reserving the liferent to him.16 In 1492 David

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liv. ff. 46-48. » Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross. I2 Ibid.

- Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross. I3 Balnagown Charters.

1 Balnagown Charters. * Ibid. » See TOROSAY, pp. 311, 312.

5 Ibid. 6 Ibid. 7 Ibid. 8 Ibid. 15 Balnagown Charters.

9 Rob. Index, p. 120, no. 04; p. 129, no. 32. lf> Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xii. nil. 228, 285. Cronicle of

'•'' Croniclf of the Earlis of Ross. Balnagown Charters. the Earlis of Ross.

KILMUIR EASTER.] PAROCHIALES. 463

Ross of Balnagovn appears in record.1 In 1527 King James V. granted to Walter Ross, the
son and heir of the deceased Sir David Ross of Ballingovn, all the lands and rents which
belonged to the latter.2 In 1528 the same king granted the ward, relief, and nonentry of
some of the lands of the barony to William Ros the brother of the deceased Walter Ros of
Ballangowne.3 In 1546 Queen Mary granted to Alexander Ros of Balnagovn and Jonet Sinclair
his wife Ballinlone and other lands, with the woods, parks, and other pertinents of the lordship
of Balnagovn, which Alexander had resigned.* In 1550 the same Alexander granted to William
Carnecors of Colmislie the lands of Balnagoun, the demesne lands and mill of the same, and
other lands of the barony, in special warrandice of the lands of Westir Rarechy and Guiles,
which he had sold to William Carnecors.5 In 1560 he granted the lordship of Balnagoune to
his son and apparent heir George Ross.6 In 1567 Master John Douglas, rector of the university
of Saint Andrews, grants a receipt for £32, 2d. Scots as the board of George Ross younger
of Balnagoune 'for all the time that he remainit student with me in the New College.'7 In
1576 the same Alexander Ros of Balnagoune and George Ros his son and heir appear in record.8
In 1578 the lands and barony of Balnagoune, including the demesne lands and mill, with other
lands, formerly belonging in heritage to the same Alexander and George, and held by them
of the bishop of Ros, the commendator of Ferne, and the sacrist of Thane, were apprised in
favour of James Scrymgeour of Duddop, constable of Dundie.9 In the same year King
James VI. constituted George Sinclare chancellor of Cathanes and his heirs immediate hereditary
tenants of the lands of Balnagovne and others granted in special warrandice of those sold to
William Carnecors of Colmislie in 1550.10 In 1581 George Ros fear of Balnagovne gave the liferent
of certain lands of the barony, with the mill of Balnagovne and the astricted multures, to Marjory
Campbell the daughter of the deceased Sir John Campbell of Calder, to whom King James VI.
in the same year granted a crown charter of the lands.11 In 1582 the same king granted to
George Ros of Balnagowin and the male heirs of his body, with remainder to his male heirs
whomsoever, several baronies, including the lands and barony of Balnagowin, the demesne lands
of the same and others in that barony, formerly belonging to James Scrymgeour of Dudop,
and resigned by him, to be held for the services formerly due.12

In 1362 William Earl of Ross and lord of Sky granted to Henry Stewart and his wife Mariot
the Earl's kinswoman his land of Kennachrowe and Strathury, with all the men inhabiting the
same, and the other pertinents lying in the mairdom of Delgeny, for yearly payment of one silver
penny called sterling at Kennachrowe.13 In 1372 the grant was confirmed by King Robert II.1*
In 1536 John Denowne of Dauidstoun, in implement of a contract between him and William
M'Culloch of Pladdis, granted to Dowy Makculloch and her heirs by his son Donald Denowne,

1 Coll. de Eeb. Alb., p. 85. 6 Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. vi. fol. 67 ; vol. vii. fol. 74. 7 Ibid.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. ix. fol. 140. See KINCARDINE, » Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xliii. fol. 102.
p. 412. 9 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlv. fol. 67.

4 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxix. no. 426. Reg. Sec. Sig., 10 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlv. fol. 60. See NIGG, p. 456.
vol. xx. fol. 61. Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross. " Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvii. ff. 99, 105.

5 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxx. no. 535. Reg. Sec. Sig., 12 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 11.

vol. xxiv. fol. 6. See Nioo, p. 455. 13 Original at Floors. " Ibid.

464 ORIGINES [KILMUIR EASTER.

with remainder to his own heirs, the three 'eist oxgangis' of his land of Candoroy.1 In 1547
Queen Mary granted to William Dennowne of Petnele the nonentry and other dues of the lands
of Candenrew and others in Eoss, in her hands since the decease of Alexander Dunnone of
Dauidstoun.2 In 1549 John Denone, lord of half the lands of Daweistoun and of all the lands
of Kandcrwif and Strathworie, sold to Walter Innes dweller in Calrossy the lands of Kanderwiff
and Strathworie in the earldom of Eoss and sheriffdom of Innernys ; and in the same year Queen
Mary granted to Walter Inncs a crown charter of the lands.3 In 1556 the same queen con
firmed the grant of 1536, and Donald Donowne, the son and heir of the deceased John Donowne
of Dauidstoun, appears also as Donald Donowne of Kenroy.* In 1563 Queen Mary granted the
lands of Cayndruiff and Straithworie to Walter Innes of Cayndruiff and Margaret Maldntosche
his wife.5 In 1575 William Innes was served heir to his father Walter in the same lands, lying
in the lordship of Eoss, of the old extent of 40s.6 In 1577 King James VI. granted in heritage
to William Innes of Candereuff and Katharine M'Kanze his wife, with remainder to William's
heirs whomsoever, the lands of Candereuff which he had resigned, to be held of the crown for
the usual services.7 In 1628 Beatrix, Margaret, and Agnes Innes were served heirs portioners
to their father William Innes of Calrossie, and Donald Monro the lawful son of George Monro of
Tarloggie was served heir portioner to the same William his maternal grandfather, in the lands of
Kendriue and Strathworie.8

In 1463 John of Yle, Earl of Eoss and Lord of the Isles, granted to Thomas the younger
of Dingvalo, with remainder to his brother John of Dingvale and his heirs, and to the better
and more worthy successor of their relatives of the name of Dinguale, the lands of Vsuy in
the earldom of Eoss in exchange for the third part of Arkboll, and the lands of Inchfure in
the mairdom of Dclny.9 In 1464 King James III. confirmed the grant.10 Among the £100 of
lands and rents in Eoss granted by King James III. in 1476, and confirmed by him in 1477,
to Elizabeth Countess of Eoss were included 10 marks in victual of the lands and town of
Meithaite with its two mills, and 10 marks of Mekle Meithaute.11 In 1512 King James IV.
granted to Andrew Monro the lands of Myltoun of Meath with the mill, the office of chief
mair of the earldom of Eoss, and the croft called the markland of Tulloch, in the earldom of
Eoss, which lands of Myltoun with the mill and mairdom had been granted to Andrew and one
heir by a letter under the privy seal, the grantee paying yearly for Myltoun 8 chalders 4 bolls of
victual half bear half meal of the lesser measure of the earldom and to augment the rental by 8
bolls, and for the croft of Tulloch one pound of wax on the feast of Saint John the Baptist
(24 June) within the chapel of Delny.12 In 1527 King James V. granted to Thomas Eoss of
Ballintred the lands of Arnagaig, Ballintred, Feauchtelauchy, and Knoknapark, extending in the

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 393. Reg. Sec. Sig., 6 Retours. 7 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xliv. ff. 42, 43.

vol. xxviii. fol. 70. 2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxi. fol. 30. s Retours.

5 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxx. no. 419. Reg. Sec. Sig., 9 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. vi. no. 17. 10 Ibid.

vol. xxiii. fol. 79. n Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. vii. no. 371 ; lib. viii. no. 40.

4 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. nn. 358, 393. Reg. Sec. See above, p. 461.

Sig., vol. xxviii. ff. 33, 70. 12 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xviii. no. 74. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

5 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxi. fol. 97. vol. iv. fol. 195.

KILMUIB EASTER.] PAROCHIALES. 465

King's rental respectively to 26s. 8d., 40s., 20s., and 26s. Sd., in all 8 marks 6 shillings and
8 pence, for the yearly payment of £7, to augment the rental by 26s. Sd.1 In 1541 Thomas
Ros of Ballintrait appears in record as the grantee of the chapellands of Delny in the parish of
Kilmure-Madath, a name apparently derived to the parish from the lands of Meddat or Meithat.2
In 1586 King James VI. granted in heritage to his domestic servant William Keith for his good
service certain lands in Ross, including Mekill Methat, its alehouse with toft and croft, and its
alehouse without toft and croft, Badebaa, Knocknapark, Ballintraid, Fayclachie, Ardnagaag,
Calrcchy, and Inschefuir ; the grantee paying yearly for Mekill Methat 6 chalders of bear and
oatmeal of the measure of Leith, 16s. of bondage silver, 6 poultry, and the usual services — for
the alehouse of the same with toft and croft 13s. 4d. and the same sum every 5 years as gressum
— and for the alehouse of the same without toft and croft 6s. 8d. and the same every 5 years as
gressum ; for Badebaa 20s., and the same every five years as gressum ; for Knocknapark 26s. 8d.,
6s. of bondage silver, and as gressum every 5 years 26s. 8d., with the usual services ; for Ballintraid
40s., 9s. of bondage silver, one poultry, and 40s. gressum, with the usual services ; for Feyclachie
26s. 8d., 6s. of bondage, 2 poultry, and gressum 26s. 8d., with the usual services ; for Ardnagag
the same ; for Calrechy 26s. 8d. ; and for Inschefuir 40s., 9s. of bondage silver, 1 poultry, and
40s. of gressum every 5 years, with the usual services.3 In 1615 Arthur Sutherland was served
heir to his father Alexander Sutherland of Inschefure in the town and lands of Calrichie of the
extent of 26s. 8d., and the lands of Inschfure of the extent of 40s., in the barony of Delny and
earldom of Ross.* In 1623 George Monro of Mylntoun was served heir to his father George
Monro of Tarrell in the lands of Mylntoun of Meddat with the mills and the office of chief mair
of the earldom of Ross, of the extent of 8 chalders 4 bolls of victual ; a croft named the mark-
land of Tulloch in the earldom of Ross, of the extent of one pound of wax ; and the lands and
town of Meikill Meddat or Mcddatmoir, of the extent of 6 chalders of bear and oatmeal and
other dues — its alehouse with toft and croft of the extent of 13s. 4d. — and its other alehouse
without toft and croft, of the extent of 6s. 8d. — in the barony of Delnie, earldom of Ross, and
sheriffdom of Innernes.5

There are villages at Milntown, Bartaraville, and Portlich, the first of which has a population
of 200.6

On the coast near New Tarbat House are the ruins of the castle of New Tarbat the seat of the
Earls of Cromarty.7

In the year 1590 Catharine Ross, Lady Fowlis, one of the Balnagown family, was tried
and condemned to be burned for witchcraft.8

At Kenrive (the ancient Kennachrowe or Kanderuiff ) on a hill still bearing that name there
is a large cairn, and close to it the foundation of a large building (probably the remains of the
old mansion-house and chief messuage of the property).9

1 Keg. Mag Sig., lib. xxii. no. 36. 6 New Stat. Ace.

2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xiv. ff. 80, 81. 7 New Stat. Ace. and Maps.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liv. fol. 46-48. 8 Pitcairn's Crim. Trials, vol. i. pp. 192-201.
« Retours. 5 Retours. 9 New Stat. Ace.

VOL. II. 3 K

466 ORIGINES [LOGIE EASTER.

LOGIE EASTER.

Logy1 — Logy Eistir2 — Logic.3 (Map, No. 13.)

Tins parish, the name of which in Gaelic signifies ' a hollow,' is chiefly composed of the upper
part of the strath of the water of Rorie, named in Gaelic 'Abher' (the river), and latterly known
as the water of Balnagown.4

Of this parish we have but scanty notices, and no early notice except its entry in Bisset's
copy of Baiamund's Roll.5 In 1497 King James IV. presented Sir Donald Morisoun to the
vicarage of Logy (probably that of Logy Easter) in the diocese of Ross, when it should be
vacant by the resignation of Sir John Rathre.6 The church appears in records of the sixteenth
century, and about the period of the Reformation the rector appears to have been Thomas Hay,
and the vicar Sir Donald Reid.7 In 1581 King James VI. presented Master John Ros to the
parsonage and vicarage of Logy Eister, vacant by the decease of Master Thomas Hay abbot of
Glenluce.8 In 1584 King James VI. confirmed a grant by Master Thomas Hay rector of Logie,
given with consent of Alexander bishop of Ross and the dean and canons of the cathedral to
John Irving burgess of Rosemarkie and Margaret Gumming his wife, and to John's male heirs,
of the croft of the rectory of Logie lying in the canonry of Ross (showing the church to
have been a prebend of the cathedral).9 In 1619 Thomas Irwing was served heir to his
father, Andrew Irwing in the canonry of Ross, in the manse of the rectory of Logie with
the garden within the same canonry.'0

The church originally stood in a hollow on the water of Rorie, which gave name to the
parish.11 The present church was built about the middle of the last century on a small eminence
at a short distance from the former site.12

The eminence on which the modern church is built is named Chapelhill, implying the previous
existence of a chapel, the name and dedication of which seem to be unknown.13

In Baiamund's Roll the rectory of Logy is taxed at £5, 6s. 8d. ; in the Taxatio Sec. xvi.
at £16, 10s. 3d.; and in the Libellus Taxationum it is valued at £53, 6s. 8d.u At the

1 A. D. 1270. Baiamund's Roll. A. D. 1497. Reg. ' Bisset's Rolls of Court, p. 209.
Sec. Sig., vol. i. fol. 23. A. D. 1534. Lib. Taxationum. 6 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. i. fol. 23.

A. D. 1500-1600. Tax. Sec. xvi. A. D. 1561-1566. ~ Lib. Taxationum. Tax. Sec.xvi. Bookof Assump-

Book of Assumptions. Circa A. D. 1640. MS. Maps tions. Book of Assignations.

in Adv. Lib. Blacu. « Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvii. fol. 115.

2 A.D. 1572. Register of Ministers. A. D. 1574. 9 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. 1. fol. 60.
Book of Assignations. A. D. 1581. Reg. Sec. Sig., 10 Retours.

vol. xlvii. fol. 115. " Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace. Modern Maps.

3 A. D. 1584. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. 1. fol. 60. A. D. JIS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu.

1619. Retours. 12 Old and New Stat. Ace. 13 Ibid.

* Old Stat. Ace. Modern Maps. » MSS. in Adv. Lib.

LOGIE EASTER.] PAROCHIALES. 467

Eefonnation the parsonage of ' Logy and Channonry in Ros' was let yearly for 100
marks, or £66, 13s. 4d. ; and the vicarage extended yearly to the sum of £12.1 In 1572
William Ross Thomassone, exhorter at Logy Eistir, had for his stipend £40, and in 1574
Donald Reid, reader, had £13, 6s. 8d. and the kirklands.2

The history of the lands of Strathworie, which lay partly in this parish, seems to have been
the same as that of the lands of Kanderuiff or Kenrive in Kilmuir.3

In 1370 William Earl of Ross granted to William of Ross, the son and heir of the deceased
Hugh of Ross, the lands of Pitmadwy within the bailiary of Delgeny, although he had for
merly granted the same land in liferent to Master William of Dyngeual.4 In 1476 King
James III. granted to Elizabeth Countess of Ross, in addition to lands granted to her for her
maintenance, £100 of yearly revenue from certain other lands in Ross, including 10 marks
of Drumgill and 10 marks of Glossery (probably Calrossy).5 In 1556 a charter is witnessed
by Walter Innes in Calrossy.6 In 1578 the lands of Pettecowy (Pitmadowy) were included in
the barony of Balnagowne, formerly belonging in heritage to Alexander Ros of Balnagowne,
and in that year apprised with other lands in favour of James Scrymgeour of Duddop constable
of Dundie.7 In 1582 the same lands were apprised by James Scrymgeour in favour of Alex
ander Ros, and granted by King James VI. to Alexander's son George Ros of Balnagowin and
the male heirs of his body, with remainder to his male heirs whomsoever.8 In 1586 the same
king granted in heritage to William Keith the master of his wardrobe, for his good service and
other reasons, various lands in Ross, including Calrossie, Drummediat, Glastowlie, and Drum-
gillie ; the grantee paying for Calrossy 3 chalders bear and oatmeal, 8s. 4d. of bondage silver, and
4 poultry, with the usual services — for Drummediat 3 chalders bear and oatmeal of the measure
of Leyth, 8s. of bondage silver, and 4 poultry, with the usual services — and for Glastowlie 6
chalders bear and oatmeal of Leith measure, 16s. of bondage silver, 9 poultry, and the usual ser
vices.9 In 1619 John Monro was served heir to Andrew Monro of Daan his father in the town
and lands of Pitmadowie in the earldom of Ross, of the old extent of £4.10 In 1623 Walter Ros
of Kindeis was served heir male to his father Hugh Ros of Kindeis in the lands of Morachwater
with that part of them called Litill Rasches in the barony of Balnagown pro principali, and in
warrandice of those lands in the south and lower quarter of the town and davochland of Pit-
maduthie, lying next the lands of Drumgill, commonly called Auchownatone, in the same barony,
of the extent of 20s.11 In 1642 Robert Lord Ros of Halkheid and Melvill was served heir to
his brother gennan Lord William in the lands of Pitticowy or Pitmadowy, included as before
in the barony of Balnagoune.12 In 1644 Master Thomas Rig of Athernie was served heir to
his father William Rig of Athernie in the barony of Balnagown, including the town and lands

1 Book of Assumptions. 6 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 269.

2 Book of Assignations. 7 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlv. fol. 67.

3 See KILMUIR EASTER, pp. 403, 464. 8 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 11.
1 Balnagown Charters. 9 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liv. ff. 46-48.
5 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. vii. no. 371. See KH.MCIR 10 Retours.

EASTER, p. 461. " Ibid. 12 Ibid.

468 ORIGINES [ROSKBEN.

of Pitmaduthie.1 In 1652 David M'Culloch was served heir to his immediate elder lawful
brother James M'Culloch of Kindeis in the fourth part of the town and davochlands of Drum-
gillie, in the barony of Delny and earldom and sherifl'dom of Ross, of the extent of the fourth
part of three chalders of bear and other dues.2

In the year 1586 King James VI. confirmed a grant by John bishop of Ross and commen-
dator of Lindoris, with the consent of his dean and chapter, to William Ros in Logy and
Margaret Monro his wife, and to their heirs, with remainder to William's heirs whomsoever,
of the lands of Logy extending to the quarter of a davach, with the brewhouse and brewlands,
then occupied by William Ros, in the barony of Nig and sheriffdom of Innernes.3

At Blackhill there is a cattle market in the month of May.4

About the middle of the parish is a ridge of small hills, on one of which, partly surrounded
by a ditch, stood a gallows.5 Near the end of the ridge is a deep narrow pool of water named
Poll-a-bhaidli (the pool of death), in which the last feudal execution, that of a woman for
child-murder, took place about the middle of the last century.6

IIOSKEEN.

Rosken7 — Roskene8 — Roskyne9 — Roskin10 — Roskein11 — Roschene12 -
Roskyin13 — Boscuyn." (Map, No. 14.)

THIS parish, lying on the north of the water of Alnes and Loch Moir, is level along the coast
of the Firth of Cromarty, rises gently for a few miles inland, when it becomes hilly, and attains
its. greatest height in Cairn Coinneag, said to be 3000 feet above the sea.15 In the upper part
is an extensive valley named Strathrusdale.16

In 1528 Master James Knollis (or Knowis) was a canon of Ross, prebendary of Roskene, and
preceptor of the Hospital of the Virgin Mary beside Linlithgw.17 In 1533 the same Master
James appears as rector, and in 1534 Andrew Ros was vicar of Roskene.18 In 1555 and between
1561 and 1566 the rector was Master Grawin Dunbar.19 In 1573 (1 January) King James VI.
presented Master James Bering to the parsonage and vicarage of Roskene, and to the parsonage

1 Retours. 2 Ibid. '» A. D. 1575. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlii. fol. 111.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liv. fol. 61. " A. D. 1584. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. 1. fol. 73. A. P.

« New Stat. Ace. 6 Old Stat. Ace. « Ibid. 1607. Retours.

7 A. D. 1270. Baiamund's Roll. 12 A. D. 1584. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. li. fol. 14.

8 A. D. 1528. Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxii. no. 223. A.D. « Circa A. D. 1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib.
1533. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. ix. fol. 160. A.D. 1534. Reg. " Circa A. D. 1640. Blaeu.

Mag. Sig., lib. xxv. no. 96. A. D. 1500-1600. Taxatio >* New Stat. Ace. and Maps. 16 Ibid.

Sec. xvi. A.I). 1573. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xli. ff. 43, 58. " Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxii. no. 223.

A. D. 1574-1576. Book of Assignations. A. D. 1584. >8 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. ix. fol. 160. Reg. Mag. Sig.,

Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. li. fol. 40. A. D. 1621. Retours. lib. xxv. no. 96.

9 A. D. 1555. Pitcairn's Crim. Trials, vol. i. p. 376.» I9 Pitcairn's Crim. Trials, vol. i. p. 376> Book of
A. D. 1561-1566. Book of Assumptions. Assumptions.

BOSKEEN.] PAROCHIALES. 469

and vicarage of the kirk of Newnakle, vacant by the decease of Gawin Dunbar.1 In the same
year (14 March) he presented William Ros to the same parsonage and vicarage, which belonged
to the deceased Gawane Dunbar.2 In 1574 and 1576 William Eos Thomassoun was minister, and
William Monro Huchesoun was reader at Roskene and Newynkill.3 In 1575 William Ros is stvled
parson of Roskin, and in that year resigned the vicarage of Kilmure Meddett.* The rector
of Roskene as a prebendary had a manse with garden and croft within the canonry of Ross.5

The church, apparently dedicated to Saint Ninian, seems to have originally stood at Noinikil a
short way from the coast, where its ruins still remain, and the site seems to have been afterwards
changed to Roskeen nearer the coast, where the present church was built in 1832. 6 There are
still two glebes, one beside each church.7

In Baiamund's Roll the rectory is taxed at £8, and in the Taxatio Sec. xvi. at £24, 16s.8 In
the Libellus Taxationum it is valued at £80.9 The rental of the parsonage at the Reformation,
wholly received in money from the tenants, amounted to £101, 6s. 8d., of which £10 yearly
were paid to the choristers.10 In 1574 the minister at Roskene had a stipend of £85, 15s. 2d.,
and the reader £20 ; in 1576 they had respectively £105, 15s. 2d. and £20 ; the reader being
paid by the minister.11

In 1361 James Prat of Kerdale, the son of the deceased John Prat lord of Estir Glenarundy,
sold to Hugh Ross lord of Philorth a yearly revenue of 6 marks sterling due to him from the
lands of Fraswiln, Okyngil, and Harpsdol, for 35 marks sterling to be paid by Hugh on recovering
the same by law.12 In 1384 Alexander Earl of Buchan, lord of Ross and of Badenoch, ordered
Hugh of Munro, his bailie of the earldom of Ross, to give to William of Ross seisin of the lands
of Innerkstelane and Hospostyl.13 In 1490 King James IV., as tutor of his brother James
Duke of Ross, granted to David Ross, the nephew and apparent heir of John Ross of Balnagovn,
certain lands, including the lands of Hospitall, resigned by John Ross, to whom the liferent was
reserved.1* In 1597 Gilbert, Gray was served heir to his father John Gray of Fordell in the
lands and town of Hospitill in the earldom of Ross, of the old extent of 10 shillings.15 The
lands of Hospitill appear to be the same as those of Obstuill or Obsdale, on which a chaplainry
was founded in the cathedral church of Ross.16

In the year 1473 appears in record Andro Merser of Inchbreky.17 In 1511 King James IV.
granted in heritage to Andrew Stewart, the son of Jonet Terrell lady of Innachbreky, with
remainder to Jonet and her heirs, the lands of Innachbreky and Balnegall in the sheriffdom of
Innernys, resigned by Jonet, and reserving the liferent to her.18 In 1512 the same king granted
to Jonet Terrell and her heirs the lands of Innerbreky and Balnegall in the earldom of Ross, for
merly resigned by her to the King as Earl of Ross in favour of the deceased Andrew Stewart her

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xli. fol. 43. 8 MS. in Adv. Lib. » Ibid.

2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xli. fol. 58. ° Book of Assumptions. u Book of Assignations.

3 Book of Assignations. 2 Balnagown Charters. la Ibid.

4 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlii. fol. 111. * Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xii. no. 285.

5 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. 1. fol. 73 ; vol. li. fol. 40. Retours. 5 Retours. I6 See RoSEMABKlE,pos<.

6 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xli. ff. 43, 58. Book of Assig- 7 Acta Auditorum, p. 30.

nations. Blacu. Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace. 18 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. iv. fol. 100. Balnegall appears

7 Old and New Stat Ace. to lie in the parish of Tain.

470 ORIGINES [BOSKEEN.

son and his heirs, after which resignation Andrew died without lawful heirs, and the lands fell to
the crown by reason of nonentry.1 In 1529 Jonet Terrell resigned the same lands, which King
James V. then granted in heritage to her and her husband Walter Innes of Touchis." In 1533
William M'Culloch of Pladis dates a charter to Walter Innes of Towchis at Innerbreke.3 In 1534
the same Walter, with consent of his wife Jonet Torrall, granted to John Innes his son the lands
of Innerbreky and Balnegall, on condition that John should marry in facie eccksie Mariot the
daughter of Donald Terrall, whom James Innes the son and heir of Walter ought to have married
in terms of a contract between Walter and Jonet.4 In the same year King James V. confirmed
the grant.5 In 1547 Queen Mary granted the same lands with the tofts and crofts, which John
Innes of Innerbreky had resigned, to Walter Innes his son and apparent heir, to be held of the
Queen as Countess of Ross, and reserving the liferent to John Innes and a reasonable terce to
Mariot Terroll his wife." In 1557 the same Walter, the son and apparent heir of John Innes of
Innerbrakye, in implement of a marriage contract, granted to Margaret the daughter of Kenneth
Mackenze of Brawne the liferent of the lands of Balingall in the earldom of Eoss, reserving the
terce to Mariot the wife of John.7 In the same year Queen Mary confirmed the grant.8 In
1608 James Innes of Uvachbrekie was served heir to his father Walter in the town and lands of
Uvachbrekie, of the old extent of 23s. 4d., and the town and lands of Innerachnegall, of the same
old extent.9

Among the lands from which a yearly revenue of £100 was granted by King James III. to
Elizabeth Countess of Ross in 147C, and confirmed by him in 1477, were included 10 marklands
of Kincragy and 10 marklands of Culquhunze.10 The same lands were in 1586 included in a
grant by King James VI. to William Keith the master of his wardrobe, the grantee paying yearly
for Kincraig with its alehouses £4, 13s. 4d, 20s. of bondage silver, 12 bolls of bear, 12 bolls of
oatmeal, 2 marts, 2 muttons, and 12 bolls of oats, and for Culkenzie £5, 10s. 8d., 12 bolls of
bear, 12 bolls of oatmeal of Leyth measure, 4 marts, 4 muttons, and as grassum every five years
£5, 10s. Sd.11 In 1615 Arthur Sutherland was served heir to his father Alexander Sutherland of
Inschefure in three oxgangs and a sheaf [garbata] of land, commonly called ' the thrie oxgang and
schaifeland ' of the town and lands of Culkenzie, in the barony of Delny and earldom of Ross, of
the extent of 43s. lOd. and other dues.12 In 1635 Iver M'lver of Culkenzie was served heir
to his father Iver M'lver of Lackmaline, portioner of Culkenzie, in 10 sheaves and a half of the
town and dauchland of Culkenzie, commonly called ten ' scheaffis and ane halfe scheafland,' in
the barony of Delny then newly erected, of the extent of 24s. 7d. and other dues ; and in
7 sheaflands of the same lands of Culkenzie, extending to an oxgang and a half, in the same
barony, and of the extent of 16s. 4§d. and other dues.13

i Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xviii. no. 125. Reg. Sec. Sig., ' Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 359.
vol. iv. fol. 163. s Ibid

- Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxiii. no. 66. Reg. Sec. Sig., 9 Retours.
vol. viii. fol. 84. 10 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. vii. no. 371 ; lib. viii. no. 40.

:i Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxv. no. 42. See KILMUIR EASTER, p. 461.

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxv. no. 96. b Ibid. " Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liv. ft'. 46-48.

6 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxx. no. 74. " Retours. 13 Ibid.

ROSKEEN.] PAROCHIALES. 471

In 1538 King James V. granted to Huchoun Eos for five years the three marklands of
Brekauche, the five marklands of Auchneclayeh, the ten marklands of Tulichmeanych, and the
mill of Cragmylne in the earldom of Eos and sheriffdom of Innernys, for the yearly payment of
£12 for the lands and of 18 bolls of ferme for the mill, or in all £IS.1 In 1586 King James VI.
granted in heritage to William Keith master of his wardrobe, for his good services and other
reasons, lands in Ross including Craigmyln with the multures and alehouses, Tullichmanich, Tul-
lichmoir, and Brekhauch ; the grantee paying yearly for the Mill of Craig with the multures 1
chalder 2 bolls of bear, and for the alehouse 6s. 8d. and the same sum every five years as gressum
— for Tullichmanich £4, 6s. 8d., 2 marts, 2 muttons, 6 bolls of dry multure half bear half meal,
and 16s. 8d. of bondage silver — for Tullichmoir £5, 18s., 1 chalder 14 bolls of bear, 12 bolls of
oats, and 4 muttons — and for Brekhauch 50s., one poultry, 4s. of bondage silver, and 50s.
every five years as gressum.2

In 1582 King James VI. confirmed a grant in heritage, by John bishop of Ross to
the deceased John Innes of Innerbrekie, of the mill of Roskeyn and the astricted mul
tures and dues.3 In 1607 Thomas Urquhart sheriff of Cromertie was served heir to
his uncle John Urquhart in a davach of the lands of Roskeyn, of the old extent of £9,
lls. 4d.4 In 1623 Walter Innes of Auchintoul was served heir male, of entail, and of
provision, to James Innes of Calrossy his kinsman in the lands of Roskene, a davach, of
the extent of £8 and other dues — the alehouse of Roskene with its croft, of the extent of
13s. 4d. and other dues — and the lands of Debadaill, of the same extent as the alehouse
of Roskene.5

In 1586 King James VI. confirmed a charter by the deceased John bishop of Ross, perpetual
commendator of the monastery of Lundoris, granting to Alexander Ros of Litill Terrell and
Issobel Ros his wife and their heirs, with remainder to Alexander's heirs whomsoever, the lands
of Newmekill extending to half a davach, and the alehouse of Newmekill with the brewlands,
then occupied by Alexander Ros and his tenants.6 In 1652 Hew Ross was served heir to his
father Alexander Ros of Pitkerie in the three oxgangs of the lands of Newnakill with the teind
sheaves, of old in the bishoprick of Ross, then in the sheriffdom of Ross, of the extent of
6 marks of feu duty.7

There are villages at Invergordon (formerly Inchbreky), Bridgend, and Saltburn, containing
respectively populations of 1000, 276, and 300.8

At Invergordon are held five yearly fairs, in February, April, August, October, and De
cember.9

Near the church stands an erect stone or obelisk named Clach-a-mhearlich, the thief's stone
(probably the boundary of an ancient girth).10

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xl. fol. 93. " Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liv. fol. 17.

2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liv. ff. 46-48. 7 Retours.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. ff. 14, 30. 8 New Stat. Ace.
1 Retours. ' Ibid.

5 Ibid. 10 Ibid.

472 OEIGINES [ALNESS.

Near Loch Achnacloich is a large cairn measuring 130 yards in circumference, and surrounded
by a number of tumuli.1 On Knocknavie is a cairn named Cairn-na-croiche, the cairn of the
gallows.2 In the parish is another cairn named Carn-nam-Fiann, and interpreted ' the cairn
of the Fingalians.'3

Throughout the parish are several places composed of upright flagstones, and supposed to
he places of sepulture, the largest of which measures 14 feet by 3.4

ALNESS.
Alenes5 — Alnes8 — Alness.7 (Map, No. 15.)

THE general features of this parish are similar to those of Roskeen.8 It lies chiefly between
the rivers of Alness and Aultgrande, and is partly composed of a hilly district attaining its
greatest height in the hill of Fyrish about 1000 feet above the level of the sea.9 It has two
lakes, Lochglass and Lochmuire.10

In the year 1227 Adam Bur the parson of Alenes, and James the vicar of that church, were
present with others of the clergy of Ross at Kenedor in Moray on the occasion of a settlement
between the bishops of Moray and Ross respecting the diocesan right of the churches of
Kyntalargyn and Ardrosser.11 There appears to be no farther notice of the church till the year
1384, when either the church of Alnes or the bridge is stated to have been built by William Ros
of Balnagown or by his wife the daughter of Lord Livingstone.12 In 1528 Master Robert Schand
was rector of Alnes.13 In 1547 (19 October) Queen Mary presented Master John Dauidsoun,
student of theology and regent of the college in the city of Aberdeen, to the vicarage of Alnes,
vacant by the decease of Master Alexander Galloway.14 In the same year (31 October) she
granted to Master Alexander Galloway parson of Kinkell the escheat of all the goods that
belonged to Master Alexander Galloway the vicar of Alnes.15 At the period of the Reformation
Master Thomas Ros (afterwards provost of Tayne and abbot of Feme) was parson of Alnes,
and the vicar was Master John Dauidsoun ' Maister of the Peddagog of Glasgow,' apparently

1 New Stat. Ace. 1615. Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross. Circa A. D.

- Ibid. 1640. Blaeu.

•• Ibid. ' Tubernafeyne of the grett or Kemppis 7 Circa A. D. 1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Post

men callit Fenis is ane well.' Kegist. Moraviense, A. D. 1640. Macfarlane's Geog. Collect,
p. 457. < New Stat. Ace. 8 See p. 468.
A. D. 1227. Regist. Moraviense, p. 82. 9 New Stat. Ace.

6 A.U. 1528. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. viii. fol. 78. A.D.
1547. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. sxi. fol. 50. A. D. 1561-66.
Book of Assumptions. A. D. 1567. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol.
xxxvi. ff. 22, 41. A. D. 1574. Book of Assignations.
A. D. 1584. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. li. fol. 14. Ante A. D.

Regist. Moraviense, pp. 81, 82.
2 Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross.

Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. viii. fol. 78.
4 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxi. fol. 50.

Ibid.

ALNESS.] PAROCHIALES. 473

the person presented to the vicarage in 1547.1 In 1571 Alexander Morison was exhorter,
and in 1574 he was reader at Alnes.2 The rector of Alnes as a prebendary of the cathedral
of Ross had a croft in the canonry.3

The church appears to have always occupied the site of the present building, erected in 1780
in the east end of the parish on the right bank of the burn of Teaninich.4

In 1549 Queen Mary presented Sir James Buchat or Buschart (apparently the same as
Wischart) to the chaplainry called Towy (or Tolly) in the diocese of Ross, when it should be
vacant by the demission of Sir Thomas Stevinsoun.5 In 1567 she granted to John Chalmer,
servitor to Master David Chalmer chancellor of Ross, the same chaplainry, then vacant by the
decease of Sir Thomas Stevinstoun.6 In 1569 King James VI. presented Finlay Mansoun to
the chaplainry of Tolly, vacant by the decease of John Chalmer.7 In 1622 Hugh Ross of
Auchnacloch was served heir male to his grandfather Hugh Ross of Tollie in the lands of
Tollie in the earldom of Ross, formerly belonging to the chaplainry of Kildermorie or Tollie
as part of its temporality, of the extent of 13 marks 6 shillings and 8 pence, with 6s. 8d. in
augmentation.8 The chapel of Tollie was dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and its walls, 40 feet
by 18, and about 4 feet thick, and its cemetery may still be seen in a small valley named
Glenmoir or Gildermory at the head of Lochmuire.9 Near it is Tobair-na-Muire, Mary's Well,
anciently believed to possess healing virtues.10

In the cathedral church of Ross there were three chaplainries named the chaplainries of Alnes,
one of which appears to have been founded on the lands of Fyrish or Fyres in this parish, and
another on those of Culcragy.11

At the Reformation Master Thomas Ros, styled the principal parson of Alnes, stated the par
sonage at 100 marks or £66, 13s. 4d., out of which a yearly pension of 20 marks was paid to Sir
Andro Robertsoun.12 Other three persons, Sir James Buschart, Master Alexander M'Kenzie,
and John Robertsoune, called the other three portioners, had each about 36 bolls of victual
yearly out of the same parsonage, the whole victual amounting to 6 chalders 12 bolls.13 Master
John Dauidsoun states the vicarage thus — ' The quhilk gaiff quhen payment was maid the sowme
of xx lib. be yeir with ane plaid with the plenassing &c. ; bot the laird of Fowlis and his freindis
hes not lattin me gett ane penny thairof this fyve yeiris bygane.'14 In 1571 the exhorter at
Alnes had for his stipend £22, 4s. 5|d., the third of the parsonage, and in 1574 the reader
had 20 marks and the kirklands.15

The chaplainry of Tollie, Kildermory, or Lochmuire, seems to have been of the yearly value
given above, namely, 13 marks and a half.16

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxvi. ff. 22, 41. Book of As- 8 Retours.

sumptions. Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross. 9 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect New Stat. Ace.

1 Register of Ministers. Book of Assignations. 10 New Stat. Ace.

s Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. li. fol. 14. " See ROSEMARKIE,POS<.

* MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu. Macfarlane. New 12 Book of Assumptions. " Ibid.

Stat. Ace. " Ibid. The vicar states the third of his vicarage at

4 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiii. fol. 11. £6, 13s. 4d., but makes no division of the plaid or its

' Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxvi. fol. 11. plenishing.

7 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxviii. fol. 60. I6 Book of Assignations. '« See above.

VOL. II. 3 O

474 ORIGINES [ALSESB.

The mairdom of Ferindonald extended from Dingwall to the water of Alness.1
Among lands from which a yearly revenue of £100 was granted by King James III. to Eliza
beth Countess of Eoss in 1476, and confirmed by that king in 1477, were included 10 mark-
lands of the two Queneleiches (or Quentlciches, apparently Contulichs), 10 marklands of
Culcragy, and 10 marklands of Culmyllache.2 In 1526 King James V. granted to Walter Innes
of Tulchis the lands of Nethir Culmelloquhy extending in the King's rental to 46s. 8d. ; Ovir
Culmelloquhy extending to the same sum ; the mill of Culmelloquhy, called in the King's rental
the mill of Culcragy, with its lands and houses, extending to £3, 6s. 8d. ; and other lands in the
earldom of Eoss, all united into the tenandry of Culmelloquhy — for the yearly payment of
£26, 13s. 4d., in order to augment the King's rental by the sum of £5, 6s. 8d.3 In 1527 King
James appears to have renewed the grant, the grantee however paying yearly for Culmelloquhy
£6, and for the mill £4, 3s. 4d., and the dues of the other lands of the tenandry being propor
tionally altered, in order to increase the whole rental by the sum of £6.* In 1528 the same
king granted to the same Walter Innes the lands of Culcragy and Kirkfarbarne in the earldom of
Eoss, and annexed them to the tenandry of Culmaloquhy.5 In 1538 Walter Innes seems to have
resigned the lands of the tenandry, as in that year they were again granted to him for five years
by King James V., and including the two Culmaloquhies, the mill and alehouse of Culcragy, and
the lands of Culcragy (apparently Culcragy in Alness and Culcragy in Contin), were let to him
for the yearly payment of £28, 13s. 4d., two marts, and two muttons." In 1586 the half davach
commonly called the half davach lands of Culmalochie, the lands of Culcragie, Culcragie with the
mill, multures, and alehouse (apparently both Culcragies), the mylntoun of Culmalochie, and the
lands of Ovirculmalochie, were included in a grant of lands in Eoss made by King James VI. to
William Keith the master of his wardrobe ; the grantee paying yearly for the half davach lands of
Culmalochie, the lands of Culcragie, and other lands included in the grant but not in the tenan
dry, £7, 12s., 2 chalders bear and oatmeal, 12 capons, 16s. of bondage silver, 2 marts, 2 muttons,
5 reek hens, and as grassum every 5 years £4, 13s. 4d. — for the mill of Culcragie or Culmalochie
with the multures 1 chalder bear, and 1 chalder oatmeal — for the alehouse of Culcragie 20s. and
the same sum as grassum — for the milntoun of Culmalochie £3, the same sum as grassum, 8s. of
bondage silver, and 1 poultry — and for Ovirculmalochie £3, with 7s. of bondage silver, 1
poultry, and 45s. 8d. as grassum.7 In 1589 Master Hector Monro was served heir male and of
entail to his father Eobert Monro of Fowlis the elder in the lands of Contulich Over and other
lands in Eoss and Sutherland, of the old extent of £10. 8 In 1608 Eobert Monro was served
heir male of entail and provision to his father Master Hector Monro in a davach of Contulich

1 Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace. Reg. Mag. Sig., 4 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxii. no. 4.

lib. xxxi. no. 581. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxix. fol. 9; vol. 5 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxii. no. 133. From this grant

xlvii. fol. 94 ; vol. xlix. fol. 132 ; vol. li. fol. 89. Book of and other circumstances it appears that the lands of

Assumptions. Retours. Culcragy here granted were not those of Culcragy in

2 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. vii. no. 371 ; lib. viii. no. 40. Alness, but of Culcragy in Contin.
See KILMUIK EASTER, p. 461. 6 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xi. fol. 75.

3 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxi. no. 7. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. 7 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liv. ff. 46-48. See KILMUIU
vi. fol. 34 ; vol. vii. fol. 34. EASTER, p. 465. » Retours.

ALNESS.] PAROCHIALES. 475

Over and Nether, with the mill, pertinents, and outsets, namely, Ardachie, Auchvaiche, with the
brewhouse and its croft, and the superiority of the chaplainry of Obstaile and its salmon fishings
— and in other lands, together of the old extent of £S0.1 In 1635 Hugh Lord Eraser of Lovat
was served heir male to his father Symon Lord Fraser of Lovat in the barony of Foullis, in which
the lands specified in 1608 were included.2

In 1490 King James IV., as tutor of his brother James Duke of Ross, granted to David Ross,
the nephew and heir apparent of John Ross of Balnagovn, certain lands in Ross, including Cul-
carn, Badcall, and Multowy, resigned by John Ross, and reserving the liferent to him.3 In 1550
Alexander Ros of Balnagown granted to William Carnecors of Colmislic the lands of Culcarne
and others, in special warrandice of Westir Rarechy and Guiles sold by him to William Car
necors.4 In 1578 the lands of Culcarne were probably included in the barony of Balnagown as
then disposed of.5 In 1581 George Ros fear of Balnagovne sold in liferent to Marjory Campbell
the daughter of the deceased Sir John Campbell of^ Caldcr the lands of Culcarne and others in
the barony of Balnagowne, of which King James VI. then granted to Marjory a crown charter.6
In 1582 that king granted to George Ros of Balnagowin and the heirs male of his body, with
remainder to his heirs male whomsoever, the barony of Balnagown and other lands, including
Culthcarne, Badcall, and Multowy.7 In 1617 Sir William Sinclair of Catbol was served heir to
his father George Sinclair of May in the lands of Culcairne and others included in the barony of
Balnagowne, in special warrandice of Rarichies and Cullis.8 In 1622 Hugh Ros of Auchnacloch
was served heir male to his grandfather Hugh Ross of Tollie in the lands of Multowy and Lealdy
in the barony of Balnagown, of the extent of 5 marks, and in warrandice of these in the lands
and town of Culcayrne in the same barony and of the same extent.9

In 1580 King James VI. confirmed a charter of John bishop of Ross, granting to Hugh Monro
the brother german of Robert Monro of Foulis and to the male heirs of his body, with remainder
to Robert Monro and his heirs whomsoever, the lands of Assint and Inchecultir in the diocese of
Ross or mairdom of Farundonald.10 In 1614 Patrick Kynnaird of that Ilk was served heir to
his great-grandfather in the lands of Assint in the shcrift'dom of Innernes.11 In 1616 John
Kynnaird of that Ilk was served heir in the same lands to his father Patrick.12

In 1583 King James VI. confirmed a charter of John bishop of Ross pro tempore, granting to
Robert Monro of Foulis and to the heirs male of his body, with remainder to his heirs male
whomsoever, the lands of Kandlochglass, Balnacoule, Hauclmagall, and Bothmore, in the diocese
of Ross called the mairdom of Farundonald.13 In 1584 the same king confirmed a grant by
the same bishop to Hector Monro the brother of Robert Monro of Foulis and his heirs male,
with remainder to Robert and his heirs male whomsoever, of the lands of Kilteremore and

1 Retours. 7 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 11.

1 Ibid. 8 Retours.

3 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xii. no. 285. 9 Ibid.

4 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxx. no. 535. Reg. Sec. Sig., lu Reg. Sec. Sig , vol. xlvii. fol. 94.
vol. xxiv. fol. 6. " Retours.

5 See KILMUIR EASTER, p. 463. '2 Ibid.

6 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvii. ff. 99, 105. 13 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 132.

476 ORIGINES [ALNESS.

Auchnacallane, and the lands of Alnas with the brew-houses, in the bishoprick of Eoss or mairdom
of Farindonald.1 In 1586 he granted in heritage to William Keith master of his wardrobe certain
lands in Eoss, including the mill of Alnes with the astricted multures, and the lands of Feyris,
the grantee paying yearly for Feyris £4, 8s. 8d., 12 bolls bear, 12 bolls oatmeal, 12 bolls oats,
Leith measure, 4 marts, 4 muttons, 16s. of bondage silver, and 13 poultry.2 In 1651 Jonet
M'Ley was served heir to her father John Mackley advocate in the lands of Alnes with the
brewhouse within the bishoprick of Koss called the mairdom of Ferindonald, formerly in the
sheriffdom of Inverness, then in that of Eoss, of the extent of £3, 2s. 2d. feuferme.3 In 1653
Hew Monro of Fyres was served heir to his brother David Monro in the lands of Killermourie
and Auchnagullan within the late bishoprick of Eoss or mairdom of Ferrendonill, and then in
the sheriffdom of Eoss, of the extent of £4 and other dues ; and in a quarter of the town and
lands of Fyres in the barony of Delnie and earldom of Eoss, of the extent of 3 bolls of bear
and other dues.4

There is at Alness a village which lies partly within the parish of Eosskeen.5
There appears to have been a bridge at Alness, probably built by William Eos of Balnagown
about the year 1384.6 The bridge of Alnes occurs in record in 1439. 7

At the eastern boundary of the parish there is a large stone named Clach-airidh-a-mhinister,
the stone of the minister's shealing, and on the moor near the chapel of Gildermory are two
large stones placed one above the other known as the Clach-nam-ban or stone of the women — in
both cases connected with local traditions.8

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. li. fol. 89. s New Stat. Ace.

2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liv. ff. 46-48. 6 Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross.

3 Retours. 7 Cawdor Charters.
* Ibid. 8 jjew

KILTEARN.] PAROCHIALES. 477

KILTEARN.

Keltierny l — Keltyern2 — Keltyerne 3 — Kilteirn4 — Kylterne5 — Kilterne6 —
Kiltarne7 — Kiltern.8 (Map, No. 16.)

THIS parish, now united to Lumlair, lies chiefly on the south of Lochglass and the river Ault-
grande, terminating eastward on the shore of the Cromarty Firth, and extending on the north
west to the borders of Lochbroom, its marches with which and with the neighbouring parishes
are not very clearly denned. It lies partly on the northern slope of Ben Wyvis, which is 3720
feet above the sea. The Aultgrande at one part of its course passes through a deep and narrow
chasm of great picturesque beauty.9

In the year 1227 Andrew the parson of Keltierny was present at Kenedor in Moray on the
settlement of a dispute between the bishops of Moray and Ross about the diocesan right of the
churches of Kyntalargyn and Ardrosser.10 In 1296 William of Kyngorn parson of the church
of Keltyern of the county of Inernys swore fealty to King Edward I. of England.11 In
1487 Thomas Padesone was vicar of Kilteirn.12 In 1539 King James V. presented Sir John
Auchinlek to the vicarage of Kylterne, vacant by the decease of Master John Gardinar.13 In
1546 Queen Mary presented James Hammiltoun, the son of James Hanimiltoun of Innerwik, to
the same vicarage, vacant through the inhability of Sir John Auchinlek, who was convicted of cer
tain treasonable acts and of being art and part in the slaughter of the deceased David cardinal
of Saint Andrews.14 In 1547 the same queen presented Lancelot Hammiltoun, the son of the
deceased James Hammiltoun of Innerwik, to the vicarage of Kilterne, vacant by the inhability
of Sir John Auchinlek, convicted of treason, of being art and part in the slaughter of the
cardinal, and of holding the castle of Saint Andrews against the tenor of the mandates directed
thereanent.15 In the same year she granted to Lancelot Hammiltoun the fruits of the vicarage,
in her hands by the escheat of Sir John Auchinlek, who was denounced rebel and at the horn for
the above crimes.16 In 1548 Sir John Auchinlek had a remission for assisting Norman Leslie

'A.D. 1227. Regist. Moraviense, p. 82. vol. xlvii. fol. 45. A. D. 1583. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol.

3 A. D. 1296. Rotuli Scotiae, vol. i. p. 25. xlix. fol. 114. A.D. 1623. Retours.

3 A. D. 1296. Ragman Rolls, p. 159. 7 A. D. 1585. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liii. fol. 81.

* A. D. 1487. Acta Dom. Cone., p. 236. » Circa A. D. 1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu.

6 A. D. 1539. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xiii. fol. 2. 9 Old Stat. Ace. Miller's Scenes and Legends, pp.

•A.D. 1546. Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxx.no. 566. Reg. 168,169.

Sec. Sig., vol. xx. fol. 39. A.D. 1547. Reg. Sec. Sig., ° Regist. Moraviense, p. 82.

vol. xxi. ff. 58, 59. A. D. 1548. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. ' Rotuli Scotiae, vol. i. p. 25. Ragman Rolls, p. 159.

xxii. fol. 38. A. D. 1550. Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxx. no. 2 Acta Dom. Cone., p. 236.

566. Reg. -Sec. Sig., vol. xxiii. fol. 74; vol. xxiv. fol. 3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xiii. fol. 2.

23. A. D. 1561-66. Book of Assumptions. A. D. 4 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xx. fol. 39.

1573. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xli. fol. 94. A. D. 1574. 5 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxi. fol. 58.

Book of Assignations. A.D. 1580. Reg. Sec. Sig., 6 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxi. fol. 59.

478 ORIGINES [KILTEARN.

Master of Rothes, James Kirkaldy of the Grange, and their accomplices, in holding the castle of
Saint Andrews against the Queen, and for taking part with the English.1 In 1550 Queen Mary
presented John Sideserf to the vicarage of Kilterne, when it should be vacant by the resigna
tion of Lancelot Hammiltoun.2 John Saidserff continued to be vicar between the years 1561
and 1566, at which time the parson was John Sandelandis.3 In 1568 the reader at Kilterne
was Angus Xeilson, and in 1574 Ferquhard Monro.4 In 1580 King James VI. confirmed a
grant in heritage by Master John Sandelandis rector of Kilterne to Gavin Reid carpenter in
Innernes of the houses of the manse of Kilterne (apparently in the canonry) with the garden
and pertinents, then occupied by Thomas Smyth.5 In 1583 the same king confirmed a grant
by Sir John Sadserf vicar of the parish church of Kilterne, with consent of Master Quintigern
Monepenny dean of Ros and vicar general, and of the chapter, to the deceased John Monro
in Kilterne and his heirs, of the lands of the vicar's croft of Kilterne, reserving to the vicar the
manse and croft as then occupied.6 In 1585 the same king presented Master Archibald Moncreif
to the parsonage and vicarage of Kiltarne, vacant by the decease of Master John Sandilandis.7

The church, built in 1790, stands near the shore of the Cromarty Firth on the right bank of
the burn of Skiach, apparently the site of its predecessors.8

In 154C Master John Monro chaplain of Balkny in the parish of Kilterne, with the consent
of Queen Mary, the Earl of Aran, and Master Kentigern Monypenny dean and vicar general
of Ross, his ordinary during the vacancy of the see, let to John Munro and his heirs male the
(thurchlands of Toulise (or Tewlyis) with the brewhouse and the croft called Brewmer's-croft in the
same parish, for the yearly payment of 5 marks 2 shillings and 8 pence and of a dozen of capons
wont to be paid, and of 4 shillings in augmentation of the rental.9 In 1550 Queen Mary
confirmed the grant.10 In 1551 she presented Sir William Monro to the chaplainry of Saint
Monan on the lands of Balcony, vacant by the decease of Master John Monro.11 Between 1561
and 1566 the chaplainry of Saint Monanis was held by Mr. William Munro minister and vicar at
Dingwall, apparently the presentee of 1551. 12 In 1573 King James VI. granted for seven years
to Alexander Monro Donaldsoun ' for his sustentatioun at the scuillis ' the chaplainry called
' Sanct Monanis chaplainrie ' in the parish of Kilterne and sheriffdome of Innernes, of which the
yearly value did not exceed £8 Scots.13 In 1577 he granted for seven years to John Monro,
the son of William Monro in the Cannogait, the same chaplainry, vacant by the demission of
Alexander Monro.1* In 1583 he granted the chaplainry with the place and chapel of the same
for seven years to George Monro the son of the same William.15 In 1623 Hugh Monro was
served heir to John Monro of Urquhart his father in the kirklands of the chaplainry or bursary

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxii. fol. 38. " Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxx. no. 566. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiii. fol. 74. vol. xxiv. fol. 23.

3 Book of Assumptions. '" Ibid.

4 Register of Ministers. Book of Assignations. " Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiv. fol. 67.

5 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvii. fol. 45. 12 Book of Assumptions.

6 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 114. 13 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xli. fol. 94.

7 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liii. fol. 81. " Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xliv. fol. 88.
" Old and New Stat. Ace. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. >5 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 116.

Blaeu.

KILTEAKX.] PAROCHIALES. 479

of Balconie named Tomless, with the brewhouse and croft of the same named Brabneris croft,
of the extent of 5 marks, 6 shillings, and 8 pence feuferme.1

There was a chapel at Culnaskeath, and one at Wester Fowlis.2 Blaeu gives KilmabryJ
apparently in this parish.3

There was a chaplainry in the chanonry of Ross founded on the lands of Drutnmond in
this parish.*

In Baiamund's Roll the church of Kyltarne is taxed at £5, 6s. 8d. ; in the Libellus Taxationum
it is valued at £53, 6s. 4d. ; and in the Taxatio Sec. xvi. it is taxed at £16, 10s. 3d.5 At the
Reformation the parsonage was let to the laird of Fowlis yearly for £96, 13s. 4d., ' of the quhilk,'
says Master John Sandelandis the parson, ' I pay in pensioun to Sir Donald Sherar yeirlie the
soume of £12, item to Johne Sandilandis sonne to the laird of St. Ninianis 42 merkis yeirlie,
with the yeirlie dewteis alsua to the minister.'6 The vicarage, as stated at the same period by
Master Alexander Pedder procurator for John Saidserff the vicar, ' gaif yeirlie in assedatioun to
the said Mr. Johne the soume of xl. merkis, and now be yeir nathing be reasoun the paroshineris
will not pay quhill farder ordour be put to the kirk of the samin.'7 The reader at Kilterne
had for his stipend in 1568 and 1573 £20, and in 1574 £16.

The yearly value of the chaplainries of Saint Monanis and Applecrocc, as stated at the
Reformation, amounted together to 36 marks, the former, as we have seen, being valued at
less than £8 Scots.9

The possession of the lands of Fowlis by the family of Monro is locally ascribed to a period
previous to the date of almost any existing record.10 Nisbet asserts that William Earl of
Suthirland between the years 1214 and 1249 granted a charter charissimo et fiddissimo con-
sanguineo Georgia Munro de Foulis.11 In 1341, 1368, and between 1362 and 1372 appears
in record Robert of Monro, and in 1398 Hugh of Monro, probably both of Foulis.12 George
of Monroo of Foulis appears in 1437, 1440, and 1449.13 In 1487 John of Monroo was lord
of Foulis.14 He was dead in 1500, and appears to have been succeeded by his brother William.15
There appear in record in 1502 William Monro of Fowlis, in 1515 and 1541 Hector Monro of
Foulis, and in 1542 Robert Monro of Foulis the son and heir of the deceased Hector.16 In 1542
King James V. granted to Robert Monro of Foulis the relief of the lands and other property
belonging to his deceased father Hector, which was due to the King for giving him seisin of the
same.17 In 1552 Robert Monro of Fowlis sold to Margaret Ogiluy lady of Moy in liferent the
lands of Wester Fowlis in the barony of Fowlis and sheriffdom of Innernes.18 In 1553 Queen

1 Retonrs. 2 Old Stat Ace. 3 Blaeu's Map. 14 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. x. no. 109. Acta Dom. Cone.,

4 SeeRosEMARKiE,pos«. 5 MSS. in Adv. Lib. p. 236.

0 Book of Assumptions. 7 Ibid. 15 Kilravock Charters.

8 Register of Ministers. Book of Assignations. I6 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. ii. fol. 108 ; vol. xiv. ff. 80, 86 ;

9 Book of Assignations. See above. vol. xvi. fol. 4. Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xis. no. 133; lib.
10 Old Stat. Ace. " Heraldry, vol. i. p. 343. xxvii. no. 159.

12 Balnagown Charters. 17 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xvi. fol. 4.

13 Charter in Northern Institution Inverness. Kilra- Is Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 122. Reg. Sec. Sig.,
vock Charters. vol. xxv. fol. 48.

480 ORIGINES [KILTEARS.

Mary granted to Margaret Ogiluy a crown charter of the same lands.1 In 1563 a charter is
granted at Foulis by Robert Munro of Foulis, and is witnessed by his brother George Munro and
by William Munro vicar of Dingwell.2 Eobert Monro of Foulis (apparently the same person)
appears in record in 1571, 1574, 1577, 1580, 1583, 1584, and 1589.3 In the last named year
Master Hector Monro was served heir male and of entail to his father Robert Monro of Fowlis
the elder in certain lands, including the 10 davachs of Estir Fowlis, Westir Fowlis, Nether
Catboll, and other lands not in this parish.4 In 1608 Robert Monro was served heir male and
of entail and provision to Master Hector Monro of Foullis his father in the lands of Eister
Foullis and their pertinents, namely — Culskea; Teachatt ; Wester Ballachladich ; Aehlich with
the brewhouse, alehouse, smiddie, smiddiecroft, and other crofts of the same ; the pastures and
shealings of Clearmoir, Altnagerrack, and the forest of Weyes ; the lands of Wester Foullis with
the shealings and Arbisak ; a davach of the lands of Keatoll, with the pendicles, outsets, and
pertinents, namely, Eister Ballachladich and the pastures and grassings of Badnagarnc.5 In
1635 Hugh Lord Fraser of Lovat was served heir male in the same lands to his father Symon
Lord Fraser of Lovat.6 It is said that the forest of Wyvis mentioned in the above services was
held of the King on condition that the grantee should furnish a snowball on any day of the
year if required.7

In the year 1455 Beatrice Countess of Ross submitted to King James II., who then granted
to her the barony of Balknie.8 In 1586 King James VI. granted in heritage to William Keith
master of his wardrobe, for his good service, various lands in Ross, including Balconie with the
alehouse and the Flukeris croft, the 'stell' of Ardroy, and the 'yair' of Balconie with the
alehouse of the same.'9

In 1 584 King James VI. confirmed a charter by Master Quintigern Monypenny vicar general
and dean of Ross, granting to Robert Monro of Foulis and his heirs the lands of Kilterne, with
the mill, astrictcd multures, and fishings, which were formerly held by John Cokburne of Kilterne
and Jonet Forres his wife, and were escheat to Queen Mary by reason that John Cokburne
was born and died illegitimate without lawful heirs.10 In 1608 Robert Monro was served heir
male, of entail, and of provision, to his father Master Hector Monro of Foullis in the salmon
fishing of Kilterne, and the superiority of the lands and mill of Kilterne, of the extent of
£9, 6s. 8d.n

At Evantown there is a village (apparently the same as Drummond) with a population of
500.12

Two yearly fairs are held in the parish, on the first Tuesday of June and the first Tuesday
of December.13

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 122. Reg. Sec. Sig., 6 Retonrs.

vol. xxv. fol. 48. ? Old Stat. Ace.

2 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxii. nn. 593, 594. Reg. Soc. s Oonicle of the Earlis of Ross.
Sig., vol. xxxi. ff. 98, 99. " Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liv. ff. 46-48.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxix. fol. 101 ; vol. xlii. fol. 55 ; ;o Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. li. fol. 90.
vol. xliv. fol. 26 ; vol. xlvii. fol. 94 ; vol. xlii. fol. 132 ; " Retours.

vol. li. ff. 89, 90. Retours. « New Stat. Ace. Old Stat. Act.

4 Retours. » Ibid. 13 Ibid.

LUMLATR.] PAROCHIALES. 481

Balcony Castle, of old a residence of the Earls of Boss, and named on that account Balcony
Vic Dhonail, stands on the banks of the Skiach, and has apparently been modernised or rebuilt.1
In 1333 Hugh Earl of Boss, and in 1341 William Earl of Boss, date some of their charters
at Balkenny.2

Near the village of Drummond there existed in the last century a grave composed of flasjs,
7 feet long, 3 broad, and about 3^ deep, named the Priest's Sepulchre.3

LUMLAIR.

Lenmelar4 — Lymnolar5 — Lumlar6 — Lymmalar7 — Limlair8 — Lymlair9 —
Lymnolair10 — Lumlair11 — Limlare.12 (Map, No. 17.)

THIS parish seems to have been composed of only the western and smaller portion of the present
parish of Kiltearn, stretching from the shore of the Cromarty Firth to the foot of Ben Wyvis,
and thus having a gradual ascent from south east to north west.

In the year 1227 William Poer parson of Lemnelar was present at Kenedor in Moray at the
settlement of a dispute between the bishops of Moray and Boss.13 The church became after
wards a prebend of the cathedral. In 1548 (21 March) Queen Mary presented John Kincaid
to the prebend of Lymnolar in the cathedral church of Boss, when it should be vacant by the
resignation of Master John Bellindene.1* In the same year (10 November) he was presented by
the Queen to the same prebend, then vacant by the decease of Master John Bellenden.15 At the
Beformation Henry Kincaid was parson of Lymmalar, and seems to have still been parson in
1584.16 The rector of Lymnolair as prebendary had a manse and croft in the canonry of
Boss.17

The church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and in modern times known as Saint Mary's
chapel, stood at Lumlair near the sea shore.18

In 1586 King James VI. granted to George Monro, the son of George Monro chancellor of
Bos, for seven years, ' for his support in sustenyng him at the sculis,' the chaplainry of Clyne
in the diocese of Boss and sheriffdom of Innernes.19

1 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect. Old Stat. Ace. lu A. D. 1584. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. 1. fol. 60 ; vol. li.

2 Balnagown Charters. Kilravock Charters. fol. 14. " A. D. 1584. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol.1, fol. 73.

3 Old Stat. Ace. 2 Circa A. D. 1640. Blaeu's Map.

4 A. D. 1227. Regist. Moraviense, p. 82. 3 Regist. Moraviense, p. 82.

5 A. D. 1548. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxi. fol. 78. * Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxi. fol. 78.

6 A. D. 1548. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxii. fol. 51. 5 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxii. fol. 51.

7 A. D. 1561-1566. Book of Assumptions. 6 Book of Assumptions. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. 1. ff.

8 A. D. 1574. Book of Assignations. Circa A. D. 60, 73.

1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. * Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. 1. ff. 60, 73; vol. li. fol. 14.

9 A. D. 1574. Book of Assignations. "> Old Stat. Ace. ls> Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liv. fol. 54.
VOL. II. 3 P

482 ORIGINES [LUMLAIR.

There was a chapel at Kilchoan, dedicated, as its name implies, to Saint Congan of
Lochalsh.1

In Baiamund's Roll the church is taxed at £3, 6s. 8d. ; in the Libellus Taxationum it is valued
at £33, 6s. 8d.2 The parsonage, as stated by Henry Kincaid between 1561 and 1566, was
100 marks or £66, 13s. 4d. yearly.3 In 1574 the reader at Lymlair had for his stipend 20 marks
and the kirklands.4

Between 1224 and 1231 Ferkar Earl of Ros granted in heritage to Walter of Moray the son
of the deceased Hugh of Moray two davachs of land in Ros, namely, Clon with its pertinents,
the grantee paying yearly to the granter a pound of pepper at the feast of Saint Martin
(11 November), and doing to the King the forinsec service belonging to the land.5 In 1263
Sir Fergus of Ardrossen, for the weal of his own soul, and specially for the weal of the soul
of the deceased Friskin of Moray lord of Duffus his overlord, granted for ever to Archebald
bishop of Moray his land of Ros, namely, the two davachs of Clon which he held of Friskin,
for the maintenance of two chaplains in the cathedral church of Elgyn to minister perpetually
for the souls of all the faithful dead, to be held freely and fully according to Friskin's charter
to him, saving the forinsec service of the King and the liferent of the lady Eufamia the mother
of Friskin, and with the exceptive clause that Sir Fergus and his heirs should not be bound
to warrant the land to the church." In 1264 the lady Eufemia, the widow of Sir Walter of
Moray lord of Duffus, quitclaimed to Archebald bishop of Moray the land which she had in Ros
in name of her dowry, namely, the third part of the whole lands of Clonys near Dyngvall, which
formerly belonged to Sir Walter her deceased lord, for the maintenance of two chaplains to
minister for the living and the dead in the cathedral church of Elgyn according to the charter
of Sir Fergus of Ardrossan.7 In 1269 William Earl of Ros confirmed to Bishop Archebald the
same two davachs of Clon in Ros, granted by the deceased Freskin of Moray lord of Duffus,
quitclaiming for ever the yearly revenue of a pound of pepper due from the lands, and engaging
for himself and his heirs to perform the forinsec service due to the King.8 Between the years
1350 and 1372 various charters are witnessed by William of Clyne.9 In 1375 William of Clyn,
apparently the same person, held the lands of Cadboll in Tarbat of the bishop of Moray.10 In
1 584 King James VI. confirmed a charter by Sir Alexander Douglas, chaplain of the chaplainry
of Saint [Mary] Magdalen, and Sir James Spens chaplain of the chaplainry of Saint Laurence
in the cathedral church of Moray, granting, with consent of the bishop, canons, and chapter, to
Robert Monro of Foulis in liferent, and to his second son Hugh Monro and his male heirs, with
remainder to Hector Monro his other son and his male heirs, and to Robert's own male heirs
whomsoever bearing the surname and arms of Monro, the towns and lands of Mekill and Litill
Clynis, with the mills, salmon fishings, and other fishings in salt and fresh water, lying in the

1 MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Old Stat. Ace. 7 Ibid., p. 278.

- MSS. in AJv. Lib. 3 Book of Assumptions. * Ibid., pp. 278, 279.

' Book of Assignations. 9 Balnagown Charters.

3 Kegist. Moraviense, pp. 333, 334. 10 Kegist. Moraviense, pp. 180, 181. See TARBAT.

6 Ibid., pp. 277, 278. pp. 44^ 442.

LUMLAIK.] PAROCHIALES. 483

earldom of Eoss, regality of Spynie, and sheritf'dom of Innernes.1 In 1589 Master Hector
Monro was served heir male and of entail to his brother gcrman Hugh Monro of Clynes in tin-
lands and towns of Mekle Clyne and Lytill Clyne, with the mill and multures, and the salmon
fishings, lying as above, with the power of building and cultivating, of the extent of £21, 6s. 8d.
feuferme.2 In 1608 Robert Monro was served heir male of entail and provision in the same lands
to Master Hector Monro of Foulis his father.3

In 1557 David bishop of Ross, perpetual commendator of Cambuskynneth, with the consent of
his dean and chapter, granted to his brother Robert Leslie the lands and baronies of [in?] Feriu-
donald and Ardmanoch, the patrimony and property of the bishoprick, the lands in Ferindonald
being those of Kilquhoane, for which the grantee was to pay yearly 4 marks with 17s. 9id. as
grassum, the fourth part of a custom mart, one mutton, 6 poultry, one kid, 20 eggs or 3 pence,
and one boll of custom oats ; paying for the whole lands as arriage and carriage, and turf or fuel,
30s. with 13s. 4d. yearly in augmentation of the rental, and furnishing also three suits at the
three head courts yearly held at the canonry of Ros.4 The bishop's lands of [in ?] the mairdom of
Ferindonald, as held by the laird of Fowlis and his brothers between the years 1561 and 1566,
paid yearly .£40, 9s. l£d., 11 bolls oats, 8| marts, 25 muttons, 24 kids, 82 capons, and 69
poultry.5 The lands held by the Monroes appear to have been those of Pellok and Lymlair with
the alehouse, and some lands in Alness, which were granted by John bishop of Ross to Robert
Monro of Foulis and the heirs male of his body, with remainder to his heirs male whomsoever,
and in 1583 were confirmed to him by King James VI.6 In 1587 that king confirmed a charter
by William Sinclare rector of Olrik, canon of Caithnes, and commissary of Henry bishop of Ross,
granting the lands of Kilquhone extending to the quarter of a davach, and other lands of the
bishoprick, to Thomas Vrquhart the son of the deceased Alexander Vrquhart sheriff of Crombathv,
and to the heirs male of his body, with remainder to his brother german Arthur Vrquhart and
his male heirs, to their brother german James Vrquhart and his male heirs, to their brother
german John Vrquhart and his male heirs, and to their eldest brother Walter Vrquhart and his
male heirs whomsoever bearing the surname and arms of Vrquhart.7

At Clyne is a small eminence, around which are three circles, one at the foot 80 paces in
circumference, a second higher up 50 paces, and a third at the top 35 paces and enclosing
two ovals formed of erect stones, each 13 feet by 10.8 At some distance westward from the
eminence there is a cairn about 30 paces in diameter, having a few graves composed of flags,
one in the centre of the cairn, and the others at the circumference.9

1 Keg. Sec. Sig., vol. li. fol. 90. 5 Book of Assumptions.

2 Eetours. 6 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 132.
s Ibid. 7 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. Iv. fol, 169.

Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 581. Reg. Sec. Sig., s Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace.
vol. xxL\. fol. 9. 9 Ibid.

484

OKIGINES

[DIXGWALL.

DING WALL.
Dyngwall ' — Dingwell 2 — Dingill, Dungill 8 — Dingwall. 4 (Map, No. 18.)

THIS parish occupies a small area of scarcely two miles square extending from Ben Wyvis to
the mouth of the river Conan, the lower part being a rich plain lying chiefly between that river
and the Pefier or Pefferay burn.

Between the years 1350 and 1372 a charter by Hugh of Ross is witnessed by Thomas the
clerk of Dyngwall.5 In 1504 a charter by John bishop of Boss is witnessed by John Fresell
rector of Dingwell.6 In 1532 the vicar of Dingwell was Sir Alexander Rorisoun.7 In 1547
(November 2) Queen Mary presented Sir William Monro, the nearest of blood to the deceased
Sir Alexander Boresoun, to the vicarage of Dingwell, then vacant by Sir Alexander's death.8
In the same year (6 November) she presented Master Thomas Ker to the rectory of Dingwell,
vacant by the decease of Sir John Stevinsoun.9 Between 1561 and 1566 William Munro
appears as minister and vicar of Dingwell.10 In 1569 Donald Adamsoun was exhorter at
Dingwell and Vrray, and in 1574 Master Walter Ross was reader at Dingwell.11 In 1579
King James VI. presented Robert Philp to the vicarage of Dingwell, vacant by the demission of
Donald Adamesoun.12 In 1587 he presented William Makkynnane to the parsonage and vicarage
of Dingwell, vacant by the decease of Master Thomas Ker last parson and Master Robert Philp
last vicar.13

The present church, built in 1801, stands on the north side of the town of Dingwall.14 About
the year 1790 the church was ruinous, and attached to it were several chapels.15

In 1516 King James V. presented Sir Thomas Kemp chaplain to the chaplainry of Saint
Laurence in the castle of Dingwell, when it should be vacant by the resignation of Sir John
Auchtlek.ic In 1547 Queen Mary presented Sir Andrew Dow to the same chaplainry vacant by
the decease of Sir Alexander Roresoun.17 Between 1561 and 1566 Sir David Barquhan held the
chaplainries 'of Sanct Lawrent and Arfaill' in the diocese of Ros.18 In 1569 King James VI.
presented Donald Adamsoun, ' instructar and teichar of the youth within the burch of Dingwall,'

1 A. D. 1350-1372. Balnagown Charters.

2 A. D. 1504. Keg. Mag. Sig., lib. xiv. no. 85. A. I).
1532. Rug. Sec. Sig., vol. ix. fol. 150. A. D. 1547.
Keg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxi. ff. 51, 52. A. D. 1563. Reg.
Mag. Sig., lib. xxxii. no. 593. A. D. 1569. Reg. Sec.
Sig., vol. xxxviii. fol. 96. A. D. 1579. Reg. Sec. Sig.,
vol. xlvi. fol. 62. A. D. 1587. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. Iv.
fol. 170. Circa A. D. 1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib.

3 A. D. 1561-1566. Book of Assumptions.

4 A. D. 1574. Book of Assignations.

5 Balnagown Charters.

6 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xiv. no. 85.

7 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. ix. fol. 150.

K Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxi. fol. 51.
9 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxi. fol. 52.

10 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxii. no. 593.
sumptions.

11 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxviii. fol. 96.
signations.

: Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvi. fol. 62.

Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. Iv. fol. 170.

New Stat. Ace.

Old Stat. Ace.
6 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. v. ff. 70, 71.
" Keg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxi. fol. 51.
6 Book of Assumptions.

Book of As-
Book of As-

DIN-GWALL.] PAROCHIALES. 485

to the chaplainries of Saint Lawrance in Dingwall and Ardafaily in Ardmannoch, vacant by the
decease of David Barchan.1 In 1575 that king granted for seven years to James Dauidsoun
the son of John Dauidsoun in Edinburgh, 'in support of his sustentatioun at the scule,' the
chaplainry of Saint Lawrence and Ardfield in Dingwall (meaning evidently the same two
chaplainries), vacant by the demission of Donald Adamesoun promoted to the subchantry of
Ross.2 In 1582, the chaplainry of ' Sanctlaurence and Ardfaill in Dingwall' being vacant by
the expiration of the above grant, King James granted it for life to the same James Dauidsoun,
' in respect of his continewance at his studie, in forder support of his sustentatioun at the scolis
and intertenement vtherwayis." 3

In Baiamund's Roll the church of Dingwell is taxed at 53s. 4d. ; in the Libellus Taxationum
it is valued at £26, 13s. 4d.4 At the Reformation William Monro minister and vicar at Dingill,
states, ' And, becaus I gett nathing of the said vicarag except v merkis of twa cobillis fishing, I
am content the Quenis Grace dispone thairon, becaus I can gett na lyf thairin without hir Grace
caus me haue ane lyf lyk ane minister and be speciallie exercit.'5 In 1574 Robert Monro,
minister at Dingwell and other churches, had for his stipend £66, 13s. 4d. ; and the reader,
Master Walter Ross, had £10. 6 In 1576 Donald Adamsoun minister had for his stipend
£102, 13s. 4d. 'with the gleib and kirkland of Urray newlie providit to him, &c.;' and Robert
Philp (afterwards, as we have seen, presented to the vicarage) had ' the haill vicarage of Dingwell,
vacant, £40.' 7

The chaplainries of Sanct Lawrent and Arfaill yielded yearly £15 to the chaplain at the
Reformation.8

The earldom of Ross included the modern counties of Ross and Cromarty, or the more ancient
districts of Cromarty, Ross proper, and North Argyle, the last including Kintail, Lochalsh, Loch-
carron, Applecross, and Garloch, perhaps also Lochbroom.9 In a manuscript of the thirteenth or
fourteenth century the land of Ros is said to be 24 leagues in breadth and upwards of 40 in
length.10 At an early period it was subject to local rulers named Maormors, of whom the first
on record is Finlaoich, Finlach, or Finleg, the son of Ruadri, styled by the Irish annalists ' Ri
Alban' and ' Mormaer of the sons of Croeb,' and by the Norse sagas ' Finnleikr Jarl the Scot.' u
In the year 1020 he was slain by the sons of his brother Malbrigid.12 His son and successor
was Macbeatha or Macbeth, styled by Nennius ' the vigorous Macbrethach,' and by Wyntoun
'thane of Crwmbawchty,' who became King of Scotland in 1040, and was slain in 1056.13

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxviii. fol. 86. Both these 6 Book of Assignations. " Ibid,
chaplainries seem to have been dedicated to Saint 8 Book of Assumptions. Register of Ministers.
Laurence, a circumstance which may have caused them 9 Regist. Moraviense, p. 342. Acta Parl. Scot., vol. i.
to be confounded as they are in subsequent grants. p. 91. Rob. Index, p. 16, no. 17 ; p. 48, no. 1 ; p. 99 ;

2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlii. fol. 125. p. 100, no. 1. The earldom included also the parish of

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 29. In 1586 and 1587 Kilmorack, now in the county of Inverness,
the chaplainry of Saint Laurence in Ardefaill was 10 Misc. of Maitland Club, vol. iv. part i. p. 34.
included in the same grant with the chaplainry of " Tigernachi Annales. Chalmers' Caledonia, vol. i.
Dunskeyth, first to Thomas Davidsoun the brother of pp. 403, 407. Irish Version of Nennius (Irish Arch.
James, and then to Robert Monro. Soc.), pp. Ixxvii, Ixxix. 12 Ibid.

J MSS. in Adv. Lib. 13 Ibid. Innes's Critical Essay, pp. 791, 803. Reg.

5 Book of Assumptions. Prior. S. Andree, p. 114. Chronica de Mailros, pp.

486 ORIGINES [DINGWAU,.

Macbeth apparently had no son, and has on record no successor as Maorrnor of Ross ; and we
hear no more of the rulers of that district till about the year 1160, when King Malcolm IV.
ordered Malcolm Earl of Bos and others to protect the monks of Dunfermelyn.1 In 1161
the earldom of Ross is said to have been granted to Florence Count of Holland in marriage
with Ada the sister of the King of Scots.2 In 1215 Machentagar or Mackinsagart (a
person whose name signifies 'the priest's son') was knighted by King Alexander II. for his
good service in quelling an insurrection in Moray.3 In 1235 the same Mackiusagart appears
as Earl of Ross, and as assisting the same king in suppressing a rising of the men of
Galloway.4 If these dates are correct, Machentagar the priest's son was the same as Ferchar
or Ferquhard usually styled first Earl of Ross, who appears in that capacity from 1212 to 1252,
and who died in the latter year.3 William, the son and heir of Ferkar Earl of Ros, wit
nesses a charter between 1224 and 1231, witnesses another in 1232, grants a charter as Earl
of Ros in 1269, and is said to have died in 1274.6 William Earl of Ros (apparently the son of
William) appears as Earl in 1281.7 In 1291 he swore fealty to King Edward I.8 In 1292 the lands
of the Earl of Ros in North Argail were by an ordinance of King John Balliol included in the
sheriffdom of Skey.9 In 1296 King Edward I. ordered the barons and lieges of Ergile, Nicholas
Campbell bailie of Leghor and Ardescothyn, and William do la Haye warden of the earldom of
Ros, and the men of that earldom, to assist Alexander Earl of Meneteth as warden of the castles
of those lands.10 In 1308 King Robert Bruce restored to William Earl of Ros all his lands ' with
free forests.'11 About the same date the marches between the earldoms of Ros and Moray are
described as running between Glennelg and North Ergile (the latter of which belonged to the
Earl of Ros), and thence along the boundary of Ros to the water of Forne (Beauly), and thence
along that water to the eastern sea.12 Earl William died in 1323, and was succeeded by his son
Hugh, who is said to have been ' made' Earl on Saint Patrick's day of that year (17 March).13
In 1333 (10 May) Hugh Earl of Ross granted to his son Hugh the lands which were then in the
hands of Margaret of Ross by reason of her terce when it should happen, except certain lands in
Aberdeenshire reserved for William of Ross his son and heir.1* On Saint Magdalen's day (22 July)
of the same year Earl Hugh was killed at the battle of Halidonhill.15 He was succeeded by his
son William, who appears to have been in Norway at the time of his father's death, and to have

47, 51. From the designations 'sons of Croeb' and c Keg. Morav., pp. 89, 278, 334. Cronicle of the

' thane of Crwmbawchty ' it is probable that the oldest Earlis of Ross. Calendar of Fearn.

seat of the rulers of Koss was in Cromarty. 7 Keg. Morav., p. 281.

1 Regist. de Dunfermelyn, p. 25. » Ragman Rolls, p. 20.

2 Palg. Illust., vol. i. pp. 20, 21. ' Acta Parl. Scot, vol. i., p. 91.

3 Chronica do Mailros, p. 117. !0 Rotuli Scotiae, vol. i. p. 32.

4 Ibid., p. 145. 11 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. i. p. 117. Rob. Index, p. 10.
s Regist. Moraviense, pp. 89, 99, 101, 333. Cronicle no. 17.

of the Earlis of Ross. This earl is represented in '2 Regist. Morav., pp. 342, 343.

the ' Cronicle ' as being present in 1272 with King 13 Crouicle of the Earlis of Ross. Calendar of Fearn.

Alexander III. at the coronation of King Edward I. 14 Balnagown Charters.

of England, and as having there vanquished an athletic i5 Buchanani Hist., lib. ix. c. 14. Cronicle of the

Norman called Dougall Duncansone, who ' had sic craft Earlis of Ross. The Family of Kilravock (Spalding

in wrasling that he cuist all men that assailzeit him.' Club), p. 32.

DINGWALL.] PAEOCHIALES. 487

assumed the earldom only in 1336.1 In the year 1350 Earl William, styled also lord of Sky,
at the instance of all the nobles of the earldom of Ross, with the consent of his sister the lady
Marjory Countess of Caithness and Orkney, and on condition that the consent of the King (David
II.) should be obtained, appointed his brother Hugh of Ross his heir in the event of his own death
without male issue.2 Hugh of Ross was dead iu 1370, and in that year Earl William resigned the
earldom of Ross and the lordship of Sky, which King David II. then granted anew to him and
his heirs male, with remainder in succession to Sir Walter of Lesley and Eufame his wife (the
Earl's daughter), to the male heirs of Eufame and her eldest female heir without division, and
to Johanna the Earl's younger daughter and her male heirs or eldest female heir without division.3
In 1371 Earl William represented to King Robert II. that King David had given all his lands
and tenements, and also the lands and tenements of his brother Hugh in Buchan, to Sir Walter
of Lesly without the Earl's consent — that he had been thwarted in his attempts to recover
them — that King David had taken the lands into his own hands, but had restored them to
the Earl on his making certain concessions to Sir Walter — that his daughter (Eufame) had not
been married to Sir Walter with his consent — and that he had neither given Sir Walter anv
grant of land, nor made any agreement with him respecting the succession down to the day of
King David's death.4 The result of this representation is not on record, and Earl William died
in 1372, and was succeeded in the earldom by his daughter Eufame and her husband Sir Walter
Lesley styled Lord of Ross, who had issue, Alexander afterwards Earl of Ross, and Mary married
to Donald Lord of the Isles.5 Sir Walter died in 1382, and in that year or the following King
Robert II. confirmed a grant of the earldom of Ross by Euphame Lady of Ross to Alexander
Stewart Earl of Buchau (whom she married).6 In 1384 and 1387 the same Alexander appears
as Earl of Buchan and Lord of Ross and of Badenach.7 A separation having taken place
between him and his wife Eufame the Countess, the matter was referred to ecclesiastical arbi
tration, and in 1389 was determined as follows by Alexander bishop of Moray and Alexander
bishop of Ross — That the Countess of Ross and her possessions should be restored to the Earl
of Buchan as to her husband, and that she should be treated with all conjugal affection and
receive every right becoming her state — that Mariot the daughter of Athyn should be removed
— that the Earl should not again put away Eufame — and that, whereas the Countess alleged
that she was in fear of her life and of injury to her men (homines nativf), her nobles, and others,
the Earl should find the security of noble and well known persons and engage under a penalty
of two hundred pounds that he would treat the Countess honourably in all things and without
putting her in fear of her life, and not stint her nativi, nobles, and others, in any way
contrary to common law.8 The Earl became bound according to the sentence of the bishops,
and with the consent of the parties gave as his sureties for its fulfilment Robert Earl of

1 Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross. 4 Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross.

* Balnagown Charters. Cronicle of the Earlis of b Ibid. Calendar of Fearn. Douglas's Peerage.
Ross. s Ibid. Kob. Index, p. 124, no. 20.

3 Balnagown Charters. Aeta Parl. Scot., vol. i. 7 Baluagown Charters. Regist. Jloraviense, p.

pp. 177«, 178». Rob. Index, p. 53, no. 20; p. 90, no. 196.
258. 6 Regist. Moraviense, p. 353.

488 OEIGINES [DINGWALL.

Suthirland, Alexander de Moravia lord of Culbyn, and Thomas of Chesholme.1 In 1394 (10
May) Alexander of Lesly (the son of Sir Walter by the Countess Eufame) appears as heir of
Ross.2 His mother was alive on 8 August 1394, but was dead before 13 August 1398,
and he then appears as Earl of Ross.8 He died in 1402, and was succeeded by his daughter
Eufame as Countess of Ross.4 Her title to the earldom was disputed by Donald Lord of the
Isles, the husband of her aunt Mary the daughter of Sir Walter Lesley and the former Countess
Eufame, a claim which led to the battle of Harlaw in 1411, when Donald was defeated by
Alexander Earl of Mar.5 In 1415 Euphame Leslie Countess of Ross resigned the earldom,
which the Regent Albany her grandfather then granted to her anew, with remainder to his son
John Stewart Earl of Buchan, and to John's brother Robert Stewart, and to their heirs male
respectively, whom failing, to revert to the crown.6 The countess Eufame is said to have
become a nun, and the Earl of Buchan was thenceforth acknowledged as Earl of Ross till his
death in 1424. 7 It appears however that Mary Lesley had continued to claim the earldom,
as in 1420 she styles herself ' Dame Mary of the He lady of the Ylis and of Rosse.'8 In 1427
her son Alexander of Yle Lord of the Isles adopts the additional style Master of Ross.9 In
the same year both were apprehended as rebels ; in 1429 (in which year the lady Mary appears
to have died) the Lord of the Isles was set at liberty, but afterwards rebelled, and in 1431
submitted to King James I., by whom he was imprisoned in the castle of Temptalone.10 Till
that period the claim of the lady Mary and her son to the earldom of Ross seems not to have
been admitted, as the King in that year continued to hold the ward of the earldom since the
death of John Stewart.11 Alexander of He however was afterwards undoubted Earl of Ross,
in 1443 was justieiar north of the river Forth, and died in 1449. 12 At that time and for nearly
30 years afterwards flourished Sir Donald Balloch of Isla, erroneously styled by some Lord of
the Isles and Earl of Ross.13 Alexander of He was in 1449 succeeded as Earl of Ross by John of
Yle, his son by Elizabeth the daughter of Alexander Seton Lord of Gordon and Huntly.14 This
John of Yle, Lord of the Isles and Earl of Ross, was the chief party on the side of the Scotch
in the treaty of Ardtornish concluded in 1462 with King Edward IV. of England.15 In 1475 he
was attainted for treason, and in 1476, on his resignation of all his lands, King James III. restored
them to him, with certain exceptions, including the earldom of Ross, which was perpetually
annexed to the crown.16 In 1476 the same king granted to Elizabeth Countess of Ross, the

' Regist. Moraviense, p. 354. '" Ext. e var. Cron. Scocie, pp. 231, 232. Cronicle of

2 Ibid., p. 355. the Earlis of Ross. Gregory, pp. 35-37.

J Balnagown Charters. Kilravock Charters. Rob. " Kilravock Charters.
Index, p. 146, no. 29. 12 Gregory, pp. 39, 40. Kilravock Charters, Cawdor

1 Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross. Calendar of Fearn. Charters, Charter in Northern Institution (Inverness),

liob. Index, p. 159, no. 9. and other writs of the period. Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. vii.

5 Ford. Scot, lib. xv. c. 21. Buch. Hist., lib. x.c. 24. no. 345. Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross.
Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross. Gregory, pp. 30-32. 13 Gregory, p. 62. Crouicle of the Earlis of Ross.

s Rob. Index, pp. 159, 160, no. 9. Douglas's Peerage, Godscroft. Pennant. See KILBRIDE, p. 117.
vol. ii. p. 415. 1J Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xiii. no. 186. Gregory, p. 40.

" Kilravock Charters. Douglas's Peerage, vol. ii. 15 See MORVERN, p. 193.

p. 415. Gregory, p. 33. 16 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. ii., pp. 109, 110, 111, 113, 189,

" Regist. Moraviense, p. 475. 190. Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. vii. no. 335. See KILARROW,

1J Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xiii. no. 18S. pp. 263, 264.

DINGWALL.] PAROCHIALES. 489

wife of John of Yle, for her honourable maintenance certain lands in Eoss which she had in con
junct infeftment with her husband before his forfeiture, and in addition £100 of land and yearly
revenue within the earldom on account of her gratuitous services to the King's father and his con
sort, and because she had taken no part with her husband in his rebellion.1 In 1477 the King on
attaining his majority confirmed the grant.2 In 1481 he granted in heritage to his second son
James Marquis of Ormond the lands of the earldom of Eosse and the castle of Dingwale, forfeited
by John Lord of the Isles and Earl of Eosse ; and in 1488 he created him Duke of Eoss.3
In 1490 (4 November) King James IV., as tutor to his brother James Duke of Eos, brought an
action before the Lords of Council against William Keth, the son and heir apparent of Sir Gilbert
Keth of Innerrwgy, as bailie of Elizabeth Countess of Eos, for the ' wrangwis intromettlng and
withhalding fra our Souerane Lord as tutour forsaid of a parte of the malez of the lands of
Fingask of the termes of Witsonday and Mertymes bipast.'* William of Keth, being summoned
to produce his warrant, failed to appear, and a charter under the seal of the deceased Alexander
of the His Earl of Eoss, showing that the lands of Fyngask were a tenandry of the earldom,
was produced on behalf of the King.5 The Lords ordained that William of Keth did wrong in
intromitting with the mails and profits of the lands, that he should thenceforth cease from so
doing, and that he should pay to the King the mails and profits for the terms in question in
so far as the King could prove them due — for which proof they assigned to the King's advocates
the third day of March following (3 March 1491). 6 A litigation which lasted from 1484 to
1494 between Elizabeth Countess of Eoss and James of Dunbar of Cumnok the tenant of her
lands of Eoss has been already detailed.7 About the year 1503 James Duke of Eoss resigned
the earldom.8 In 1524 King James V. granted the earldom of Eos and lordship of Ard-
mannach to James Earl of Murray (his natural brother).9 In 1565 (May 15) Queen Mary
granted the earldom to Henry Stewart Lord Darnley, to whom she was married on 29 July
following.10

The lordship of Dingwall (apparently the same as the lordship of Eoss) appears in record in
1263. In that year Ealph de Lasceles and others, deputies (attornatf) of Alexander Gumming
Earl of Buchan and bailie of Dignewall, declined giving an account of the bailiary on the ground
that they were uncertain of the amount of its fermes as testified by the chapel roll, and therefore
the account remained incomplete (indefinitum).n In the same year Alexander Earl of Buchan
appears as sheriff of Digneuall.12 In 1308 King Eobert Bruce granted to William Earl of Eoss
the lands of Dingwal with the castle and town, a grant which he seems to have confirmed in 1321 or
1322.13 In 1382 or 1383 Euphame lady of Eoss resigned the thanedom and castle of Dingwall,

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. vii. no. 371. Acta Parl. Scot., 8 Additional Sutherland Case, chap. iv. p. 58.
vol. ii. p. 113. g Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. vii. fol. 92.

2 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. viii. no. 40. 10 Additional Sutherland Case, chap. iv. p. 46. Buch.

3 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. ix. nn. 43, 60. Additional Hist., lib. xvii. chap. 49.
Sutherland Case, chap. iv. p. 57. " Compota Camerar., vol. i. p. 30*.

1 Acta Dom. Cone., p. 161. a Ibid., p. 41*.

s Ibid. 6 Ibid. I3 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. i. p. 117. Rob. Index., p. 15,
• See TARBAT, pp. 443, 444. no. 17 ; p. 16, no. 4.

VOL. II. 3 Q

490 ORIGINES [DINGWALL.

which King Kobert II. then granted to her and to her husband Alexander Stewart Earl of Buchan
his son.1 In 1455 the barony of Eddirdaill called Ardmanache, and the Redcastell with the lord
ships of Ros belonging to it (including apparently the lordship of Eos or Dingwall), were annexed
to the crown.2 In 1500 King James IV. appointed Audro bishop of Cathnes for 9 years cham
berlain and captain of the lands and lordships of Ross and Ardmannach.3 In 1507 (22 March)
he appointed that bishop and another person his chamberlains and bailies of the lands and lord
ships of Ross and Ardmanach, and captains and keepers of the castles of Dingvile in Ross and
Redecastle in Ardmanach, with all their fees and pertinents.4 In the same year and month
(23 March) he appointed the same bishop for nine years his chamberlain and bailie of all the
King's proper lands and lordships of Ross and Ardmannaeh, and keeper of the same castles, assign
ing to him for those offices all his ' manys laundis,' profits, and dues, as others had before him.5
In the same year (13 April) the same king commissioned Andro bishop of Cathnes and others to
examine the infeftments of the tenants and inhabitants of the lordships of Dingwell and Ardman
nach, and, if any should be found to occupy lands not contained in their infeftments, to send to
the King copies of the infeftments under the seal of the commissioners, that the offenders might
be punished.6 In the same year (22 April) King James granted to the same bishop for three
years the fishings on the water of Conane, and all his other fishings in the lordships of Ross and
Ardmannach, for the yearly payment of four lasts of salmon ' full, rede, and suete,' and 2000
' keling' (cod) sufficient merchandise, to be delivered free on the shore of Leith, the King paying
the ' aventure' of the same and the freight from Dignwell to Leith.7 On 6 May of the same year
the King commissioned Bishop Andro to let for five years all the lands in the lordships of Ross
and Ardmannach formerly belonging to Elizabeth Countess of Ross, except the lands of Tarbat,
to those by whom they were held or other sufficient tenants.8 In 1511 the same king granted to
the same bishop, then his treasurer, ' for grete sovmes of money gevin be him to the Kingis
Hienes, and vthir grete seruice and expens maid to his plesour,' for two terms of nine years, not
withstanding any act of parliament or other deed to the contrary, the lands and lordships of Ros
and Ardmannach, with the woods, forests, waters, lochs, yairs, and fishings, both fresh and salt,
with the power either to occupy the lands or to let them to others, with the power also of bailie
and of holding courts, for payment of the dues specified in the King's rental, and without the
usual grassum, which the King granted to the bishop for the repairing or building of the castles
of Dingwell and Reidcastell, ' putin and kepin of gude reule in the said landis, danting of wild
peple, with diners vtheris costis and charges,' to be held till £1000 should be paid to him on one
day by any of the King's successors who might desire possession of the same.9 In 15G1 Queen
Mary granted during her pleasure to George Monro of Dawcarty the bailiary and chamberlain-
ship of her lands and lordships of Ros and Ardmannauch.10 In 1568 King James VI. appointed

i Hob. Index, p. 124, no. 25. ° Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. iii. fol. 106. See TAIN, p. 482.

3 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. ii. p. 42. ; Keg. Sec. Sig., vol. iii. fol. 107.
• Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. iii. fol. 82. 8 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. iii. fol. 108.

4 Keg. Sec. Sig., vol. iii. fol. 118. 9 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. iv. ff. 158, 159.
J Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. iii. fol. 106. 10 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxi. fol. 4.

DIN-GWALL.] PAROCHIALES. 491

the same George to the same offices during the will of the King and the Regent.1 In 1567
the same king granted for three years from 1 December of that year to Thomas Murray, the
brother german of David Murray of Cars, a lease of his salmon fishing on the water of Conan,
belonging to the King as part of the patrimony of the crown ; ordering the Lords of Council,
Session, and Exchequer to address letters to the chamberlain of Eos and the tenants of the lands
of the earldom of Eos and lordship of Ardmanoch, and to all others concerned, to obey Thomas
Murray ' in inputting of the cruvis vpoun the said wattir and vther seruice aucht be thame to
the said fischeing in conuenient and dew tyme of yeir according to vse and wount,' the grantee
paying yearly the sum of £133, 6s. 8d. Scots.2 In 1584 (3 February) King James granted
the fishings on the Connan to Colin M'Kainzie of Kintaill for five years from the feast
of Andermes (30 November) 1585, for the yearly payment of 200 marks Scots at the usual
terms.3 In the same year (5 March) he granted certain lands and the fishings of Connan to Sir
Andrew Keith of Svessa (or Fressa), as the near relation of Marischal Earl of Keith (Keith Earl
Marischal), and to the heirs male of his body, with remainder to his heirs male whomsoever bear
ing the surname of Keith and the arms of the principal house or messuage of the earldom of
Merschall called Dynnotter, the grantee paying yearly for the fishings £133 as fermes, feufermes.
dues, and services.4 In the same year and month (18 March) he granted to the same Sir
Andrew, of the most ancient and noble family of George Earl Mareschal, for many services both
at home and abroad, the castle of Dingwall with the houses, buildings, and wards of the same —
the superiority of the town of Dingwall with the burgh fermes — the demesne lands commonly
called Kynnairdie — the lands of Glakkis, which were the fourth part of the same demesne lands
— and the lands of Dalmaloak (contained in the previous grant) — united into one free lordship
and barony, to be called the lordship of Dingwall ; Sir Andrew and his heirs to have the style
Lords and Barons of Dingwall and a seat in parliament ; the castle to be the chief messuage ;
and the grantee to pay one penny of silver yearly on the feast of Pentecost for the castle, the
town, the burgh fermes, and the lands of Kynnairdie and Glakkis.5 In 1587, on attaining his
majority, King James renewed the grant.6

In the year 1342 a charter by William Earl of Eoss is witnessed by John Yong of Dyngvale ;
and between 1350 and 1372 a charter by the same earl is witnessed by John called Yong and
Thomas his brother.7 In 1350, 1368, and 1370 there appears in record Thomas of Dyngwale,
and in the last named year also Master William of Dyngevale, probably the same who in
1389 appears as dean of Eoss.8 In 1451 we have. as witness to a charter Thomas of Dyng
vale canon.9 In 1463 John of Yle, Earl of Ross and Lord of the Isles, granted certain lands to
Thomas the younger of Dingvale, with remainder to his brother John of Dingvale and his heirs,
and to the better and more worthy successor of their relatives of the name of Dinguale,

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxvii. fol. 29. 6 Reg. Sec. Sig.,vol.lv.fol.l71. The lands of the lord -

2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xliii. fol. 108. ship and barony of Dingwall lay partly in other parishes.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. 1. fol. 58. Seepost. ' Rob. Index, p.lOO.no.l. BalnagownCharters.
* Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. 1. ff. 87, 88. 8 Balnagown Charters. Kegist. Moraviense, p. 354.
5 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. 1. ff. 98, 99. 9 Balnagown Charters.

492 ORIGINES [DINGWALL.

with reservation of the franktenement to Sir Thomas of Dinguale the Earl's chamberlain
(probably the canon of 1451).1 In 1464 King James III. confirmed the grant.2 From some
of these Dingwalls were descended the family who afterwards held the lands of Kildun near
Dingwall, one of whom, Thomas Dingwell of Kildon, appears in record in 1506 and 1507.3
In 1526, in which year appear Donald and William Dingwell (probably burgesses of the
town), the lands of Kildun, marching with those of the burgh of Dingwall, formed a separate
lordship.4 In 1527 King James V. granted certain lands near Dingwall and elsewhere
to William Dingvale of Kildun.5 In the same year he granted to Sir John Dingwall, provost
of the Trinity College beside Edinburgh (perhaps the same who in 1524 appears as arch
deacon of Caithness), the ward of all the lands and rents that belonged to the deceased William
Dingwall of Kildone.6 In 1541, 1543, 1544, 1552, 1554, and 1556 there appears in record
Thomas Dingwell of Kildun, a charter by whom in 1541 is witnessed by Thomas Dingwell bur
gess of Dingwell, and who in 1543 grants a charter at Kildone.7 Thomas Dingwell of Kildun
was dead in 1573, and John Dingwell of Kildun his son and heir appears in record in 1575.8 In
1583 John Dingwall of Kildun sold to Colin M'Kainzie of Kintaill some of the lands granted to
Thomas the younger of Dingvale in 1463. 9

Among the lands granted by King James III. in 1476 for the maintenance of Elizabeth
Countess of Ross, and confirmed to her by that king in 1477, were the lands of Davachcarne.10
In 1542 King James V. granted to Duncan Bayne (along with the lands of Tulche and others)
the astricted multures and suckin of the lands of Dunglust, the four Glakkis, Mekle Kynnardy,
Litil Kynnardy, Westir Dryne, and Dawachcarne.11 In the same year he granted the lands of
Dawachcarne and others in the lordship of Boss to James Fraser the brother of Hugh Lord
Fraser of Lovet, Davachcarne extending in the King's rental to £8, 4s. 4d. in ferme and grassum,
16s. in bondage silver, and 6 reek hens.13 In 1584 King James VI. granted to Sir Andrew
Keith in heritage, with remainder as in the case of the fishings of Conan, the lands of Drumglust,
for yearly payment of £6, 18s. 8d., 1 chalder 2 bolls bear. 1 chalder 2 bolls oatmeal, 1 chalder
2 bolls oats, 6 marts, 6 muttons, 24 shillings of bondage silver, and 13 reek hens.13 In 1600
Duncane Bane of Tullich was served heir to his father Alexander Bane of Tullich in the astricted
multures and suckin granted to Duncan Bayne in 1542, which together with those of some other
lands were of the extent of £10, 16s.14 In 1619 Colin lord of Kintail was served heir male to his
grandfather Colin Makkeinzie of Kyntail in the demesne lands called the Maynes of Kynnairdie,

1 Keg. Mag. Sig., lib. vi. no. 17. fol. 93 ; vol. xviii. fol. 34; vol. xxiv. Col. 121 ; vol. xxvi.

2 Ibid. ff. 64, 69; vol. xxvii. Ibl. 87; vol. xxxviii. fol. 2.

3 Reg. Mag. Sig, lib. xiv. no. 263. Reg. Sec. Sig., 8 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xliii. fol. 1.
vol. iii. ff. 81, 122. 9 Keg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 72.

4 Keg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxiii. no. 07- Sec post. w See above, pp. 488, 489.

5 Keg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxi. no. 36. Keg. Sec. Sig. " Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxviii. no. 306. Reg. Sec. Sig.,
vol. vi. Col. 53 ; vol. vii. fol. 57. vol. xvi. fol. 38. For a notice of the lands of Easter

6 Keg. Sec. Sig., vol. vii. ff. 65, 104. Drynie see KINNETTES;>OS*.

7 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxvii. no. 159; lib. xxix. nn. 12 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxviii. no. 365. Reg. Sec. Sig.,
!I3, 205; lib. xxxi. no. 269; lib. xxxii. no. 211. Reg. vol. xvi. fol. 87.

Sec. Sig., vol. xv. ff. 9, 38; vol. xvi. fol. 36 ; vol. xvii. « Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. 1. ff. 87, 88. See above, p. 491.

14 Retours.

DINGWAU,.] PAROCHIALES. 493

the ward called the ward of Dinguall, of the extent of 1 chalder 2 bolls of meal and other dues ;
the lands of Glakkis, being the fourth part of the said lands of Maynes, of the extent of 1 chalder
12 bolls of meal and other dues ; the lands of Drumglust, of the extent of £6, 18s. 8d. ; and
other lands, all included in the lordship and barony of Dinguall.1

In 1507 King James IV. granted to Andro bishop of Caithnes the ward of a mark's worth of
land of old extent of the Tulloch in the lordship of Boss, which was in the King's hands by the
decease of Ferquhar Ouresoun.2 In 1542 King James V. granted to Duncan Bayne the lands of
Tulch and others in the earldom of Ross, for the yearly payment of £18, 4s., 4 bolls of bear and
meal, 1 mart, and 2 reek hens, to augment the rental by 20 shillings.3 Duncan Bayne of Tulch
appears in record in 1553, 1554, 1555, and 1556.* Alexander Bane of Tullich (apparently the
son of Duncan) appears in 1563, 1579, 1581, 1600, 1607, and 1611, and was dead in 1624.5
In 1600 Duncan Bane of Tullich was served heir to his father Alexander in the lands of Tullich
of the extent of 3 marks and other dues, and in other lands, extending in all to £18, 4s.e In
1611 Duncan Baine of Tulliche appears as heir to his grandfather Duncan and his father
Alexander.7 In 1635 we have Alexander Bayne the heir male and of provision of his father
Duncan Bayne of Tullich.8

In 1541, 1542. 1543, 1553, 1554, 1555, 1556, 1561, 1567, and 1568 George Monro of
Dalcarty or Davachcarty appears in record, and in the year 1579 he was dead.9 In 1553 he sold
the lands of Dawachcarty to Duncan Bane of Tulch, and in the same year Queen Mary granted to
the latter a crown charter of the lands, and to the former a letter of reversion to the same.10
In 1555 George Monro of Dawachcarty sold to Donald Makaneroy the fourth part of his lands of
Dawachcarty, then occupied by John Maklauchlane M'Gilley and John Makferquhair M'Gille-
bane, and in 1556 Queen Mary granted to Donald Makaneroy a crown charter of the lands.11
In 1561 that queen appointed George Monro of Dawcarty during her pleasure bailie and cham
berlain of her lands and lordships of Eos and Ardmannauch.12 In 1567 she exempted him for
life on account of his age from all service as a soldier, from sitting on assizes, and from appearing
as a witness in any court.13 In 1568 the same George was appointed bailie and chamberlain of
the same lands and lordships as in 1561 during the will of King James VI. and his Regent.11
In the same year King James granted to Donald Roy and his heirs a crown charter of the half
of the east quarter of the lands of Dalchartie, namely, an oxgang then occupied by Moriacli

1 Retonrs. * Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxvii. no. 159; lib. xxxi. nn.

2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. iii. fol. 106. 205, 267. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xiv. ff. 80, 81 ; vol. xv.

3 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxviii. no. 306. Reg. Sec. Sig., fol. 9; vol. xvi. fol. 36; vol. xviii. ff. 14, 15 ; vol. xxvi.
vol. xvi. fol. 36. ff. 21, 64, 69 ; vol. xxvii. fol. 137 ; vol. xxxi. fol. 4 ; vol.

4 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. nn. 205, 269 ; lib. xxxii. xxxvi. fol. 25; vol. xxxvii. ff. 29, 35; vol. xxxviii. ff. 16,
no. 211. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxvi. fol. 21 ; vol. xxviii. 109, 110 ; vol. xlv. fol. 106 ; vol. xlvi. fol. 95.

fol. 2. I0 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 205. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

5 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxii. nn. 593, 594. Reg. Sec. vol. xxvi. fol. 21.

Sig., vol. xxxi. ff. 98, 99 ; vol. xlv. ff. 106, 107 ; vol. xlvii. » Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 267. Reg. Sec. Sig...
fol. 88. Retours. vol. xxvii. fol. 137.

6 Retonrs. 12 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxi. fol. 4.

? Ibid. a Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxvi. fol. 25.

« Ibid. '« Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxvii. fol. 29.

494 ORIGIN ES [DIXGWALI,.

Makdonald Makwilliame M'Kay, and an oxgang of the west quarter of the same lands then oc
cupied by Gillepatrick Makdonald Roy, both sold to Donald Boy by George Monro of Dalchartie,
to whom in the same year the King granted a letter of reversion to the lands.1 In 1579 the
same king granted in heritage to Alexander Bane of Tullich and Agnes Fraser his wife, with
remainder to the heirs of Alexander, a crown charter of half the lands of Dalcarthie in the
lordship and earldom of Bos, then occupied by Donald Makaneroy and his tenants and others,
and sold to Alexander Bane and his wife by Andrew Monro of Newmoir the son and heir of the
deceased George Monro formerly of Dalcarthie.2 In 1581 the same king granted in heritage to
Alexander Bayne of Tullich the nouentry and other dues of half the lands of Daacartie, then
occupied by Donald Monro and his cottars, tenants, and servants, and in the King's hands since
the decease of George Monro of Daacartie or last lawful possessor.3 In 1611 Duncan Baine of
Tullichc was served heir to his father Alexander and to his grandfather Duncan Baine of
Tulliche in half the lands of Dawachcartye, of the old extent of 23s. 4d.*

In the year 1227 King Alexander II. erected a royal burgh ' at Dingwell in Bos,' and granted
to the burgesses all the liberties and free customs which the burgesses of Invernes had.5 He
appointed a weekly market to be held in the burgh every Monday, and granted to the burgesses
that persons coming to the burgh and settling in it should be leer secum for ten years from the
feast of Saint Martin (11 November) of the year 1226, and that they should be for ever free from
toll and every other custom exigible for their cattle throughout the land.6 He granted also his
peace to all who should come to dwell in the burgh, and commanded that all resorting thither to
sell or buy should have his peace, should traffic there, and return thence in peace, saving the
rights of the burgh.7 In 1296 the Knights Templars and the Knights of the Hospital of Saint
John of Jerusalem had property in the town of Dynguale, which the sheriff of Dynguale was
ordered to restore to them on the Masters having sworn fealty to King Edward I.8 In 1308
King Bobert Bruce granted to William Earl of Boss the burgh of Dingwall and its liberties —
a grant which in 1321 or 1322 he seems to have confirmed.9 In 1475 John Earl of Boss and
Lord of the Isles before his forfeiture was summoned by the Unicorn Pursuivant as sheriff of In-
nernes, among other places at the market cross of the burgh of Dingvale, to appear in parliament
and answer for certain crimes.10 In 1498 King James IV., on the narrative that the privileges of
his burgh of Dingwell had gone into desuetude through the insults of war and the depopulation
of the country to the great loss and grievance of the same, confirmed its erection and the privi
leges granted by King Alexander II. ; and granted moreover to the burgesses and inhabitants the
power of electing yearly an alderman and bailies, of making guild brothers, and generally of
enjoying all the privileges held by the burgh of Innernes, saving the rights formerly due to the

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxvii. fol. 35. ^ Ibid. Dingwell is said to mean Thingavollr, the

- Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlv. fol. 106. upper thing or judgement place. Worsaae, p. 259.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvii. fol. 88. s Eotuli Scotiae, vol. i. p. 25.

4 Retours. 9 Rob. Index, p. 15, no. 17; p. 16, no. 4. See above,
1 Burgh Charters. Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xiii. no. 295. p. 489.

'; Ibid. 10 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. ii. pp. 110, 111.

DINGWALL.] PAROCHIALES. 495

King by the burgh and burgesses of Dingwell.1 In 1503 a sheriff appointed by the Scotch par
liament to be made and called the sheriff of Ross was to sit in Thane or Dingwale as the case
required, and the justices depute and sheriffs for the North Isles were by the same authority
appointed to sit in Innernes or Dingwale.2 In 1505 King James IV. granted to Andro Aytoun,
captain of the castle of Striueling, the customs of all the burghs between Banf and Orknay, including
Dingwell, for the yearly payment of £50 to the King's comptroller and others.3 In 1507 the
burgesses and community of Dingwell were as tenants of the lordship included among those whose
infeftments Andro bishop of Cathnes and others were commissioned to examine.4 In the same
year Dingwell was the port at which the salmon due by that bishop to King James IV. for the
fishings on Conane were shipped for Leith.5 In the same year John Mowat of Loscragy and
Freswick granted to his brother Alexander Mowat, under reversion to himself and his heirs,
certain lands in the lordship of Ross, and his tofts and crofts in the burgh of Dingwell, the
grantee giving the forinsec service to the King and a penny sterling yearly to the granter.6 In
1508 King James IV. confirmed the grant.7 In 1509 that king appointed Alexander Earl of
Huntlie sheriff of the whole sheriffdom of Innernys, with the power of sitting daily when neces
sary in the towns of Tane and Dingwell for the bounds of Ross.8 In 1526 King James V.
granted to Walter Innes of Tulchis seven roods of land in Petglasse on the south side of the lands
of Donald Dingwell — half an acre in Petglasse between the lands of William Dingwell on the
south and the lands called Blakcarisland on the north — an acre lying at the Gray Stane between
the lands of Patrik Kempt on the west and of John Nicholsoun on the east — a piece of land near
the mill of Brigend called Schortaker between the public street and the mill on the east and the
march of Fesallich on the west — a piece of land between the water of Peferay on the north and
the lands of the lordship of Kildun on the south — a rood of land in Thorn bane between the
lands of William Candich on the west and the lands of William Makmularon the south (east?) —
and an acre of land in the field of Acris-Scotte between the lands of the lordship of Kildun on
the south and the lauds of John Vaus on the north — all within the territory of the burgh of
Dingwell, and in the King's hands as escheat by the decease of John Makanedoy in Dauchauch-
polo who died without lawful heirs.9 In 1541 a charter of Thomas Dingwell of Kildun is wit
nessed by Thomas Dingwell burgess of Dingwell.10 In 1543 and 1555 charters by the same
Thomas Dingwell of Kildun are given at Dingwell (apparently the town).11 In 1545 Queen Mary
appointed Master Thomas Marioribanks, burgess of Edinburgh, custumar (apparently of the
burghs) within all the bounds of Ros and neighbouring parts.12 In 1556 a charter is witnessed
bv Donald Makgillewan burgess of Dingwall.13 In 1563 Alexander Bane of Tullich granted to

i Burgh Charters. Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xiii. no. 295. " Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xv. no. 63. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol.

* Acta Parl. Scot., vol. ii. pp. 241, 249. iii. fol. 204.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. iii. fol. 30. 9 Reg. Mag. Sig , lib. xxiii. no. 67. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

4 See above, p. 490. vol. viii. fol. 84.

5 ibid. '" Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxvii. no. 159.

6 Reg. Mag Sig., lib. xv. no. 16. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. " Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxix. no. 93 ; lib. \xxi. no. 269.
iii fol 193 " Reg- Sec- s'K-> vo1- xix- fo1- 2a

7 ibid I3 Reg- Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 358.

49(5

ORIGINES

[DINGWALL.

Robert Monro of Foulis certain lands in Sutherland in exchange for lands in Eoss and for infeft-
raimt in his arable lands in the burgh of Dingwell.1 His charter, given at Foulis, is witnessed
by Donald Kemp burgess of Dingwell.2 In 1584 King James VI. granted to Sir Andrew Keith
of Svessa (or Fressa) the superiority of the town of Dingwall with the burgh fermes, included
in the lordship or barony of Dingwall.3 In 1587 he confirmed the privileges of the burgh as
granted by King Alexander II. and King James IV.4 In 1655 Sir George M'Keinzie of Tarbit
was served heir male to his father Sir George in various lands and baronies, and among these the
Boig of Dingwall within the burgh thereof called Boigmoir, including the bogs called Boigmore
or Westerboig, the Midboig, and the Eister Boig, within the parish of Dingwall, of the extent of
£6.5 Some circumstances existing in the end of the last century, such as the cross standing at
the east end of the burgh, and a street 200 yards long running to the north east, seemed to
indicate that the town was formerly of greater extent.6

At Dingwall are held three yearly fairs.7

In 1292 William of Braytoft, keeper of the castles of Invernesse and Dingual, was ordered by
King Edward I. to deliver them to King John Balliol.8 In 1308, as we have seen, King Robert
Bruce granted the castle of Dinguall with the lands to William Earl of Ross, and in 1321 or
1322 he confirmed the grant.9 In 1350, 1356, and 1370 William Earl of Ross (the grandson
of the former) gives charters at Dingual (apparently the castle of Dingwall).10 In 1382 or 1383
the castle with the thanedom were resigned by Euphame Countess of Ross, and were granted
by King Robert II. to her and her husband Alexander Stewart Earl of Buchan the King's son.11
In 1394 Eufame Countess of Ross grants a charter at Dyngvale (apparently the castle).12 In
1398 Alexander of Lesley Earl of Ross grants a charter at his castle of Dyngwall.13 In 1411
Robert Duke of Albany, Regent of Scotland, after the battle of Harlaw, took the castle of
Dingvall which belonged to the Lord of the Isles (or was held by him as claiming the earldom
of Ross).14 In 1443 Alexander of He, Earl of Ross and Lord of the Isles, justiciar north of the
Forth, dates a charter at the castle of Dyngwele, and in 1463 and 1464 his son and successor
John of Yle gives charters at the same place.15 An indenture above detailed, made in 1475
between David Ross of Balnagovin and John M'Gilleone of Lochboy, with the consent of John
of Yle Earl of Ross and Lord of the Isles, was made at Dingwell in Ross, apparently at the
castle.16 In 1475 the Scotch parliament ordered the sheriffs of Innernys to cite the same John
of Yle, Lord of the Isles and Earl of Ross, either at the castle of Dyngvale or at the market
cross of Edinburgh, to appear before the next parliament at Edinburgh to answer for certain
crimes.17 On the IGth of October of that year he was summoned by the Unicorn Pursuivant

' Keg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxii. nn. 593, 594. Reg. Sec.
Sig., vol. xxxi. ff. 98, 99. 2 Ibid.

:1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. 1. ff. 98, 99. See above, p. 491.
1 Mun. Corp. Reports.

5 Retours. c Old Stat. Ace.

7 New Stat. Ace.
1 Rotuli Scotiae, vol. i. p. 12.
' See above, pp. 489.

0 Balnagown Charters.

1 Rob. ludex, p. 124, no. 25.

2 Kilravock Charters.

•' Balnagown Charters.
Ford. Scot., lib. xv. c. 21.
Reg. Mug. Sig., lib. vi. no. 116; lib.
See above, pp. 311, 312, 462.
Acta Parl. Scot, vol. ii. p. 109.

DINGWALL.] PAROCHIALES. 497

as sheriff of Innernes at various places, and among these at the gate of the castle of Dingwail,
because he could not get admittance into the castle itself.1 In 1481 King James III., as above
stated, granted in heritage to James his second son, Marquis of Ormond, the castle of Dingwale
with the lands of the earldom of Ross, forfeited by John Lord of the Isles and Earl of Rosse.2
In 1484 (26 October) the Lords of Council ordained that for the offence of ' lichtlying and con-
tempcioun done to our Souerane Lordis Hienes' by Archbald of Douglas, Stevin M'Kerbrycht,
John Thomsoun, James Thomsoun, John Wallace, Patrick Nelesoun, James Ker, Patrick Ker,
and James of Douglas the son of Archbald, in having violently taken from their beds Sir Dauid
Purdy subchanter of Glasgow and Sir Alexander Panther his chaplane, dragging them to the
fields, and with threats compelling Sir Dauid to let his church, and to remit certain sums due to
him, with other great injuries, therefore Archbald of Douglas, Stevin M'Kerbrycht, and John
Thomsoun should enter their persons in ward in the castle of Dingwell within twenty days,
and the rest in the castles of Redecastell and Innernes, and should remain there on their own
expenses till released by the King under pain of rebellion.3 About 1508, when James Duke
of Ross resigned the earldom, he reserved to himself for life the moothill (montem) of Ding-
wall beside the town, in order to preserve his title of Duke.4 In 1506 Andro bishop of
Cathnes was appointed by King James IV. captain of the castle of Dyngwell in Ross for
9 years.5 In 1507 the same bishop and another person not named were appointed by King
James IV. captains and keepers of the castle of Dingwell.6 In 1511, as we have seen, the same
king, in granting to the same bishop the lordships of Ros and Ardmannoch, granted to him
also the usual grassum of the lands for repairing or building the castles of Dingwell and Reid-
castell.7 In 1564 a part of the dues of the lands of Drumdarveth in Ardmannoch, consisting
of 80 loads of fuel, was to be delivered in the castle of Dingwell.8 In 1584 and 1587 the
castle of Dingwall, with the houses, buildings, and wards, was included in grants of the lord
ship or barony made in those years by King James VI. to Sir Andrew Keith.9 The castle, of
which a small fragment and the ditcli and glacis still remain, stood on the shore north-east of
the town, occupied about half an acre of ground, and was flanked on two sides by a small
deep muddy stream.10 About the end of the last century the office of constable was said to
be hereditary in the family of the proprietor of Tulloch, and had attached to it a salary of
20 marks Scots.11

1 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. ii. p. 109. 6 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. iii. ff. 106, 118.

2 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. ix. nn. 43, 60. "' See above, p. 490.

3 Acta Dora. Cone., pp. 8!)*, 90*. b Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxii. no. 443.
* Additional Sutherland Case, chap. iv. p. 58. 9 See above, p. 491.

5 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. iii. fol. 82. '" Old and New Stat. Ace. " Old Stat. Ace.

498 ORIGINES [FODDERTY.

FODDERTY.

Fothirdy 1 — Fothartye2— Feddirdy3— Foddertie4 — Foddartie5 —
Fodderty.6 (Map, No. 19).

THE present parish of Fodderty includes the ancient parish of Kinnettes, and consists chiefly
of the valley of the river Peferay known as Strathpefler. On its north side lies Benwyvis, the
highest hill in Ross-shire, on its north Knockfarril, and on its west Craig-an-f hiach (the raven's
rock).7 The parish of Kinnettes appears to have had Craig-an-fhiach on the west and Knock
farril or the Peferay on the south, and to have occupied a comparatively small portion of the
united parish, including Loch Usie. Fodderty includes several detached glens or straths.8

Between the years 1350 and 1372 a charter of William Earl of Ross is witnessed by Robert
the vicar of Fothirdy.9 In 1548 Queen Mary presented Sir Andrew Robertsoun chaplain to
the vicarage of Fothartye, vacant by the resignation of Master William Vrquhart.10 Sir Andrew
Robertsoun was vicar between 1561 and 15C6.11 In 1572 King James VI. presented William
Hay, ' admittit be the kirk redar in the kirk of Foddertie,' to the vicarage of Foddertie then
vacant by ' simoniacall pactioun' between Sir John Smyth last vicar and Sir William Chalmer.12
In 1574 Alexander Anthane was reader at Foddertie.13 In the same year King James VI.
presented Alexander Antone to the vicarage, vacant by the decease of Rorie Bane.1* In 1583
he presented Evir M'Evir to the same vicarage, vacant by the decease of Alexander Anthone.15

The church, of which the cemetery is still in use, stood on the left bank of the Pefleray burn.16
The modern church, built in 1807 about a mile from the village of Strathpeffer, stands at a con
siderable distance from the former.17

At Inchrory, on the right bank of the Pefferay, immediately opposite the old burying-ground
of Fodderty, and within this parish or Kinnettes, stood a chapel, held at the Reformation by
Sir Andrew Robertsoun the vicar of Fodderty.18

At the Reformation it was stated that the vicarage, ' quhen all dewties vsit and wont was payit
gaiff' be yeir in assedatioun to the vicar xx merkis.'19 In 1574 the reader at Foddertie had for
his stipend yearly £13, 6s. 8d. (the amount of the vicarage).20

1 A. D. 1350-1372. Balnagown Charters. 9 Baluagown Charters.

2 A. D. 1548. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxii. fol. 10.

3 A. D. 1561-1566. Book of Assumptions.

1 A. D. 1572. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xl. fol. 38. A. D.
1574. Book of Assignations. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlii.
fol. 89. A. D. 1583. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 64.
A. D. 1681. Acta Parl. Scot., vol. viii. p. 385.

5 A. D. 1583. Keg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 72.

0 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxii. fol. 10.
Book of Assumptions.
Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xl. fol. 38.
Book of Assignations.
Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlii. fol. 89.
Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 64.
Note by W. H. Murray Esquire. New Stat. Ace

A. D. 1655. Retours. 7 New Stat. Ace. Modern Maps. " Ibid.

» Old Stat. Ace. The New Stat. Ace. affirms that '•" Book of Assumptions. Note by W. H. Murray

Fodderty includes another parish named Tollie, and Esquire,

that traces of its burying-grouud remain near Brahan 19 Book of Assumptions.

Castle, -which lies in Urray. M Book of Assignations.

FODDERTY.] PAROCHIALES. 499

The chaplainry of Inchrory at the Eeformation was worth £5 yearly.1
Among the lands granted by King James III. to Elizabeth Countess of Ross in 1476, and
confirmed by that king in 1477, were included the lands of Wetliiruyde (now Auchterneid) and
the lands of Pollane, either wholly or partly in this parish.2 In 1526 or previously the lands of
Dauchauchpollo were held by John Makanedoy, who died without lawful heirs.3 In 1527 they
were included with the lands of the forest of Strathvaich (being respectively of the extent of
6 marks, and of 4 bolls victual and a mart) in a grant by King James V. to William Dingvale
of Kildun.* In 1542 (28 July) that king granted to Duncan Bayne the lands of Ballafreis,
Strathskey, the forest of Strathrannoch, and other lands, either wholly or partly in Fodderty.5
In the same year (24 October) he granted the lands of Dawachpollo and others to James
Fraser the brother of Hugh Lord Fraser of Lovet.6 In 1554 and 1555 appears in record Alex
ander Bayne in Inchevayneyl (or Enchewany), apparently the modern Inchvandie.7 In 1578
Hugh Fraser of Gvisachane, hereditary fear of the lands of Dawaehpolloch, in fulfilment of a
contract between him and Alexander Bane of Tulloch, sold the half of the town and lands in
heritage to Alexander and his wife Agnes Fraser, with remainder to the heirs of the former.8
In 1579 King James VI. granted to Alexander Bane a crown charter of the lands, and to Hugh
Fraser a letter of reversion to the same.9 In 1583 King James seems to have confirmed both
grants.10 In 1584 he granted in heritage to Sir Andrew Keith the lands of Dalmalook, Inche-
vandie, and Ochterneid, with other lands ; the grantee paying yearly for Dalmalook £6, 13s. 4d.,
16 shillings of bondage silver, and 7 reek hens — for Inchevandie £4, with 8 shillings of bondage
silver, and 3 reek hens — and for Ochterneid £6, 13s. 4d., 4 muttons, 6s. bondage silver, and 0
reek hens.11 In the same year the lands of Dalmalook were included in the lordship or barony of
Dingwall granted by the same king to the same Sir Andrew Keith.12 In 1600 Duncan Bane of
Tullich was served heir to his father Alexander Bane of Tullich in the lands of Ballafreis, of the
old extent of 3 marks 4 shillings and other dues ; Sthraithskey, qf the extent of 3 marks and other
dues ; and the forest of Strathrannoch, of the extent of 4 bolls of bear and other dues.13 In
1619 Colin lord of Kintail was served heir male to his grandfather Colin Makkenzie of Kyntail
in the lands of Dalmalook, Inchvandy, and Ochterneid, respectively of the extent of £6, 13s. 4d.,
£4, and £6, 13s. 4d.u In the same year Issobel M'Kenzie was served heir to her father John
the heir apparent of Garloche in the davach of Davachpollay, of the extent of £6, 8s. and 8s. in

1 Book of Assumptions. 5 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxviii. no. 306. Reg. Sec. Sig.

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. vii. no. 371; lib. viii. no. 40. vol. xvi. fol. 36. See DINGWALL, p. 492.

See DiNQWALL, pp. 488, 489. 6 ReK- sraB- Sig., lib. xxviii. no. ofio. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

3 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxiii. no. 67. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xvi. fol. 87.

vol. viii. fol. 84. 7 Keg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 269; lib. xxxii. no. 211.

4 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxi. no. 36. Reg. Sec. Sig., 8 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlv. fol. 107.
vol. vi. fol. 53; vol. vii. fol. 57. The grants of land 9 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlv. ff. 107, 116.
in this district and the only maps we have do not 10 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix., fol. 107.

determine -whether Strathvaich and some neigh- " Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. 1. ff. 87, 88. See DINGWALL,

bouring lands, afterwards included in the same grant, p. 491.

lie in Fodderty or in some of the neighbouring 12 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. 1. ff. 98, 99.

parishes. u Retours. " Ibid.

500 ORIGINES [FODDKRTY.

augmentation.1 In 1635 Alexander Bayne was served heir male and of provision to his father
Duncan Bayne of Tullich in the half of the forest of Strathrannach, namely Straithewaich and
Straintirie, of the extent of 2 bolls of victual and other dues.2

In 1508 Alexander Seytoun of Tulybody sold to Alexander Earl of Huntlie the lands of
Fothirty with the mill and brewhouse.3 In that year or the following the Earl had from King
James VI. a crown charter of the same.4 In 1532 King James V. granted in heritage to John
Mackeneth of Kentaill the lands of Fotherty, which he had acquired from the hereditary proprie
tor Master John Calder, and had resigned to the King.5 In 1543 Thomas Dingvale of Kildone
sold to John Makkenze of Kintail the lands and fishings of Lochbryne in exchange for the lands
of Fotherty with the mill, to be held of the Queen as Earl of Eoss for payment of 6 pennies as
blenchferme at Whitsunday.6 In 1543 and 1544 Queen Mary granted to these parties crown
charters of the respective lands exchanged.7 In 1583 King James VI. granted in heritage
to Colin M'Kainze of Kintaill the lands of the Kirktoun of Foddartie, Balmuldie, and others,
alienated to him by John Dingwall of Kildun.8 In 1633 George M'Keinzie was served heir male
to his brother Colin Earl of Seaforth, Lord M'Keinzie of Kintail, in the lands of Foddertie,
Mulnaan with the mill, Ballamulich, and others, of the old extent of £5, included in the barony
of Ellendonan.9 The lands of Mulnaan, with the mill of Fodderty and the multures, the Kirk
toun of Fodderty, and Ballamulloche, were together of the old extent of 3 marks 6 shillings and
8 pence.10

In 1533 or previously Thomas Vrquhard sheriff of Cromerty granted to his son and heir appa
rent Alexander Vrquhard, and to his wife Beatrix Lines, the lands of Inchrory and Dauaclma-
cleir with the mill (either in Fodderty or in Kinnettes).11 In 1533 King James V. confirmed the
grant.12 In 1549 the same Alexander appears in record as Alexander Vrquhart of Ynchrorie.13
In 1599 Thomas Urquhart was served heir to his father Henry Urquhart, sheriff apparent of
Cromcrthie, in the lands, mill, multures, and mill-lands of Incherorie, the davach of Davach-
naclerache, and the shoaling called Garbet, of the old extent of £4.14

On the north of the burying-ground at Fodderty lies a croft named Croicht-an-teampuil, in
which stone coffins have been found.15

On the east side of the church are two erect stones, probably the remains of a circle, but
without any known history.16

On the heights of Hilton are a large cairn measuring 260 feet by 20, and the remains of
two stone circles.17

1 Rctours. ' Ibi.l.

- Ibid. * Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 72.

•' Keg. Mag. Sig., lib. xv. no. 141. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. 9 Retours.

iv. fol. 35. 4 Ibid. lu Ibid.

6 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxiv. no. 202. Reg. Sec. Sig., " Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. ix. fol. 177.
vol. ix. fol. 111. The latter authority states that the
lands were resigned by John M'Kcnich of Kintaill

and by Sir John Campbell of C'aldor.

6 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxix. nn. 93, 205. Reg. Sec.
Sig., vol. xviii. fol. 34.

2 Ibid.

Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxx. no. 419.
Retours.
New Stat. Ace.
Ibid.

KIXNETTES.] PAROCHIALES. 501

KINNETTES.

Kennetis l — Kynnattas2 — Kynnettis3 — Kinnettes.4 (Map, No. 20.)

THIS parish, now united to Fodderty, seems, as already stated, to have included the southern
and smaller portion of the united parish, extending either from the Pefferay or Knockfarril on
the north, and from the Craig-an-fhiach on the west, to Brahan and the river Conan on the
south and east, and thus including the small lake named Loch Usie.

There appears to be no notice of this church till the era of the Reformation. It was annexed
to the chancellary of Ross. Between 1561 and 1566 Master Duncan Chalmere was chancellor
or ' vsufructuare,' and the parsonage and vicarage of Kennetis and the rest of the fruits of
the chancellary were held in lease by Mr. David Chalmer titular and Richard Wrwing his factor.5
In 1574 Master George Monro was minister at Suddy and Kynnattas, and Alexander Bane
younger was reader at the latter.6 In 1584 King James VI. confirmed a charter by Master
Duncan Chalmer chancellor of Ross, granting with the consent of the dean and chapter to Sir
Patrick Jolmestoun vicar pensioner of Kynnettis in liferent, and to Patrick Johnestoun his natural
son and male heirs, with remainder to Patrick's brother-gcrman William Johnestoun and his male
heirs, and to their father's male heirs whomsoever, the town and lands of Kynnettis with the
parsonage tithes included, then occupied by Patrick Johnestoun.7 In 1592 the same king granted
to Master David Chalmer of Ormound the glebes and manses of the chancellary of Ros and the
vicarage of Suddie, and the glebe, nianse, and kirklands of Kynnettis with tithes included, lying
in the canonry of Ros at the kirks of Suddy and Kynnettis respectively.8 In 1655 Sir George
Mackeinzie of Tarbit was served heir male to his father Sir George in the kirklands of Kinnettes
with the teinds within the parish of Kinnettes, of the extent of 8 marks, 5 shillings and 4 pence,
which in 1681 were with the patronage of the church included in the barony of Tarbet then
confirmed by King Charles II. to the same Sir George and John Mackenzie his son.9

The church, of which the cemetery still exists, stood to the westward of Knockfarril.10

Traces of a burying-ground remain at Tollie near Brahan, and are said to mark the site of
an old parish church.11

Near Craig-an-fhiach is a well named Saint's well, and beside Knockfarril is the well of John
the Baptist.12

1 A.I). 1501 -1566. Book of Assumptions. 6 Book of A ssignations.

2 A. D. 1574. Book of Assignations. 7 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. li. fol. 89.

3 A. D. 1584. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. li. fol. 89. A. D. 9 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. iii. p. 601.

1592. Acta Parl. Scot, vol. iii. p. 601. 9 Retours. Acta Parl. Scot., vol. viii. p. 385.

4 A. D. 1655. Retours. A. D. 1681. Acta Parl. 10 New Stat. Ace. Thomson's Map.
Scot., vol. viii. p. 385. " New Stat. Ace.

' Book of Assumptions. '3 Ibid.

502

OEIGINES

[KINNETTES.

The chapel and lands of Inchrory, described under Fodderty, may have been within the
bounds of this parish.1

The whole chancellary of Ross, as given up at the Eeformation by Master David Chahner
titular of the teinds, amounted to £173, 6s. 8d.2 In 1574 Master George Monro the minister
had the whole chancellary, out of which he paid the readers at Suddy and Kynnattas each
20 marks, they having also the kirklands.3

In 1463 John of Yle, Earl of Ross and Lord of the Isles, granted to Thomas the younger of
Dingvale the lands of Vsuy in the earldom of Ross and sheriffdom of Innernys, in exchange for
the third part of Arkboll and the lands of Inchfure in the mairdom of Delny, with remainder to
his brother John of Dingvale and his heirs, and to their better and more worthy successor and
relative of the name of Dinguale ; reserving to the Earl the old mill with the usual toft and croft,
and the usual multures and sequels (except those of the town of Vsuy), and the use of the stream
descending from the lake of Vsuy, all as formerly — and reserving to Sir Thomas of Dingvale the
Earl's chamberlain the liferent of the lands of Vsuy ; for a yearly payment of 6 pennies in name
of blenchfcnne.* In 1464 the grant was confirmed by King James III.5 In 1476 that king
granted to Elizabeth Countess of Ross, the wife of John Earl of Ross and Lord of the Isles, for
her maintenance certain lands in Ross, including Park, Elodil, Ouse, and the mill and brewhouse
of Tympane, all which she had held in conjunct infeftment with her husband before his for
feiture.6 In 1477 on attaining his majority he confirmed the grant.7 In 1527 King James V.
granted to William Dingvale of Kildun various lands in Ross, including the mill of Housy with
the house and lands of the extent of 10 marks.8 In 1542 the mill of Ousse with its croft and
alehouse, and the astricted multures and suckin of Tolle and other lands, were included in a
grant by the same king to Duncan Bayne.9 In 1583 King James VI. confirmed a charter by
John Ding wall of Kildun, alienating in heritage to Colin M'Kainzie of Kintaill the lands of Lytill
Vsui and Mekill Vsui, with other lands in the earldom of Ross.10 In 1586 the same king granted
in heritage to William Keith the master of his wardrobe various lands in Ross, including Ardwaill
with the mill called Tympane Myln and multures, the alehouse of Kennetis alias Ardwell, the
lands of Park, and the lands of Vlladaill ; the grantee paying yearly for Ardwell 53s. 4d., 6 bolls
meal, 6 bolls bear, 6 bolls oats, 2 marts, 2 muttons, 6 poultry, 60 ' girthstingis,' 60 loads of fuel,
100 draughts of fuel, 8s. of bondage silver, and 40s. every 5 years as grassum — for the mill of
Ardwell or Tympane Myln with the multures, 1 chalder 2 bolls victual of the measure of Leith —
for the alehouse of Kynnettis or Ardwell 13s. 4d., and the same sum as grassum — for Park
46s. 8d., 4s. of bondage silver, 3 poultry, 40s. as grassum, and 40 loads of fuel, with the usual
services — and for Vlladaill, 40s., 8s. of bondage silver, 3 poultry, 40s. as grassum, and 40 loads
of fuel, with the usual services.11 In 1600 Duncan Bayne of Tullich was served heir to his father

See FODDERTY, pp. 498, 500.

Book of Assumptions.

Book of Assignations.

Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. vi. no. 17.

Ibid.

Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. vii. no. 371.

7 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. viii. no. 40.

8 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxi. no. 36.

» Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxviii. no. 306. Reg. Sec. Sig.,
vol. xvi. fol. 36.

lu Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 72.
11 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liv. ff. 46-48.

KISNKTTES.] PAROCHIALES. 503

Alexander in various lands, including the mill of Oussie with its croft and alehouse, and the
astricted multures and suckin of Tollie.1 In 1633 George M'Keinzie was served heir male to his
brother Colin Earl of Seaforth, Lord M'Keinzie of Kintail, in many lands in Ross, including the
lands of Meikle Usie and Litill Usie, apparently of the old extent of £2, 13s. 4d.2 In 1655 Sir
George M'Keinzie of Tarbit was served heir male to his father Sir George in the lands of Ardavell,
a half davach, of the extent of £3, 9s. 4d. and other dues — the lands and town of Ulladill, a half
davach, of the extent of £3, 16s. — and the mill called Tympane Mill, of the extent of 1 chalder
2 bolls of bear — all in the lordship of Dingwall and earldom of Ross.3

In the year 1507 John Mowat of Loscragy and Freswick granted in heritage to his brother
Alexander, with reversion to himself and his heirs, the half of the lands of Estir Dryne and Con-
taneloid in the lordship of Ros, and his tofts and crofts in the burgh of Dingwell, the grantee
giving the forinsec service due to the King, and paying yearly one penny sterling to the granter.4
In 1508 King James IV. confirmed the grant.5 In 1534 King James V. granted in heritage
to John M'Alester M'Alester of Elanterin, captain of Clanranald, and to Mariot Maccane his
wife, 10 marklands of old extent in the sheriffdom of Innernys, including the 4 marklands of
Kandinloid and Ardnequhoray, which John had resigned.6 In 1547 Queen Mary granted to
William Denowne of Petnele the nonentry and other dues of certain lands in the earldom
of Ross which were in her hands since the decease of Alexander Dunnvne of Dauidstoun,
including the half of Cultenloid and the half of Dryne.7 In 1556 Donald Donowne of Kenroy,
the son and heir of the deceased John Donowne of Dauidstoun, sold the half of the lands of
Cultaloid and Dryne to John Mackenzie of Kintaill, to whom in the same year Queen Mary
granted a crown charter of the same.8 About the year 1575 Colin M'Kenzie of Kintale granted
in liferent to Alexander Bane of Tullycht and Agnes Eraser his wife, liferenters of the lands
of Rewindoun in the barony of Beulie, and in heritage to Alexander Bane their elder son,
fear of the same lands, with remainder to other heirs of Alexander by Agnes Eraser, and to
his own heirs whomsoever, the half of the lands of Cultalode and Eister Drynie in the earldom
Ross, to be held of the King as Earl.9 In 1575 King James VI. confirmed the grant.10
In 1583 King James granted in heritage to Colin M'Kainze of Kintaill the half of the lands
of Cultelcudie and Glenskanych in the earldom of Ros, formerly belonging in heritage to
Alexander Bane the son of Alexander Bane of Tullych, and in liferent to the latter and
Agnes Eraser his wife, and with their consent resigned by their son Alexander Bane, the
grantee rendering the services formerly due.11 In 1633 George M'Kenzie was served heir male
to his brother Colin Earl of Seaforth, Lord M'Keinzie of Kintail, in a number of lands in
the earldom of Ross, including the lands of Cultealoid and Glenskeoch of the old extent of £4,
13s. 4d.12 The lands of Drynie, as before stated, lie in the parish of Dingwall. The lands of

1 Retours. ' Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. x.\i. fol. 30.

2 Ibid. e Reg. Mae. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 358. Reg. Sec. Sig.,
^ Ibid. vol. xxviii, fol. 33.

4 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xv. no. 16. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. 9 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xliii. fol. 39. 10 Ibid,

iii. fol. 193. 5 Ibid. " Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 72.

4 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. \xv. no. 141. '2 Retours.

504

ORIGINES

[CONTIX.

Contaneloid or Cultelloid were subsequently known as Culeloid, and have been modernised into
Castle Leod.

The village of Strathpeffer, famous as a watering-place, and the villages of Maryburgh and
Keithtown, appear to lie within the bounds of the parish of Kinnettes.1

On the west side of Strathpeffer is Castle Leod, a seat of the Earls of Cromertie, bearing
the date 1616.2

On the summit of Knockfarril is a vitrified wall enclosing about an acre, and connected in
tradition with the Fions or Fingalians.3 Near the same hill there is a circular hollow sur
rounded with stones, and in another part of the parish one of the same kind — both locally
termed Fairy folds.4

At Park is a circle of erect stones 15 feet in diameter, from which run eastward two rows
9 feet in length and 6 feet apart.5 It is traditionally connected with the battle of Blar-na-pairc
fought about 1480 between the Macdonalds and Mackenzies, but is evidently of much older date,
though it marks the spot.6

Near Castle Leod is a stone sculptured with the figure of an eagle and known as the Clach-
an-tiompan, supposed to mark the scene of a conflict between the Munroes and Mackenzies.7

CONTIN.

Conten 8 — Contan 9 — Contayne J ° — Qwentan (or Qweittan) l ] — Contane l " —
Cowtane13— Kirk Contain.14 (Map, No. 21.)

THIS large and mountainous parisli is about 30 miles square, and includes almost every varietv
of scenery. It is watered by Loch Fannich, Loch Luichart, Loch Rusque, and many smaller
lakes, and by the rivers Bran, Garve, llasay, Conan, Orrin, and others. It is entirely inland,
and on its western border is skirted by no fewer than five large parishes.

In the year 1227 John the vicar of Conten was present at Kenedor in Moray with others of
the clergy of Eoss at the settlement of a dispute between the bishops of Moray and Ross about
the churches of Kyntalargyn and Ardrosser.15 The Aberdeen Breviary, without giving the date,

1 New Stat. Ace. County Maps. 2 Ncw 34., t Acc

3 Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. Aoc. Miller's Scenes
and Legends. Sec Regist. Moravieuse, p. 457.

4 New Stat. Ace. 5 Ibid.
* Ibid. Anderson, p. 559. Gregory, p. 92.

7 New Stat. Ace.

9 A. I). 1227. Resist. Moraviense, p. 82.
9 A. D. 1510. Brev. Aberd. Prop. SS. pro temp,
estiv., fol. 90. A. I). 1575. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xliii.

fol. 11. A. D. 1600-1700. Macfarlane's Geog. Collect.
Circa A.D. 1040. Blaeu.
lu Circa A. D. 1535. Libellus Taxationum.

11 A. D. 1550. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiv. fol. 12.

12 A. D. 1561-66. Book of Assumptions. A. D. 1574.
Book of Assignations.

'•' A. D. 1587. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. Iv. fol. 89.

14 Circa A.D. 1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib.

15 Regist. Moraviense. p. 82.

CONTIN.] PAROCHIALES. 505

informs us that about 500 Islanders invaded Boss, set fire to the church of Saint Malrube of
Contan while the inhabitants were celebrating his anniversary (27 August or 21 April), and by
fire and sword destroyed about 100 men and women.1 The men of Eoss, we are informed by
the same authority, encouraged by the appearance of the deceased saint bearing a staif or crosier,
though inferior in numbers, attacked and defeated the Islanders, leaving scarce 30 of them alive.2
In 1529 the canons of Fearn had a yearly revenue of 8 Ibs. of wax in the town called Conten.3
In 1550 Queen Mary presented David Stewart to the rectory of the parish church of Qwentan,
vacant by the decease of a person of the surname of Fores.4 At the Reformation the parsonage
and vicarage of Contane belonged to Master Robert Burnet.5 In 1574 Donald Adamsoun was
minister of Contane and several other parishes, and the office of reader at Contane was vacant.6
In 1575 occurs the legitimation of Alexander and Robert the sons of Master Robert Burnet
rector of Contan.7 In 1587 the same Master Robert appears as vicar of Cowtane and canon
of Ross.8

The church dedicated to Saint Malrube seems to have always stood in the extreme east of the
parish on an island in the river Rasay near its confluence with the Conan.9 The date of the
present building is unknown.10 A church was built at Keanlochluichart in 1825, and another
at Strathconan in 1830.11

In Baiamund's Roll the church is rated at 53s. 4d. ; in the Libellus Taxationum it is valued at
£26, 13s. 4d.12 At the Reformation the parsonage and vicarage were let yearly for the sum of
£40.13 In 1574 the reader at Contane had for his stipend 20 marks and the kirklands.14

About the year 1309 King Robert Bruce granted the lands of Strathconan to Hugh of Ross.15
In 1538 King James V. by a letter under his privy seal declared John M'Kanze of Kintaile to
be heritable proprietor of the lands of Meyn in Strachonane, and of the lands of Eschadillis,
Innermanv, Innerquhonray, and Kinlochbanquhare, in the lordship of Ros and sheriffdom of
Innernys; and ordered his comptroller and auditors of his exchequer to ' delete and put furth'
the lands from the exchequer rolls.16 At the same time he united those lands, namely, two
marklands of Kinlochbanquhar, three marklands of Innerquhonray, three marklands of Innermany,
four marklands of Meyne in Strachonane, and four marklands of Eschadillis, to the barony of
Eleandonnan belonging to the same John M'Kanze of Kintaile.17 In 1543 Queen Mary granted
in heritage to Kenneth Mackenze, the son and apparent heir of John Mackenze of Kintaill, and
to Isabel Stewart his wife, along with lands in the lordship of Kintaill, the lands of Maneye and
Eskadillis in the lordship of Straconnan, and others, which John Mackenze had resigned.18 In
1571 Colin Makcanze of Kintaill, in fulfilment of a contract between himself on the one side

1 Brev. Aberd. Prop. SS. pro temp, estiv., fol. 90. ll Ibid. These are perhaps old church districts,

2 Ibid. 3 Balnagown Charters. though there seems to be no record or remains to
4 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiv. fol. 12. show it.

' Book of Assumptions. 6 Book of Assignations. I2 MSS. in Adv. Lib. 13 Book of Assumptions.

' Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xliii. fol. 11. " Book of Assignations. 15 Rob. Index, p. 2, no. 60.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. Iv. fol. 89. 16 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xii. fol. 21. " Ibid.
9 MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. OldStat.Acc. New Stat. 18 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxviii. no. 524. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

Ace. County Maps. "> New Stat. Ace. vol. xvii. fol. 56.

VOL. II. 3 S

506 OEIGINES [CONTIN.

and John Grant of Frewchie for himself and Barbara Grant on the other, granted to Barbara, who
was his affianced spouse, certain lands, including those of Kinlochbeancharan and Innerchonray.1
In 1572 King James VI. confirmed the grant.2 In 1574 Colin M'Keinzie of Kintaill was served
heir to Kenneth M'Keinzie his father in the four marklands of Meyncn and the four marklands
of the davach of Eschidaill, and other lands, in the barony of Ellendonane, of the old extent
of 5 marks.3 In 1633 George M'Keinzie was served heir male to his brother Colin Earl of
Seaforth, Lord M'Keinzie of Kintail, in the lands and barony of Ellendonan, including among
others the two marks of Kenlochbencharran, three marks of Innerchonran, three marks of Inner-
venane, four marks of Mainzic, and four marks of the davach of Eskidillis.4

Among the lands granted by King James III. to Elizabeth Countess of Eoss for her ho
nourable maintenance in 1476, and confirmed to her by that king in 1477, were included the
lands of Row and the lands of Cwyl.5 In 1526 the lands of Eewy extending in the King's
rental to 53s. 8d., and the lands of Achnaclcroch (or Achnacherach) extending in the same rental
to 33s. 4d., were included in the tenandry of Culmelloquhy then granted by King James V. to
Walter Innes of Tulchis.6 In a subsequent grant by the same king in 1527, given in order to
augment his rental by the sum of £6 yearly, Kewy was lot at £3, Os. 8d., and Auchnaclerauch at
40s.7 In 1528 the same king granted to Walter Innes the lands of Culcragy (apparently in
Contin), and annexed them to the tenandry of Culmaloquhy.8 In 1538 he granted to the same
Walter for five years the same tenandry, including the lands of Auchinaglerauch, the lands of
Rewey, and the lands of Culcragy.9 In 1584 King James VI. granted to Sir Andrew Keith the
lands of Auchnaclerauche, for the yearly payment of 53s. 4d., a reek hen, and 4s. of bondage
silver.10 In 1586 the same king granted in heritage to William Keith the master of his wardrobe
various lands in Eoss, including the lands of Culcragie and Eewy, the alehouse of Coull with a
croft, and the alehouse of Coull without a croft ; the grantee paying yearly for Eewy £3, 6s. 8d.,
with 8s. of bondage silver, and 1 poultry, and £3, 6s. 8d. every five years as grassum — for the
alehouse of Coull with croft 26s. 8d. and the same sum as grassum — for the alehouse without
croft 13s. 4d. and the same sum as grassum — and for Culcragie certain dues not specified, but
included in one payment with those of some other lands.11 In 1619 Colin Lord of Kintail was
served heir male to his grandfather Colin Makkeinzie of Kyntail in the lands of Auchnaelerach,
of the extent of 26s. 8d.12

In 1528 King James V. granted to John M'Kenze of Kintaill the £4 lands of Estir Hecheley
and Westir Hecheley, the 4 marklands of Cumerly, the £4 lands of Mekle Scathole, and other
lands in the earldom of Eoss, for yearly payment of £18, 13s. 4d., in order to augment his rental
by the sum of £4.13 In 1529 the same king granted to Eoderick or Eory Makkenze the two

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xl. fol. 94. 2 Ibid. ' Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxii. no. 4.

3 Rctours. 4 Ibid. 8 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxii. no. 133.

5 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. vii. no. 371 ; lib. viii. no. 40. 9 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xi. fol. 75.

See DINOWALL, pp. 488, 489. "> Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. 1. ff. 87, 88. See DING-WALL,

c Acta 1'arl. Scot., vol. ii. p. 317. Reg. Mag. Sig., p. 491.

lib. xxi. no. 7. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. vi. fol. 34; vol. " Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liv.ff. 46-48. See ALNEgs,p.474.

vii. fol. 34. See ALNESS, p. 474. 12 Retours. 13 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxii. no. 250.

KILMORACK.] PAKOCHIALES. 507

Acheleis, Cumry, the two Scatellis, and the mill of Contane, in the lordship of Ross.1 In 1584
King James VI. granted in heritage to Sir Andrew Keith the lands of Cumree and others in
Boss, the grantee paying yearly for Cumrie 53s. 4d., with 8s. of bondage silver and one reek
hen.2 In 1586 the same king granted in heritage to William Keith the master of his wardrobe
various lands, including Littill Scattoll, Kynnallan, Eister Achillie, Westir Achillie, and Mekle
Scattoll ; the grantee paying for Littill Scattoll yearly £4, with 8s. of bondage silver, one
poultry, and 3 marts, and every five years as grassum £4 — for Kynnellan, with Essy, Coull,
and the mill of the same with the multures, £15, 4s. yearly, and £23, 10s. every five years as
grassum — for Eister Achillie yearly 40s., with 4s. of bondage silver, and 2 reek hens, with the
usual services, and every five years £4 as grassum — for Wester Achillie the same — and for
Mekill Scattoll yearly £4, with 8s. of bondage silver, 1 poultry, 3 marts, and the usual services,
and every five years £4 as grassum.3 In 1619 Colin lord of Kintail was served heir male to
his grandfather Colin Makkeinzie of Kyntail in the lands of Comrie of the extent of 53s. 4d.*
In 1669 Colin Earl of Balcarras was served heir to his father Earl Alexander in the lands of
Kynellane and Oray (or Cray), and Escoule with the mill (apparently the lands described in
1586 as Kynellan, with Essy, Coull, and the mill), of the extent of £15, 4s.5

A fair is held twice a year at Contin Inn.6

At the eastern end of Loch Achilty there is a circle of stones, within which were found
some empty urns.7

Near Loch Kinellan is Blair-nan-ceann (the field of heads), a name supposed to commemorate
the same conflict as Blair-na-pairc.8 In the loch is an artificial island on which it is said that the
Seaforth family had formerly a stronghold.9

In Loch Achilty, also on an island believed to be artificial, are some ruins pointed out as once
the residence of a person known as Maclea Mor, and a vault formerly existing in the parish
church was known as Cruist Mhic Lea and said to have been the burial place of that family.10

KILMORACK.

Kilmorok11 — Kilmoricht12— Kilmorak13— Kilmarak.14 (Map, No. 22.)

THIS parish, anciently included in the earldom of Boss, and now in the county of Inverness,
consists of a well cultivated plain on the north of the river Beauly, and of an upland district
including Glenafiaric, Glencannich, Glenfarrar, and a part of Strathglass, all watered by streams

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxii. no. 234. Reg. Sec. Sig., 8 Ibid. See KINNETTES, p. 504. 9 Ibid,
vol. viii. ff. 6, 7. 10 Ibid. " A. D. 1437. Athole Charters.

2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. 1. ff. 87, 88. See DINGWALL, " A.D. 1521. Beauly Charters apud Macfarlane.

p. 491. 13 A. D. 1561-1566. Book of Assumptions. A. D.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liv. ff. 46-48. 1574. Book of Assignations. Circa A. D. 1640. MS.

4 Retours. 5 Ibid. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu.

6 New Stat. Ace. 7 Ibid. " A.D. 1573. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xli. fol. 98.

508 OKIGINES [KILMORACK.

which unite to form the Beauly. Its chief lakes, formed in the courses of those streams, are
Loch Affaric, Loch Beneiran, Loch Moyley, and Loch Monar. Tlie falls of Kilmorack and other
scenes on the Beauly are noted for their beauty.

A charter granted in 1437 by Hugh Fraser lord of Lovet to Alexander of He Earl of Ross is
witnessed by Sir John the vicar of Kilmorok.1 Robert bishop of Ross, who died in 1521,
granted to Thomas Fraser of Lovet and his heirs the lands of the Kirktoun of Kilmoricht, with
the ' craig' and fishing of that town commonly called the Ess of Kilmorichte, belonging to the
church of Kilmorichte, in the earldom of Ross — for the yearly payment of £10, 6s. Sd. Scots,
namelv, £8, 6s. 8d. for 4 barrels of salmon according to the common valuation of the yearly fish
ing called the Ess, and 40s. as the old ferme of the Kirktoun and the ' craig' — with £3 in
augmentation of the rental.2 In 1532 Hugh Fraser of Lovet as heir of Thomas petitioned
Silvester the Pope's legate for confirmation of the grant ; and the legate in compliance with his
request issued in a mandate addressed to Robert abbot of Killoss and Donald abbot of Feme,
who consequently cited all concerned to appear before them on the 28th of August of that
year in the aisle of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the cathedral church of Ross to witness the
confirmation.3 There seems to be no farther notice of this church till the Reformation, at which
time the vicar was Sir John Nicolsoun.4 In 1573 King James VI. presented Donald Dow to
the vicarage, then vacant by the resignation of the same Sir John.5 In 1574 Donald Dow was
minister of Kilmorak and several other churches, and there was no reader at Kilmorak.6

The church, dedicated apparently to Saint Moroc (who is said to have been a Culdee abbot
at Dunkeld, and was commemorated on the 8th of November) stood near the falls of Kilmorack
on the left bank of the Beauly.7 It was rebuilt in the end of the last century, apparently
on the same site.8

In 1230 the priory of Beauly (prioratui de Bello Loco, Beaulieu, Beuling, Bewlie) was founded
by Sir John Byseth (Biset, Bissate, Bisset) of Lovat for monks of the order of Vallis Caulium.'1
The terms of the foundation are said to have been — that the monks should pray for the founder
during his life; that they should receive his body when dead; and that they should com
memorate him by continual sacrifices and works of piety.10 One of the Popes named Gregory
(apparently Pope Gregory IX. who filled the chair from 1227 to 1241) confirmed and took under
his protection the property of the monks of Beauly, especially Fitheney and Karcurri and the
fishing of the Forne granted to them by John Biseth.11 Between the years 1230 and 1242
William Byseth, the brother of John, granted to the monks the church of Aberterth (Abirtarf
in the diocese of Moray).12 Between the same years Andrew (de Moravia) bishop of Moray

1 Atholc Charters. 9 Ext. e Var. Cron. Scocie, p. 93. Spotiswood's Keli-

- Beauly Charters apud Macfarlane. gious Houses. Macfarlane. Old Stat. Ace.
1 Ibid. 10 Spotiswood. Old Stat. Ace.

4 Book of Assumptions. " Beauly Charters apud Macfarlane. Spotiswood.

b Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xli. fol. 98. In Macfarlane's copy of the deed of confirmation John

6 Book of Assignations. Biseth (who died about 1268) is not said to be dead — a

7 Camerarius, p. 186. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu. circumstance which seems to assign the confirmation to
New Stat. Ace. Pope Gregory IX.

* Old Stat. Ace. 12 Beauly Charters apud Macfarlanr.

KILMOEACK.] PAKOCHIALES. 509

confirmed to the monks of Beauly (Belli Loci juxta Beaufort) the teinds of the church of Aberterf,
the churchlands of the same, and the tithe of all the salmon fishings in that parish, which were
granted to them by William Byseth.1 In 1255 Laurence the soldier (miles), the son of Patrick
the gateward (janitor) of Innernis, quitclaimed to the monks all right which he had in Bromihalw
and in the Island.2 Between the years 1275 and 1294 David of Innerlunan, with the consent of
Gillicrist Macgilliduff, quitclaimed to the monks his land of Ouchterwaddale (or Onachtervadal)
extending to half a davach, which he held in lease of Gillicrist, by whom the same land was
granted to the monks.3 In 1278 Andrew de Boseho and Elisabeth (Byseth) his wife granted to
them two marks to be yearly received at their castle of Eddyrdor from them and their heirs or
from their bailies for the time, or in their tenement of Eddirdor.4 In 1279 the prior of Beauly
was one of the sub-deputies appointed by the abbot of Der, who was commissioned by the Pope
(Nicolas III.) to settle a dispute about the kirklands of Keltalargyn between Archibald bishop of
Moray and William of Fenthon lord of Beuford.5 Subsequently to the year 1280 Cecilia Byseth,
the widow of Sir William of Fentoun, granted to the monks of Beauly her third part of Altyr
falling to her as heir.6 Apparently between 1309 and 1325 Patrick of Graham granted to the
same monks his third part of Altre in exchange for the multures of the lands of Loueth, Fyngask,
Dofnaldistun, and others — also in compensation for 40 marks due by him to them as the third of
120 marks in which the deceased Sir John Byseth (his grandfather) had bound himself and his
heirs to the fabric of Beauly — also in compensation for 25 marks in which he (Patrick of Graham)
was bound to them by occasion of the unjust detention of the multure of the said lands — and
also in compensation for 17 marks in which he was bound to them of the debt of Sir David his
father ; and, should he or his heirs recall this grant, the multures of the lands should revert to the
monks for ever.7 In 1329 William of Fenton lord of Beuford granted to them two marks yearly
from the mill of Beuford, to be paid by his bailies of Beuford or by the farmers of the mill.8 In
1340, by a charter dated apud Bellwn Locum, John called of Urchard, perpetual vicar of Abber-
therff, quitclaimed to the monks all right which he had in the tithe of the fishing of Abbertherff,
granted (or confirmed) to them by the deceased Andrew bishop of Moray.9 In 1341, 1356, and
1357 Robert prior of Beauly appears in record.10 In 1362 we have Symon prior de Bella Loco.11
Apparently between that date and 1372, and certainly between 1336 and 1372, a charter by
William Earl of Ross is witnessed by Sir Maurice prior Belli Loci.12 One of the popes named
Gregory, said to be Gregory XI., by a bull dated at Lyons on 15 March in the third year of his
pontificate, confirmed all the privileges of the monks of Beauly.13 In 1471 is recorded the death

1 Beauly Charters apud Macfarlane. Spotiswood glass (apparently the ' Island' of the above grant, and
styles the subjects of this confirmation ' their tithes and the modern ' Eilan-Aigas'). Balnagown Charters,
fishings on Spey, and the teind sheaves of the parish 3 Beauly Charters. 4 Ibid,
of Abertarf.' The deed is not recorded in the Regist. 5 Regist. Moraviense, p. 140.

Morav., from which however it would seem that Wil- 6 Beauly Charters apud Macfarlane. ~ Ibid.

Ham Byseth, whom Spotiswood styles ' knight,: was * Ibid. 9 Ibid,

parson of Kiltarlity. 10 Balnagown Charters.

2 Beauly Charters apud Macfarlane. In 1398 Alex- " Original at Floors. 12 Balnagown Charters.
ander Lesley Earl of Ross granted to Walter of Ross 13 Beauly Charters. If the Pope was Gregory XL.
lord of Raricheis the lands of Dutus Aygass in Stra- the bull was granted 15 March 1373.

510 ORIGINES [KILMORACK.

of Alexander Frisale prior of Bewly.1 In 1480 appear in record Sir John Fynla prior, and Sir
Patrick Morra and Sir John Duncan monks.2 Sir John Fynla appears to have been succeeded by
Hugh Frezel, who died extra Romanam curiam.3 In 1497 Pope Alexander VI. presented Dougald
M'Kory (Roderici) clerk to the priorate, then vacant by the death of Hugh Frezel, commanding
the bishops of Aberdeen and Eos, the official of Eos, the abbot and convent of Vallis Caulium, and
the subprior and brethren de Bella Loco or of Bculie, to receive Dougald, if qualified, as a monk,
and to induct him into the priorate, whose fruits he alleged did not exceed £40 yearly.4 Andrew
bishop of Moray was commissioned to give effect to the appointment ; and in 1501 the same pope
issued a similar mandate in Dougald's favour.5 In 1506 James Court ois (or Quartus), prior gene
ral of the order of Vallis Caulium (Val des Choux), commissioned the prior of Beuling to visit
the priory of Ardquhattan (in Argyle), which belonged to the same order.6 In the same year
(18 December) the prior general, styling himself ' brother James Courtois, prior of the monastery
of Valliscaulium, head or general of that order situated in the duchy of Burgundy near Chatillon
on the Seine,' addressed a letter to the prior of Beauly to the following effect — That on the date
of his letter a Scottish priest named William Thomson appeared in the priory of Valliscaullium, and
presented certain letters unsigned and unsealed, dated 10 November preceding, and addressed to
the prior general by the prior of Beauly ; that, whereas the latter complained that the bishop of
Eoss or his official claimed the right of visiting the monastery of Beauly, and the prior maintained
that the order was exempt from episcopal jurisdiction, which was not true, the prior general
informed him that in France the order had but thirteen small houses situated in five dioceses, and
that they were regularly visited by the bishops ; that, whereas the prior of Beauly desired an
authentic copy of the institution and confirmation of the privileges of the order, the prior
general could not then furnish it, as the original lay in their treasury at Bivion, and he on
account of the approaching feast of the Nativity (25 December) and his own ill health could
not go thither ; that he wondered how the prior could rule the priory of Beauly and its depen
dent monasteries without either coming or sending to the prior general to have institution and
confirmation of the same ; that he therefore exhorted him under the usual penalties to appear
in a chapter of the order to be held on the next feast of the Invention of the Holy Cross (3 May
1507), that he might there show him the confirmation, statutes, and privileges of the order ; that
the prior's last predecessor (Hugh Frezel) had promised that he or his procurator would appear in
the general chapter once every four years, and yet, though the prior general on account of the
distance had extended the interval to six years, neither the deceased prior, nor his procurator, nor
the present prior, nor any person for him, had appeared, with which he thought he (the prior gene
ral) should not rest satisfied ; and that moreover, although the prior's predecessor or his procurator
had promised to send salmon named from their country, or rivers, or waters, to the town of Bruges
or Valenciennes, whither the prior general had commissioned merchants to receive them and carry
them to Bivion, yet ho had never received any from the deceased prior or his procurator ; but

1 Calendar of Fearn. - Beauly Charters. 6 Ibid. The prior of this and the following notice

' Ibid. ' Ibid. 5 Ibid. must have been Dougald M'Rory.

KILMORACK.] PAEOCHIALES. 511

that, as the said William, the bearer of this letter, had assured him that the present prior was
a man of nobility, of veracity, and of good religion, he believed that during the following
summer he would do him reason not only for his predecessor but also for himself.1 In 1513
Pope Julius II. granted a bull in favour of Dougall prior of Beauly and the convent, threatening
with excommunication all who had intermeddled with their property, unless they made restitution
within a certain time.2 In 1514 the bull was published by Robert Fresel dean and official of
Boss.3 In 1529 King James V. promoted Master James Haswell, chaplain of the chapel of Saint
Margaret in the castle of Edinburgh, to the dignity of prior of Bewling.4 About the year
1530 Robert Reid abbot of Kinloss was appointed commendator of Bewlie ; in 1540 he was
made bishop of Orkney, and appears to have held those three offices till his death in 1558.5 In
1537 he received seven young men into the priory as monks, and was engaged in preparing
material for building the nave of the church.6 In 1540, on his appointment to the bishoprick
of Orkney, he went into that district, and on his return brought five young monks of Beauly
to Kynlos, and put them under the charge of John Ferrerius, whom he had brought from
France in 1528 to instruct the monks of Kynlos.7 The five monks were Sir Thomas Togny,
Sir David Dason, Sir John Crauford, Sir James Pop, and Sir Gilbert Gray.8 In 1540 the
commendator built the nave of the church at a great expense, and roofed it with oak; and
repaired the belfry which had been struck with lightning.9 The changes which arose on the
death of King James V. in 1542 interrupted the labours of Ferrerius, and having sent back
the monks to Beauly, he resolved himself to return to France.10 In 1543 Sir James Haisty a
monk of Bewlie found surety before the civil court for his appearance to answer for being art
and part in the oppression done to Master Gawin Dunbar treasurer of Ross in coming upon
him with the bishop and his accomplices in the cathedral church, in laying hands upon him,
and in cruelly wounding him to the effusion of his blood.11 In 1544 the commendator took
down the old rickety house of the prior, and built in its stead a large and elegant house with six
vaults below.12 Between 1561 and 1566 we have the following rental of the priory given
up to the collector of thirds by John abbot of Kinloss the commendator — ' The rentall of the
priorie of Bowlyne, baith of the maillis, silver, fearmis, teindis, martis, wedderis, and vtheris
dewties, as efter followis. The rentall of silver — Item in primis the silver maill of the barronie of
Bewlyne with the maynis of the samin extendis to Ixi lib. — Item the kirkis of Convith and Cumer
sould pay in silver in the yeir the sowme of xxxiii lib. — Item the kirk of Abirtarf sould pay in
silver the sowme of xlii lib. — Summa of the haill silver in maillis and teindis extendis to ic xxxvi
lib. xiii s, iiii d. ; The rentall of the victuall of the said pryorie — Item in the haill victuale of the
barronie of Bowlyne with the maynis of the samin extendis to iiii ch. victuall — Item the kirkis of
Conveith and Cummer in victuale extendis to vii ch. xi bs. — Item the twa mylnes of Bowlyne sett

1 Beauly Charters apud Macfarlane. 2 Ibid. 6 Ferrerius, p. 40.

3 Ibid. * Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. viii. fol. 29. 7 Ibid., pp. 39, 40, 43, 49. 8 Ibid., p. 49.

5 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. ix. fol. 125. Keith's Bishops. 9 Ibid., p. 48. 10 Ibid., p. 49.

Spotiswood. Ferrerii Historia Abbatum de Kynlos, " Pitcairn's Crim. Trials, vol. i. p. 328.*

p. 40. 12 Ferrerius, p. 48.

512 ORIGINES [E.ILMOKACK.

for ii ch. viii bs. meill and malt— summa of the haill victuall extendis to xiii ch. iiii bs. victuale ;
The rentall of aites— Item the haill aitis of the said baronie viii bs. ; The mairtis— Item in mairtis
x mairtis ; The muttoun— Item in wedderis xx wedderis — Item in pultrie xxi dussane ; As for the
fishing of Bowlyne it is vncertane, sumtyms les, sumtymis mair, and vther tyms verie lytill, and
thir twa yeiris bygane hes scarslie giwin ii last vi barreillis. And sua the haill priorie of Bewlyn
extendis veirlie in silver, victuale, and wedderis, aitis, mairtis, pultrie, and salmond, as efter fol-

lowis Summa of the silver ic xxxvii lib. xiii s. iiii d. — Summa of the victuall xiiii ch. iii bs.

victuale Summa of the haill aitis viii bs — Summa of mairtis x mairtis — Summa of wedderis xx

wedderis Summa of pultrie xxi dosan — Summa of salmond ii last vi b. Thir ar the thingis that

are to be deducit of the money, salmond, and victuallis, abone specifeit, pay it as efter followis —
Item in primis to be deducit be payment maid to the aucht brethir for thair habit silver, ilk bredir
havand in the yeir xl s., quhilk extendis to xvi lib. ; Item thair is to be deducit for the said viii
brethir for thair flesh and fish in the yeir, ilk brother havand for thair flesh iii d. in the day, for
thair fish ilk day ii d., extending in the yeir to xxix lib. xiiii s. viii d. ; Item for the Lordis of the
Seit contributioun yeirlie iiii lib. iiii s. ; Item Master Alexander M'Kenzie for his yeirlie pensioun
(piliilk he hes of the said pryorie and provydit thairof in Roome xiii lib. vi s. viii d. ; Item to the
otficiar of Bowlyne yeirlie for his fie quhilk he hes dureing his lyftyme xxv s. viii d. ; Item thair
is to be deducit for the said aucht bretheris drink in the yeir v xx xii bs. victuale ; Item for thair
breid in the yeir Ivii bs. iii fir. i pc. ; Item for the officiaris fie i b. ; Item thair is to be deducit for
the officiaris fie i b. ; Item thair is to be deducit for the teind fish of the kirk of Warlaw iii bs. 3
barell salmond ; Summa of the haill victuallis and salmond, deducit as is abone writtin, extendis to
Ixiiii lib. xiii s. of silver, and x ch. x bs. iii fir. i pc. victuale, iii bs. 3 b. salmond ; And sua restis
to the prior Ixxii lib. xvi d., iii ch. viii bs. iii pcs. victuale, and of salmond ii last ii b. ^ b. salmond.
Memorandum that the kirk of Conveith was wont to pay for the vicarage thairof the sowme of
xxvii lib. xiii s. iiii d., and now gettis na payment of the samin. I Jo. abbot of Kinloss

Memorandum to tak the salmond the thrid, not as it is rentallit, bot as it givis,

for this rentall is manchlitt Eemember, my lord comptrollar, and speir the rentall

of thir twa, Kinlos and Bewlyne, for they are suspitious anent the fishing.'1 In 15G8 Walter
abbot of Kinloss and prior of Bewlie leased for 19 years to John Clerk in Bewlie, and, he failing,
to Alexander Clerk his lawful son, and to their heirs of no higher degree than themselves, the
eighteenth part of the town and lands of Eeyndoun in the barony and priory of Bewlie and
sheriffdom of Innernes, with the ' pateland ' called John Clerk's land, lying ' betwix our said
abbaye and place of Bewlie betwix the twa getis eist and west, ascendant up fra the croft
eallit Alexander Wrichtis croft to the get passand cist and west throch the Cuthill, as the
said auchtant part and pateland eallit John Wrichtis (Clerkis ?) land lyis in lenth and braid,'
then and long before occupied by John Clerk, together with the kilnhouse, barn, tofts, wastes,
and buildings, used and wont, with power to brew and sell the malt made from corn grown
by themselves, provided they did so without prejudice to the principal alehouse of the priory —

1 Book of Assumptions.

KILMORACK.] PAEOCHIALES. 513

the grantees paying yearly for Reyndoun 12s. 6d. Scots, 2 bolls 2 pecks of forme, one firlot
of oats, one-fourth of a mart, three-fourths of a mutton, 6 poultry, one kid, and 24 eggs valued
at a penny ; and for the ' pateland ' called John Clerk's land £4 Scots, a dozen of poultry,

' ane to the water,' and a hook (a reaper) in harvest ; extending in all to £4, 12s. 6d.

Scots — the lease to be void if the dues should remain unpaid for two successive terms.1 The
lease is subscribed by abbot Walter, brother John Crawfurde, James Rox, Sir Thomas Taynara
monk, and George Moray.2 In 1573 King James VI. appointed Master John Fraser prior and
commendator of Bewlie, the priorato being vacant by the resignation of Walter abbot of Kinlos.3
One of those two priors (it does not appear which) granted to Hew Lord Fraser of Lovat and his
heirs male the barony, towns, and lands of Bewlie, namely, the village and lands of Ardingrosk ;
Rewindoun ; Incherorie ; Alter ; Craigscorie ; Plathaycht ; Grome ; Ferinelie with the forests
and woods ; Thaynok with the pendicles, namely, Ouircroarss, the Relict, and Grenefauld, with
the cottage of the same ; the lands of Vrquhany with the woods ; the lands called the Half
Dawaucht ; the lands of Boycht, Couharbrie ; a third of the lands of Mekle Culmulang ; a third
of Eister Glen of Conveth, and a fourth of the lands of Faynblair ; Fcrriehous with its croft ;
Ainocht; Auldtoun called the common pasture; Thacfrische with the cottage; the lands called
Masounland; the lands called John Cuikis land; a croft called M'Hucheonis croft and common
cottage; the lands called the mains of Bewlie, with the yards and orchards belonging to the
priory, and the pertinents and crofts of the said lands and lordships ; a croft called Dean James
Papis croft ; a croft called Merschellis croft ; a croft called M'Alesteris croft, then occupied by
David Lowsoun ; and also two mills called Thaynok and Bewlie mills, with the thirled multures
of the whole barony of Bewlie and of all the lands above written with their sequels ; and also
the whole salmon fishing on the water of Forne, marching from Cairncot to the sea or to any
other part on the said water among Hew Lord Fraser's fishings of Kilmarok, with the cruves
and other commodities ; within the priory of Bewlie and sheriffdom of Innernes — for the yearly
payment of £211, 15s.4 In 1579 King James VI. confirmed the grant, with a special clause
confirming the yearly payment, and appointing the third of the rental of the fishings to be paid
according thereto.5 In 1584 the same king, for the good service done by the deceased Hew
Lord Fraser of Lovat, and his son and heir Syrnon then Lord Fraser of Lovat, confirmed the
prior's grant, the seisin given to Hew Lord Fraser, the seisin given to Symon as his son and heir,
and the King's own charter of 1579, and specially that clause of it relating to the yearly pay
ment and the collection of the third.6 An entry in the records of the Scotch parliament, dated
1612, is as follows — ' Ratification to the Lord Hay of Sala of his erection of Beaulie.'7 The
remains of the priory church, consisting chiefly of bare walls without sculpture or ornament, are
still to be seen near the mouth of the Beauly in the east end of the parish.8 Within it are
numerous tombstones and monuments, apparently of the Bissets and other early lords of Beauly,

1 Beauly Charters apud Macfarlane. 4 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. iii. p. 357.

2 Ibid. 6 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. iii. pp. 356, 357.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xli. fol. 43. * Acta Parl. Scot., vol. iv. p. 522.

* Spotiswood. Acta Parl. Scot, vol. iii. pp. 356, 357. B Anderson, p. 530. New Stat. Ace.

VOL. II. 3 T

514 OKIGINES [KILMOHACK.

and also of the later proprietors the Frasers, the clan Chisholm, and others ; and among the rest
is the tombstone of Sir Kenneth MacKenzie of Kintail dated 1493.1 At Wellhouse in the neigh
bourhood was a consecrated spring, and also a lofty cross, the shaft of which is still to be seen at
the modern village of Beauly.2 In the end of last century Beauly was locally known as Vanechan
(the land of the monks), and the river as Avin-na-manich (the river of the monks).3

At the Information the vicarage of Kilmorak was given by Sir Alexander Pedder, in name
of the vicar Sir John Nicolsoun, as having yielded when leased the sum of £26, 13s. 4d.,
' quhen teindis and oblatiounis was payit.'4 We have another statement by Master Henry
Kinros, who says that ' the vicarage of Kilmorak gaif of auld xx lib. in assedatioun, and now
nothing payit thir tua yeiris quhill vniversall ordour be tane.'5

In the Libellus Taxationum the priory of Beuling is valued at 400 marks ; and in the
Taxatio Sec. xvi. it is rated at £62.c

Before the thirteenth century the lands of Herkele (Erchless) and of Cumber (Comer), each
extending to a davach, formed part of the old parish of Conveth (or Conway) in the diocese of
Moray, the church of which then belonged to the bishop.7 In the end of the twelfth or beginning
of the thirteenth century the lauds of the parish were granted in fee to John Byseth (of Lovat).8
Between 1203 and 1222 Bricius bishop of Moray had a controversy with John Byseth respecting
the patronage of the churches of Coneway and Dulbatelauch (now Kirkhill), and the tithes of
the crown rents due from the lands.9 It was settled by John Byseth on the one hand resigning
to the bishop the patronage and ecclesiastical dues of Dulbatelauch, and the bishop on the other
resigning to him the patronage and dues of Coneway, with the exception of 20s. yearly retained
by the bishop as the tithe of £10 paid yearly by John Byseth to the King for the lands which
he held at forme within those parishes.10 In 1258 a controversy arose between Archibald bishop
of Moray and the same John Byseth, the former maintaining that a davach of the churchland of
Cuneway and another davach in Eos called Herchelys belonged to his table, and the latter that
they belonged to his fief of the Ard — the bishop moreover claiming from John Byseth the ' cane '
of his land of the Ard and a stone of wax, which he alleged were wont to be paid to himself
and his predecessors for a long period.11 Robert bishop of Boss and his dean being appointed
arbiters in the matter by the Pope (Alexander IV.), the bishop of Moray renounced his claim,
and John Byseth of his more good will granted to him for ever a yearly revenue of 60 shillings
sterling from the lands of Munychoc in the Ard.1- John Bisset left three daughters, Mary
(married to Sir David Graham, and afterwards, it is said, to Simon Eraser of Lovat), Cecilia
(married to Sir William of Fenton), and Elizabeth (married to Sir Andrew de Bosco), each
of whom seems to have inherited a third of their father's property.13 The lands of the Ard,
including Erchless, \vere probably held by Steuene of Arde (how acquired is unknown), whose

1 Anderson, p. 535. New Stat. Ace. 9 Ibid. '» Ibid. pp. 15, 16, 59, 60.

2 Anderson, p. 535. " Keg. Moray., pp. 133, 134. 12 Ibid.

3 Letter of Rev. John M'Queen to General Hutton, u The Familyof Kilravock, pp. 27-29. Shaw's Moray.
1789. 4 Book of Assumptions. Beauly Charters apurfMacfarlane. Regist. Moraviense,

•• Ibid. 6 MSS. in Adv. Lib. pp. 367, 368. Others say that Simon Fraser married

7 Regist. Moraviense, pp. 15, 5U. 8 Ibid. the daughter of Mary Bisset.

KILMORACK.J PAROCHIALES. 515

son William, designated of the county of Innernesse, swore fealty to King Edward I. in 1296 ;
and also by Sir Cristin of Ard, who appears in record from that year to 1366, and whose son
John appears between 1296 and 1325.1 In 1309 King Robert Bruce granted to Hugh of Ross
the lands of Straglass (probably including Erchless).2 Weland of Ard (of what descent does
not appear) married Matilda, the only daughter of Malise Earl of Stratherne by his first wife
Matilda the daughter of the Earl of Menteth.3 Their son Alexander of Ard inherited in right
of his mother the earldoms of Stratherne and Caithness, and lands in Banff, Sutherland, and
Orkney, all which he resigned apparently between the years 1375 and 1377.* He appears to
have previously resigned the lands of the Ard, and died without issue.5 About 20 years before
his resignation of the other lands the three portioners of the Ard were William of Fenton
lord of Bewfourd, Hugh Eraser Lord of Loveth, and Alexander of Chesolme.6 In the year
1368, on the feast of the Blessed Trinity, in the chamber of Alexander bishop of Moray at
Spyny, in the presence of the whole multitude of canons and chaplains and others invited
thither to dinner, Alexander of Chesolme portioner of the Ard with joined hands and
uncovered head did homage to the bishop for the lands of the Ess and of Kyntallirgy.7
Between the years 1360 and 1398 there appear in record John of the Ard subchanter
of Moray, William of Chesholme treasurer, and Thomas of Chesholm, a person of some
consequence at the time, all by birth apparently connected with the families of the
Ard.8 In 1394, in an agreement made between Thomas of Dunbar Earl of Moray and
Alexander of the Isles lord of Lochalse, by which it was settled that Alexander of the Isles
should have the custody of all the lands of the regality of Moray and the ecclesiastical lands,
there were excepted the lands of Hugh Fraser, Thomas of Cheshelme, and Sir William of
Fodrynham (apparently the portioners of the Ard) ; among whom there was a certain agreement
concerning their lands.9 In 1398 there occurs in record John of Cheshelm of the Arde.10 In
1401, by an indenture dated at Dvnbathlach between Margaret of the Ard lady of that Ilk and
Angus the son of Goffred of He, it was agreed that Angus should marry Margaret the Young
the daughter of the lady Margaret of the Ard, with whom he should have from her mother 15
marklands, namely, the davach of Croychel and the half davach of Comyr Kynbady, within the
bounds of Strathglas, to be held by Angus and his heirs by Margaret — that, should Margaret

1 Ragman Rolls, p. 161. Palg. Illust. vol. i. p. 314. mentioned in the succeeding note, but it is not cer-
Rob. Index, p. 16, nn. 11, 12; p. 20, no. 5. Regis- tainly known how he inherited the lands of tbe Ard.
trum de Aberbrothoc, vol. i. pp. 305-307 ; vol. ii. pp. 8 Regist. Moray., pp. 130, 174, 180-183, 202, 203,
4, 5. Regist. Morav., pp. 306, 317. Beauly Charters. 213, 304, 324, 326-8, 354. At the same period Sir

2 Rob. Index, p. 2, no. 60. Robert of Chishelme of that Ilk, lord of Quarelwode

3 Lib. Ins. Missarum, p. liv. in Moray, held lands of the bishop to the south of In-

4 Ibid. Rob. Index, p. 120, nn. 45, 46, 59, 60 ; p. 129, verness. Ibid. p. 197. Rob. Index, p. 134, no. 39.

nn. 27, 28. 9 Regist. Morav., p. 354. Thomas Earl of Dunbar

5 Lib. Ins. Missarum, p. liv. Regist. Morav., p. 369. (in 1420) is said to have granted to Hugh Lord Lovat,

6 Regist. Moraviense, pp. 367-309. who married his daughter, the superiority of the ' Braes

7 Regist. Morav. p. 369. This Alexander is supposed of the Aird,' which belonged of old to Alexander of
to have been the husband of Margaret of the Ard Chesholm lord of Kinrossie. MS. cited in letter to
afterwards mentioned. He appears to have been the Editor by E. Batten.

son or grandson of Sir Robert Chesholm of Quarelwode 10 Reg. Morav., p. 211.

516 ORIGINES [KILMORACK.

die without heirs, the half of those lands and the half of the goods then jointly possessed by
Angus and his wife should revert to the lady Margaret and her heirs, the other half to remain
with Angus for life — that after his death the whole should freely revert to the lady Margaret
and her sons for recovery of the davach of Brebach Carynnes and Innvyrnavyr in Strathnavyr,
the two Gartyis in the earldom of Suthyrland, and Larnyse in the earldom of Caithness — and
that, in so far as the lady Margaret and her sons might recover the said lands through the
advice, assistance, and power of Angus, he and his heirs by her daughter Margaret should have
the fourth part of the recovered lands, and the other three-fourths should remain with the
lady Margaret and her sons ; the entry of Angus to be at the feast of Pentecost following, so
that the fermes of that term should remain with the lady Margaret, and that the lands should
thenceforth be at the will of Angus.1 In 1403, by an indenture dated at Kinrossy in the barony
of Cullace (in Perthshire) between William of Fentoun of Baky on the one side and Margaret
of the Ard of Ercles and Thomas of Cheisholm her son and heir on the other, dividing between
them the lands of which they were heirs portioners, and which lay in the sheriffdoms of Perth,
Forfar, Lanark, Aberdeen, and Inverness, it was agreed that the lands of the Ard should stand
divided as of old.2 Between the years 1406 and 1415 the agreement was confirmed by Eobert
Duke of Albany Eegent of Scotland.3 Between 1406 and 1410 the Regent granted the lands
of Straglashe to Eupham Leslie Countess of Boss, with remainder to John Stewart Earl of
Buchan and to Robert Stewart his brother, and they failing the lands were to revert to the crown.4
In 1464 John of Halyburtoun of the Arde or of Kynrossy was prosecuted by the abbot of
Abirbrothoc for alienating the lands of Bucht which he held of the abbot.5 In the year 1492
Alexander and William of Cheshelm appear among the arbiters in a dispute between Andrew
bishop of Moray and Hugh Ros baron of Kilravok.6 In 1512 King James IV. granted in
heritage to James Haliburtoun of Gask certain lands in the barony of Ard and sheriffdom
of Innernys, and the lands of the two Arcles in the earldom of Ross, which he had resigned —
and erected into the free barony of Arcles the same lands, together with the lands of Kirk-
toun and Inglistouu in the barony of Ard, and the lands of Westir Strus, Estir Strus,
Culguyry, Estir Croychcll, Westir Croychell, Westir Comyr, Kilbaddy, and Dalheny, with the
fishings and outsets of the same, lying in Strathglasch, in the earldom of Ross, and in the
sheriffdom of Innernys, which formerly belonged to James Haliburtoun in heritage, and after
alienation by him had been redeemed — granting to him all the King's right and title to the
lands and their fermes, which he had by reason of the forfeiture of the Earls of Moray or of
Ross, of whom they were formerly held.7 In 1513 the same king confirmed the indenture of
1403.8 In 1529 James Haliburtoun of Gask resigned the lands granted to him in 1512, which
King James V. then granted in heritage to Hugh Fraser of Lovat.9 In 1539 King James

1 Lib. Ins. Missarum. pp. 1., li. Pitsligo Charters. 6 Reg. Mor., pp. 237-239, 241, 243, 244.

2 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xviii. no. 138. Rob. Index, p. 7 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xviii. no. 53. Reg. Sec. Sig..
167, no. 21. 3 Rol). lnaeX) p. 167, no. 21. vol. iv. fol. 185.

1 Rob. Index, p. 161, no. 7. 8 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xviii. no. 138.

* Regist. de Aberbrothoc, vol. ii. pp. 138-140. 9 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxii. no. 272.

KILMOBACK.] PAROCHIALES. 517

granted to Hugh Lord Frasare of Lovet and his male heirs of the name and arms of Frasere,
with remainder to his heirs whomsoever, the lands and baronies of Lovet, Strathawrick, Ard,
Abirtarff, Hereiclis or Straglass, the fishings in the water of Forne, the lands of Comerkle in
the barony of the Ard, and other lands in the sherifldom of Innernys — the lands of Comerkle
and some others having been apprised in the hands of King James IV. for certain sums of money
due to him by the deceased Thomas Lord Lovet, and the rest resigned by Hugh — and the whole
were then erected into the free barony of Lovet.1

In 1500 Welland Chesholme of Comar appears as party in a raid against the lands of Ardma-
nach and the Redecastell.2 In 1513 King James IV. granted in heritage to Wiland Chesholm of
Comyr the lands of Knockfyn, Commyrmor, the two Inverchaynayas, and the two Brekachyis, in
Straglasch in the earldom of Ross, which Wiland had resigned to the King as Earl.3 In 1539
King James V. granted in heritage to John Chesholme, the son and apparent heir of Wiland
Chesholme of Comyr, the lands of Knokfyn, Comermore, the two Innerchannais, and the two
Brakachies, with the outsets and the forests of Affrik, Cullove, and Bramulich, in Straglasche in
the earldom of Ross, which formerly belonged to Wiland Chesholme, and were apprised in the
hands of King James IV. for certain sums of money due to him by Wiland, and which King
James V. then united into the barony of Comermore.4 In 1555 Queen Mary granted to John
Earl of Suthirland the lands of Comyr Straglasche and all others belonging to the deceased John
Cheisholme of Comyr, in her hands since his decease.5 In 1577 King James VI. confirmed a
grant in liferent by Alexander Chisholme of Comber to Jonet M'Kenze the sister german of Colin
M'Kenze of Kintaill, of the lands and mill of Brakeches in the earldom of Ross, to be held of the
crown.6 In 1584 appear in record Alexander Cheisholme of Cwmer and Wiland (Vallanus)
Cheisholme his youngest son.7 In 1590 John Chisholm was served heir to his father Alexander
Chisholme of Commirmore in the lands of Knokfyne, Commirtnore, the two Innerchannais with
the mill, Brakacheis, the woods and forest of Auffrage, Cawlloue, and Bramaleche, extending
to three davachs, united into the barony of Commermoir, lying in Strathglass, in the earldom
of Ross, and, excepting the lands of Wester Innerchannay with the mill, and the lands of
Comirmoir, of the old extent of £4.8

There seems to have been a town or village at Beauly in 1562.9 There is a modem village
in the neighbourhood, but apparently not on the same site.10

Fairs are held at Beauly in May, August, October, and November.11 The Muir of Ord
Market is held on the third Wednesday of April, on the second Wednesday of May, on the
third Wednesday of June, on the third Tuesday of July, on the third Tuesday of August, on
the third Tuesday of September, on the third Tuesday of October, and on the second Wednesday
of November.12

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxvi. no. 244. 6 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xliv. fol. 50.

a Kilravock Charters. 7 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. li. fol. 40.

3 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xix. no. 3. 8 Retours.

* Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxvii. no. 14. Reg. Sec. Sig., 9 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxi. fol. 481.
vol. xii. fol. 82. 10 New Stat. Ace. Anderson, p. 531.

5 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxvii. fol. 103. u New Stat. Ace. 12 Ibid.

518 ORIGINES [URRAY.

Erchless Castle, the seat of the Chisholms, built between 1594 and 1610, lies on the Beauly,
where its stream is formed by the union of the Glass and the Farrar, about five miles above
Kilmorack, and near an eminence the site of an older building and now enclosed as a family
cemetery.1

On the Muir of Ord are two upright stones, 6 feet high, said to commemorate some feat
of warfare.2

In different parts of the parish are the sites or remains of cairns, and the ruins of small hill forts.3

URRAY.

Vrray4 — Wrray, Vim-ay3 — Urray.6 (Map, No. 23.)

THIS parish, now united with Kilchrist (or Tarradale) is chiefly a well cultivated plain with
patches of wood and moor interspersed, stretching from east to west along the banks of the
rivers Conan and Orriu, which meet about its centre." It includes also a davach of land in
Strathconan, distant about 10 miles from the rest of the parish.8

The church of Urrav was the prebend of the subchanter of Ross, and was from 1541 to 1561
or longer held by Master David Haliburtoun.9 In 1546 Queen Mary presented Donald Symsoun
to the vicarage of Vrray, when it should be vacant by the demission or decease of Sir Alexander
Gray, collation to the benefice during the vacancy of the see belonging to the cardinal of Saint
Andrews.10 In 1548 the same queen presented Sir Andrew Dow chaplain to the vicarage, vacant
or when vacant bv the resignation of Master John Carncors precentor of Ross, collation in this
case (the see being still vacant) belonging to Master Kentigern Monypenny dean and vicar
general of Ross.11 At the Reformation the vicar was Sir Alexander Peddir, who in the rental of
the assumption of thirds (1561-1566) is stated to have been vicar ' the space of thir four yeiris
bygane or thairby.'12 In 1569 (11 October) King James VI. presented Alexander Greirsoun to
the vicarage of Vrray, vacant by the decease of Sir Alexander Pedder.13 In the same year (13
December) he presented to the vicarage, vacant by the decease of the same Alexander, Donald
Adamsoun exhorter at the kirks of Dingwell and Vrray.14 In 1573 the same king presented
Donald Adamesoun minister at Vrray to the parsonage of Vrray, ' quhilk is the subchanterie of
Ros, quhilk pertenit of befoir to Mr. Dauid Halyburtoun provest of Methven, and throw his inobe-
dience and nocht geving of his assent and subscribing the actis of religioun contenit in the actis

1 Anderson's Guide, p. 535. County Maps. Paper 1574. Book of Assignations. A. D. 1576. Ibid. A. D.

in Inverness Courier, 6 September 1849. 1600-1700. Macfarlane's Geog. Collect.

3 New Slat. Ace. 3 Old Stat. Ace. " Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace. County Maps.

' A. D. 1546. Reg. See. Sig., vol. xix. fol. 65. A. D. f Old and New Stat. Ace.

1548. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxi. fol. 75. A. D. 1561- 9 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxvii. no. 159. Book of A»-

1566. Book of Assumptions. A. D. 1569. Reg. Sec. sumptions. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xli. foL 107.

Sig., vol. xxxviii. fol. 96. A. D. 1573. Reg. Sec. Sig.. I0 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. six. fol. 65.

vol. xli. fol. 107. A. D. 1579. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvL « Reg. Sec. Sig.. vol. xxi. fol. 75.

fol. 62. 5 A. D. 1561-1566. Book of Assumption?. >- Book of Assumptions.

6 Circa A. D. 1569. Register of Ministers. A. D. 13 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxviii. fol. 96. " IbiJ.

PAROCHIALES. r-19

of parliament, and for Don-geving of his aith for acknawleging of oure Souerane Lord and his
authoritie and dew obedience, and for not bringing of ane testimonial! in writ thairvpoun and not
raiding of the same oppinlie on sum Sonday in tyme of publict prayeris or sermon in the kirkis of
the said subchanterie, and nocht geving of his aith of new agane in the saidis kirkis within the
tvme prefisit in the act of parliament, is now vacand ipto facto and beeum in oure Souerane
Lordis handis.'1 In 1574 Donald Adamsoun (the presentee of the former year) was minister at
Urray, Contane. Kirkchrist, and Foddertie, and Angus M'Xeill M'Kenzie was reader at Urray.2
In 1-579 King James VL presented William Kitchie to the vicarage of Vrray, then vacant by the
demission of Donald Adan>esoun.s

The church, apparently built about the year 1 780. stands near the confluence of the Conan and
the Orrin (styled by Blaeu Avon Forbarin), but, from the frequent shifting of the bed of the latter.
probably not on the original site.4

On a hillock among the woods of Conanhouse. at one time an island in the river, are a
ruined chapel and its cemetery. s

In Baiamund the subchantry of Ross is taxed at £4 ; in the Libellus Taxationum it is valued
at £40.* At the Reformation the rental of the parsonage of Vrray, presented by Mr John
Dumbar, was in effect as follows — The teinds of Brain extending yearly to 20 marks : Rmgis
Vrray 11 marks; Arckyne 26 marks: Eistir Farbrowne 5 marks: Andirquhenren 40s.: Kill-
quhilliedrum 7 marks ; Mekill Moy with Murdoch M^Cerme's feu lands £50 ; in all £102, 13s. 4d.:
At the same date Sir Alexander Peddir the vicar states that the vicarage * was quhen guid pay
ment was maid worth yeirlie xx lib., and now nothing gottin thir thrie yeiris."8 Between 1569
and 1573 Donald Adamsone exhorter had as his stipend £4-0 (apparently the parsonage'), and
£8, 7s. Id. the amount of the vicanure.9 In 1574 and 1576 the same Donald Adamsoun as
minister had for his stipend £102, 13s, 4d.. the kirklands, and apparently other perquisites, and
the reader had yearly £16. lf

In the year 1370 William Earl of Boss granted to William of Ross, the son and heir of the
deceased Hugh of Boss, the half davach of Moy in the mairdom (maragium) of Strapeffer.11
Among the lands granted bv Kine James EH. to Elizabeth Countess of Ross in 1476. and con
firmed to her by that kinsr in 1477. were included Owra, Ballibrahede, Hileuldrum, Ballingovne.
and Balliblare.1J In the tenandry of Culmelloquhy. granted by King James V. to Walter Innes
of Tulchis in 1526 and 1527, were included the mill of Kilquhillodrum with its land and houses.
and the lands of Ord, extending respectively in the king's rental to £3 and 26s. 8d.. the respec
tive yearly payments according to the grant of 1527 being £4, 6s. Sd, and 40s.1" In the latter

: Reg. See. Sig., voL ill. foL 107. E MSS. in Adv. Lib.

1 Book of Assignations. " Book of Assumptions. f Ibid.

s Reg. Sec. Sig., voL ilvi. foL 62. ! Register of Ministers.

4 Maffarlane. Old StaL Ace. New Stat Ace. !" Book of Assignations. :: Balnapown Charters.
Gouty Maps. - Reg. Mag. Sig.. lib. vii DO. 371 : lib. viii. no. 40.

5 My Scnools and Schoolmasters, p. 187. About Se* DISGWALL. pp. 488. 489.

tie year 1821 the font of the chapel remained, and ls R*g. Mag. Sig.. lib. ni. no. 7 : lib. jmi. no. 4. Reg.
•was connected with a curious local tradition. Ibid. Sec. Sig., voL vt foL 34 ; voL vii. fol. 34. Acta Parl.
pp. 1JM, 195. Scot.. voL ii. p. 317. See ALKESS. p. 474.

520 ORIGINES [URBAY.

year the same king granted to William Dingvale of Kildun the lands of Westir Ferburn and
Middill Ferburn, extending in the King's rental to 10 marks, and the fishing of the Esche of
Balbrait extending to 2 marks, included in the same grant with other lands extending in all to
£23, 13s. 4d., 4 bolls victual, and a mart.1 In 1528 King James V. granted to Walter Innes of
Towchis the lands of Culcragy and Kirkfarbarne in the earldom of Eoss, and annexed them to
the tcnandry of Culmaloquhy.2 In the same year he granted to John M'Kinze of Kintaill the
£4 land of Killequhildrum, and to William M'Culloch the lands of Mekill Moy, the latter grantee
paying yearly 10 marks 8 shillings, 8 bolls of bear, 8 bolls of meal, 8 bolls of oats, 2 marts, and

2 muttons, to augment the King's rental by 13s. 4d. in ferme and grassum.3 In 1538 the King
granted to Walter Innes for five years the lands of Fairburnegleis, Ord, and the mill and alehouse
of Kilquhilladrum, with other lands.4 In 1542 (1 April) he granted in heritage to his servitor
Murdoch M'Kenzc the lands of Ferbrune, extending yearly in his rental, in ferme, grassum, bon
dage silver, and other profits, to £5, 16s. and one reek hen — the lands of Kirkferbrune or
Ferbrune-ne-egles, extending to £3, 8s. and a reek hen — the lands of Auchnasoill, extending to
£3, 5s. 4d., 3 bolls of meal, 3 bolls of oats, a mart, a mutton, and 4 reek hens — the lands of
Ballabraid, extending to £6, 4s. 4d. and 8 reek hens — and the fishing of Ballabraid called the
Ess, extending to £3, 4s. Scots — the grantee paying yearly for the whole £23, 11s. 4d., 3 bolls
of bear, 3 bolls of meal, 3 bolls of oats, or 6s. 8d. for each boll, a mart or 2 marks, a mutton or

3 shillings, and 14 reek hens or 4d. for each, in order to augment the King's rental by 13s. 4d.5
In the same year (28 July) King James granted to the same Murdoch the lands of Myd Fair-
brone, Kirk Fairbrone alias Eglis, Auclmasowle, Ballabraid, the fishing of Ballabraid called the
Ess, and the lands of Moymoir, for the yearly payment of £30, 17s. 4d., 9 bolls of bear, 9 bolls
of oat meal, 9 bolls of oats, 3 muttons, 3 marts, and 23 reek hens, to augment his rental by the
sum of 26s. 8d.6 In 1549 Queen Mary granted to Murdach M'Kenze of Farebren and Meriobel
Vrquhart his wife the lands of Ballevrayd of the new extent of £8, and the 40 shilling lands
of Moy, in the earldom of Ross, which Murdach had resigned.7 In 1555 Murdoch M'Kenze of
Farabren witnesses a charter of Thomas Dingwell of Kildun.8 In 1584 King James VI. granted
in heritage to Sir Andrew Keith certain lands, including those of Wester Fairbarne and Arcon ;
the grantee paying yearly for Wester Fairbarne £4, 10s. with 8 shillings of bondage silver and
one reek hen — and for Arcon £4, 4s. 4d., 12 bolls of bear, 12 bolls of oatmeal, 6 bolls of oats, 2
marts, 2 muttons, 8s. of bondage silver, 8 reek hens, 2 loads of fir, 60 ' girthstingis,' 60 loads
of turfs or peats, vulgo ' fewall,' as good and sufficient as in Ardmannoch, and 100 draughts
of the said fuel.9 In the same year King James confirmed a charter of John bishop of Ross,
granting to Alexander Baync of Tullich and Agnes Fraser his wife, and to their heirs born

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxi. no. 36. Reg. Sec. Sig., 5 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxviii. no. 174. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

vol. vi. fol. 53 ; vol. vii. fol. 57. vol. xv. fol. 100.

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxii. no. 133. See ALNESS, 6 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxviii. no. 289. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

p. 474. vol. xvi. fol. 36. 7 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxii. fol. 72.

3 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxii. un. 249, 250. Reg. Sec. * Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 269.

Sig., vol. viii. foL 14. » Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. 1. ff. 87, 88. See DINOWALL,

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xi. fol. 75. p. 491.

URRAY.] PAROCHIALES. 521

between them, with remainder to Alexander's heirs whomsoever, the lands of Vrray, extending to
a quarter davach, then in Alexander's hands ; and also a charter by the same bishop, granting to
Alexander M'Culloch of Stronnomadie for life, and to William M'Culloch his first-born son and his
heirs male, with remainder to his second son Duncan and his heirs male, his third son Alexander
and his heirs male, his fourth son (unnamed) and his heirs male, and to the male heirs whomso
ever of the elder Alexander, the lands of Litill Moy, extending to the fourth of a davach, then
occupied by Alexander, with the salmon fishing on the water of Connan belonging to the lands,
if any.1 In 1586 the same king granted in heritage to William Keith the master of his wardrobe,
for his good service and other causes, certain lands in Eoss, including Vrra, Kilquhillardrum,
Ord with the mill and alehouse of Bawblair, Balnagoun, and others ; the grantee paying
yearly for Vrra 40s., with 4s. of bondage silver, and 4 poultry, and every five years £4 as grassum
— for Kilquhillardrum £6, with 8s. of bondage silver, a reek hen, and £6 as grassum — for Ord
40s., with 4s. of bondage silver, 8 poultry, 26s. 8d. grassum, and the usual services — for the mill
of Kilquhillardrum with the multures, 2 chalders victual half bear half meal, and for the alehouse
40s., with the same sum as grassum — for Bawblair 40s., with 2s. of bondage silver, one poultry,
40s. of grassum, and the usual services — and for Balnagown 46s. 8d., with 4s. of bondage silver,
2 reek hens, 46s. 8d. grassum, and the usual services.2 In 1590 Alexander M'Kenzie was served
heir to his father Murdoc M'Kenze of Ferbrone in the lands of Mid Ferbrone of the extent of
£5, 16s. feuferme, the lands of Kyrk Ferbrone alias Eglis of the extent of £3 and other dues, the
lands of Auchinsaull of the extent of £3, 5s. 4d. feuferme, the lands of Ballebraid of the extent of
£7, 4s. feuferme, the fishing of Ballebraid called the Es of the extent of £3, 4s. feuferme, and
the lands of Moymoir of the extent of £6, 13s. 4d.3 In 1619 Colin lord of Kintail was served
heir male to his grandfather Colin Makkeinzie of Kyntail in the lordship and barony of Dinguall,
including the lands of Wester Fairbrune of the extent of £4, 13s. and other dues, and the lands
of Arcon of the extent of £4, 4s. 4d.4

In 1526 King James V. granted to his familiar servitor Eobert Gib the lands of Branmore
in the lordship of Ros, extending in the King's rental to £6 yearly, for the yearly payment of
10 marks.5 In 1538 he granted to the same Robert the same lands, extending yearly to 10
marks 10 shillings and 8 pence, for the yearly payment of 10 marks 17 shillings in augmentation
of his rental by 6s. 4d.6 In 1541 the same king granted to John M'Kenze of Kintale the lands
of Mekill Brawane, extending yearly to £6 in the King's rental, and in grassum and other dues
to 24 shillings, for the yearly payment of £8 Scots in augmentation of the rental by 16 shillings.7
In 1542 he granted to Duncan Bayne the lands of Tulche and others, with the astricted multures
and suckin of certain other lands including Brawane.8 In 1543 Queen Mary granted in heritage
to Kenneth Mackenze the son and apparent heir of John Mackenze of Kintaill, and to Isabel

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. li. ff. 34, 41. « Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xi. fol. 72.

2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. li. ff. 46-48. 7 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxviii. no. 51. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

3 Retours. « Ibid. vol. xv. fol. 29.

5 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxi. no. 133. Reg. Sec. Sig., 8 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxviii. no. 306. Reg. Sec. Sig.,
vol. vi. fol. 20; vol. vii. fol. 19. vol. xvi. fol. 36.

VOL. II. 3 U

522 ORIGINES [KILCHRIST.

Stewart his wife, the lands of Mekill Braane in the lordship of Ross, which with other lands
extending to 36 marks John Mackenze had resigned.1 In 1554 and 1557 Kenneth Mackenze
of Brahan appears in record.2 In 1574 Colin M'Keinzie of Kintaill was served heir to Kenneth
M'Keinzie his father in the lands of Meikill Brayne in the earldom of Eoss, of the old extent
of £8.3 In 1600 Duncan Bane of Tullich was served heir to his father Alexander Bane of
Tullich in the astricted multures and suckin of the lands of Brawane.4

On the left bank of the river Orrin stands the ruined tower of Fail-burn (of old Ferbrune,
Ferbarin, or Forbarin, originally built without a door, and accessible only by a ladder through
one of the windows.)5

On the north of the Conan is Brahan Castle, the seat of the Mackenzies.6 In a barrow near
it, opened during the last century, was found an urn, polished or varnished inside and outside,
and containing a few pieces of bone.7 Other barrows opened about the same date contained
human bones, and fragments of armour apparently of copper.8

KILCHRIST.

Taruedal9 — Tarridie10 — Kylcliristan11 — Kirkchrist12 — Killecreist13 —
Kilchrist.14 (Map, No. 24.)

THIS parish, now united to Urray, seems to have included only a small district (anciently known
as Taruedal or Tarradale), forming the south east portion of the united parish, and bounded on
the south by the Moray Firth.

Among the witnesses to a grant in favour of the chaplain of Saint Peter at Duffus (in Moray),
made in 1240 by Walter de Moravia the son of Hugh do Moravia, appears Ada the chaplain
rector of Taruedal.18 In 1274 a controversy which had arisen between the prior of Beauly and
Master Henry of Fottyngham rector of the church of Taruedal was settled as follows ; That the
prior should freely have the tithes of all the land belonging to the church for a term of eight
years from the feast of Pentecost 1275 — that during that time he should entertain at his own
expense the said Master Henry with two horses and two grooms for the half of each year —
and that during the same period Master Henry should protect and faithfully serve the prior and

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxviii. no. 524. Reg. Sec. Sig., 9 A. D. 1240. Reg. Morav. p. 275. A. D. 1274.
vol. xvii. fol. 56. B -auly Charters apwd Maefarlanu. In the Reg. Morav.

2 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 359 ; lib. xxxii. no. tl
211. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxviii. t'ol. 54.

» Retours. < Ibid.

5 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect. Old Stat. Ace. New
Stat. Ace. County Maps. Miller's ' Schools and
Schoolmasters,' p. 138.

vord is misprinted Carnedal.
» A. D. 1372. Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross.
Circa A. D. 1569. Register of Ministers.
A. D. 1574. Book of Assignations.
A. D. 1584. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. li. fol. 90.
A. D. 1600-1700. Macfarlane's Geog. Collect.

6 Old Stat. Ace. A. D. 1603. Gregory, pp. 302, 303.

7 Ibid. 8 ibid. 15 neg. Morav., p. 275.

KILCHBIST.] PAROCHIALES. 523

convent as often as required.1 In the year 1372 William Earl of Eoss is said to have granted
' the kirk of Tarridie in Ross' to the canons of Fearn.2 About the year 1569 Master Alexander
Makkenze was reader at Kyllarnane and Kylchristan.3 In 1574 the churches of Urray, Contane,
Kirkchrist, and Foddertie, were under one minister, and the office of reader at Kirkchrist was
vacant.* In 1584 King James VI. confirmed a charter by Alexander Home canon of the church
of Ross, granting with consent of the dean and chapter to George Monro of Dalquhartie in
heritage the churchlands of his prebend called Killecreist with the parsonage tithes included,
lying in the earldom of Ross and sheriffdom of Innernes, and also the prebendary's manse
with its pertinents lying as above.5

The church, dedicated to the Saviour, stood about three miles south east from the church
of Urray, where its ruins and cemetery still remain.6

About 1569 the reader at Kyllarnane and Kylchristan had for his stipend £20.7 In 1574
Donald Adamsoun, minister at Kirkchrist and other churches, had for his stipend £102, 13s. 4d.,
the kirklands, and other dues; and the reader at Kirkchrist had 20 marks and the kirklands.8

Between the years 1275 and 1294 David of Innerlunan, with the consent of Gillicrist Macgilli-
duff, quit-claimed to the monks of Beauly his land of Ouchterwaddale (or Onachtervadal) extend
ing to a half davach, which he held on lease from Gillicrist, who granted the land to the monks.9
In 1309 King Robert Bruce granted to Hugh Ross the lands of Taruedelle and Inuerasren.10 In
1476, on the forfeiture of John Earl of Ross and Lord of the Isles, King James III. granted to
Elizabeth Countess of Ross for her maintenance certain lands, including Ballingovne, Hiltoun-
tardel, Balliblare, and the lands of the castle of Tardale, in the earldom of Ross, which she had in
conjunct infeftment with her husband before his forfeiture.11 In 1477 on attaining his majority
he confirmed the grant.12 In 1526 and 1527 the mill of Tarradale, and the lands, crofts, and
houses, were included in the tenandry of Culmelloquhy granted by James V. to Walter Innes of
Tulchis, the grantee paying yearly in 1526 the sum of 26s. 8d., and in 1527 the sum of 33s. 4d.13
In 1538 the mill was included in a grant of the same lands for 5 years by the same king to the
same Walter.1* In 1586 King James VI. granted in heritage to William Keith the master of his
wardrobe certain lands in Ross, including Bawblair, Balnagown, Balnaknok, and Tarradaill with
the mill ; the grantee paying yearly for Balnaknok or Hiltoun of Tarradaill 46s. 8d., with 4s. of
bondage silver, 4 reek hens, 60 loads of peats, with the usual services, and 46s. 8d. every five

1 Beauly Charters apud Macfarlane. This agree- 8 Book of Assignations.

ment is witnessed by Sir William the dean of Moray, 9 Beauly Charters apud Macfarlane. The charter of

Sir Walter Sureys the official of Moray, Sir Robert David of Innerlunan had the seal of Walter de Moravia

the vicar of Duff 1ms, Sir William the prior of Plus- appended, and was witnessed by Sir Andrew de Mo-

cardyn, and Robert of Bosyll his fellow monk. ravia.

8 Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross. 10 Rob. Index, p. 2, no. 59.

3 Register of Ministers. " Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. vii. no. 371.

* Book of Assignations. lz Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. viii. no. 40.

5 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. li. fol. 90. 13 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxi. no. 7 ; lib. xxii. no. 4.

6 Macfarlane. New Stat. Ace. County Maps. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. vi. fol. 34; vol. vii. fol. 34. See
Miller's ' Schools and Schoolmasters,' pp. 167, 168. ALNESS, p. 474.

7 Register of Ministers. " Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xi. fol. 75.

524 ORIGINES [KILLEARNAN.

years -as grassum — for Tarradaill with the alehouse £5, 6s. 8d., one poultry, 8s. of bondage
silver, £5, 6s. 8d. as grassum, and the usual services — and for the mill of Tarradaill with the
multures and croft 33s. 4d.x In 1599, by a contract between William Eos of Kilravok and Rorie
M'Kcnyie of Ardafailie, it was agreed that Murdoch the son and apparent heir of Rorie should
marry Margaret the daughter of William Ros ; that Rorie should infeft Murdoch and Margaret
in certain lands, including the quarter lands of the Hiltoun of Tarradcll ; and that William should
pay to Rorie and his daughter 4500 marks Scots.2 In 1635 Alexander Bayne was served heir
male and of provision to his father Duncan Bayne of Tullich in the half davach of Tarradill with
the alehouse and its croft, in the barony of Delny then newly erected, of the extent of £6, 16s.
and other dues.3

In the year 1278 a charter by Andrew de Boscho and Elizabeth his wife to the monks of
Beauly, dated at Eddyrdor, is witnessed by Colin Gove the constable of Taruedal.4 The eastle
of Tardale, as we have seen, occurs in record in 1476.° ' Two myl thence (that is, from Killear-
nan),' says a writer of the seventeenth century, ' Tarradill with the old castle of Tarradill ; a myl
thence is Kilchrist with a kirk.'6

' Two myl thence,' continues the same writer, is ' Achaiohroisk with rnanie ancient monu
ments betwix.'7

In 1603 the Clanranald of Glengarry plundered the lands of Kilchrist and the adjacent lands
belonging to the Mackenzies, and the inhabitants, who were assembled in the church, were
there burned to death by the invaders, whose piper meanwhile marched round the building
playing a pibroch which has since been known under the name of Kilchrist as the family
tune of the Clanranald.8

KILLEARNAN.

Eddyrdor9 — Kilemane 10 — Kyllarnane11 — Killemane12 — Kirewran I3 —
Killearnan.1* (Map, No. 25.)

IN 1756 a part of Kilmuir Wester and a part of Suddy (which in that year were united, and
which bound Killearnan on the east and north east) were annexed to Killearnan, and a part of
the latter was annexed to the united parish.15

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liv.ff. 46-48. SeeUaKAY,p.521. '•• A. D. 1278. Beauly Charters apud Macfarlane.

1 Kilravock Charters. 3 Retours. <> A. D. 1561-1566. Book of Assumptions.

4 Beauly Charters apud Macfarlane. ' Circa A. D. 1569. Register of Ministers.

5 See above. 2 A. D. 1574-1576. Book of Assignations.

6 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect. 'Ibid. :i A. D. 1600-1700. Macfarlane's Geog. Collect.
8 Gregory, p. 302, and authorities there cited. ' My * A. D. 1600-1700. Macfarlaue's Geog. Collect.

Schools and Schoolmasters,' p. 168. 5 Old Stat. Ace.

KILLEARNAN.] PAROCHIALES. 525

The parish of Killearnan rises gradually from the shore of the Moray Firth (here called the
Beauly Firth or Loch Beauly) to the middle of an extensive moor named the Mulbuy (known of
old as Ardmeanach, the central ridge, a name which was applied to the whole peninsula now
called the Black Isle).1

In the year 1278 a charter of Andrew de Boscho and Elisabeth his wife is witnessed bv
William the vicar of Eddyrdor.2 The church, afterwards styled Killearnan, was part of the pre
bend of the archdeacon of Ross.3 In 1574 and 1576 Robert Grahame, archdeacon, was minister
at Killernane, and Alexander Mackenzie was reader.4

The church stands on a small eminence on the shore.5 It is cruciform, and was originally
thatched with heather, but in the end of the last century had its walls heightened and was roofed
with slates.6

At Redcastle about half a mile west from the church stood a chapel dedicated to Saint
Andrew, at which a fair was of old held about Lammas (1 August).7

At Spittal there is said to have been a religious foundation belonging to the Knights Hospi
tallers.8 The lands of Spittall occur in record in 1599.9

There was a chaplainry in the cathedral church of Ross founded on the lands of Ardafalie
in this parish.10

In Baiamund the archdeaconry of Ross is rated at £8 ; in the Taxatio Sec. xvi. at £24, 16s. ;
and in the Libellus Taxationum it is valued at £80.u In the rental of the bishoprick given in to
the collector of thirds between 1561 and 1566 there is entered ' ane pairt of the teindis of the
parochinis of Kilmowir and Kilernane yeirlie riddin, quhylis les quhylis mair, estimat to 5 ch.
8 bo. comounly.'12 About 1569 the reader at Kyllarnane had a stipend of £20. 13 In 1574 the
minister's stipend was ' the haill archidenerie of Ross, extending to xii ch. victuall and xii li. xiii s.
iiii d. money, he sustenand his readare at Killernane,' to whom he paid yearly £16. 14 In 1576 the
minister had only two-thirds of the archdeaconry, and the reader the same stipend as before.15

By a charter, dated at Eddyrdor in 1278 on the Friday after the feast of the Exaltation of the
Holy Cross, Andrew de Boscho and Elisabeth his wife granted to the monks of Beauly two
marks, to be received yearly at their castle of Eddyrdor from them and their heirs or from their
bailies for the time, or in their tenement of Eddirdor.16 In 1294, by an agreement made at
Lovet in the Ard on Friday 26 March, Hugh of Ross (of Kilravock) and Mary his wife (the
daughter of Sir Andrew de Boscho and Elizabeth Byseth) granted in heritage for eight years
from Whitsunday of that year to Sir David of Graham (the brother in law of Elizabeth) a davach

1 New Stat. Ace. in the fifteenth century. In 1457 the chancellor of

2 Beauly Charters apud Macfarlane. Ros and William Vrquhard in Crumbathy were ap-

3 Book of Assignations. pointed by King James II. to assist liis chancellor in
1 Ibid. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. lii. fol. 75. visiting and reforming them. Acta Par). Scot., vol. ii.

5 Macfarlane. Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace. p. 49.

6 New Stat. Ace. I0 See ROSEMAEKIE, post. " MSS. in Adv. Lib.

7 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect. Old Stat. Ace. 12 Book of Assumptions. lif Register of Ministers.

8 Old Stat. Ace. 14 Book of Assignations. 15 Ibid.

9 Kilravock Charters. There were hospitals in Ross 16 Beauly Charters apud Macfarlane.

526 ORIGINES [KILLEABNAN.

of land called Culcolly in their tenement of Edirdowyr, of which they had received beforehand
from Sir David the ferine for the first four years ; the grantee paying yearly for these four years
two pennies sterling, namely, one penny on the fifteenth day after the feast of Pentecost, and one
on the fifteenth day after the feast of Saint Martin in winter — and for the second four years
eight marks sterling at the same terms ; reserving to Hugh and his wife and their heirs their
wood (bosco) of Culcolly with one acre which John called Dalt formerly held.1 It was agreed
between the parties that, if the land should be laid waste by war (guerram patrie), it should
remain in the hands of Sir David and his heirs till they should have received from it as much of
the fruits as they should have lost by the war— that, if Sir David and his heirs or tenants (fir-
marif) should sustain any loss on the land through the fault of the granters or of their heirs,
the land should remain with the grantees until they recovered then- loss from it, or until
the granters should satisfy them at the sight of trustworthy persons — that, if the granters should
sustain any loss through defect of payment of the formes at the appointed terms, the grantees
should satisfy them at the sight of trustworthy persons both for their loss and for the principal

debt and that at the end of eight years the davach of Culcolly, saving those conditions, should

peaceably revert to Hugh of Ross and his wife.2 For nearly two centuries afterwards the history
of the lands known as the lordship of Ardmanach, which included the tenement of Edirdowyr, is
almost a blank, and we have only some obscure intimations in writs of the period that they were
partly or wholly in the possession of the De Moravias of Duffus and of Bothwell and that the
Earl of Ross was overlord.3 In 1455 the barony of Eddirdail called Ardmanache, and the Red-
castell with the lordships of Ros belonging thereto, were annexed to the crown by King James
II.4 In 1481 (5 April) King James III. granted to his second son James Stewart, Marquis of
Ormound, the lands of the lordship of Ardmanauche called Avauch and Nethirdul, with the
moothill (mons) of Ormound and the castle and fortalice of Redcastell.5 In the same year
and month (12 April) the King confirmed the grant by a charter under his great seal.6 About
the same period the lands and ' house' of Arthmannoch were held by George Earl of Huntlie of
Queen Margaret, who in a letter without date addressed to that nobleman thanks him for his
great labours ' in the recouering of the house, the keping of the samyne, and the defence and
plenysing of the landis,' stating her intention to accept as the fermes of the lands for the past
terms fifty good marts for her larder at Striueling, granting to him the remainder of the dues for
the keeping of the castle during the same terms, and promising that he should have the pre
ference as lessee at next lease.7 In 1482 (24 June) the Earl granted to Huchone the Ros of
Kilrawok till 8 September following the keeping of the Reidcastell and lands of Ardmanacht,
which the Earl had ' in gouernans of our Souerane ladie the Queyne,' discharging him (in lieu of

1 Kilravock Charters. 2 Ibid. 5 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. ix. no. 59. MS. penes Edi-

3 Bcauly Charters apud Macfarlane. Kilravock tor.

Charters. Regist. MoraViense. The family of Kilra- 6 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. ix. no. 60. In the confirma-

vock (Spalding Club). tion the lands are styled Avauch and Eddirdule, and

4 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. ii. p. 42. This seems to in- in the other MS. cited they are Alway and Neuer-
clude Edirdowyr or Killearnan, the rest of Ardma- daill.

nach, and probably also the lordship of Dingwall. 7 Kilravock Charters.

KII.LEARNAN.] PAEOCHIALES. 527

payment) of the dues of the lands of Vrquhard and Glenmorisone which he held of the Earl.1
In 1485 (6 February) Robert Colvele the Queen's ' seneschal' granted to the baron of Kilrawec
a discharge for 34 marts and £16 in silver of the dues of Ardmanach.2 In 1488 King James III.
created his second son James Earl of Edradale or Ardmanach.3 Before the 3d of February 1492
the lands of Ardmanach and the Eedcastal were taken from Hucheoun the Ros of Kilravok by
Kenzo (Kenneth) Makkenze of Kintail.4 By an obligation dated at Lochcanmor on the 15th of
July of that year George Earl of Huntle bound himself to restore to the baron of Kilrawak his
lease of the Redcastal and Ardmanacht ' in sa far as resoune and law will,' together with his
' goods' which he had in the same ; and to do his diligence with the King and the Earl of Both-
wele for the recovery of the lease to himself and to Hucheoun.5 On the 16th of August of the
same year (at Newark on Spey) the Earl became bound to pay to Huchon Ros of Geddas, the
son and apparent heir of Huchon Ros of Kylrawok, £100 Scots for resigning the lease of ' Ard-
mannache and castell of the same,' and for the expenses connected therewith ; which lease
Huchon Ros had from the Earl's son Alexander Lord Gordoune, to whom also he resigned it ;
the £100 to be paid at the following Martinmas or within forty days thereafter, Patrik Gordon
dwelling in Dorno being security.6 On the same day and at the same place Alexander Lord
Gordoun granted to Hucheoun the Ros of Geddas a discharge for 200 marks Scots of the ' mails'
of Ardrnanach, due to him ' befor the taking of the Redcastal be Kenzo Makkenze fra the said
Hucheoun,' and for ' al malis, fermys, and customis, sen the said Makkenze tuk the said castal
and landis of the Ardmanach fra the said Hucheoun.'7 In 1498 Alexander Finlawsone appears
as ' mair and serjand' of the lordship of Ardmannoch under James Duke of Ross the brother of
King James IV.8 In the same year that king commissioned certain persons to distrain the lands
and goods of William Forbes in Strathglas, Welland Chesholme of Comar, Murquho Makcoule,
Duncan Lauchlansoun, Johne Duff Makalester, Johne Johne Duffsone, Alexander Makdufsone,
Johne Roy Makanroy, Dougale Makaneduff, Rory Mule Makcoule, Alexander Finlaysoun, Auch-
aneroy Kenyeoch, Duncan Maklauchlane in the Bray of Ros, Rury Williamsoun in Moy, Donald
Makanedoy, Kenyeoch M'Conleif, Donald M'Conleif, Johne Dow Makalester, and Rury Gar
Makteir Makmurquhy, to the amount of certain oxen, cows, horses, sheep, goats, capons, hens,
geese, victual, swine, sums of money, and other goods, taken by them from Huchone Ros of Kil-
rawok out of the lands of Ardmanach and the Redecastell ' the tyme that he wes capitane therof
— a commission formerly entrusted to David Ros of Balnagown the king's sheriff of Ros, and
neglected by him.9 In 1499, on a warrant granted by George Earl of Huntly the King's lieute
nant, Duncan Makynthois captain of the Clanchatane, John the Grant of Frucliy, Huchownethe
Ros of Kylrawok, Alexander Crome of Inyerethnac, Alexander Keir of Ratamorkos, Lachlane
Makintows of Galawe, and their accomplices, to the number of 3000, passed to Ross ' tyll birne,
hary, and sla,' against Canoch Makcanehe and his kinsmen and friends dwelling in Ross, the
King's rebels and at his horn for the slaughter of Harrald of Schescheme dwelling in Straglas,

1 Kilravock Charters. * Kilravock Charters. Gregory, pp. 55-57.

2 The Family of Kilravock, p. 151. s Kilravock Charters. c Ibid.

3 Additional Sutherland Case, chap. iv. p. 57. " Ibid. 6 Ibid. y Ibid.

528 ORIGINES [KILLEARNAX.

and for diverse other ' herschippis, sclacteris, and spowlleis' committed by Kanoch Makkanehy
and his kinsmen and accomplices of the Clankanye on the King's ' pur legis and tenandis' in the
lordship of Ardmanoch.1 In a document dated at the Newark on Spey 15 December 1499 the
Earl of Huntly declares that ' quhat skath that was done at that tyme to the saidis Clynkane and
thair complissis was be the Kyngis commande and ouris as luftanande.'2 About the year 1503
James Duke of Ross and Earl of Edradale resigned his lands, including those of Ardmanach.3
In 1506 (6 May) King James IV. commissioned Andro bishop of Caithnes to let for five years to
the tenants at the time or others the lands of the lordships of Ross and Ardmannoch formerly-
belonging to Elizabeth Countess of Ross, except the lands of Tarbat.* In the same year
(2 November) he appointed that bishop for nine years chamberlain and captain of the lands and
lordships of Ross and Ardmannach, and captain of the castles of Dyngwell in Ross and of Rede-
castell in Ardmannach.5 In 1507 (22 March) he appointed the same bishop and another person
chamberlains of the same lands, and captains of the same castles.6 On the following day
(23 March) lie appointed the bishop for nine years to the same offices.7 On 13 April following
he commissioned the bishop and others to examine the infeftments of the tenants, and to send
him copies of the same.8 On 22 April he granted to the same bishop for three years all the fish
ings of both lordships.9 In 1511 he granted to the bishop, then his treasurer, for large sums of
money and other services, for nine years the same lands and lordships, with the woods, forests,
waters, lochs, yairs, and fishings, and also the castles.10 In 1524 King James V. granted the
earldom of Ros and lordship of Ardmannach to James Earl of Murray.11 In 1561 Queen Mary
appointed George Monro of Dawcarty during her pleasure bailie and chamberlain of her lands
and lordships of Ros and Ardmannauch.12 In 1568 King James VI. granted the same offices to
the same George Monro during the will of the King and his Regent.13 In 1576 the same king
granted in heritage to Thomas Murray, the brother german of David Murray of Cars, his salmon
fishing on the water of Conan for three years from 1 December of that year, commanding the
tenants of Ardmanoch and others to perform the services due by them.14 In 1577 he appointed
Robert Monro of Fowlis bailie and chamberlain of the earldom of Ros and lordship of Ardmanoch
for a year or longer according to the will of the King and Regent.15

In 1294, as we have seen, Hugh of Ross and Mary his wife granted for eight years in heritage
to Sir David of Graham the davach land of Culcolly in their tenement of Edirdowyr.16 In 1511
King James IV. granted to Henry Stewart the lands of Culcowy, Drumnamarge, and Muren,
with the mill of Redcastel, in the lordship of Ardmannach, extending in all to 43 marks, for

Kilravock Charters. 2 Ibid. '" Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. iv. ft'. 158, 159. See DINGWALL.

Additional Suthcrl nd Case, chap. iv. p. 58. p. 490.

* Reg. Sec. Sig., vol.
1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol.

* Reg. Sec. Sig., vol.
7 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol.
1 Ibid. See DINOW
'' Reg. Sec. Sig., vol

fol. 108. 11 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. vii. fol. 92.

i. fol. 82. 12 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxi. fol. 4.

i. fol. 118. is Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxvii. fol. 29.

i. fol. 106. » Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xliii. fol. 108. See DINOWALL.

-L, p. 490. p 491.

ii. fol. 107. See DINGWALL, ^ Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xliv. fol. 26.

P- 490. is Kilravock Charters. See pp. 525, 526.

KILLEARNAN.] PAROCHIALES. 529

the yearly payment of £41, in order to augment the King's rental by the sum of 21 marks
6 shillings and 8 pence.1 In 1554 Queen Mary granted the same lands and mill, resigned by
Kobert Stewart of Muren, to John Stewart his son and apparent heir.a In 1557 a charter
granted by Walter Innes, the son and heir apparent of Walter Innes of Innerbrakye, is witnessed
by Thomas Leslie in Culcowy.3 In 1584 King James VI. confirmed a charter by John Stewart
of Mureane, alienating in heritage to Eodoric M'Kainzie of Arthirfairthlie the mill of Eeidcastell
in the lordship of Ardmanoch.4 In 1616 Kobert Stewart was served heir male of entail and
provision to his uncle Sir James Stewart of Muren in the lands of Culcowie, Drumnamarge,
and Muren, in the same lordship, and of the extent of £39, 13s. 4d. feuferme.5 The lands of
Culcowie (now Kilcoy) were afterwards held by Mackenzies, one of whom Alexander Mackenzie
of Culcowie appears in record about the year 1642." In 1662 Colin M'Keanzie of Reidcastell
was served heir male to his father Roderic in the mill of Reidcastell of the extent of 3 marks.7

In 1526 King James V. granted in heritage to Henry Dingnevale certain lands in the lord
ship of Ardmanach, including the lands of Ardirfalie of the extent of £5, two muttons, and
24 capons.8 In 1537 he granted the same lands to Patrick Dingwall the son and heir of the
deceased Henry.9 In 1584 and 1599 Rodoric M'Kainzie of Arthirfairthlie or Ardafailie appears
in record, and in the latter year we have also Murdoch M'Kenzie his son and apparent heir.10
In 1639 Rorie M'Kenze appears as heritable proprietor of the lands of Ardafalie.11

In the parish are held two yearly fairs, one in March, the other in July, the latter apparently
the same that is mentioned in the seventeenth century as being held at Saint Andrew's chapel
at Redcastle.12

In the year 1179 King William the Lion, his brother Earl David, and his nobles, went into
Ros with a great army, and built or fortified two castles, one of which is named Edirdovar,
Ethirdover, or Ewerdover.13 In 1278, as we have seen, two marks granted to the monks of
Beauly by Andrew de Boscho and Elisabeth his wife were to be paid yearly at their castle of
Eddyrdor or in their tenement of Eddirdor, and the grant is dated at Eddyrdor.14 The grant
of Culcolly in 1294 by Hugh of Ross and Mary his wife, although the castle is not mentioned,
fixes the locality of the tenement of Edirdowyr, and consequently of the castle.15 In 1455, as
we have seen, the barony of Eddirdaill called Ardmanache was with the Redcastell annexed to
the crown.16 In 1481 the same barony or lordship appears as Ardmannache ; its chief lands or
tenement as Eddirdule, Nethirdul, or Neuerdaill ; and its castle as the Redcastell.17 About the

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. iv. fol. 140. " Kilravock Charters.

2 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 242. Reg. Sec. Sig., I2 New Stat. Ace. Macfarlane. See p. 525.

vol. xxvii. fol. 71. 13 Ford. Scot., lib. viii. cc. 28, 76. Ext. e Var. Cron.

3 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 359. Scocie, p. 82. Chronica de Mailros, p. 90. Hailes'

4 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. li. fol. 10. 6 Retours. Annals. Macpherson's Geographical Illustrations. The

6 The Family of Kilravock, pp. 332-334. site of this castle has hitherto been considered doubt-

7 Retours. fill. The notices here collected identify it beyond
a Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxi. no. 35. Reg. Sec. Sig., doubt with the Redcastle in Ardmanach.

vol. vi. ff. 27, 28 ; vol. vii. fol. 27. 14 Beauly Charters apud Macfarlane. See p. 525.

9 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxvi. no. 16. Reg. Sec. Sig., 15 Kilravock Charters. See The Family of Kilravock,
vol. xi. fol. 16. pp. 109, 110.

10 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. li. fol. 10. Kilravock Charters. I6 See p. 526. I7 Ibid.

VOL. II. 3 X

530 OEIGINES [KILLEARNAN.

year 1482 the castle appears under the same name and also as the house of Arthmannoch.1
In 1484 the Lords of Council sentenced certain persons to enter themselves in ward in various
castles, and of these James Thomsoun, John Wallace, and Patrick Nelesoun were ordered to
enter their persons in the Rcdecastell.2 In 1488, as we have seen, King James IV. created his
son James Stewart Earl of Edradale or Ardmanacli ; and about 1503, when the latter resigned
his lands, he retained the Redcastle of Ardmanoch in order to preserve his style of Earl.3
The rest of the history of the Redcastle or castle of Ardmanoch previously to the year 1526 is
<*iven above.* In that year King James V. granted to his familiar servant Henry Kempt the
lands of Gargestoun, then extending in his rental to £6, 13s. 4d., 8 bolls of bear, one mart,
and one mutton, and the lands of Hiltoun of the same extent, in the lordship of Ardmanacli ;
and also the lands of Newtoun in the same lordship belonging to the ward of the castle of
Reidcastell, together with the constabulary and keeping of that castle also in that lordship,
with all its lands and dues, and the power of making constables ; the grantee paying yearly for
Gargestoun and Hiltoun £17, 24 bolls of bear, 2 marts, and 2 muttons, in augmentation of
the King's rental by £3, 13s. 4d.5 In 1531 the same king granted to Robert Innes, the son
and heir apparent of Robert Innes of Innermarky, and to his tenants, the same lands and castle
for 19 years, for the same yearly payment, ' defalcand to him and thame for the saidis martis
and mvttonis in payment of the said sovm siclike as is defalcate to vthiris tennentis of the said
lordschip in tymis bygane.'0 In 1533 he granted the same lands with the mill and alehouse
and the keeping of the Reidcastell for 19 years to Robert Innes of Innermarky for his good
service on the borders in the army of the Regent Murray.7 In 1545 Queen Mary granted to
(apparently) the same Robert Innes of Innermarky the same lands and castle, stated in the grant
to have been resigned by Henry Kempt of Thomastoun.8 In 1586 King James VI. granted
in heritage to William Keith the master of his wardrobe various lands in Ross, including the
lands and towns of Gargastoun, Kewtoun of Reidcastell with the alehouse, and Hiltoun ; the
grantee paying yearly for Gargastoun £7, 14s. 8d., with 8 bolls 2 firlots of bear, one mart, one
mutton, 20s. of bondage silver, 5 reek hens, and 80 loads of fuel, and every 5 years £7, 14s. 8d.
as grassum — for Newtoun £14, 6s. 8d., with 2 chalders 2 bolls of bear, 2 marts, 2 muttons, 40s.
of bondage silver, one reek hen, and £14, 6s. Sd. as grassum — for the alehouse of Newtoun
26s. 8d., and the same sum as grassum — and for Hiltoun £7, 4s. 8d., with 1 chalder 1 boll of
bear, one mart, one mutton, 20s. of bondage silver, 8 poultry, 80 loads of fuel, and £7, 4s. 8d.
grassum.9 In 1599, by a contract dated at the canonry of Ros on the 13th of June, it was
agreed between Wiliam Ros of Kilravok and Rorie M'Kenzie of Ardafailie, that Murdoch
M'Kenzie, the son and apparent heir of Rorie, should marry Margaret Ros the daughter of
William — that Rorie should infeft Murdoch and Margaret in the davach land of Killewnan
and Spittall with the alehouse and its croft, the three quarter lands of the town and lands of

1 See p. 526. 2 See DINOWALL, p. 497. c Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. ix. fol. 9.

3 Add. Sutherland Case, chap. iv. p. 58. 4 See p. 5'28. ~ Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. ix. ff. 184, 185.

5 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxi. no. 81. Reg. Sec. Sig., » Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xix. fol. 48.

vol. vi. fol. 47 ; vol. vii. fol. 49. '•> Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liv. ff'. 46-48.

KILMUIK WESTER.] PAROCHIALES. 531

Gargastoun, and the quarter lands of Hiltoun of Tarradoll — and that William Eos should pay
to Eorie and his daughter the sum of 4500 marks Scots.1 In 1662 Colin M'Keanzie of
Eeidcastell was served heir-male to his father Eoderic M'Keanzie of Eeidcastell in the lands
of Gargristoun, of the extent of £7, 13s. 8d. ; the town and lands of Newtoun of Eeidcastell,
of the extent of £13, 6s. 8d. ; the alehouse of Newtoun of the extent of 26s. 8d. ; and the
smith's croft of the same extent, in the same town of Newtoun of Eeidcastell.2 A writer of
the same century styles the castle ' Castel Eiwy ' and ' the house of Eedcastle.' 3 A writer
of the last century says that the castle was a place of considerable strength, and that it had
the rights of a burgh of barony, of a free port, of weekly markets, of levying tolls and anchorage
dues, and all other baronial privileges not abrogated in 1748.* The Eedcastle, modernised
and still inhabited, stands on the shore about a quarter of a mile east from the church. 5

The castle of Kilcoy (Culcolly), now a ruin, stands on the height above the Eedcastle, a
short distance inland.6

The parish formerly abounded with cairns, one of which in the north of the parish bears
the name of Cairn Irenan, supposed to be the origin of Killearnan, and to be the name of a
Danish prince slain at the place.7

KILMUIE WESTER

Kilmowir8 — Kilmowr 9 — Kilmur10 — Kylmuir Westir11 — Kilmure 12 —
Kilmuir Westir 13 — • Kilmure Westir u — Kilmuir 1S — Killimure 16 —
Kilmorie, Kilmoor.17 (Map, No. 26.)

IN 1756 the parishes of Kilmuir and Suddy were united, a part of each was added to
Killearnan, and a part of Killearnan added to the united parish.18

The parish of Kilmuir Wester seems to have stretched along the shore of the Moray Firth
from Kessock to Munlochy Bay, running inland for about three miles, and becoming gradually
narrower as it receded from the shore. It has no high hills, and its surface is composed chiefly
of cultivated tracts and moor.

1 Kilravock Charters. ' Ardafailie,' written also 9 A. D. 1561-1566. Ibid.

' Ardifaill,' ' Ardirfalie,' and in various other forms, "> A. D. 1569. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxviii. fol. 31.
seems to be the modern representative of the name n Circa A. D. 1569. Register of Ministers.

• Edirdover' or ' Eddirdale.
- Retours. 3 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect.

4 Old Stat. Ace.

5 Macfarlane. Blaeu. Modern Maps. New Stat. ' Circa A. D. 1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaen.

Ace. 6 Anderson, p. 501. New Stat. Ace.

7 Old and New Stat. Ace.
* A. D. 1561-1566. Book of Assumptions.

A. D. 1573. Keg. Sec. Sig., vol. xli. fol. 126.

A. D. 1574. Book of Assignations.

A. D. 1585. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. Hi. fol. 75.

A. D. 1649. Kilravock Charters.
7 A. D. 1600-1700. Macfarlaue's Geog. Collect.
Old Stat. Ace.

532 ORIGINES [KILMUIR WESTER.

This church first appears in record between the years 1561 and 1566, at which time Sir
David Barchan was vicar of Suddy and Kilmowr.1 In 1569 King James VI. presented John
Eeid (successively reader and exhorter) to the vicarage of Kilmur, vacant by the decease of the
same Sir David.2 In 1573 he presented John Ros to the vicarage of Kilmure and Suddy, vacant
by the decease of John Reid.3 In 1574 Andro Myll was minister at Kilmuir Westir and other
three churches, and the reader at Kilmuir Westir was John Ros, apparently the person presented
to the vicarage in 1573.4 In 1579 Alexander Vrquhart dean of Ross, with the consent of the
canons during the vacancy of the see, leased for life to Robert Gralmme archdeacon of Ross, for
life to his nearest heir, and for 19 years to his nearest heir's heir and his heirs, the teind sheaves
and teind wedders of the two Culmawris, Drynys, and Slego, in the parish of Kilmure Westir,
beginning at Lammas (1 August) of that year.5 In 1585 the lease was confirmed by King
James VI.6

The church stood on a small eminence in the south-east of the parish on the shore of the
Moray Firth.7 Its cemetery seems to be still in use.8 The church of the united parish, built
in 1764, stands at Knockbain on Munlochy bay.9

There was a chapel at Haudach or Haldach in this parish, the patronage and tithes of which
in 1673 belonged to Alexander Brodie of Lethin (in Nairn), and formed part of his lordship,
barony, or regality of Kinloss.10

Between the years 1561 and 1566 the bishop of Ross states a part of the teinds of Kilmowir
and Kilernane at 5 chalders 8 bolls.11 At the same period the rental of the vicarages of Suddy
and Kilmowr is stated as follows by Sir David Barchan the vicar — ' The saidis twa vicarages
in tyme bygane, quhen all dewteis and teindis was dewlie payit, sic as lamb, woll, stirk, buttir,
cheis, teind aill, corsprescntis, and Pash fynis, and teind lynt and hempt, and teind fishes of the
steill of Kissok, was worth in [comoun] yeiris xx merkis, and now thir twa yeiris bygane
nothing gottin.'12 Previously to 1573 we have on record the following statement — ' John Reid,
reidar, xx li. Beltym 1568, now exhortar sen November 1569, his stipend xl lib., and now
vicare of Kylmuir, extending to iii li. vi s. ix d., to be allowit in his stipend sen Ixx yeris crope.'13
In 1574 the reader at Kilmuir Westir had for his stipend £6, 13s. 4d., the kirklands, and some
other perquisites.'1*

By a charter dated at Dyngvale 8 August 1394 Eufame Countess of Ros granted to Sir George
of Lesly lord of Rothes the ward and relief of the lands of Culmor, which formerly belonged to
John of Monymusk ; granting him also the lands and their dues till the entry of the lawful
heirs.15 In 1454 Andrew Urrie of Forglen was served heir to his brother John of Monimosk,
who died vest and seised in the lands of Culmore.10 In 1460 the same lands were acquired

1 Book of Assumptions. « Old Stat. Ace.

2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxviii. fol. 31. Register of •' Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace. lu Retours.
Ministers. n Book of Assumptions. 12 Ibid.

:l Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xli. fol. 126. 13 Register of Ministers.

4 Book of Assignations. i< Book of Assignations.

6 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. Hi. fol. 75. ' Ibid. '* Kilravock Charters.

: Macfarlane. MS. Maps. Blaeu. Old Stat. Ace. 10 The Family of Kilravock, p. 139.

KILMUIR WESTER.] PAROCHIALE S. 533

bv Robert Hunter of Balnkirk.1 In 1474 the same Robert sued John Earl of Ross for withhold
ing from him the lands of Culmor and the dues of the same for 13 years, extending yearly to 20
marks, contrary to various acts of parliament and council, and in contempt of the King's man
dates.2 The Earl not appearing when cited, the Lords Auditors ordained that Robert Huntar
should enjoy the lands of Culmor undisturbed by the Earl, that the latter should pay to Robert the
dues for the time specified, and that the nearest lands and goods of the Earl should be distrained
for the same.3 In 1482 Master James Huntar of Culmore rector of Cranstoun (the son of Robert
Huntar) sold the lands of Culmore to Hugh le Ross baron of Kilrawak, to whom in 1485 King
James III. granted a crown charter of the lands.4 In 1498 Huchoun Ross of Kilrawok (the son
of the former) complained to King James IV. that James Duke of Ross the King's brother had
obtained the King's warrant for the restoration of certain ' goods' which Huchoun had law
fully distrained for the dues of his lands of Culmore for three terms.5 In consequence of this
complaint the King (13 July) ordered Alexander Finlawsone ' mair and serjand' of the lord
ship of Ardmannoch to appear before him and his council at Aberdeen or elsewhere on 8 No
vember or next lawful day. to answer for withholding from Huchon Ross the sum of 10 marks
with the ' mare ' of the dues for two terms of the lands of Culmore, and all other dues of the
lands for those two terms, assigned by the King to Huchoun a year before his entry to the lands
in the year 1495. G In 1517 Hugh Ross of Kilrawok was served heir to his father Hugh Ross in
the lands of Culmoyr in the earldom of Ross, of the old extent of 15 marks.7 In 1527
King James V. granted to James Dunbar, the son of Master Patrick Dunbar, certain subjects
in the lordship of Ardmanach, including the lands of Westir Haldach, extending to £4, 10
bolls of bear, 2 bolls of oats, the half of a mart, the half of a mutton, 2 dozen poultry, and
8 loads of turfs, the grantee paying 13s. in lieu of the victual — the lands of Estir Haldach,
extending to 40s., 4 bolls of oatmeal, 1 boll of bear, the fourth of a mart, the fourth of a
mutton, and 4 loads of turf, the grantee paying 5s. 6d. instead of the victual — the alehouse
with its croft, extending to 20s. — the smethy-croft extending to 8s. — the croft of Pettis-
law, extending to 12s.— and the Mariscroft extending to 13s. 4d. — with other lands; of all
which the chief messuage was to be Casteltoun (in Avoch).8 In 1530 the same king granted
to Hugh Ros of Kilrawak and Agnes Urquhard his wife the lands of Coulmore and half the
lands of Dawaucht in the lordship of Ardmannach, which Hugh Ros had resigned.9 In 1542
the same king, understanding that Huchoun Rose of Kilrawok and his servants had recently"
resisted the arrestment of their corn by the sheriff of Name and his deputies at the instance
of the bishop of Moray on the lands of Cowlmore in the barony of Kilrawok and sheriffdom
of Name, and had thereby incurred confiscation of their goods and imprisonment of their
persons, for the good service done by Huchoun Rose and for other causes remitted to him
self and servants all crime incurred on that account.10 In 1572 King James VI. confirmed a

1 The Family of Kilravock, p. 139. Acta Aud., p. 30. ' Retours.

J Acta Auditorum, p. 30. 3 Ibid. " Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxi. fol. 'Jo.

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xi. no. 21. 9 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxiv. no. 12. Reg. Set. Sig..

'" Kilravock Charters. 6 Ibid. vol. viii. fol. 184. lu Kilravock Charters.

534 ORIGINES [KILMUIR WESTER.

grant by Hugh Eos of Kilrawak to Catherine Falconar his wife of the liferent of the lands
of Myd Culmoir and Westir Culmoir.1 In 1580 he confirmed a grant in liferent by the same
Hugh to the same Katharine of the lands of Eister and Mid Culmoir, and the lands of Haldacht
with the kiln (torrali) of the same called Toldegormok, with the fishing of the ' yair' and
other pertinents, in the lordship of Ardmanach, earldom of Eos, and sheriffdom of Innernes.2
In 1586 the same king granted in heritage to William Keith the master of his wardrobe various
lands in Ross, including those of Wester Half Daokis, the grantee paying yearly for the latter
£4, 8s. 8d., with 10 bolls, 2 firlots, 2 pecks of bear, 4 bolls of oats, 3£ marts, half a mutton, 10s.
bondage silver, 2 dozen poultry, 3 reek hens, and 40 loads of fuel, and as grassum every five
years, £4, 8s. 8d.3 In 1611 Hugh Eoss of Kilrawock was served heir to his father William Ross
in the lands of Culmoir with the ' steall' and ' yearis,' the fishings of herring and salmon, and the
' quhytt fishing,' with the parts called Easter Culmoir, Middle Culmoir, Haddoche, Torgarnoche,
the alehouse and alehouse crofts ; all which were then of the yearly value of £16, and in time of
peace were worth yearly £4.4 In 1635, on a complaint by Huchone Eos of Kilrawak against
the dean of Eoss and others, titulars and tacksmen of the lands of Culmoiris Eister and Westir,
Haldoche, and Torgormak, belonging to him in heritage, that through their negligence the teinds
of those lands had not been valued according to act of parliament, a new summons of valuation
was granted to him by King Charles I.5 In 1639 the marches were settled between the lands
of Ardaffalie (in Killearnan) belonging in heritage to Rorie M'Kenze of Reidcastell, and the lands
of Leadanache (Le Davach ?) and Torgormach (in Kilmuir) belonging in heritage to Houchoun
Eos of Kilrauock.6 A controversy which arose in 1640 between Alexander M'Kenzie of Cul-
cowie and Hucheoun Eos of Kilraok respecting the privilege of casting peats in the ' Month of
Muilbuy,' which Kilraok claimed in right of his lands of Culmores, and which gave rise to a
litigation, seems to have ended only in 1678, when the lands of Culmore were sold to Colin
Mackenzie of Eedcastle.7

In the year 1437 Alexander of He, Earl of Eoss and Lord of the Isles, granted to the Friars
Preachers of Innernys 20s. of yearly rent from his land and ferry of Estir Kessok.8 In 1586
King James VI. granted in heritage to William Keith the master of his wardrobe Eister Kessok,
the ferry of Kessok, and the stell of Kessok with the alehouse ; the grantee paying yearly for
Eistir Kessok £3, 6s. 8d., 12 capons, 2 muttons, 10 poultry, and 10s. bondage silver, with
£3, 6s. 8d. every five years as grassum — for the ferry £6 yearly and £6 every five years as
grassum — for the stell 13s. 4d. and the same as grassum — and for the alehouse the same as for
the stell.9 In 1662 Colin M'Keanzie of Reidcastell was served heir male to his father Roderic in
the town and lands of Eister Kessock, of the extent of £3, 6s. 8d. — the ferry of Kessock, of the
extent of £6 — the stell of Kessock, of the extent of 13s. 4d. — and the alehouse, of the extent of
13s. 8d.10

• Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xl. fol. 91. « Kilravock Charters.

2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvi. fol. 95. ^ Tlie Family of Kilravock, pp. 332-334.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liv. ff. 46-48. * Charter in Northern Institution Inverness.

1 Kilravock Charters. 5 Ibid. 9 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liv. ff. 46-48. I0 lletours.

KILMUIB WESTER.] PAEOCHIALES. 535

In 1526 King James V. granted to Henry Dingnevale certain lands in the lordship of Ardma-
nach of the extent of £22 and other dues, including the lands of Petlundy, of the yearly extent
of £3, 6s. 8d., the half of a mart, the half of a mutton, and 24 poultry.1 In 1537 he granted
the same lands to Patrick Dingwall the son and heir of the deceased Henry.2 In 1542 the same
king granted to James Fraser the brother of Hugh Lord Fraser of Lovet, the same lands, extend
ing yearly in fermes and grassum to £4, with 10s. bondage silver, half a mart, and half a
mutton.3 In 1583 King James VI. confirmed a charter by Hugh Fraser of Gussoquhan, aliena
ting in heritage the lands of Petlundie and others to John M'Kainzie of Garloche, by whom they
were then occupied.4 In 1619 Issobel M'Kenzie was served heir to her father John M'Kenzie
apparent of Garloche in the half davach of Pitlundy in the barony of Ardmeonache, of the extent
of £4, and of 4s. in augmentation.5

In 1539 King James V. granted for life to James Fraser the brother german of Hugh Lord
Fraser of Lovet the 10 marklands of Drumdervat in the lordship of Ardmannach and earldom of
Boss, for the yearly payment of a penny of silver as blenchferme.6 In 1563 Queen Mary
granted to Thomas Monypenny of Kinkell the escheat of the goods of Donald Williamesoun,
John Noble, and William Alexandersoun, dwelling in Drumderphet belonging to the deanery of
Ros in the lordship of Ardmannach, denounced rebels and at the horn for non-payment of the
fermes and dues of the crop 1561 to Master Mungo Monypenny dean of Eos." In 1564
(16 October) the same queen granted to James Gray, one of her body guards, the lands of Drum-
darwecht and Westir Kescheok, with the mill, fishings, and other pertinents, then occupied by
William Lobane and others, and lying respectively in the earldom of Eos and lordship of Ardma-
noch ; the grantee paying yearly for Drumdarwecht £9, with 20s. for arriage (arigea pecunia),
36 bolls of victual, one mart, one mutton, 4 dozen poultry, and 4 bolls of horse oats (auenarum
equinamrn), as the old fermes and dues, and 6s. 8d. in augmentation of the rental — and for
Westir Kescheok and the mill £6, with 4 dozen capons, 4 muttons, and 14 bolls victual, as old
ferme, and 6s. 8d. in augmentation of the rental.8 In the same year (2 November) she renewed
the grant ; the yearly payment being then fixed at £10, 16s., with 2 chalders 6 bolls 1 firlot bear
with 'the charity,' 4 bolls oats, one mart, one mutton, 4 dozen poultry, 9 reek hens, 20s. of
bondage silver, and 80 loads of fuel to be laid down in the castle of Dingwell, as the fermes.
dues, and services, formerly paid for Drumdarveth — £7, 4s., with 4 muttons, 4 dozen capons, 8
reek hens, 20s. of bondage silver, and 80 loads of fuel to be laid down in the same castle, and the
usual services, as the old fermes due for Westir Kescheok — 4 bolls of victual for the mill — and 3s.
4d. for Drumdarveth and Westir Kescheok respectively in augmentation of the rental.0 In 1578

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxi. no. 35. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. 6 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxvi. no. 264. Reg. Sec. Sig.,
vi. ff. 27, 28; vol. vii. fol. 27. vol. xiii. fol. 8.

2 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxvi. no. 16. Reg. Sec. Sig., 7 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxi. fol. 97.

vol. xi. fol. 16. 8 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxii. no. 406. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

3 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxviii. no. 365. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxii. ff. 100-110.

vol. xvi. fol. 87. 9 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxii. no. 443. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

4 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 72. vol. xxxii. ff. 100-110. The ' charity ' was the light

5 Retours. grain blown out in dressing corn.

536 ORIGIJS'ES [KILMUIB WESTER.

King James VI. granted during his pleasure to James Gray in Wester Kessok, for his good
service ' alsweill in the caus of religioun as in vthiris the common effaris of the realme,' a yearly
pension of 14 bolls of victual which formerly belonged to the Black Friars of Innernes, to be
received from the fermes of the mill of Kessok, discharging him also of the dues of the same for
the years 1576 and 1577. 1 In 1582 he granted to the same James the same pension for life,
beginning in the year 1580.2 In 1584 he renewed the grant, the 14 bolls being in his hands by
the dispersion and demolition of the Black Friars to whom they had belonged.3 In 1586 he
granted in heritage to John Wylie writer the mill of Kessok with its croft, houses, buildings,
astricted multures, and other dues, formerly belonging to the Friars Preachers of Innernes ; the
grantee paying yearly 14 bolls of meal or for each boll 13s. 4d. between the feasts of the Xativity
of our Lord (25 December) and of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary (2 February).4
In 1587 the same king, on attaining his majority, renewed a grant made by his mother Queen
Mary to William Keith the master of his wardrobe and the heirs male of his body, with remainder
to liis heirs male whomsoever, of the lands and towns of Drumdarvat in the lordship of Ardmenoch,
and the lands and towns of Westir Kessoke in the earldom of Ross ; the grantee paying yearly for
Drumdarvat 2 chalders 4 bolls bear and meal with ' the charity,' 4 bolls oats, one mart, one
mutton, 4 dozen poultry, 9 reek hens, £10, 16s. as bondage silver and in augmentation of the
rental, and 120 loads of fuel — and for Westir Kessoke £9, 4s. 4d. as bondage silver and in aug
mentation of the rental, 4 dozen capons, 10 reek hens, 4 muttons, and 120 loads of fuel — as the
fermes, canes, customs, and dues specified in the rental.5 In 1624 Kenneth M'Kcinzie was served
heir to his father Thomas, formerly in Breckanord, in the south half of the town and lands of
Drumdarfat in the lordship of Ardmeanoche, of the extent of £4, 10s. feuferme.6 The family
of Loban, one of whom is mentioned above in 1564, have long been tenants of the farm of
Larach in Drumderfit, and their supposed or real antiquity has given rise to the proverb, ' as
old as the Lobans of Drumderfit.'7

In 1574 King James VI. confirmed two grants ; 1. A grant by Master William Sinclare rector
of Olrik, canon of Cathness, commissary and vicegerent of the deceased Henry bishop of Ross,
with consent of the dean, chapter, and canons of Ross — to Oliuer Sinclare of Quhitkirk and
Beatrice Rollok his wife, and to the male heirs of Oliuer, with remainder to William Sinclare of
Rosling and the heirs male of his body, and to his heirs male whomsoever — of the lands and
towns of Allanegrange, of which one-fourth was formerly occupied by Margaret Dunbar, two-
fourths by the widow of Finlay Wilky, and by Henry Wilkie, Andrew Richesoun, Andrew Alex-
andersoun, and William Reoch the younger, and the remaining fourth by the deceased Master
Donald Fraser archdeacon of Ross ; the alehouse and mill of Allanegrange ; and the lands of
Drummoir, extending to a half davach, with the alehouse of Drummoir — in the earldom of
Ross, and to be held of the bishop ; 2. A grant by the same Oliuer with the consent of his wife
to Colin M'Kanze of Kintale and his nearest male heirs, with remainder to his next male heirs

1 Reg. Sec. Sig.,vol. xlv. fol. 66. * Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liv. fol. 139.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 18. = Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. Iv. fol. 171.

J Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. li. fol. 72. « Retours. • Old Stat. Ace. Anderson, p. 545.

SODDY.] PAROCHIALES. 537

bearing the name and arms of M'Kanze, and to his nearest heirs whomsoever, of the same lands,
mill, and alehouses, to be held as before.1

In 1586 King James VI. granted in heritage to William Keith the master of his wardrobe the
lands of Dryne, for the yearly payment of £4, 15s. 4d., with 2 chalders 4 bolls of bear, 2 bolls
for ' the charity,' 4 bolls of oats, one mart, one mutton, 9 poultry, and 80 loads of fuel, the
grantee paying also £4, 15s. 4d. every five years as grassum.2

There is a village at Kessock in the west end of the parish opposite the entrance of the
Caledonian Canal.3

In this parish is a large moor with numerous cairns, locally said to have been the scene of a
battle between the Macdonalds and the inhabitants of Inverness in the thirteenth or fourteenth
century, and known as Blair-na-coi, a name which implies a termination of the fight by the same
means as the popular traditional account ends the battle of Luncarty in Perthshire.4 The
farmers who at Blair-na-coi rallied the fugitives would appear to have been the ancestors of the
Lobans, who date their connexion with the place from the era of the alleged battle.5

East of Blair-na-coi are the remains of a circle known as James's Temple — west of it are
traces of a camp — and on the hill of Kessock to the south are traces of another camp, and a large
cairn named Cairnglas.6

SUDD Y.

Sudy 7 — Suddy 8 — Suddye9 — Sudday10 — Suddie11 — Siddy.12
(Map, No. 27.)

IN 1756 a part of Suddy and Kilmuir was united to Killearnan, and a part of Killearnan to
the united parish of Kilmuir Wester and Suddy.13

The parish of Suddy included the northern and hilly part of the united parish, extending
inland from the head of Munlochy bay to the middle of the elevated moor named the Mulbuy.

In the year 1227 Thomas the parson of Sudy witnessed at Kenedor in Moray the settlement
of a dispute between the bishops of Moray and Eoss regarding the churches of Kyntalargyn

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., voL xlii. fol. 56. Sec. Sig., vol. xli. fol. 126. A. D. 1574. Book of As-

2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liv. ff. 46-48. signations. A. D. 1592. Acta Parl. Scot., vol. iii.

3 New Stat. Ace. p. 601.

4 Macfarlane. Old Stat. Ace. 9 A. D. 1561-1566. Book of Assumptions.
6 Old Stat. Ace. 'Ibid. 10 Circa A. D. 1569. Register of Ministers.
'A.D. 1227. Reg. Morav., p. 82. u Circa A. D. 1569. Register of Ministers. A. D.
8 A.D. 1561-1566. Book of Assumptions. A. D. 1600-1700. Macfarlane's Geog. Collect.

1569. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxviii. fol. 89. A. D. 1570. 12 Circa A. D. 1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaen.

Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxix. fol. 29. A. D. 1573. Reg. 13 Old Stat Ace.

VOL. II. 3 T

538 OEIGINES [BUDDY.

and Ardrosser.1 The church was afterwards a part of the prebend of the chancellor of Koss.2
Between the years 1561 and 1566 the parsonage was held by Master Duncan Chalmere chancellor
and ' vsufructuare,' and by him leased to Master David Chalmer titular and Kichard Wrwing his
factor.3 At the same time Sir David Barchane was vicar of Suddy and Kilmowr.* From 1569
to 1572 Andro Myll, previously exhorter at Awach, seems to have been minister of Awach,
Suddy, Kilmuir Westir, and Ardorseir.6 In 1569 King James VI. presented Dauid Thome-
soun to the vicarage of Suddy, vacant by the decease of Sir Dauid Barrachin.6 In 1570
he presented James Buschertt to the same vicarage, then vacant by the decease of Dauid
Thomesoun.7 In 1573 he presented John Eos to the vicarage of Kilmure and Suddy, vacant
by the decease of John Reid.8 In 1574 and 1576 Master George Monro was minister, and
Alexander Reid was reader at Suddy.9 In 1592 King James VI. granted the glebes and
manses of the chancellary of Ros and the vicarage of Suddy to Master David Chalmer of
Ormound.10

The church, probably dedicated to Saint Duthace of Tain, appears to have always stood at
Meikle Suddy in the east end of the parish about a mile due north from the bay of Munlochy.11
Its cemetery seems to be still in use.12 The church of the united parish, now known as Knock-
bain, stands at Knockbain near the head of Munlochy bay.13

In the year 1328 there was a controversy between Hugh Earl of Ross and Sir Andrew de
Moravia about the lands of Dromcudyn, Munlochy, and others, of which neither the origin nor
the termination is on record.14 In 1605 Duncan Fraser of Mullochie was served heir to his brother
german Alexander Fraser of Mullochie in the lands and mill of Mullochie within the chaplainry
of Mulvoche in the bishoprick of Ross.15 In 1612 William Fraser of Mullochie was served heir to
his brother german Duncan Fraser of Mullochie in the lands and town of Mulloche, with the
mill, mill-lands, multures, and sequels, within the chaplainry of Mullochie and earldom of Ross,
of the extent of £4.IG

On a small hill north west from the church, named Hurdyhill, there was in the seventeenth
century a well, imagined to have the virtue of curing sick children when left one night
beside it.17

In Baiamund's Roll the chancellary of Ross is taxed at £8 ; in the Taxatio Sec. xvi. at
£24, 16s. ; and in the Libellus Taxationum it is valued at £80.18 In the rental of assumptions

1 Reg. Morav., p. 82. writs of Tain with Balleguith or Bailedhuich, the

2 Book of Assumptions. 3 Ibid. undoubted 'town of Duthace,' though interpreted by
4 Ibid. s Register of Ministers. the writer in the Old Stat. Ace. ' Ball-ma-duich, a good

6 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxviii. fol. 89. country town, or Ball-ma-duth, a good black town.'

7 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxix. fol. 29. Register of 12 Old Stat. Ace.
Ministers. 13 Old and New Stat. Ace.

8 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xli. fol. 126. » Rob. Index, p. 28, no. II2. "> Retours.

9 Book of Assignations. 1G Ibid. From these services and another cited under

10 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. iii. p. 601. ROSEMARKIE it would appear that this chaplainry or

11 MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu. Macfarlane. Old another of the same name was founded in the cathedral
Stat. Ace. Modern Maps. The sole ground for con- church of Ross.

jecturing the dedication of the church to Saint Duthace >7 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect,
is the local name Belmaduthy, interchanged in old I8 MSS. in Adv. Lib.

SUDDV.] PAROCHIALES. 539

it is valued at £173, 6s. 8d., while the united vicarage of Suddy and Kilmowr is given at
£13, 6s. 3d.1 About 1569 the reader at Sudday had for his stipend £20 yearly, and in 1572
the minister drew 20 marks yearly from that church and Kylmuir Westir, apparently from the
vicarages.2 In 1574 the minister at Suddy and Kynnattas had for his stipend the whole chan-
cellary, £173, 6s. 8d., out of which he paid his readers ; and the reader at Suddy had yearly 20
marks and the kirklands.3 In 1576 the minister had only two-thirds of the chancellary, extend
ing to £115, lls. Id., and the reader had the same as before.4

The chaplainry of Munlochy, as we have seen, was valued at £4 yearly.5
In 1389 and 1399 appears in record John Bard or John le Barde.6 In 1492 Thomas Bard of
Ordinhuf (in Banffshire) was on an assize of perambulation of the vicarage lands of Abirker-
dor.7 In 1526 King James V. granted to his familiar servitor William Bard the lands of
Balmaduthy, extending in his rental to £6, 13s. 4d., with 1 chalder of bear, 1 mart, 1 mutton,
and 4 dozen poultry, and the lands of Sudy, extending to £8, with 1 chalder 4 bolls of bear,
1 mart, 1 mutton, and 4 dozen poultry, in the lordship of Ardmanach, for yearly payment of
£20, with 2 chalders 4 bolls of bear, 2 marts, 2 muttons, and 8 dozen of poultry, in aug
mentation of the King's rental by £5, 6s. 8d.8 In the same year he granted to Henry
Dingnevale the alehouse of Mekle Suddie with its croft and toft, extending to 20s., and the
mill of Mekle Suddie with its toft and croft, extending to 18 bolls of meal and malt, and 18
capons.9 In 1537 the same king granted the same alehouse and mill to Patrick Dingwall the
son and heir of the deceased Henry.10 In 1538 he granted the lands of Bowmalduthy and
Sydde to William Bard for 19 years.11 In 1542 he appears to have renewed the grant, and fixed
the yearly payment at £22 Scots, 8 bolls of bear, 8 bolls of oats, 2 marts, 2 muttons, and 8
dozen of poultry.12 In 1543 and 1544 James Dunbar in Sudy deceased appears in record.13 In
1548 Queen Mary granted to David Dunbar of Bennettisfield all the goods that belonged to the
deceased James the son of Alexander Dunbar of Sudy.1* In 1560 she granted to Master David
Chalmer provost of Creichtoun in heritage the towns and lands of Castletoun (in Avoch), Achtirflo,
Balmaduthie, and Mekill Suddie, with the mill, mill-lands, alehouse, and alehouse croft, in the
canonry of Ross and lordship of Ardmanoch.15 In 1567 she confirmed the grant.16 In 1568
King James VI. granted to Andrew Monro of Newmore, the son and apparent heir of George
Monro of Dalcarthie, and to Katherine Vrquhart his wife, and to their male heirs, the town and
lands of Casteltoun with the fishing croft and its pertinents — the town and lands of Balmadwthie
— the town and lands of Swdy with the brewhouse (bruerium), croft, and mill — the town and
lands of Ochtercloy — and all the pendicles and pertinents of those towns and lands — lying in

1 Book of Assumptions. 2 Register of Ministers. 10 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxvi. no. 16. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

3 Book of Assignations. vol. xi. fol. 16.

1 Ibid. 6 See above. 1! Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xii. fol. 3.

6 Reg. Morav., pp. 200, 212. * Ibid. pp. 346-348. 2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xvii. fol. 34.

8 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxi. no. 131. Acta Parl. Scot., 3 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxix. nn. 77, 206.
vol. ii. p. 311. « Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiii. fol. 17.

9 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxi. no. 35. Reg. Sec. Sig., 5 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. ii. p. 550.
vol. vi. ff. 27, 28; vol. vii. fol. 27. 6 Ibid.

540 OKIGINES [BUDDY.

the earldom of Bos, lordship of Ardmannoch, and sheriffdom of Innernes, belonging in heritage to
Master David Chalmer formerly chancellor of Eos, held by him of the King, amd forfeited on
account of treason and lese majesty — united in vnam mtegram et liberam particulam et pattern
terre consolidate vocatam vulgo Casteltoun; the grantee paying yearly the old fermes, victual,
grassum, and dues, namely, for Casteltoun £11, 10s. 6d. in money, 1 chalder 4 bolls of bear, 4
bolls of oats, 1 mart, 1 mutton, with the bondages (bondagia) or 20s. in lieu of them, 4 dozen
poultry, and 1 1 hens commonly called reek hens — for the croft commonly called Casteltoun croft
19s. 8d. and 1 boll of bear — for Balmadwthie £10, 16s. in money, 1 chalder 1 boll of bear, 1
mart, 1 mutton, and 4 dozen poultry, with the usual bondages of the same or in lieu of them 20s. —
for Swdy 13s. 4d., 1 chalder 5 bolls 1 firlot of bear, 1 mart, 1 mutton, 4 dozen poultry, with the
bondages or 20s. — for the brewhouse of Swdy and its croft, 32s. — for the mill of Swdy 18 bolls
of victual half meal half bear, with 1 boll 2 pecks for ' the charity,' and 8 capons — for Och-
tercloy £15, 4s. 9|d. | Scots, 2 chalders bear, 8 bolls oats, 2 marts, 2 muttons, the bondages or
40s., 8 dozen poultry, and 14 reek hens — with 26s. 8d. Scots in augmentation of the rental.1
In 1571 King James VI. granted to Master Alexander M'Keinzie a crown charter of the ale
house of Mekill Suddie with its tofts and crofts, and of the mill of Mekill Suddie with its tofts,
crofts, and multures, alienated to him in heritage by Patrick Dingwall fear of the same, and to be
held of the crown.2 In 1585 the same king confirmed a grant by John bishop of Ross to David
Dumbar of Vrquhart and Grisillida Leslie his wife, and their heirs, with remainder to David's
heirs whomsoever, of the lands of Litill Suddy, and the brewhouse with its croft and lands, then
occupied by David and his tenants.3 In 1607 William Chalmer apparent of Ormond was served
heir male to his father Master David Chalmer of Ormond in the town and lands of Castiltoun, of
the extent of £11, 10s. 6d. — the croft of Castiltoun called the chapel croft, extent 26s. 8d. —
the lands of Auchtercloy, extent £15, 4s. 9}d. — the lands of Balmaduthie, extent £10, 16s.
and other dues — the lands of Suddy, extent £13, 4s. and other dues — the brewhouse croft of
Suddy, extent 32s. — and the mill of Suddy, extent 18 bolls victual — with other lands in the
lordship of Ardmenache and earldom of Boss united into the free portion or part of contiguous
land called Castiltoun.4 In 1621 and again in 1625 George Dunbar was served heir to his
father James Dunbar of Newtoun in the town and lands of Suddie commonly called the lands of
Meikle Suddie, extent £13, 4s. — the alehouse and croft, extent 32s. — and the mill of Suddie,
the multures and sequels, with Carsswairdis, extent 18 bolls of victual.5

There is a village at Munlochy at the head of the small bay of the same name.6

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxviii. ff. 16, 109, 110. 4 Retours.

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxix. fol. 103. » Ibid.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. lii. fol. 72. c New Stat. Ace. Anderson. County Maps.

AVOCH.] PAEOCHIALES. 541

A V 0 C H.

Alvach1 — A woch2 — Awoche3 — Awach4 — Awache5 — Awauch6 —
Avache7— Avach8— Ava9— Avoch.10 (Map, No. 28.)

THIS parish extends along the shore of the Moray Firth from the bay of Munlochy on the
south west to the Craigland burn on the north east, and inland to the height of the Mulbuy,
there rising to 500 feet above the level of the sea.11 Parallel to the Mulbuy are two lower ridges
gently sloping towards the north.12 The bay of Avoch divides the coast into two nearly equal
parts, the more northern being high and rocky, while a portion of the more southern is flat and
sandy, and the remainder a mixture of rock and high gravelly beach.13

In 1493 (16 October) the abbot of Kynlos (in Moray) sued William lord of Saint John's
for 400 marks Scots of the dues of the churches of Alvach in Eos and Ellone in Buchane,
and of the lands of Straithylay, for one year.14 The abbot declared in court that he should hold
himself satisfied of 50 marks of the money, if the lord of Saint John's would produce the receipt
of Master Hew Mertyne to whom he affirmed he had paid them. The Lords of Council there
fore assigned to him the third day of February following to produce it. And, as the same lord
asserted that he had by command of the abbot paid to Master Hew the sum of 200 ducats
amounting to 300 marks Scots, and the abbot denied that he had given any order to that
effect — and also, because the lord of Saint John's affirmed that he had given up to the abbot
certain lands of the abbey as payment of about £60, and that the abbot had accepted them
— the Lords assigned him the same day to prove his allegations. The church of Awach was
afterwards a prebend in the cathedral of Eoss.15 In 1558 Queen Mary presented Sir James
Ker chaplain to the vicarage of Awoch, vacant or when vacant by the resignation of Sir
Alexander Pedder.16 Between 1561 and 1566 Sir Alexander was still vicar of Awoch.17 In
1569 Queen Mary presented Andro Mylne to the vicarage, then vacant by Sir Alexander's
death.18 From that year till 1576 Andro Myll appears successively as exhorter, minister, and
vicar.19 In 1604 John Urquhart was served heir male of entail and provision to his father
Walter sheriff of Cromartie in the manse or croft of the rector of Awach in the canonry of

1 A. D. 1493. Acta Dom. Cone., p. 302. 7 A. D. 1621. Retours.

2 A. D. 1558. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxix. fol. 50. 8 A. D. 1600-1700. Macfarlane's Geog. Collect.

A. D. 1561-1566. Book of Assumptions. 9 Circa A. D. 1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu.

3 A. D. 1561-1566. Book of Assumptions. ° Circa A. D. 1640. MS. Maps.

4 A. D. 1569. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxviii. fol. 88. 1 New Stat. Ace. 12 Old Stat. Ace. 13 Ibid.
A. D. 1569-1572. Register of Ministers. A. D. 1574. 4 Acta Dom. Cone., p. 302. 15 Retours.
Book of Assignations. A. D. 1576. Ibid. A. D. 1604. 6 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxix. fol. 50.

Retours. 7 Book of Assumptions.

5 A. D. 1569-1572. Register of Ministers. A. D. » Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxviii. fol. 88.

1621. Retours. 6 A. D. 1576. Book of Assignations. 19 Register of Ministers. Book of Assignations.

542 ORIGINES [AVOCH.

Ross, of the extent of 40 shillings.1 In 1621 George Dunbar was served heir to his father
James Dunbar of Newtown in three-fourths of the town and kirklands of Awache, extending to
6 oxgangs of a davach of land, with the mill of the town of Avache, of the extent of £6 — the
alehouse of Avache and its crofts, with the yair and salmon fishing, if any, with wrack and wair,
groves and woods, of the extent of 25s. — and the town and lands of Killen with the tithes
included, extending to a half davach, in the parish of Awache, of the old extent of 8 shillings.2

The church, built in 1670, stands on a height near the shore apparently on the site of former
churches at the village and on the left bank of the burn of Avoch.3

In 1528 King James V. presented Sir John Scherar to the chaplainry of the Virgin Mary
of Ormondhill in the lordship of Ardcmannach, extending yearly to £5, vacant or when vacant
by the demission of Sir Seuer Stewart.4 In 1546 Queen Mary presented Sir Thomas Rag
chaplain to the chaplainry of the Mount of Ormond, vacant or when vacant by the resignation
of Sir Seuerin Stewart.5 In 1567 she granted for life to Master James Chalmer, servant to
Master David Chalmer chancellor of Ross, the chaplainry of Ormondie, vacant by the decease
of Sir Thomas Rag.6 In 1607 William Chalmer apparent of Ormond was served heir male to
his father Master David Chalmer of Ormond in the croft of Castletoun called the chapel croft,
of the extent of 26s. 8d.7 In 1673 Alexander Brodie of Lethin was served heir to his father
Alexander in the patronage of the chaplainry of Castiltoun with the tithes, as part of the
lordship, barony, and regality of Kinloss.8 In 1677 John M'Kenzie of Aplecross, the eldest
son of the deceased Roderic M'Kenzie of Aplecross, who was the eldest lawful son of Alexander
M'Kenzie of Coull, was served heir to the latter in the half of the croft called the chapel croft
of Casteltoun.9 In 1681 Kenneth Earl of Seaforth, Lord M'Kenzie of Kintaill, was served heir
male to his great-grandfather Kenneth Lord M'Kenzie and Kintaill, formerly styled Lord
Kenneth M'Kenzie of Kintaill, in the same chapel croft, of the extent of 28s. 4d.10

In 1673 Alexander Brodie of Lethin was served heir to his father Alexander in the patronage
and tithes of the chaplainry of Killen, as part of the lordship, barony, and regality of Kinloss.11

In the parish are three wells, named Hainuck, Charles's Well, and Craiguck, the last of which
ia still believed to effect miraculous cures, and is frequented for that purpose on the morning
of the first Sabbath of May.12

At the Reformation between the years 1561 and 1566 Sir Alexander Peddir, who had then
been vicar ' the space of thir four yeiris bygane or thairby,' stated that ' the vicarage of Awach was
ijuhen guid payment was maid worth be yeir xx merkis, and now not worth x merkis.' 13 Between
1569 and 1572 we have on record the following two statements — 1. Awach, Andro Myll exhorter,
xl li., now ane minister sen November 1569, ic merkis, and now vicar of Awache, extending to
viii li. vii s. i d., to be allowit in part of payment of his stipend of Ix yeris crope. 2. Awach,

1 Retours. 2 Ibid. 6 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxvi. fol. 11.

3 Macfarlane. MS. Maps. Blaeu. JpOld. Stat. Ace. 7 Retours. See SUDDY, p. 540.

New Stat. Ace. County Maps. " Retours. 9 Ibid. '« Ibid. " Ibid.

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. x. fol. 18. " New Stat. Ace.

J Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xx. fol. 36. 13 Book of Assumptions.

AVOCH.] PAROCHIALES. 543

Suddie, Kylmuir Westir, Ardorsier ; Andro Mill minister, ic merkis November 1569, xx li. mair
sen November 1571, and for thir tua kirkis xx merkis sen Lambmes 1572, the vicarage of Awach
extending to viii li. vii s. i d. in part of payment of the foirsaid stipend.1 In 1574 the same Andro
Myll, minister at Awach, Kilmuir Westir, and Arthourseir, had for his stipend £80 with the
kirklands and other perquisites ; and George Thomsoun reader at Awach had £20. 2 In 1576
the statement of the assignation of stipend for Awauch is thus given — ' Awauch, Andro Miln
minister, his stipend £66, 13s. 4d. with the kirkland of Awach, thairof the haill vicarage of
Awauch newlie disponit to him £8, 6s. 8d., and the remanent to be payit out of the thriddis of
the abbay of Kinlos, &c. ; George Thomsoun reidare at Awauch, his stipend £20, &c.'3
The chaplainry of Ormondhill, as we have seen, was in 1528 valued at £5 yearly.4
About the year 1328 King Robert Bruce appears to have settled a dispute between Andrew
Murray and Sir Hugh of Ross about the barony of Auach in Ross.5 'Andrew Murray' was
doubtless Sir Andrew de Moravia of Bothwell and Avoch, fifth in succession of that branch of
the De Moravia family.6 He was Panetarius, and latterly Warden of Scotland, ' the good
Warden eminent in an age of heroes and patriots,' and died at Avoch in 1338." John de
Moravia, the son of Sir Andrew, and also Panetarius Scode, was lord of Botheuyle and Auauch
from 1338 to 1351.8 During the same period appears in record John de Mor bailie of the barony
of Auauch.9 John de Moravia was succeeded by his brother Thomas, also Panetarius, who died
in 1361, and whose daughter Joan carried the family estates, including Avoch, to Archibald the
Grim, third Earl of Douglas.10 In 1398 among reasons given by the bishop of Moray against a
judgement of the sheriff of Innernys, declaring that the bishop was bound to give suit in the sheriff
courts, was the following — That the court in which the judgement was given was null, because in
such a court there ought to be present the sheriff or his lieutenant, three or four suiters (sectatores),
a clerk of fee, and a judge of fee, while in the court in question there was present but one
suiter, namely, John the son of Michael (Macmichael) the suiter of Avach, and neither clerk
nor judge of fee, but that the same John Macmichael who was the only suiter in court acted as
judge, gave the judgement in question, and thus performed the office both of court and of judge.11
The Douglases seem to have held the lands and barony of Avoch till their forfeiture in 1455, and
before that date, apparently between the years 1440 and 1448, King James II. conferred the
title of Earl of Ormond on Hugh of Douglas, the hero of Sark, and fourth son of James the
seventh earl.12 In 1455 King James II. on attaining his majority recalled all grants which he had

1 Register of Ministers. 2 Book of Assignations. 8 Reg. Morav., pp. xxxviii., 296, 297. Kilravock
3 Ibid. 4 See above. Charters.

5 Rob. Index, p. 28, no. 3. The subject of the dispute 9 Kilravock Charters.

is printed by Robertson baronia de Lanach, but should 10 Reg. Morav., pp. xxxviii., 300. Reg. Glasg., p. 300
apparently be read baronia del Auach. Reg. Hon. de Morton, vol. ii. p. 98.

6 Reg. Morav., pref. pp. xxxvii. xxxviii. Wyntownis " Reg. Moraviense, p. 209.

Cronykil. w Godscroft's History of the House of Douglas.

7 Ford. Scot., lib. xiii. c. 37. Buch. Hist., lib. ix. c. Buch. Hist., lib. xi. cc. 29-31. Reg. Morav. p. 228.
25. Wyntownis Cronykil. Reg. Hon. de Morton, Godscroft says that Hugh ' was made Earle of Ormond,
vol. ii. p. 68. Reg. Morav., pref. p. xxxviii. Hailes' and had sundry lands given him by the king in Tivi-
Annals. Chalmers, vol. i. p. 609. dale and Rosse.'

544 ORIGINES [AVOCH.

previously made, excepting among others the grants of land in the sheriffdoms of Innernes and
Bamf made to the bishop of Moray from the lands forfeited by the deceased Hugh of Douglas Earl
of Ormond and John of Douglas formerly of Balwanye, and held by them of the bishop in chief.1
Between the years 1460 and 1481 King James III. created James Stewart his younger son
Marquis of Ormond.2 In 1481 (5 April) he granted to the Marquis of Ormound the lands of the
lordship of Ardmannach called Avauch and Nethirdul, with the moothill of Ormound and the
fortalice of Kedcastell.3 In the same year (12 April) he confirmed the grant by a charter under
his great seal.* About the year 1503 the Marquis, having become an ecclesiastic, resigned his
lands to his brother King James IV., retaining only the principal messuage or the moothill of
each property in order to preserve his titles.5 In 1527 King James V. granted to James Dunbar
the son of Master Patrick Dunbar certain lands in the lordship of Ardmanach, including the
lands of Casteltoun, extending to £8, 20 bolls of bear, 4 bolls of oats, 1 mart, 1 mutton, 4 dozen
poultry, 16 loads of turf — the grantee paying yearly 22s. in lieu of the victual — and the crofts
of Casteltoun, extending to 13s. 4d. and 1 boll of bear — the lands of Casteltoun to be the prin
cipal messuage or ' cheif chymmise' of the whole.6 In 1560 Queen Mary granted to Master
David Chalmer provost of Creichtoun the towns and lands of Casteltoun and others in the earl
dom of Ross and lordship of Ardmanoch ; and in 1567 she confirmed the grant.7 In 1568 King
James VI. granted to Andrew Monro of Newmore the son and apparent heir of George Monro
of Dalcarthie, and to Katherine Vrquhart his wife, and to their male heirs, the town and lands
of Casteltoun, with the fishing croft commonly called Casteltoun Croft, and other lands in the
earldom of Ros and lordship of Ardmannoch, which belonged in heritage to Master David
Chalmer formerly chancellor of Ros, and were forfeited by him for treason and lose majesty.8
In 1607 William Chalmer apparent of Ormond was served heir male to his father Master David
Chalmer of Ormond in the town and lands of Castiltoun, of the extent of £11, 10s. 6d., and
the croft of Castiltoun called the chapel croft, of the extent of 26s. 8d., united with other lands
into the free portion or part of contiguous land called Castiltoun.9

In 1563 Master William Sinclair rector of Olrik, as commissioner of Henry bishop of Ross
for leasing the lands of the bishoprick, granted to George Dunbar and his heirs male, with
remainder to his natural son George Dunbar and his heirs male, to Patrick Dunbar the brother
of George the younger and his heirs male, and to the heirs male whomsoever of George the
elder, three-fourths of the town and lands of Avach with the mill and multures (except the
mill-lands occupied by Master Alexander M'Kainze), with the yair and salmon fishing, if any,
and also the wrack, wair, and woods within the bounds of the town and mill, and the alehouse
of Avach with its lands, occupied by George Dunbar.10 Between the years 1564 and 1571
John bishop of Ross granted to Master Alexander M'Kenze in liferent, and to his eldest son

1 Reg. Morav., pp. 226-230. 6 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxi. no. 95.

2 Crawfurd's Officers of State, p. 58. Additional 7 ActaParl. Scot, vol. ii. p. 550. See SUDDIE, p. 639.
Sutherland Case, chap. iv. p. 67. e Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxviii. ff. 16, 109, 110. See

3 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. ix. no. 59. MS. penes Kditor. SCDDIE, pp. 539, 540.

* Ibid. 9 Retours. See SUDDIE, p. 540.

> Additional Sutherland Case, chap. iv. p. 58. "> Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvii. fol. 142.

AVOCH.] PAROCHIALES. 545

Kenneth M'Kenze and his male heirs, with remainder to his second son John M'Kenze and
his male heirs, and to Alexander's male heirs whomsoever bearing the name and arms of M'Kenze,
the mill-lands of Awoch, then occupied by Alexander and his subtenants.1 In 1572 King
James VI. confirmed the grant of bishop John, and in 1581 he confirmed the grant of bishop
Henry.2 In 1580 appears in record Colin Dunbar the son of George Dunbar of Awach.3

Between the years 1338 and 1351 Muriel de Eoys the widow of Sir William do Hoys lord of
Kylrauoke, daughter and one of the heirs of the deceased Andrew of Doun, with the consent of
her overlord John de Moravia lord of Botheuyle and of Auauch, granted to her second son
Andrew de Eoys and his heirs her whole share of the lands of Kyllayn and Pethfouyr in the
barony of Auauch belonging to her in heritage, to be held as freely as by her deceased father, the
grantee doing to the overlord the service due for his portion of the land.* In 1525 (4 July)
King James V. granted in heritage to John Dunbar the kinsman of Gawin bishop of Abirden the
lands of Bannethfeild and Killane in the earldom of Boss and Ardmanach, extending in his rental
to £7 yearly, for the yearly payment of £9 to augment the rental by 40s. ; the grantee being
bound to construct on the lands houses of stone and lime, orchards, gardens, pigeonhouses, fish-
pools, and rabbit warrens, if the ground were suitable.5 In the same year (17 July) the King
and parliament confirmed the grant.6 In 1526 the same king granted to Henry Dingnevale the
lands of Petfuyr, extending yearly to 44s. ferme — the mill of Petfuyr called the Denemylne with
its toft and croft, extending to £6 — and the mill of Pettenochy with its toft and croft, extending
to 2 chalders of meal and malt, and 18 capons — with other lands in the lordship of Ardmanach
— extending in all to £17, 6s. 8d., 3 chalders 2 bolls of oatmeal and malt, 2 quarters of a
mart, 2 muttons and two quarters, 5 dozen capons, and 24 poultry — for the yearly pay
ment of £22 and other dues, in augmentation of the King's rental by £6, 9s. 4d.7 In 1527
the same king granted to James Dunbar the son of Master Patrick Dunbar a number of lands
in Ardmanach, of which the lands of Casteltoun were to be the chief messuage, and which
included the lands of Petconnoquhy, extending to £6, 13s. 4d., 20 bolls of bear, 4 bolls
of oats, 1 mart, 1 mutton, 4 dozen poultry, 16 loads of turf — the grantee paying yearly 22s.
in lieu of the victual — three alehouses called the alehouses of Petconoquhy, extending to
3s. — and the mill of Petconoquhy, extending to 2 chalders bear and 3 dozen capons, which
belonged to the King in property, was luld of him in chief by Henry Dingvale, and was resigned
by Henry in favour of James Dunbar the grantee.8 In 1537 King James V. granted to Patrick
Dingwall the son and heir of the deceased Henry Dingwall, the same lands that were granted to
his father in 1526.9 In 1548 Queen Mary granted to David Dunbar of Bennetisfeild the goods
which belonged to the deceased James Dunbar the son of the deceased Alexander Dunbar of

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. si fol. 59. 7 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxi. no. 35. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

"- Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xl. fol. 59; vol. xlvii. fol. 52. vol. vi. ff. 27, 28; vol. vii. fol. 27. See KILLEARNAN,

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvii. fol. 31. p. 529; KILMUIR WESTER, p. 535; and SUDDY,P. 539.

4 Kilravock Charters. 8 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxi. fol. 95. See above, p. 544 ;

5 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. ii. p. 396. Reg. Mag. Sig., and KILMUIR WESTER, p. 533.

lib. xx. no. 159. « Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxvi. no. 16. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

« Ibid. vol. xi. fol. 16.

VOL. II. 3 Z

546 ORIGINES [AVOCH.

Sudy.1 In 1541 John Dunbar of Bannagcfield appears in record.2 In 1549 Queen Mary
granted to David Dunbar, the son and heir of the deceased John Dunbar in Bennettisfeild,
and to his male heirs, with remainder successively to his brother John and his male heirs, to
Patrick Dunbar of Sanchar and his male heirs, to Patrick's brother John and his male heirs, to
the male heirs whomsoever of David Dunbar bearing the same surname and arms, and to his
nearest female heirs without division, the lands of Bennettisfeild, Petfur, the alehouse of Petfur,
the lands of Killane, the mill of Petconochy, and the mill of Petfur called the Denemyln, in the
lordship of Ardmannach, extending in the Queen's rental to £21, 15s. 7d. Scots, 1 chalder meal,
1 chalder bear with ' the charity,' 1 dozen capons, and 5 reek hens, and then of new united into
the free tenandry of Bennettisfeild, for the yearly payment of £22, 8s. lid., 12 capons or 6 pence
for each, 5 reek hens or 4 pence for each, 1 chalder meal, and 1 chalder bear, as feuferme, in
augmentation of the rental by 13s. 4d.3 In 15G3 John Jeriour was served heir to his father
John Jenour in the lands of the fourth part of Killane and the sixth part of Pitfure in the lord
ship of Ardmanach, of the old extent of 6 shillings.4 In 1580 King James VI. granted in heri
tage to William Keith the master of his wardrobe the mill of Petconochy or of Petfour with
the multures and alehouse, the lands of Kyllane, the lands of Benethef'eild and the mill of
Petfur with the multures, and the lands of Dryne with the alehouse of Petfur ; the grantee
paying yearly for the mill of Petconoquhy with the multures 2 chalders victual with 2 bolls
as ' charity,' 2 dozen capons, and 1 poultry — for Petfuir with the alehouse 44s., with 10s. of
bondage silver, 1 reek hen, and as grassum every 5 years 44s. — for Killane 55s., with 4s.
bondage, 1 poultry, and 55s. as grassum — for Beimethfeild £0, 5s., with 8s. bondage, 1 poultry,
and £0, 5s. as grassum • — for the mill of Petfur with the multures £C, 1 poultry, and £0
grassum — for Drynic £4, 15s. 4d., 2 chalders 4 bolls bear with 2 bolls as 'charity', 4 bolls of
oats, 1 mart, 1 mutton, 9 poultry (capons ?) 20s. bondage, 48 poultry, 80 loads of fuel, and
grassum £4, 15s. 4d. — and for the alehouse of Petfur 10s. and the same sum as grassum.5 In
1620 Alexander Genor was served heir to his father John Genor portioner of Pitfuir in the sixth
part of the town and lands of Pitfuir, of the old extent of 3 shillings. c In 1021 George Dunbar
was served heir to his father James Dunbar of Newtoun in a piece of moor called Blairfoyde or

Newtown of adjacent to the lands of Killen in the lordship of Ardmeanoche in the

sherifl'dom of Innernes, with common pasture on the hills called Mulboy and Ordhill, of the old
extent of 3 shillings.7 In 1037 Alexander Dunbar of Bennegfeild was served heir male to his
father John Dunbar of Bennegfeild in an oxgang of Killen in the lordship of Ardmeanach and
sheriffdom of Innerness, and in a piece of moor called Blairfoyde adjacent and united to the same,
of the old extent of 5 shillings.8 In 1070 King Charles II. granted to Sir George M'Kenzie of
Rosehaugh, Lord Advocate, an oxgang of land called Easter Killeane, and a particate of land or
piece of moor called Blairfoid, then arable, lying beside the former and bounded as follows —

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiii. fol. 17. 4 Uetours.

2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xiv. ft1. 80, 81. j Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liv. fl'. 40-48.
' Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxx. no. 369. Reg. Sec. Sig., ' Ketours.

vol. xxii. fol. 81. • Ibid. *• Ibid.

AVOCH.] PAEOCHIALES. 547

' Having the well called the Goosswell of Killeane as the samen flowes in the Goossburne ascend
ing directly in the litle river or water called Strathburne on the west ; the kirklands of Wester
Radderie as the samen was possesst of old in the year of God 1598 be the then tennents and
possessors thereof on the east ; the Strathburne on the north ; and the litle river or water called
the Goosseburn on the south pairts' — with the liberty of common pasture on the hills and within
the moors called the Millbowie and Ordhill lying south and north of the land of Blairfoid — all
in the parish of Avach, lordship of Ardmannoch, and sheriffdom formerly of Innerness, then of
Boss.1 In 1681 King Charles confirmed the grant.2

In 1586 King James VI. confirmed a charter by the deceased Alexander bishop of Ross,
granting to Thomas Wilsoun the son and heir of the deceased John Wilsoun in the canonry of
Ross and to his male heirs, with remainder to his heirs whomsoever, the lands of Arkynd-
wycht, Tempilland, and Boigschangie in the diocese of Ross.3 In 1611 Edward Lord Bruce of
Kinloss was served heir male to his father Lord Edward in the lordship of Kinloss, including
among lands formerly belonging to the abbey of Kinloss the lands of Mureailhous, Auchindeuch,
and a manse within the canonry of Ross, in the parish of Avach.4 In 1617 Thomas Lord
Bruce of Kinloss was served heir to his brother Lord Edward in the same lands.5

In the last century there were in the parish three villages named Seatown, Kirktown, and
Milntown, having respectively 378, 99, and 80 inhabitants.6 At present there seems to be but
one village, named Avoch.7

From the castle of Avoch, known also as the castle of Ormond, Ormondy, or Ormondhill, and
Douglas Castle, Hugh of Douglas between 1440 and 1448 drew the style Earl of Ormond, and
James Stewart the second son of King James III. between 1460 and 1481 drew the style
Marquis of Ormond.8 In 1481, as we have seen, King James III. granted the lands of Avauch
with the moothill of Ormound to the Marquis of Ormound, who about 1503 resigned the lands,
but retained the moothill in order to preserve his title.9 A writer of the seventeenth century
mentions Ormondhill south-west from the church with the remains of a castle, and elsewhere
describes it as ' Casteltoun with the ruynes of a castell called the castell of Ormond, which hath
gevin styles to sundrie earls and last to the Princes of Scotland.' *° The foundations of the castle
remain on the top of a hill near Castletown point on the bay of Munlochy about 200 feet
above the level of the sea.11 They occupy a space 350 feet by 160, and the castle seems to have
been built of coarse red stone and lime, with a ditch on one side.12 The hill of Castletown is
now known as Ormondhill or Ladyhill (the latter name having arisen evidently from the
dedication of its chapel).13

Of the tower of Arkendeith, situated on a farm of the same name, only the lower story
remains.14

1 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. viii. p. 377. 2 Ibid. 9 See above, p. 544.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liii. fol. 178. * Retours. 10 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect.

5 Ibid. « Old Stat. Ace. 7 New Stat. Ace. " Old and New Stat. Ace.

5 See above, pp. 543, 544. The Old Stat. Ace. says I2 Old Stat. Ace.

that in the last century tradition gave the castle the 13 New Stat. Ace. See above, p. 542.

name of Douglas Castle. l* New Stat. Ace.

548 ORIGINES ['-OGIE WESTEH.

In different parts of the parish are traces of encampments, and in the churchyard are several
gravestones with figures in relief of spears, arrows, and stars.1

On the farm of Arkendeith there is an old quarry, out of which the cathedral church of Boss
is said to have been built.2

LOGIE WESTEB.

Logy3 — Logic4 — Logy Westir5 — Logywreid.6 (Map, No. 29.)

ABOUT the year 16G9 the parishes of Logic Wester and Urquhart were united.7

Logic Wester, forming the southern portion of the united parish, rises gradually from the
banks of the Conan and the Firth of Cromarty to the ridge of the Mulbuy, the lower part being
generally cultivated, and the upper waste.8

In 1498 King James IV. presented Master John Monroo to the vicarage of Logy-Vrquhard
(meaning apparently the vicarages of Logy and Vrquhard), when it should be vacant by the
resignation of Sir Dugall Euresoun.'J In 1.560 Queen Mary presented Robert Monro to the
vicarages of the parish churches of Vrquhart and Logie, vacant or when vacant by the resignation or
the inhability of John Monro, or in any other way.10 At the Reformation the church of Logy was
part of the prebend of the treasurer of Ross.11 In 1569 Robert Monro was reader at Urquhart
and Logy Wester, afterwards exhorter at the same churches, and then minister of them and others.12
In 1659 Simoun Fraisser of Innerallochie was served heir to his grandfather Sir Simone of
Innerallochie in the advowson of the parish church of Logie both parsonage and vicarage.13

The church stood on the right bank of the Conan at a place anciently known as Logyreyth
or Logywreid, where its ruins remained in the end of last century.14 The church of the united
parish, rebuilt in 1795, but apparently not on its former site, stands at Urquhart on the
Cromarty Firth.15

In Baiamund's Roll the treasury of Ross is taxed at £8 ; in the Taxatio Seculi xvi. at
£24, 16s. ; and in the Libellus Taxationum it is valued at £80.16 At the Reformation the
treasury, including the churches of Logy and Urquhart, and the fourth of the churches of
Cromarty and Rosemarkie, was stated at 300 marks, of which 100 marks were appropriated
' for the vphold of the kirkis and to the niinistaris.' 17 In 1569 Robert Monro as reader at

1 Old Stat. Ace. "- Ibid. 7 Acta Parl. Scot, vol. vii. p. 598.

3 A. D. 1498. Keg. Sec. Sig., vol. i. fol. 57. A. D. " Old and New Stat. Ace.
15G1-1566. Book of Assumptions. Circa A. D. 1640. 9 Keg. Sec. Sig., vol. i. fol. 57.
Blaeu. 10 Keg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxx. fol. 26.

4 A. D. 1560. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxx. fol. 26. A.D. " Book of Assumptions.

1659. Retours. A.D. 1609. Acta Parl. Scot., vol. vii. 12 Register of Ministers. Book of Assignations,

p. 598. n Retonrs.

5 A. D. 1569-1572. Register of Ministers. A.D. u Macfarlane. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liv. ff. 46-48. Re-
1574-1576. Book of Assignations. tours. Old Stat. Ace. 15 Old and New Stat. Ace.

6 A.D. 1600-1700. Macfarlane's Geog. Collect. 16 MSS. in Adv. Lib. " Book of Assumptions.

LOGIE WESTER.] PAEOCHIALES. 549

Urquhart and Logy Wester had a stipend of £20, and afterwards as exhorter a stipend of £40^
In 1574 as minister of the same and other churches he had £66, 13s. 4d. and the kirklands, and
the reader at Urquhart and Logy had £20.- In 1576 the same minister had for his stipend
£72, 4s. 5d., the kirklands of Urquhart, and other perquisites ; and David Monro reader at
Urquhart and Logy had £20, paid out of the third of the treasury of Boss by the tacksmen and
parishioners of Logie Wester.3

Between 1336 and 1357 appears in record John of Kynkellee dean of Ross.4 In 1527 King
James V. granted to William Dingvale of Kildun the lands of Kinkell-Clairsair, with the Ferry-
house croft and the privilege belonging to the same, then extending in the King's rental to
7 marks 6 shillings and 8 pence, and other lands in Ross, extending in all to £23, 13s. 4d.,
4 bolls victual, and 1 mart, for the yearly payment of £33, 6s. 8d., and the other dues, to
augment the rental by £9, 13s. 4d.5 In 1542 the same king granted to James Fraser, the brother
of Hugh Lord Fraser of Lovet, the lands of Kynkell-Clarschac, extending in the King's rental
to £7, 8s. in ferme and grassum, 8s. of bondage silver, and 3 reek hens — with other lands in
Ross and Ardmannach — the grantee paying for the whole yearly £51, 3s., 21 reek hens,
2^ marts, 2-| muttons, and 8 dozen poultry.6 In 1553 and 1563 appears in record Thomas
Monypenny of Kinkell.7 In 1583 King James VI. confirmed a charter by Hugh Fraser of
Gussoquhan, alienating to John M'Kainzie of Garloche and his heirs the lands and towns of
Kinkell-Clarsache in the lordship of Ross, then occupied by John M'Kainzie.8 In 1584 the
same king confirmed two grants by the deceased John bishop of Ross — 1. A grant to Murdoc
M'Kainzie and his heirs of the brewhouse of Kinkell and the lands belonging to it, then occupied
by Murdoc and his tenants ; and 2. A grant to Alexander Cheisholme of Cwmer for life, and to
his youngest son Wiland (Vallano) Cheisholme and his male heirs, with remainder in succession
to his second son Alexander and his male heirs, and to his eldest son Thomas and his heirs
whomsoever, of the lands and town of Kinkell, extending to a half davach, then occupied by
Alexander Cheisholme the elder.9 In 1590 Alexander M'Kenze was served heir to his father
Murdoc M'Kenze of Ferbrone in the alehouse of Kinkell with the brewlands, of the extent of
49s. feuferme.10 In 1638 Kenneth M'Keinzie of Garloch was served heir male to his father
Alexander M'Keinzie of Garloche in the lauds and barony of Garloche, including Kinkell-
Clairsach, of the extent of £7, 8s. feuferme and other dues, and in the manor place of Kinkell,
of the extent of 3s. 4d. feuferme.11 In 1647 Hector M'Kenzie was served heir male to his
brother John M'Kenzie of Fairburne in the same alehouse and lands, of the extent of 49s. Id.1"
In 1673 Alexander Mackenzie of Garloch was served heir male to his father Kenneth Mackenzie
of Garloche in the lands of Kinkell-Clairsach and in the manor-place of Kinkell, as in 1638. 13
The barony of Kinkell-Fraser, stated in 1669 to have been of old called Ferintosh, is still known

1 Register of Ministers. 6 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxviii. no. 365. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

2 Book of Assignations. vol. xvi. fol. 87.

3 Ibid. ' Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxv. fol. 94; vol. xxxi. fol. 92.
« Kilravock Charters. » Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 72.

5 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxi. no. 36. Reg. Sec. Sig., 9 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. li. ff. 35, 40. 10 Retonrs.

vol. vi. fol. 53 ; vol. vii. fol. 57. " Ibid. a Ibid. " Ibid.

550

ORIGINES

[LOGIE WESTER.

by the latter name.1 In 1690 it was held by Duncan Forbes of Culloden, to whom in com
pensation for losses sustained during his absence in Holland on government service the Scotch
parliament granted an exemption from the excise duties on spirits distilled from corn grown upon
the lands.'- In 1786 the privilege was abolished, and a sum of money granted to the proprietor
as compensation for £30,000 of debt incurred in the service of government by his father the
well known president of the Court of Session in 1745.3

In 1542 Kin" James V. granted to James Frasor, the brother of Hugh Lord Fraser of Lovet,
the lands of Culboky, extending to £18, 8s. in forme and grassum, 41s. of bondage silver,
2 marts, 2 muttons, 8 reek hens, and 8 dozen poultry — and the alehouse of Culboky, extending
in forme, grassum, and other dues, to 12 shillings.4 In 1563 Queen Mary granted to Hugh
Fraser of Gussachane and Margaret Munro his wife the western half of Eistir Culboky and the
eastern half of Westir Culboky, with the houses and gardens made and to be made near the
shore in the place called the Quorrcll, in the lordship of Ardmanach, resigned by Hugh.5 In
1581 King James VI. granted to Hugh Fraser of Gussauchan and the heirs male of his body,
with remainder to his heirs male whomsoever, the mill of Culboky, with the croft, multures,
and profits, in the earldom of Ross and sheriffdom of Innernes, extending yearly in the King's
rental to 16 bolls of victual — for the yearly payment of 16 bolls 'good and sufficient
merchandise' with 'the charity,' as the ferme contained in the rental, and one boll of bear in
augmentation, in all 17 bolls, to be paid between Christmas and Candlemas.6 In 1586 the
same king granted the mill of Culboky in heritage to William Keith the master of his
wardrobe for the yearly payment of 15 bolls of victual with 3 firlots 3 peeks as 'charity.'7

In 1503 Alexander Bane of Tullich exchanged with Robert Monro of Foulis the half of the
lands and fishings of Ferrintosky in Braquhat (in Sutherland) for the lands of Wester Logy
with the mill and alehouse in the earldom of Ross, and for certain arable lands in the burgh
of Dingwall.8 In the same year Queen Mary granted to the respective parties crown charters
of the lands exchanged.9 In 1586 King James VI. granted in heritage to William Keith the
master of his wardrobe the ferry of Scuttoll and the lands and alehouse of Logyreyth ; the
grantee paying yearly for the ferry 20s., and every 5 years the same sum as grassum — for
Logyreyth £3, with 8s. of bondage silver, 4 poultry, £3 grassum, and the usual services — and
for the alehouse 40s. and the same sum as grassum.10 In 1681 Kenneth Earl of Seaforth, Lord
M'Kenzie and Kintaill, was served heir male to his great-grandfather Kenneth Lord M'Kenzie
and Kintaill, formerly styled Lord Kenneth M'Kcnzie of Kintaill, in the ferry (freto lie ferrie)
of Scuttell with the land of the same, the lands of Logiereth, and the alehouse of Logiereth,
respectively of the same extent as in 1586."

1 Acta Purl. Scot., vol. vii. p. 59S.

- Old Stat. Ace.

•' Old Stat. Ace., in which see a full account of the
Knrintosh privilege.

* Keg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxviii. no. 36,">. Reg. Sec. Sig.,
vol. xvi. fol. 87. See above.

•> Keg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxii. no. 460. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

vol. xxxi. fol. 99. Wester Culboky appears to lie in
Logic, and Easter Culboky in Urquhart.

6 Reg. Sec. Sig.. vol. xlviii. fol. 30.

• Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liv. ff. 46-48.

8 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxii. un. 593, 594. Reg. Sec.
Sig., vol. xxxi. fol. 99. 9 Ibid.

10 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liv. fl'. 46-48. " Retours.

URQUHABT.] PAROCHIALE S. 551

The ferry of Scuttoll or Scuddalc, which existed till the end of last century, has been super
seded by a bridge over the Conan, at which there is now a village named Conan Bridge.1

The old castle of Kinkell (apparently the manor house mentioned above) is still standing,
though somewhat modernised.2

In the south-west of the parish are several conical cairns, one of which, opened about 1795,
contained three stone coffins ranged in a line from east to west.3

URQUHAET.

Vrquhard4 — Vrquhart3 — Urquhart6 — Wrquhart7 — Wrchart8 -
Urquhairt9 — Wrwhart.10 (Map, No. 30.)

THIS parish, united to Logic Wester about the year 1669, and lying immediately to the north
of it, has the same general features, rising from the shores of the Firth of Cromarty to the
ridge of the Mulbuy.11

In 722 Saint Malrube of Applecross is said to have beeu murdered by Norwegians at
Vrquhard in Ross.1- There was erected, says the Aberdeen Breviary, on the spot where he
was slain a chapel of oak which afterwards became the parish church of Vrquhard.13 The
church was afterwards a part of the prebend of the treasurer of Ross.1* In 1498 King James
IV. presented Master John Monroo to the vicarage of Logy Vrquhard (Logy and Vrquhard).
when vacant by the resignation of Sir Dugall Ruresoun.15 In 1560 he presented Robert
Monro to the vicarages of the parish churches of Vrquhart and Logie, vacant or when vacant
by the demission or inhability of John Monro, or in any other way.16 From 1569 till about
1572 Master John Robesone seems to have been treasurer of Ross and minister at Urquhart
and Logy Wester.17 During the same period Robert Monro was successively reader and ex-
horter at the same churches.18 In 1574 Robert Monro was minister, and the office of reader
was vacant ; in 1576 the same Robert was minister, and the reader was David Monro.19 In
1659 Simoun Fraisser of Innerallochie was served heir to his grandfather Sir Simoun in the
advowson, parsonage, and vicarage of Urquhairt and Logie.20

1 Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace. e Circa A.D. 1640. Blaeu.

* ' My Schools and Schoolmasters,' pp. 51, 1ST. 9 A.D. 1659. Retours.

3 Old Stat. Ace. 10 A. D. 1669. Aeta Parl. Scot., vol. vii. p. 598.

* A. D. 1498. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. i. fol. 57. A. D. " See LOGIE WESTEE, p. 548.

1510. Brev. Aberd. Prop. SS. pro temp, estiv., fol. 90. 12 Brev. Aberd. Prop. SS. pro temp, estiv., fol. 90.

A. D. 1574. Book of Assignations. See APPLECROSS, p. 402.

3 A. D. 1560. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxx. fol. 26. A.D. u Brev. Aberd. ut supra.
1561-1566. Book of Assumptions. » Book of Assumptions. Register of Ministers.

* A. D. 1569-1572. Register of Ministers. A. D. 15 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. i. fol. 57.
1576. Book of Assignations. Circa A. D. 1640. MS. 16 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxx. fol. 26.

Maps in Adv. Lib. A. D. 1600-1700. Macfarlane. " Register of Ministers. "> Ibid.

7 A.D. 1569-1572. Register of Ministers. Circa, 19 Book of Assignations.
A.D. 1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. » Retours.

552 ORIGINES [CULLICUDDEN-.

The churcli stood at Urquhart near the shore of the Firth, where a new one for the united
parish was built in 1795 on a different site.1

The valuations of the treasury of Ross and of the churches of Urquhart and Logic have
been given above.2 The only additional statements with which we are furnished on the
subject are, that between 1569 and 1572 Master John Eobesone, treasurer and minister, had
as his stipend the third of his own benefice amounting to £66, 13s. 4d., and that after
November 1571 the reader had 19 marks additional, apparently for the church of Urquhart.3

The lands of Culboky, described above, lay partly in this parish, and partly in Logie Wester.4

In 1574 King James VI. confirmed a charter by Robert Monro of Foulis to Marjory Mac-
kanze the sister of Colin Mackanze of Kintailc in her virginity, granting to her the liferent
of the lands of Mekle Findoun, extending to a davach, in the earldom of Ross, to be held
of the crown.5 In 1587 the same king confirmed a charter of John bishop of Ross, granting
in heritage to Hugh Monro in Litle Findoun the lands of Litle Findoun in the diocese of
Ross.6 In 1608 Robert Monro was served heir male of entail and provision to Master Hector
Monro of Foullis his father in the lands of Meikill Findon with the pertinents, namely,
Baddrcan, Ballegyle, and Teazet, with the brewhouse and its croft, in the lordship of Ard-
meanach.7 In 1C35 Hugh Lord Fraser of Lovat was served heir male to his father Symon
Lord Fraser of Lovat in the same lands, included in the barony of Foullis.8

There is a village at Culbokie, at which are held four yearly fairs.9

CULLICUDDEN.

Culicuden10 — Cullicuddin" — Cullicudden12 — Cullicudyne13 — Cullicudiri14
Cully cuddin15 — Killecuddin16 — Cullecuddin17 — Culicudin18 — Coulicud-
din19 — Culliecuddin.20 (Map, No. 31.)

IN 1662 the parishes of Cullicudden and Kirkmichael were united by act of parliament.21

The united parish extends for some miles along the shore of the Cromarty Firth, from which
the ground rises gradually for about two miles, after which it slopes into a cultivated valley,

I MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaen. Macfarlane. Oldand 12 A.D. 1561-1566. Book of Assumptions. A. D.
NewStat. Ace. 2 See LOGIE WESTER, pp. 548,549. 1662. Acta Parl. Scot., vol. vii. p. 439.

< Register of Ministers. l3 A. D. 1561-1566. Book of Assumptions.

4 See LOGIE WESTER, p. 550. >4 A.I). 1561-1566. Ibid.

5 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlii. tbl. 55. « A. D. 1580. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvii. fol. 2.

6 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. Iv. fol. 78. "> A. D. 1580. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvii. fol. 27.

7 Retours. 8 Ibid. ' New Stat. Ace. " A. D. 1600-1700. Macfarlane's Geog. Collect.
10 A. D. 1227. Regist. Morav., p. 82. «• Circa A. D. 1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib.

II Circa A. D. 1535. Libellus Taxationum. A.I). 19 Circa A. D. 1640. Blaeu.

1574. Book of Assignations. A. D. 1580. Reg. Sec. M A.D. 1662. Acta Parl. Scot., vol. vii. pp. 439, 440.
Sig., vol. xlvii. fol. 39. 2" Ibid. See post.

CULLICUDDEN.] PAROCHIALES. 553

and then rises again gradually to the top of the Mulbuy, at that part 800 feet above the
sea.1 Cullicudden included the western portion of the united parish.3

In the year 1227 Jeronimus the parson of Culieuden was present at Kenedor in Moray at
the settlement of a dispute between the bishops of Moray and of Ross about the churches of
Kyntalargyn and Ardrosser.8 In 1275 the church appears to have been taxed along with
other Scotch benefices for relief of the holy land.4 At the Eeformation the parson of Culli
cudden was David Dunbar.5 In 1574 William Monro Hucheson was reader at the same
church.6 In 1580 (14 October) King James VI. presented Master George Thonisoun to the
parsonage of Killecuddin, vacant by the decease of Master David Dunbar.7 In the same year
(1 December) he presented William Monro Hucheonsoun to the same parsonage, vacant by
decease of the same Master David.8 The parson of Cullycuddin was a canon of the cathedral.9
In 1662 the commissioners for the plantation of kirks united the parishes of Cullicudden and
Kirkuiichaell into one parish church, to be called the parish and church of Kirkmichael, and
to be built at Reisolace, in favour of Sir John Wrwhart of Cromertie, and ordained that, until
the new church should be built, the parishioners should attend at the church of Culliecuddin
then standing; the stipend to be paid by Sir John, and to consist of 400 marks, 2 chalders
bear and 2 chalders meal Linlithgow measure, with the vicarage teinds of both parishes and
50 marks for communion elements ; and Sir John to have right to the glebes of Cullicudden
and Kirkmichael on the entry of the minister to the new glebe designed for him at Reiso
lace.10 In the same year the union of the two parishes was ratified by King Charles II. and
the parliament.11

The church of Cullicudden, dedicated to Saint Martin, stood originally at Kilmartm or Saint
Martin's in the west end of the parish, where its foundations and the bury ing-ground (now
disused) may still be seen.12 The site appears to have been changed previously to the year
1641, and the church built at Cullicudden on the shore of the Firth, where one of its
gables is still standing.13 The parish is still locally known as Sgire-a -Mhartinn, the parish of
Saint Martin.14

In Baiamund's Roll the church is taxed at 53s. 4d., and in the Libellus Taxationum it is valued
at £26, 13s. 4d.15 At the Reformation the rental of the parsonage was stated as follows by Sir
Alexander Pedder procurator for the parson — The town of Cullicudden, 42 bolls; Drumnecu-
dyne, 22 bolls ; Sanct Martenis, 9 bolls ; Kynebarch, 10 bolls ; the Craighouse, 4 bolls ; Eistir
Culboll, 14 bolls ; Wastir Culboll, 20 bolls ; the Wodheid, 4 bolls ; the town of Braire, 16
marks ; amounting in all to 7 chalders 13 bolls of victual and £10, 13s. 4d. in money.16 In 1574
the reader at Cullicuddin had for his stipend 20 marks and the kirklands.17

New Stat. Ace. 2 Ibid. 12 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. v. p. 630. MS. Maps in Adv.

Begist. Moraviense, p. 82. Lib. Blaeu. Macfarlane. Old Stat. Ace. New Stat.

Bisset's Rolls of Court. Ace.

Book of Assumptions. 6 Book of Assignations. 13 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. v. p. 630. Old Stat Ace.

Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvii. fol. 27. New Stat. Ace.

Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvii. fol. 39. " New Stat. Ace. 15 MSS. in Adv. Lib.

Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvii. fol. 2. 16 Book of Assumptions.

'" Acta Parl. Scot, vol. vii. pp. 439, 440. " Ibid. 17 Book of Assignations.

VOL. II. 4 A

554 ORIGINES [CULLICUDDEN.

In 1328 King Eobcrt Bruce appears to have settled a controversy between Hugh Earl of Eoss
and Sir Andrew de Moravia about the lands of Dromcudyn and Munlochy.1 The town of
Drumnecudyne, as we have seen, is about 1561 enumerated among the lands of this parish.2 In
1586 King James VI. granted in heritage to William Keith the master of his wardrobe the lands
of Drumquhidden, for the yearly payment of £6, 13s. 4d., 2 chalders 6 bolls 1 firlot of bear,
4 bolls of oats, 1 mart, 1 mutton, 48 poultry, 20s. of bondage silver, 10 reek hens, and 80
loads of fuel. 3 In 1666 John Monro of Ardulzie was served heir to his father Hugh Monro of
Ardulzie in the davach of the town and lands of Drumcuddin in the barony of Delnie, lordship
of Ardmeanach, and sheriffdom of Eoss.*

In 1350 William Earl of Eoss and Lord of Sky granted to Adam of Vrchard the son of the
deceased William of Vrchard the davach of Brehe within the maresium of Fernewyr in the
sheriffdom of Innernes.5 In 13G9 King David confirmed a grant, which William Earl of Eoss
made to Alexander of Saint Clair the son of the deceased Thomas of Saint Clair, of the whole
davach of land of Bray infra maresium de Fornewyr in the sheriffdom of Innernys.6 In 1533
King James V. confirmed a charter, granted by Thomas Vrquhard sheriff of Cromerty to his son
and apparent heir Alexander and Beatrix Innes his wife, of three oxgangs of the lands of Brey in
the earldom of Eoss.7 In 1564 Walter Urquhart was served heir to his father Alexander Urquhart
sheriff of Cromartie in the 5 oxgangs of Brey in the lordship of Ardmanache, of the old extent
of £8, 8s. 2^d.8 The town of Braire is enumerated above among the lands of the parish as stated
between 1561 and 1566.9 In 1577 King James VI. confirmed a grant by Walter Urquhart
sheriff of Cromartie to Elizabeth Makkanze his wife of the liferent of a davach of land called the
lands of Bray, and of a davach called Bralangall, in the sheriffdoms of Innernes and Cromartie
respectively, as full satisfaction for her terce of all the lands and other property belonging to
Walter which she might claim in the event of his death.10 In 1599 Thomas Urquhart was served
heir to his grandfather Walter Urquhart sheriff of Cromerthie in the 5 oxgangs of the lands of
Brey in the lordship of Ardmanach, of the old extent of £4.u In 1617 the same lands were
resigned by John Urquhart in favour of James Fraser of Brey.12

In 1557 David bishop of Eoss, perpetual commendator of Cambuskynneth, granted to his
brother Eobcrt Leslie the lands of the baronies of Ferindonald and Ardmanoch, including among
others the lands of Eister Culbo and the alehouse and alehouse croft of Saint Martin ; the grantee
paying yearly for Eister Culbo 6 marks and as grassum 26s. 8d., 4 bolls of ferme victual, half a
custom mart, 2 muttons, 12 poultry, 2 kids, 40 eggs valued at 6d., 100 loads of custom fuel, 8
loads ' lie takturris,' 2 bolls of custom oats, and 1 boll of ' suggeroun aitis'— and for the alehouse
and croft of Saint Martin 10s. with 3s. 4d. as grassum ; paying also as arriage and carriage, and
turf or fuel, for the whole lands 30s. with 13s. 4d. in augmentation of the rental, and performing

1 Rob. Index, p. 28, no. II2. « Retours. " Book of Assumptions.

- Book of Assumptions. '» Cromarty Titles. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xliv. fol. 42.

3 R.'g. Sec. Sig., vol. liv. ff. 46-48. 4 Retonrs. Bralangall, now Braelangwell, is in the parish of Kirk-

5 Cromarty Titles. michael.

G Cromarty Titles. Rob. Index, p. 58, no. 11 ; p. 91, " Retours. The extent here given is less than half

no. 274. of the extent given in the retour of 1564.

; Cromarty Titles. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. ix. fol. 177. 12 Cromarty Titles.

CTJLI.ICUDDEN.] PAEOCHIALES. 555

three suits at the three head courts held yearly at the canonry of Ross.1 In the same year
Queen Mary confirmed the grant.2 Between 1561 and 1566, as we have seen, the lands of
Eistir and Westir Culboll and of Sanct Martenis are enumerated among the lands of the parish.3
About the same period William Sinclare rector of Olrik, canon of Caithnes, and commissioner of
Henry bishop of Ross, granted to Thomas Vrquhart the son of the deceased Alexander Vrquhart
sheriff of Crombathy, and to the heirs male of his body, with remainder to Arthur Vrquhart his
brother german and his male heirs, to James their brother gennan and his male heirs, to John
their brother german and his male heirs, and to Walter Vrquhart their eldest brother and his
male heirs whomsoever bearing the surname and arms of Vrquhart, the lands of Kilquhone
(in Lumlair) extending to a quarter davach, and the lands of Eister Culbo extending to a half
davach, belonging to the bishop as part of the patrimony of the bishoprick.* In 1578 Alex
ander bishop of Ross, with the consent of the dean and canons, granted for life to his servitor
William Fergussoun ' chirurgeane' a yearly pension out of the dues belonging to the bishop from
certain lands in Ross which belonged in heritage to Walter Urquhart sheriff of Cromartie,
including Sanctmartynis paying yearly 26s. 8d. mail, 8s. lid. gersum, 7s. l^d. in augmenta
tion of mail and gersum, the quarter of a mart, 1 mutton, 3 capons, 3 poultry, 1 kid with eggs,
2 firlots ' sudgerone' oats, and 1 pound of hemp — and the alehouse of Sanctmartynis paying in
mail 26s. 8d., in gersum 8s. lid., and in augmentation 2s. 8d.5 In 1585 King James VI. con
firmed the grant of Saint Martin's, and in 1587 he confirmed the grant of Eister , Culbo.6

The lands of Kynebarch, as above stated, appear among the lands of this parish between 1561
and 1566.7 Between the years 1565 and 1571 John bishop of Ross granted for life to Walter
Vrquhart sheriif of Cromartie and Elisabeth M'Kenzie his wife, and to Henry Urquhart their
second son and his heirs male, with remainder to Walter's heirs whomsoever bearing the surname
and arms of Vrquhart the lands of Kinbeachie extending to a half davach, the brewhouse of Kin-
beachie with its croft, and the mill of Kinbeachie, then occupied by Walter and his tenants, in
the earldom of Ross and sheriffdom of Innernes.8 In 1578 Alexander bishop of Ross granted
for life to his servitor William Fergussoun ' chirurgeane' a yearly pension out of certain dues
belonging to the bishop from the lands of Kinbeachie with the mill, and other lands in the
diocese ; the lands of Kinbeachie paying yearly £7, 4s. Scots in feu mails, 4 bolls ferme, 2 bolls
custom oats, 1 boll ' sudgerone' oats, the half of a custom mart, 2 muttons, 6 poultry, 2 kids with
their eggs, as the ferme and dues — and the mill of Kinbeachie paying yearly 20 bolls ferme and
' ane gals.'9 In 1580 King James VI. confirmed a charter by Walter Urquhart sheriff of
Crummarty, granting certain lands to Elizabeth Ros in special warrandice of the lands of
Kinbeachy.10 In 1584 he confirmed the grant of bishop John, and in 1585 the grant of bishop
Alexander.11 In 1603 Thomas Urquhart sheriff of Cromarthie was served heir to his father
Henry Urquhart sheriff apparent in the lands of Kinbachie extending to a half davach, the

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 581. Reg. Sec. Sig., 7 Book of Assumptions,
vol. xxix. fol. 9. 2 Ibid. 8 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. li. fol. 45.

3 Book of Assumptions. 9 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liii. fol. 82.

4 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. Iv. fol. 169. w Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvi. fol. 110. See KIRKMI-

5 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liii. fol. 82. CHAEL, p. 557.

6 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liii. fol. 82 ; vol. Iv. fol. 169. " Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. li. fol. 45 ; vol. liii. fol. 82.

556 ORIGINES [KIRKMICHAEL.

alehouse of Kinbachie with its croft, and the mill of Kinbachie, in the bishoprick of Boss, of the
extent of £7, 4s. feuferme and other dues.1 In 1630 Thomas Urquhart was served heir to his
brother Walter Urquhart fear of Kinbeachie in the same lands, alehouse, and mill.2

Of eight yearly fairs granted in 1641 by King Charles I. to the burgh of Inverness the fifth
was to be held on 10 November called Martimes fair, ' quhilk was haldin of auld at Sanct Mar-
tenis kirk in Ardmannoche now lyand waist.' 8 In 1661 the grant of those fairs was confirmed by
King Charles II.*

On the lands of Craighouse, about a mile and a half west from the churchyard of Cullicudderi
on the Cromarty Firth, stood the castle of Craighouse, named also Castlecraig, and in Gaelic
Tigh-na-craig.5 In the end of the sixteenth century it is said to have belonged to the William
sons of Craighouse, and afterwards to have been a seat of the bishops of Ross.6 It is mentioned
bva writer of the seventeenth century as ' Craighous with a tour of 4 hous height.'7 The tower
or wing which still remains is 50 feet in height, and consists of four heavily-arched stories, with
turrets, bartizans, and stone roof — the lower half having strongly vaulted apartments, and the
upper half being furnished with wooden floors.8 On the land side it was defended by a ditch
and a high wall, and the rock on which it stands is perpendicular towards the sea.9

In the united parish are numerous encampments, generally near the shore, and numerous
cairns or tumuli which when opened are usually found to contain graves made of slabs, and in
these are found ashes and remains of armour.10

KIRKMICHAEL.

Kilinicliacll11 — Kirkmichael12 — Kirkmichaell13 — Kirkmy chell 14 — Car-
ruicliaell 1B— Kirkmichell 16 — Kirkmichel.17 (Map, No. 32. )

THIS parish, united to Cullicudden in 1662, forms the eastern portion of the united parish, and
has the same general features as Cullicudden.18 It is locally known as Sgire-a-mhicail (the parish
of Saint Michael.)19

In 1533 a charter is witnessed by Master John Innes rector of Kirkmiehell.20 In 1547
Queen Mary presented Robert Marioribanks to the prebend of Kirkmichael in the cathedral
church of Ross, vacant by the decease of Master John Innes.21 In 1548 she presented Thomas

I Rotours. 2 ibid. 13 A. D. 1548. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxii. fol. 59. A.D.
3 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. v. p. 630. . 1574. Book of Assignations. Circa A. D. 1640. MS.
* Ibid., vol. vii. p. 112. Maps in Adv. Lib. A. D. 1662. Acta Parl. Scot., vol.

5 Macfarlane. Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace. vii. p. 439.

6 Old Stat. Ace. * Macfarlane. 14 A. D. 1570. Register of Ministers.

» Old Stat. Ace. ' My Schools and Schoolmasters,' 15 A.D. 1585. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. Hi. fol. 106.

pp. 51, 222. 9 Old Stat. Ace. I0 Ibid. 16 A. D. 1586. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liv. fol. 17.

II Circa A.D. 1535. Libellus Taxationnm. " Circa A. D. 1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib.
12 A.D. 1547. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxi. fol. 15. A.D. I8 See CULLICTJDDEN, p. 552.

1587. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. Iv. fol. 36. Circa A. D. 1640. >9 New Stat. Ace. *> Cromarty Titles.

Blaeu. A.D.16G2. Acta Parl. Scot., vol. vii. pp. 439, 440. 21 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxi. fol. 15.

KIRKMICHAEL.] PAROCHIALES. 557

Marioribankis, the son of Master Thomas Marioribankis burgess of Edinburgh, to the same pre
bend, vacant by the decease of Robert Marioribankis.1 In 1570 and 157-4 Alexander Clunes
was reader at Kirkmichael.2 In 1580, 1585, and 1586 the rector of Kirkmichell appears to have
been Master Thomas Marioribanks.3 In 1587 King James VI. presented Alexander Reid to
the vicarage of Kirkmichael, vacant by the decease of Sir James Gray.4

The church, dedicated to Saint Michael, stood in the east end of the parish within a few yards
of the sea on the Cromarty Firth, where remain its western gable, its belfry, and a bell still used
at funerals.5 The church of the united parish, apparently built in 1774, stands at Resolis hi
Kirkmichael on the site of a former.6

In Baiamund's Roll the church is taxed at 53s. 4d., and in the Taxatio Sec. xvi. at £18, 12s.,
its yearly value in the Libellus Taxationum being 40 marks.7 The reader at Kirkmichael had as
his stipend in 1570 the sum of £20, and 1574 the sum of 20 marks with the kirklands.8

In 1551 Queen Mary granted to Elizabeth M'Canzeoch the liferent of half the lands of
Bowskaly, Birkis, and Belblair, in the barony and sheriffdom of Cromertye, resigned by the
sheriff Thomas Vrquhart.9 In 1557 David bishop of Ross, perpetual commendator of Cambus-
kynneth, granted to his brother Robert Leslie certain lands in the lordship of Ardmanoch,
including the lands of Eister Balblair with the alehouse ; the grantee paying yearly for those
lands, otherwise called Kirkmichaell, 4 marks, with 17s. lOd. grassum, the fourth of a custom
mart, 1 mutton, 6 poultry, 1 pound of hemp (canabu), 60 loads of fuel, and 2 bushels (modiis) of
' suggeroun' oats — and for the alehouse of Kirkmichell 12s., 6 capons, 6 geese, and 4s. grassum.10
In the same year Queen Mary confirmed the grant.11 In 1580 King James VI. confirmed a
charter by Walter Vrquhart sheriff of Crummarty, granting in liferent to Elisabeth Ros (then
unmarried), and in heritage to his heirs by her, with remainder to his own heirs otherwise, the
towns and lands of Wester Ballano and Ballaiskaillie, with all their pertinents, namely, Auch-
nintyne and the other pendicles and outsets, in the barony and sheriffdom of Crummarty, in
special warrandice of the lands and town of Kinbeachy, with the mill and other pertinents in
the same barony and sheriffdom, and to be held of the crown.12

In 1577 King James VI. confirmed a grant of the liferent of Bralangall in the sheriffdom of
Cromartie by Walter Vrquhart sheriff of Cromartie to his wife Elisabeth Makkanze.13

On trenching a moor on the glebe of Resolis there were discovered the foundations of a
circular building like those known as Pict's houses, and imbedded in the soil a stone vessel
four inches in diameter and three-fourths of an inch in thickness.14

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxii. fol. 59. 6 New Stat. Ace. See CULLICUDDEN, p. 553.

2 Register of Ministers. Book of Assignations. 7 MSS. in Adv. Lib.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvii. fol. 2; vol. Hi. fol. 106; 8 Register of Ministers. Book of Assignations,
vol. liv. fol. 17. 9 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiv. fol. 116.

4 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. Iv. fol. 36. 10 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 581. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

5 MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaen. Miller's Scenes vol. xxix. fol. 9. See CULLICUDDEN, p. 554, 555.
and Legends, pp. 429, 430. New Stat. Ace. An anec- " Ibid.

dote related in the Scenes and Legends seems to imply 12 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvi. fol. 110.

that the cemetery of Kirkmichael was of old considered 13 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xliv. fol. 42. See CULLICUDDEN,

a sanctuary. p. 554. u New Stat. Ace.

558 ORIGINES [CROMARTY.

CROMARTY.

Cromarte1 — Crumarty e — Crumbathy 3 — Oomartie4 — Cromardy 5 -
Oomarty6 — Cromertie.7 (Map, No. 33.)

THIS parish is composed of the north-east portion of the peninsula called the Black Isle, ter
minating eastward in the precipice called the southern Sutor, and stretches for about 4 miles
along the shore of the Moray Firth on the east, and about 6 along that of the Firth of Cromarty
on the north and west. On the east it presents to the Moray Firth a range of lofty precipices,
attaining the height of about 470 feet above the sea.8 On the north and west it slopes gradually
towards the other firth, the slope terminating in an abrupt terrace nearly 100 feet above the
sea-level, and from its base a lower and level terrace extends to the shore.9 The coast in the
end of the sixteenth century extended fully a quarter of a mile farther seaward than at present.10
The bay of Cromarty at the entrance of the Firth, the Sikirsund of Norse writers, is thus
correctly described by Buchanan — ' The German Ocean, opening a way to itself among the
stupendous cliffs of the most lofty rocks, expands within into a spacious basin, affording a safe
harbour and certain refuge against every tempest ; for the passage is not difficult, and once
entered the largest fleets may ride secure from the winds and waves.'11

At the Eeformation a fourth of the teindsheaves of the parish of Cromarte was part of the
prebend of the chancellor of Eoss, Master Duncan Chalmer ; a fourth was part of the treasury
then held in lease by Matthew Hamiltoun of Mylneburne; and a fourth was annexed to the
prebend of the dean, Master Mungo Monypenny.12 At the same period the vicarage was held
by Sir John Andirsoun (or Hendirsoun) chamberlain of Moray.13 In 1569, 1574, and 1576
James Burnet was reader at Cromartie, and in 1574 and 1576 Master John Eobertsoun treasurer
of Eoss was minister.1* About the year 1578 Alexander Vrquhart dean of Eoss, with the consent
of the canons during the vacancy of the see, granted for life to Walter Vrquhart sheriff of
Cromartie and to his nearest lawful heir a yearly pension of 3 chalders 12 bolls of victual with

1 A. D. 1561-1566. Book of Assumptions. 10 Scenes and Legends, pp. 28, 29.

2 A. D. 1561-1566. Ibid. " Buch. Hist., lib. i. c. 30. Macpherson's Geogra-

3 A.I). 1561-1566. Ibid. phical Illustrations. Miller's Scenes and Legends, p.

4 A. D. 1569. Register of Ministers. A. D. 1574- 25. The cliffs described by Buchanan are those known
1576. Book of Assignations. A. D. 1583. Reg. Sec. as the Sutors, which flank the entrance to the Firth.
Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 89. A. D. 1585. Reg. Sec. Sig., In Ross, says Bishop Leslie, is the estuary of Cromarty,
vol. Hi. fol. 105. Circa A. D. 1640. Blaeu. A. D. abounding in varieties of the best fish, and so safe a
1644. Retours. station for ships that it is well named by geographers

5 Circa A.D. 1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. the Portus Salutis (a mere Latin translation of the

6 Circa A. D. 1640. Ibid. 'Sikirsund'). De Gestis Scotorum, pp. 16, 17.

7 A. D. 1661. Acta Parl. Scot., vol. vii. p. 106. 12 Book of Assumptions.
* New Stat. Ace. « Ibid.

3 Ibid. Miller's Scenes and Legends, pp. 26, 27. " Register of Ministers. Book of Assignations.

CBOMABTT.] PAROCHIALES. 559

'half cheritie', 5 wedders, and 40s. in money, to be paid out of the quarters of the teinds of
the parish of Cromartie belonging to the deanery in the following proportions, namely ; Of the
quarter teinds of the town of Cromartie 16 bolls of bear with ' half cheritie,' 40s., and a wedder
— of the quarter teinds of Navitie 10 bolls of bear, ' half cheritie,' and a wedder — of the
quarter teinds of Eistir Fames 8 bolls of bear, ' half cheritie,' and a wedder — of the quarter
teinds of Dauidstoun 7 bolls of bear with 'half cheritie' — of the quarter teinds of Peddistoun
8 bolls of bear, ' half cheritie,' and a wedder — of the quarter teinds of Litill Fames 8 bolls of
bear, ' half cheritie,' and a mutton — and of the quarter teinds of Vddall 3 bolls of bear with
' half cheritie ;' reserving only the pension given by the dean to John Sympsoun of Bannauis
and Mariorie Abirnethy, amounting to 4 bolls of bear, ' half cheritie,' and a wedder, out of the
quarter teinds of Eister Fames ; the lease to begin in 1578, saving the rights, services, suffrages,
and prayers, formerly due to the King.1 In 1583 King James VI. presented Master Kobert
Williamsoun minister to the vicarage of Cromartie, vacant by the decease of Sir John Ander-
soune.2 In 1585 King James VI. confirmed the lease of 1578. 3 In 1661, on a petition from
Master Patrick Durhame, late minister of Ardnaseir, who had been appointed for life to the
deanery of Ross, the parliament ordered the heritors and others to pay to him 40 bolls of teind
victual, with certain customs and silver dues, payable to him as dean out of the teinds of Rose-
markie, which for three years they had paid to the minister of Cromertie.*

The church stood originally on ground now covered by the sea, and a sand-bank which still
retains the name of the Old Kirk apparently marks its site.5 About the middle of the last
century after a violent storm from the north-east the beach was found to be strowed with human
bones, and among them were several blocks of hewn stone.6 One of the latter, the cornerstone
of a cornice, is still to be seen upon the shore.7 The present church stands at the east end
of the town near the base of the higher terrace above described.8

Between 1561 and 1566 Sir Andro Robertsoun was chaplain of the chaplainry of Saint Reguie
in the diocese of Ross.9 In 1584 King James VI. confirmed a charter by James Burnet chaplain
of Saint Regula (Regulus) near the burgh of Cromartie, granting, with the consent of Walter
Vrquhart sheriff of Cromartie, and of the bailies and community of the burgh, the patrons of the
chaplainry, to Alexander Vrquhart the son of Arthur Vrquhart of Balleblair and to his heirs
male, with remainder in succession to John Vrquhart the uncle of Alexander and his heirs male
bearing the surname and arms of Vrquhart, and to Walter Vrquhart and his heirs male bearing
the same surname and arms, the lands of the chaplainry, with the manse, garden, and croft,
extending to 4 acres of land, lying between the lands of the sheriff on the west and the lands
of Alexander Clunes on the east.10 The chapel, dedicated to Saint Regulus or Rule, abbot and
confessor, who is said to have brought into Scotland the relics of Saint Andrew, stood on a
detached wooded knoll east of the town of Cromartie, having on the south a deep ravine with a

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. Hi. fol. 105. 5 Millers Scenes and Legends, p. 104.

'* Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 89. 6 Ibid., p. 29. 7 Ibid.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. Hi. fol. 105. 8 New Stat. Ace. 9 Book of Assumptions.

« Acta Parl. Scot, vol. vii. p. 106. 10 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. li. fol. 34.

560 OKIGINES [CBOMABTT.

small stream.1 The southern wall has been destroyed by the ground giving way from the con
tinued action of the stream ; the ruins of the other walls still remain.2 Attached to the west
end was the tomb of the Urquharts of Cromarty, of which almost the only remains are a single
tier of hewn ashler having a sloping base and surmounted by a Gothic moulding.8 Tradition
says that at the Reformation a valuable historical record belonging to the chapel was carried to
France by the priest.* In the last century there was found in a recess of one of the walls a
rubricated manuscript, the nature and subsequent fate of which are unknown.5

On a steep ridge overlooking the Moray Firth is the site of a chapel dedicated to Saint Beimet
(one of the saints named Benedict) of which the only vestiges are a heap of stones and a grassy
mound.6 Near it stood a stone trough termed the Fairy's Cradle, destroyed about the year 1745 ;
and in the neighbourhood is Saint Bennet's Well, even in recent times believed to possess the
virtue of curing the sick, by whom, when they drank the water, a small rag was left as an
offering on a thorn bush overhanging the well.7

In the parish were other three chapels, two of which have totally disappeared, and the dedica
tion of which is unknown ; the third, dedicated to Saint Duthace, is now represented by a mound
and stones like the chapel of Saint Bonnet, and has in its vicinity a well which still bears Saint
Duthace's name.8

There was a chaplainry in the cathedral church endowed from the lands of Navity.9 In the
seventeenth century it was a popular belief that the inhabitants of the sheriffdom of Cromarty
were at the day of final doom to be judged on the moor of Navity.10

Between 1561 and 1566 the valuation of the church of Cromarty was included in that of the
chancellary, treasury, and deanery of Boss, to each of which a fourth of the teinds belonged (the
remaining fourth belonging apparently to the bishop).11 At the same date we have on record the
following valuation of the vicarage of Cromarty : ' The rentall of the vicarage of Crumarty within
the dyocie of Ros quhan all dewtie pertening thairto was ansuerit — Payment zeirlie xxii merkis,
the curat being sustenit ; and now lytill thairof ansuerit except the teind of the yeardis within
the town, quhilk will be vi bollis victuall or thairby — Pertenis to Sir Johne Andirsoun chalmer-
land of Murray. Mr. Thomas Ker at the command of Sir Johne Hendirsoun possessour of the
foirsaid benefice.'12 In 1569 the reader at Cromartie had for his stipend £20 ; and in 1574 and
1576 he had 20 marks and the kirklands.13 In 1574 Master John Robertsoun treasurer had for
his stipend as minister at Chanonrie and Cromartie £118, 10s. 8^d. ; and in 1576, as minister at
Cromartie, ' his stipend fourty pundis, thairof the rest of the thrid of his awin thesaurarie of Ross
not assignit to the ministers and reidars serving at the kirkis thairof.'14

1 Miller's Scenes and Legends, pp. 191, 207. The c Ibid., p. 104. The saint was probably Benedicta

Calendar of the Romish Church assigned two festivals the Virgin, commemorated on 8 or 21 October,

to Saint Regulus, one on 31 March, and one on 17 ' Ibid. " Ibid.

October. Camerarius (p. 180) gives 17 October as 9 See ROSEMARKIE post.

the day of Saint Regulus. Sir H. Nicolas gives 28 ° Scenes and Legends, p. 216.

August. i Book of Assumptions.

- Scenes and Legends, p. 20G. 2 Book of Assumptions.

3 Ibid., pp. 206, 207. 3 Register of Ministers. Book of Assignations.

4 Ibid., p. 105. 6 Ibid. * Book of Assignations.

CROMARTY.] PAROCHIALES. 561

The value of the chaplainry of Saint Kegule, as given up between 1561 and 1566 to the
collector of thirds by Sir Alexander Pedder procurator of Sir Andro Robertsoun the chaplain,
was £10. !

Of the other chaplainries we have no recorded valuation.

The early history of the parish and district of Cromarty is apparently the same as that of
the earldom of Boss.2 The barony seems to have been co-extensive with the ancient sheriff-
dom, and to have been held by the sheriffs, the first of whom on record is William de
Monte Alto, who was sheriff of Crumbathyn in 1263.3 The sheriff of Crumbhartyn appears
in record in 1296 under King Edward I. of England.4 In 1315 King Robert Bruce
granted in heritage to Sir Hugh of Ross, the son and heir of William Earl of Ross, and the
husband of Mauld the King's sister, the whole sheriffdom and burgh of Crumbathy, the grantee
doing the forinsec service belonging to the land, saving to the King the custom called ' mala-
tout.'5 Before 1349 King David II. granted to Ada Urquhart the sheriffdom of Crombathie
and sheriffship of the same, which William Earl of Ross (the son of Hugh) had resigned.6
From that year to 1370 Adam of TJrquhard, formerly styled lord of Inchrory, appears as
sheriff of Cromady or Crumbathy.7 His son John appears with him in 1369 as witness to a
charter, and in 1398 John of Urquhard appears as sheriff of Cromardy.8 In 1457 William
Vrquhard in Crumbathy was one of two appointed by King James II. to assist his chancellor in
visiting and reforming the hospitals in the diocese of Ross.9 Between 1491 and 1493 occurred
' the herschip of Cromartie,' that is, the plundering of the lands of Cromartie by Huchoun the
Ros younger of Kilrawok and his accomplices, of whom the chief seem to have been Doule
M'Gillecallum and William Alansone.10 These carried away from the lands 600 cows, each

worth 13s. 4d. — 5 score of horses, each 26s. 8d. — 50 score of sheep, each 2s 20 score of

goats, each 2s. — 200 swine, each 3s — 20 score bolls of victual, each 6s. 8d. — and £200 worth
of household goods.11 Master Alexander Vrquhart sheriff of Crommaty, proprietor of the lands,
sued the parties for the restitution of the goods, and also for £100 of the mails of his lands
' haldin wast be the said Huchoun younger and his complicis of twa yeris.' 12 The chiefs of the
Clanchattane and Huchoun the Ros baron of Kilrawok became surety for the parties prosecuted ;
the case was proved in court ; and in 1493 (5 February) the Lords of Council ordained that the

1 Book of Assumptions. includes the parishes of Cromarty, Kirkmichael, and

2 See DINGWALL, pp. 485, 486. Cullicuden.' Miller's Scenes and Legends, p. 4(i.

3 Compota Camerar., vol. i. pp. 30*, 41*. This per- 4 Kotuli Scotise, vol. i. p. 25.

son, affirmed by Sir Thomas Urquliart to have derived 5 Kilravock Charters. Rob. Index, p. 2, no. 50.
his name from the hill on which the castle of Cromarty 6 Rob. Index, p. 45, no. 27. This seems to be the

•was built, and reckoned by him among his ancestors, first grant of Cromarty made to the Urquharts. Ada

was in reality one of an Anglo-Norman family who came appears to have been the son of William of Vrchard,

into Scotland in the preceding century, and whose name who was dead in 1350. Cromarty Titles,
subsequently took the more familiar form Mowat. See " Charter penes Urquhart of Craigston. Balnagown

Chalmers's Caledonia, vol. i. pp. 531,532; Reg. Morav., Charters. Kilravock Charters. Rob. Index, p. 35, nn.

pp. 99, 114, 126, 279, 282 ; Regist. de Aberbrothoc, 20, 21 ; p. 86, nn. 204, 205 ; p. 100, no. 1.
vol. i. pp. 93, 163, 187, 189-191, 200, 201, 205, 206, 227, 8 Rob. Index, p. 86, no. 204. Balnagown Charters.
269, 323, 338. The barony, as afterwards held by the 9 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. ii. p. 49.
Urquharts, ' extended from the farthest point of the 10 The Family of Kilravock, pp. 162, 163. Acta Dom.

southern Sutor to the hill of Kiubeakie, a tract -which Cone., p. 273. " Ibid. 12 Ibid.

VOL. II. 4 B

562 ORIGINES [CROMAKTY.

baron of Kilrawok and Huchoun the Bos his son and apparent heir should pay the value to
Master Alexander Vrquhart and his tenants John Vrquhart, Thomas Vrquhart, Thomas
Vrquhart, William Smethissone, Andrew Holme, William Donaldsone, and others, and that their
lands and goods should be dcstrained for it, reserving to Kilrawok and his son the right of prose
cuting any of the accomplices of the latter for their share of the payment.1 In 1494 (5 July)
the case of Huchoun the Eos of Kilrawok against Sir Alexander of the His of Lochelche, Alane
M'Eory, and others, for his relief at the hands of Master Alexander Vrquhart of 600 cows and
oxen and other goods was continued by the Lords of Council to 4 August following, that more
witnesses might be examined.2 In the same year the sheriff of Crommaty and his tenants
sued Huchoun Eos of Kilrawok for withholding from them ' the avalis and proffitis that thai
micht haf haid ' of the goods taken from their lands ; and the Lords of Council (9 July) continued
the case till 8 August, ordaining the sheriff to summon his witnesses.3 By the year 1497 or
1498 the baron of Kilravock had not succeeded in operating his relief against the Mackintoshes ;
and between 1501 and 1503 the debt of 800 marks due to the Urquharts was by the arbitration
of friends settled as follows — That in lieu of 400 marks Huchone Rois the heir of Kilrawok, or,
he failing, John Rois, the baron's second son, or any other his eldest son and heir, should marry
Agnes LTrquhart the sheriff's daughter ; and that the other 400 marks should be secured over
the lands of Kilravock and paid in yearly instalments of £40.* Master Alexander Vrquhard of
Cromarty and sheriff of Cromarty appears in record in 1503 and 1504, and was dead in 1506. 5
In the last named year King James VI. granted to Alexander Ogiluy of Far the marriage of
Thomas Vrquhard the son and heir of the deceased sheriff.0 In 1510 Huchoun Eos and Agnes
Urquhart were married, and the marriage contract, dated 4 November of that year, is witnessed
by the same Thomas Urquhart of Cromyrty the son and heir of the deceased Alexander.7
In 1533, 1534, 1549, 1551, and 1552, the same Thomas Vrquhard (styled in the last named year
Thomas Vrquharde of Fyseharie), appears in record as sheriff of Cromarty.8 He seems to have
died in 1557.a About the year 1533 he granted the lands of Inchrory and others to his son and
apparent heir Alexander Vrquhard and his wife Beatrix Innes, the former of whom appears in
1549 as Alexander Vrquhart of Ynchrorie the son and heir apparent of the same Thomas
Vrquhart sheriff of Cromartie.10 In 1564 Alexander Vrquhard appears as sheriff of Crombathy,
and in 1565 he was dead.11 He had five sons, Walter, John, James, Arthur, and Thomas, of
whom Walter the eldest succeeded him.12 Between 1565 and 1571 Walter Vrquhard sheriff of

1 The Family of Kilravock, pp. 162, 163. Acta Dom. 9 In that year, according to the Calendar of Fearn,
Cone., p. 273. died in his own palace Andrew Vrquhart sheriff of

2 Acta Dom. Cone., p. 359. Cromarty, a person who so far as other records are

3 Ibid., p. 368. concerned never existed. Thomas Vrquhard appears

4 The Family of Kilravock, pp. 162, 163. to have been the ' Pater Hemon' of his descendant Sir

5 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. ii. fol. 132; vol. iii. If. 1, 60. Thomas, but no existing record seems to justify the

6 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. iii. fol. 60. title. See Miller's Scenes and Legends, pp. 52, 53.

' The Family of Kilravock, p. 163. "> Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. ix. fol. 177. Reg. Mag. Sig., lib.

8 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. ix. fol. 177 ; vol. xxiv. fol. 116; xxx. no. 419.

vol. xxvi. fol. 10. Pitcairn's Crim. Trials, vol. i. p. " Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxii. fol. 46; vol. Iv. fol. 169.
169*. Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxx. no. 419. u Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. Iv. fol. 169.

CROMARTT.] PAROCHIALES. 553

Cromartie appears in record with his wife Elisabeth M'Kenzie and Henry Vrquhart their second
son ; in 1577 he again appears in record along with his wife Elisabeth Makkanze ; in 1578 Alex
ander Vrquhart dean of Eos granted to him and his nearest lawful heir for life a yearly pension,
above mentioned, from the dean's quarter teinds of the lands of Cromartie, namely, Navitie, Eister
Fames, Dauidstoun, Peddistoun, Litill Fames, and Vddall ; and in 1585 he had a confirmation
of the grant from King James VI.1 In 1599 Thomas Urquhart was served heir to his grand
father Walter Urquhart sheriff of Cromerthie in the lands and barony of Cromerthie, with the
Castlehill called the Mothill of the same, and the yearly revenues of the burgh of Cromerthie,
lying in the barony and sheriffdom of Cromerthie — and in the office of sheriff of Cromerthie —
together of the old extent of £40, 12s. 7d.2 In the same year and in 1603 Thomas Urquhart
appears as the heir of his father Henry Urquhart sheriff apparent of Cromerthie.3 In 1599
appears in record John Wrquhart tutor of Cromertie, and in 1604 John Urquhart was served
heir male in certain lands to his father Walter Urquhart sheriff of Cromartie (then apparently
alive).* The latter and his son Henry the apparent sheriff were both dead in 1607, in which year
Thomas Urquhart sheriff of Cromertie was served heir in certain lands to his uncle John.5 In
1630 Thomas Urquhart (apparently the son of the sheriff, and afterwards Sir Thomas) was
served heir in the lands of Kinbeachie to his brother Walter the fear of those lands.6 He was
born in 1613, knighted by King Charles I. in 1641,' succeeded his father soon afterwards, and
died in 1661. 7 In 1644 Master Thomas Eig of Athernie was served heir to his father William
Eig of Athernie in a yearly revenue of £2000 from the lands and barony of Cromartie, and spe
cially of those towns and parts of the barony called Dauidstoun, Pedistoun, Arnoche, and Femes,
with the mill of Femes, in the barony and parish of Cromartie, of the extent of £1600 according
to act of parliament.8 Sir Thomas Urquhart was succeeded by his brother Alexander, who,
dying in the course of a year afterwards, was succeeded by Sir John Urquhart of Craigfintrie the
representative of another branch of the family.9

In 1529 died John of Dauidstoun (apparently John Denowne).10 In 1536 appear in record
John Denowne of Dauidstoun and his son Donald Denowne.11 In 1547 Queen Mary granted
to William Dennowne of Petnele the nonentry and other dues of certain lands which had been in
her hands since the decease of Alexander Dunnvne of Dauidstoun.12 In the same year she granted
to John Dunnvne, the second son of John Dunnvne of Dauidstoun, certain lands resigned by
John the elder, to whom the liferent was reserved.13 In 1556 John Denowne of Davidstoun was
dead, and Donald Denowne of Kenroy appears as his son and heir.14 In 1578 and 1585, as we
have seen, the lands of Dauidstoun appear among the lands of the parish, and in 1644 were
inherited by Master Thomas Eig of Athernie from William Eig his father.15

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxix. fol. 69 ; vol. xliv. fol. 42 ; » Calendar of Feara.

vol. li. fol. 45; vol. Hi. fol. 105. ' Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 583.

J Retours. 3 io;a. 2 Reg. gec. gig., vol. xxi. fol. 30.

4 Kilravock Charters. Retours. 3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxi. fol. 33.

5 Retours. « Ibid. * Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. nn. 358, 393. Reg. Sec.

7 Miller's Scenes and Legends, pp. 86, 87, 92. Sig., vol. xxviii. ff. 33, 70.

8 Retours. 9 Scenes and Legends, p. 110. 13 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. lii. fol. 105. Retours.

564 ORIGINES [CKOMARTY.

In 1557 David bishop of Eoss granted to his brother Robert Leslie his lands in Ferindonald
and Ardmanoch, including the lands of Vdwall, the grantee paying yearly for the latter G marks
G shillings and 8 pence with 28s. lid. as grassum, 8 bolls of ferme victual, the half of a custom
mart, 2 muttons, 12 poultry, 2 kids, 40 eggs valued at 6d., 2 bolls of custom oats, and 1 boll of
'suggarunne' oats.1 In the same year Queen Mary confirmed the grant.2 In 1578 and 1585, as
we have seen, Vddall is enumerated among the lands of the parish that paid tithe to the dean
of Ross.3

The burgh of Cromarty (Crumbauchtyn) existed in the year 1263, when it appears to have
had two provosts or aldermen (prepositi).* In 129G the Knights Templars had probably some
property in the burgh, which King Edward I. by a mandate addressed to the sheriff of Crum-
bhantyn ordered to be restored to the Master on swearing fealty.5 In 1315 King Robert Bruce
granted the burgh of Crumbathy, with all the burgesses, liberties, and pertinents, within and
without it, to Sir Hugh of Ross the son and heir of William Earl of Ross, reserving to the
King the custom called ' malatout.' 6 In the Inverness Museum is an old seal or cocket, sup
posed to be of the reign of King Robert II. (1371-1390), and bearing the name of the
burgh, Chrombte.7 In 1472 William Urquhart was infeft in the burgh of Cromarty on a
precept by John Earl of Ross.8 In 1483 appears in record Thomas Rede bailie of Cromaty,
and in 1492 David Dunnone bailie of the same burgh.9 In 1505 King James IV. granted
to Andro Aytoun captain of the castle of Striueling the customs of all the burghs and bounds
between Banf and Orknay, for the yearly payment of £50 to the King's comptroller and
others.10 In 1533 appear in record Alexander Clwnes, Alexander Forbes, and Thomas Duff,
burgesses of Cromarty.11 In 1555 Queen Mary granted to Sir John Denvne a remission
for the cruel slaughter of John Malty dwelling in the Newtoun of Cromerty.12 Till about
this period the burgh of Cromarty stood upon ground now covered by the sea, and before
the end of the century another (apparently the ' Newtoun' above mentioned) had been formed
farther from the sea, and to the eastward of the present town.13 Its cross, bearing the date
1578, still exists.14 In 1592 among a number of articles referred by parliament to the privy
council there was one entitled ' Ane article anent the heaven and port of Cromertie.'15 In
1593 King James VI. confirmed the privileges of the burgh of Cromarty as a royal burgh, and
confirmed anew to the provost and magistrates the burgh lands, namely, those lying between the
lands of Murehead, Boghous, and Bogs of Femes, belonging to the sheriff of Cromarty, on the
west — the lands of Ethie and the sea on the south — and the sea on the east and north — with
the haven, raid, and harbour of the burgh in all places within the ' craiges callit the Sowteris.' 16

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 581. Reg. Sec. Sig., 9 Acta Part. Scot., vol. ii. p. 159. Acta Dora. Cone.,

vol. xxix. fol. 9. 2 Ibid. p. 236. «> Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. iii. fol. 30.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. Hi. fol. 105. » Cromarty Titles.

4 Compota Camerar., vol. i. p. 41». " Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxvii. ff. 111-113.

5 Rotuli Scotia;, vol. i. p. 25. « Miller's Scenes and Legends, pp. 28, 29, 75-78.

6 See above, p. 561. u Ibid., p. 275.

' Miller's Scenes and Legends, p. 48. 15 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. iii. p. 586.

9 Cromarty Titles. « Acta Parl. Scot., vol. v. p. 627.

CROMARTY.] PAROCHIALES. 565

In 1599, as we have seen, Thomas Urquhart was served heir to his grandfather Walter Urquhart
sheriff of Cromerthie in the yearly revenues of the burgh.1 In 16-11 King Charles I. confirmed
the charter granted in 1593 by King James VI.2 In 1670 the town council alienated their lands
to Sir John Urquhart of Cromarty for 5000 marks Scots and a yearly feu duty of 20 marks.3 In
1672 they represented to Parliament that for a long time there had been no trade within the
burgh, and that through the imposition of many burdens it was both impoverished and depopu
lated; and requested leave to demit their freedom and privileges as a royal burgh.* The request
was granted, and Cromarty ordered to be expunged from the rolls of parliament, and no more to
be accounted a royal burgh.5 From that period the town appears to have gradually sunk into an
inconsiderable village till about the year 1750, when its trade revived and its site was changed as
at present.6 The site of the original burgh, of which the last vestige disappeared in the present
century, is now covered every tide by two fathoms of water, but seems to be still marked by the
' Clach Malacha' (or Malloch), a large stone now a quarter of a mile from the shore, but in
the seventeenth century surrounded by cornfields and clumps of wood.7 Its successor is now
represented by a road to the east of the present town bounded by fences and a few old houses,
formerly its main street, and still known as the Old Causeway.8

In 1292 King Edward I. ordered Thomas of Braytoft, keeper of the castles of Invernar and
Crumbarthyn, to deliver them up to King John Balliol.9 The castle of Cromarty is traditionally
said to have been besieged by the English in the time of Sir William Wallace, who is believed
to have raised the siege.10 It was probably granted, though not expressly mentioned, with the
sheriffdom to Sir Hugh of Ross in 1315, and to Adam of Urquhart before 1349, and thence
forward held by the Urquharts as sheriffs and barons of Cromarty.11 In 1557 Andrew (Thomas)
Urquhart sheriff of Cromarty is said to have died ' in his own palace.'12 In 1599, as we have
seen, Thomas Urquhart was served heir to his grandfather Walter Urquhart sheriff of Cromerthie
in the lands and barony of Cromarty with the Castlehill called the Mothill of the same.13 In
1C43 Heu Eos of Tollie with two of his servants are said to have died suddenly ' in ane chamber
in the castell of Cromartie.' u The castle stood on an angle of the terrace above the present
town on the east side of a deep ravine.15 It was built in the old turreted style, and defended
on the south by a moat and high wall.16 It was taken down in 1772, and in the surrounding
ground were found human skeletons and urns containing human remains, both enclosed in graves
made of flags.17 The lintel of one of its fire-places, preserved at Kinbeakie in Resolis, bears the
date 1651, the initials of Sir Thomas Urquhart, the names and eras of some of his supposed
ancestors, and several curious devices.18

1 Retours. See p. 5G3. " See above, pp. 561, 5G4. 12 Calendar of Fearn.

2 Acta Part. Scot., vol. v. p. 627. 13 See above, p. 563. " Calendar of Fearn.

3 .M iin. Corp. Reports. 13 Miller's Scenes and Legends, p. 78.

» Acta Part. Scot., vol. viii. pp. 68, 69. 5 Ibid. '<* Ibid., pp. 78, 79. 17 Old Stat. Ace.

0 Miller's Scenes and Legends, pp. 75, 275. 18 Scenes and Legends, pp. 82, 94, 95. For an inte-

7 Ibid., pp. 28, 29. ' My Schools and Schoolmasters,' resting account of Sir Thomas and his writings see the

p. 63. 8 Scenes and Legends, p. 75. same authority, pp. 86-103. See also ' The Works of

9 Rotuli Scotiie, vol. i. p. 12. Sir Thomas Urquhart,' with a memoir, published by

10 Scenes and Legends, p. 47. the Maitland Club.

566 ORIGINES [CROMARTY.

Close to the town stood an eminence called the Courthill (apparently now removed), on which
the sheriff courts were held in early times.1

To the west of the present town is another eminence, having a hollow known as the Witch's
Hole, and at one time the place of execution.2

The highest part of the Southern Sutor is still named the Gallowhill, and the remains of a
cairn which crown it retain the name of the Gallows.8

On a hill behind the town a spot marked by a few shapeless hillocks is supposed to have
been the scene of a battle between the English and Sir William Wallace, who is said to have
laid an ambush for his enemies in a marshy hollow 4 miles south of Cromarty still known as
Wallace' Slack.4 The battle is supposed to be mentioned by Blind Harry, the biographer
of Wallace, in the following lines —

Wallace raid throu the northland into playne
At Crummade feill Inglismen thai slew
The worthi Scottis till hym thus couth persew
Returnd agayne and come till Abirdeyn
With his blith ost upon the Lammes ewyn.s

In the higher parts of the parish, and extending into the neighbouring parishes, is an extensive
moor covered with numerous tumuli, supposed to mark the scene of a battle ; and within the
parish is the site of an encampment supposed to be Danish.6 At the east end of the moor
about 6 miles from Cromarty is a large heap of stones known as the Grey Cairn.7 Near it was
another long since destroyed.8

1 Scenes and Legends, p. 83. ' MS. of Wallace in Adv. Lib., fol. 55. Jamieson.

2 Ibid. book vii. 11. 1084-1088.

1 Ibid. 6 Scenes and Legends, pp. 20, 21. Old Stat. Ace.

1 Ibid., pp. 47, 48. • Ibid. * Ibid.

ROSEMARKIE.]

PAROCHIALES.

567

ROSEMARKIE.

Rosmarky l — Rosmerky2 - - Roismerky3 — Rosmerkie4 — Rosmerkin5 -
Ramskye6 — Channonrie7 — Channonerye8 — Chanonrie9 — Rosmarkny 10
— Rosmarkie11 — Rosemarkie12 — Chanrie.13 (Map, No. 34.)

THIS parish, extending from near Fortrose to the burn of Ethie, has in its southern part a
sandy coast which includes the Ness of Chanonry about a mile in length, and in its northern
part a bold rocky coast diversified by perpendicular precipices and wild ravines.14 From the
shore it slopes at some parts to the top of the Mulbuy, and in the interior it is general!}'
arable.15

The origin of the church of Rosmarky is ascribed to Saint Boniface surnamed Queretinus,
an Italian who in the seventh or eighth century is said to have come into Scotland for the pur
pose of inducing the church there to conform to the practice of the church of Rome, and, after
founding churches in many parts of the country, to have settled at Rosmarky, and to have built
there a church, in which he was afterwards buried.16 The church does not appear in any known
record from the period of its foundation till the year 1510, in which it is mentioned in the
Aberdeen Breviary as the burial-place of Saint Moloc.17 In 1529 appears in record Sir William
Gray vicar of Rosmarky deceased.18 In 1546 Queen Mary presented Sir Thomas Stevinsoun to
the vicarage of Rosmerky, vacant by the decease of Sir Thomas Gray, or by his resignation, or in
any other way whatsoever.19 In 1549 the same queen presented George Dunbar to the vicarage,
vacant or when vacant by the resignation of Sir Thomas Stevinsoun.20 Between 1561 and 1566 a
fourth of the teinds of Rosmarky belonged to the chancellor of Ross, a fourth to the treasurer,
and a fourth to the dean.21 At the same period the vicarage was held by George Dunbar parson
of Kilmowr (Wester), and apparently the presentee of 1549. 22 Between 1569 and 1571 William

1 A. D. 1510. Brev. Aberd. Prop. SS. pro temp,
estiv. fol. 7. A. D. 1529. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. viii. fol.
81. A. D. 1561-1566. Book of Assumptions. A. D.
1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib.

2 A. D. 1546. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xix. fol. 75. A. D.
1561-1566. Book of Assumptions.

3 A. D. 1549. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiii. fol. 7.

4 A. D. 1561-1566. Book of Assumptions.

5 A. D. 1561-1566. Ibid.

6 A. D. 1561-1566. Ibid.

7 A. D. 1569-1571. Register of Ministers.

8 A. D. 1570. Ibid.

9 A. D. 1574-1576. Book of Assignations.

10 A. D. 1574-1576. Ibid.

11 Circa A. D. 1640. Blaeu. A. D. 1649. Retours.

12 Circa A. D. 1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. A. D.
1655. Retours.

13 A. D. 1649. Acta Parl. Scot., vol. v. p. 395.

14 Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace. K Ibid.

16 Acta Sanctorum, xvi Martii, citing Boethius. Les
lie, Dempster, and Utrecht MSS. Leslaeus de Gestis
Scotorum, p. 17. Camerarius, p. 117. Brev. Aberd.
Prop. SS. pro temp. hyem. if. 69, 70. Saint Boniface is
further said to have baptized Nectan king of the Picts,
and to have first settled at Restennot in Forfarshire.
He was commemorated by the church of Rome on 16
March. The authorities cited leave it a matter of
doubt whether the church which he founded at Rose
markie was the parish church or the cathedral.

17 Brev. Aberd. Prop. SS. pro temp, estiv. fol. 7. See
LISMORE, p. 159. 18 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. viii. fol. 81.

19 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xix. fol. 75.

20 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiii. fol. 7.

K Book of Assumptions. 'a Ibid.

568 ORIGINES [ROSEMARKIE.

Hay was reader at Channonrie ; in 1570 the reader was James Buschart ; in 1574 Master John
Robertsoun was minister at Chanonrie or Eosmarkny, and at Cromartie, and William Hay was
reader at the Chanonrie or Eosmarkny ; and in 1576 Alexander bishop of Eoss was minister,
and William Hay reader at Chanonrie and Eosmarkny.1

The bishoprick of Eoss was founded by King David I. between the years 1124 and 1128,
at which period Macbeth its first bishop (Rosmarkensis episcopus) appears in record.2 The
bishop's seat was perhaps originally at Eosemarkie, from which the bishoprick continued to be
occasionally named down to the middle of the thirteenth century, when the original name seems
to have finally given place to that of bishoprick of Eoss.3 Among the items of the King's
revenue accounted for in 12C3 by Laurence le Grant sheriff of Innernes were the King's silver
(finis) paid by the bishop of Eoss, amounting for that year to 10 marks, and the profits (lucra)
of the justiciar in Eos, amounting to £4, 10s., exclusive of the bishop's tithe, which was 10s.4
In 1329 the abbot of Dunfermline, depositary of the money ordained pro pace (for fulfilling
the stipulations of the Treaty of Northampton, 1328) accounted to the King's exchequer for
the sum of £71, Us. Id. received for the bishoprick of Eoss.5 From that period till near the
end of the fifteenth century there seems to be almost no recorded notice of the bishoprick,
except in the case of its successive rulers.6 John Fraser is alleged to have been appointed
bishop in 1485 ; the bishop in 1487 was Thomas the founder of the collegiate church of
Tain ; and in 1499 there is on record a precept of King James IV. for the admission of
John bishop of Eoss (apparently John Fraser) to the temporality of the bishoprick, ' the aith
of fidelite ressauit of befor.'7 In 1507 (1 May) that king granted for a year to Sir Eobert
Fresale dean of Eoss, Alexander Fresale, and James Makysoun, the executors of the deceased
John bishop of Eoss, the temporality of the lands and possessions of the bishoprick, with power
to sublet and to hold courts, with all other liberties.8 In the same year (17 August) he granted
a precept of admission to the temporality of the bishoprick in favour of Master Eobert Cokburn.9
In 151G King James V. granted a letter of protection to Eobert bishop of Eoss, ' quhilk passis
in the Kingis ambassiate and seruice to the King of France and vthir princes in the parts beyond
sey,' and to 33 persons his kinsmen, friends, and servants — the letter to be valid for 6 months,
or for 15 days after the return of the ambassador, who carried with him two letters 'of credence'
written in French and sealed with the privy seal of Scotland.10 In 1524 (16 September) the
same king granted a precept of admission to the temporality of the bishoprick in favour of
James bishop of Eoss.11 In 1539 (23 June) he granted a similar precept in favour of Eobert
bishop of Ross.1'-' Between the years 1561 and 1566 the following rental of the bishoprick was

1 Register of Ministers. Book of Assignations. ° See Keith's Bishops.

2 Keith's Bishops. Chalmers, vol. i. p. 678. Acta < Ibid. Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. x. no. 109. Reg. Sec.
1'arl. Scot., vol. i. p. 46*. Regist. (le DuntVrmolyn, p. 4. Sig., vol. i. fol. 127.

3 Chronica de Mailros, pp. 78, 102, 113, 114, 191. " Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. iii. fol. 113.
Regist. Morav., pp. 4, 19, 63, 64, 81, 82, 122, 133, 140, ° Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. iii. fol. 121.
282, 332, 333. Keith's Bishops. '« Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. v. fol. 34.

4 Compota Camerar., vol. i. p. 16*. " Keg. Sec. Sig., vol. vii. fol. 93.

5 Ibid., p. 58. 12 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xiii. fol. 10.

ROSEMABKIE.] PAEOCHIALES. 569

given up to the collector of thirds by Henry Sinclair the bishop — ' The rentall cf the bischoprik
of Eos as it payis now salwo iusto calculo sua far as I can gett witt presentlie. In primis the
Witsounclay and Martymes tearmis maillis of the landis of the mairdomis of Allane, Ardmanoch,
Fyrndonald, Nyg, Ardrosser, and vthiris landis perteining to the said bischoprik of Ross, yeirlie
extendis to the sowme of iiiic Ixii li. iiii s. ii d. Fearmis of the temporalitie thairof, xx ch. viii bs.
victuall ; custum aittis, vii ch. iiii bs. ; custum mairtis, xxxix mairtis ii quarteris ; custum mut-
toun, viixx ; custum caponis, x dossone ; custum pultrie, Ivii. do. ; custum kyddis, vixx xiiii, and
with ilk kyd 30 aggis paying thairfor iiii d. ; and in salmond tua or thrie last, and sum yeiris
not sa many, quhairof is to be deducit salt, tries, and vthir expenss, quhilk the thrid pairt of
the fishe beis gottin will not outred yeirlie for commoun and sum yeiris not tua last, and
sua vncertan quhilis lesse quhilis mair. Item ane pairt of the teindis of the paroshinis of
Kilmowir and Kilernane yeirlie riddin quhylis les quhylis mair estimat to v ch. vii bs. comounly.
Item the parosh kirk of Tarbat xxxiii ch. i pt., and in tcind silver xxvi li. viii s., and xl muttoun.
Item in the parochc kirk of Nig xix ch. v bs. victuall, and in teind silver xv li. ix s., xxix
mvtoun. The sowmes of money and victuall giwin out of the bishoprik of Eos in ordinar now
yeirlie ; Item to the lordis of the coledge of iustice xvi li. xvi s. ; Item to the chalmerland in
fie xl lib. ; Item to the gantar men of Nyg and Terbat xviii bs. victuall and ten pundis money ;
Item to the chaplane of Allane xii bs. victuall ; Item to the fischar bottis of Eosmarkin ii bs.
ii fir. victuall ; Item to the salmond fischaris of the Nes of the Channonrie xix bs. victual and
iiii lib. ; Item to the kenar of the Nes xii bs. victuall and ten pund of money ; Item for the
officiaris fies x lib. ; Item to the curatis of Nyg and Terbat xl li. ; Item to the kenar of Kincairne
iiii bs. victuall and xl s. mony ; Item to the vicar of chore in the Channonry xx li. ; Item to
the prechar of the kirkis of Nyg and Terbat in the yeir 1 li. ; Item for the expenss and fies of
men to keepe the houss and place of the Chanounrie quhen I am furth of it in the cessioun or
wthirwayis in the Queinis Grace service, quhilk lyis in ane far Heland cuntrie and ellis stollin
this tyme twa yeir fra my servandis be brokin men as is notarlie knawin, quha withheld it fra
me nyne monthis or thairby to my great skaith, and opprest nocht allanerlie the landis perteining
to that kirk bot sindrie vtheris of the Quenis Grace tennentis and vtheris perteining to vther
landit men of the cuntrie thairabout, quhairthrow it is force to me to haif ane guid company
of men in my absence in the said place, lykas I haif now presentlie in the samin, quhairof the
expenss extendis as efter followis — Item of victuall xii ch. — Item xx mairtis — Item of mut
toun Ixxx — Item of pultrie xx dussoun — Item for sleshia and vtheris necessaris and the saidis
menis fies ic lib. ; quhilk is to be considderit, for on force I am constraint to caus keepe that
place as said is, and wtherwayis, gif broken men mycht haue it, it sould not only stop me to be
anserit of my leiving in thai pairtis, bot also be ane instrument to truble the cuntrie thairabout.
Sic subscribitur, Hen. Eossen.'1 In 1565 Queen Mary granted for life to her servitor ' Seinzeoure
Johnne Francisco de Busso, knycht of the ordoure of Sanct James of Spada, and ane of hir
Hienes maister of houshaldis,' a yearly pension of £400 Scots out of the fruits of the bishoprick

1 Book of Assumptions.
VOL. II. 4 C

570 ORIGINES [ROSEMARKIE.

of Ross and its patrimony.1 In 1567, for the good service done to her deceased mother and
to herself by the same ' Seinzeoure Francisco,' she confirmed the grant.2 In 1568 King James
VI. confirmed to Gilbert Dowglas the brother german of Frances Dowglas of Borg a grant for
life made to him (3 February 1565) of a yearly pension of £200 Scots out of the fruits of the
bishoprick of Eos, to be paid ' be the bischop or intrantis quhilkis suld liappin than to be prouidit
thairto be oure Souerane Lordis moder or be ony vthiris quhatsumeuir' — the grant and the
confirmation to be valid ' nochtwithstanding the proces of forfaltour led aganis Johnne now
bischop of Eos for certane crymes of tressoun and lesemaiestie committit be him.'3 In 1569
the same king confirmed to ' Seigneoure Francisco de Busso' the grant of 1565 and the con
firmation of 15G7.4 In 1570 (15 November), for the good service done by Alexander Suthirland
during the regency of James Earl of Murray and afterwards, the King (James VI.) granted to
Alexander for life a yearly pension of 80 bolls of victual out of two-thirds of the bishoprick of
Eoss, then vacant by the forfeiture of Bishop John for treason and lesemajesty — and, as security
for payment he granted him the teind victuals of certain lands in the parish of Tarbert extending
yearly to 80 bolls of victual, ' without prejudice of the said Alexanderis executioun vpoun the
reddiest vthir fruitis of the said bischoprik in cais he be not thankfullie ansucrit of the saidis
t'ruitis assignit.'5 In the same year (21 December) the same king, for the good service done to
his ' guidschir and regent' by Robert Leslie of Arthourscir, granted to him for life a yearly
pension of £103, lls. 4d. Scots, together with 300 ' laidis of peittis' out of the fruits of the
bishoprick of Eos, and, as security, the dues of the lands of Arthourscir and others belonging
to the bishoprick.6 In 1571 the same king granted in heritage to Henrie Lord Methuen the
escheat of all the goods and dues of the bishoprick, its lands and its churches, remaining due
since the forfeiture of John bishop of Ros for treason and lesemajesty.7 In 1572 (6 January) he
confirmed his grant of 1570 to Robert Leslie of Arthourseir.8 In the same year (20 February),
on the narrative that the presentation of a bishop to the see of Ross after the forfeiture of
Bishop John, and certain other privileges, had been promised by the regents Murray and Lennox
to Donald Gormsoun of Sky, King James VI. after the decease of both regents granted in lieu
a yearly pension of 1000 marks Scots out of the fruits of bishoprick of Abii-dene forfeited by
Bishop William.9 In 1578 the same king granted in heritage to Henrie Lord Methuen the
temporality of the bishoprick of Ros, and the castle, house, and place of Channonrie, with
all pertinents, vacant by the decease of Alexander bishop of Eos, until a bishop should be
appointed.10 In 1579, for the good service done to him by Alexander Ruthven the brother
gorman of his treasurer William Lord Ruthven, King James granted to Alexander for life a
yearly pension of £200 Scots out of the fruits of the bishoprick of Ros, resigned by Gilbert
Douglas the brother german of Frances Douglas of Boirg.11 In 1585 (19 May) the same king

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxvi. fol. 9. 2 Ibid. : Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xl. fol. 10.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxviii. fol. 24. 9 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxix. fol. 47.

4 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxviii. fol. 46. » Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xl. fol. 50. See SLEAT, p. 342.

5 Rfg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxix. fol. 37. See TARBAT, pp. "> Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlv. fol. 88.

438,439. 6 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxix. fol. 47. " Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvi. fol. 52. See above.

ROSEMARKIE.] PAEOCHIALES. 571

granted in heritage to Henrie Lord Methuen, the son and apparent heir of the deceased lord
of that name, the temporality of the bishoprick of Boss, and the castle, house, and place of
the Channonrie, with the lands, mills, fishings, woods, and all dues belonging to it, in the King's
hands by the decease of Alexander bishop of Ross, and formerly granted by the King to the
deceased lord from the death of the bishop till another should be appointed.1 In the same
year (28 September) the same king granted for life to Eoger Aschtoun for his good service a
yearly pension of 400 marks out of the fruits of two-thirds of the bishoprick of Ross or any
part of it, in the King's hands by the decease of ' Adam and John Bussois,' and to be paid to
him even after a bishop should be appointed.2 In 1586 (1 February) the King granted for
life to Andrew Wod his comptroller a yearly pension of £200 Scots out of two-thirds of the
bishopiek of Ross, beginning in 1585 — and for payment assigned to him 10 chalders of bear
at £20 per chalder out of the fruits of the parish of Tarbert.3 In the same year and on the
same day he granted for life to John Fentoun his comptroller's clerk a yearly pension of 200
marks Scots from two-thirds of the same bishoprick, to begin in 15S5 — and assigned to
him for payment 6 chalders 10 bolls of bear out of the fruits of the same parish.* In the
same year (4 March) he granted for life to William Keith the master of his wardrobe a yearlv
pension of 10 chalders of victual out of two-thirds of the same bishoprick, to begin in the
year 1585. 5

In the year 1226 a controversy between Robert bishop of Ross and John Byseth about the
patronage of the church of Kyntalargy was settled as follows — The bishop with the consent
of the chapter of Rosmarkyn and his other clergy of Ros quitclaimed to John Byseth and his
heirs for their homage his right of patronage, if any ; and John Byseth and his heirs quitclaimed
to the bishop whatever right they had to the kirkland of the said church ; and John Biseth
besides, for the purpose of settling the controversy and as an atonement for his own sins (pro
redemptions peccatorum suorwn) contributed 15 marks of silver to the fabrick of the church of
Saint Peter of Rosmarkyn, and a stone of wax yearly from himself and his heirs to the light
upon the altar of that church ; and the bishop and dean and canons gave John and his heirs
an interest in the orisons (omnium orationum suffragiis) which should be perpetually presented
in praise of the Lord in that church ; and, in order to secure unbroken the future observation
of the agreement, there were appended to it the seals of both parties and the seal of the chapter
of Rosmarkyn.6 In 1227, on the settlement of a dispute between the bishops of Moray and
Ross about the churches of Kyntalargyn and Ardrosser, the bishop of Ross gave up the stone
of wax thus acquired for the use of the cathedral church of Elgyu.7 In 1338 Sir Andrew de
Moravia, lord of Bothwell and Avoch, died in Ross and was buried in the ' kyrk cathedrale of
Rosmarkyne.' 8 In 1420 (16 August), in the presence of John bishop of Ross and others, in
the ' kyrkeyharde of the chanounry of Rosmarkyng,' William the Grame, the son and heir of the

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. Hi. ff. 125, 126. 5 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liii. fol. 124.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liii. fol. 48. 6 Regist. Moravicnse, pp. 332, 333.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liii. lol. 97. See TARBAT, p. 434. ' Ibid., pp. 81, 82. See ARDERSIER,/WS(.

1 Ibid. 8 Wyntounis Cronikle. Reg. Morav., p. xxxviii.

572 OEIGINES [ROSEMARKIE.

deceased Henry the Grame, resigned the lands of the barony of Kerdale in Inverness to his
overlord Thomas Earl of Moray.1 In 1494 or 1495 Hugh Eos of Kilrawok, John Eos his son,
John Urquhard, Gillepatrik Makfleger, Donald Makcvne, John Eos in Financefeild, William Eos,
Cristus Makmullmory, John Huchonsoun, Duugal Clerk, John Eoy Makhuchone, and Ewin
Makcvne, slew within the cemetery of the cathedral church of Eoss Alexander Nobill, John
Nobill, William Gawane (Galkane, or Gollan), and a chaplain named Sir Maurice.2 For this
crime Hugh Eos appears to have been tried before the circuit court at Inverness, and to have
compounded for the sum of £42 to the King, for payment of which Sir Alexander Gordoun
of Migmar, Henry Chene of Essilmont, and John the Eoss of Auchinlosk, became his sure
ties.3 In 1495 (8 February) Henry abbot of Cambuskenneth, treasurer to King James IV.
granted to those parties a discharge for that sum, which the king had forgiven to Hugh
Boss.4 In 1498 (26 January) the King granted to Hugh Eoss and the other eleven who were
art and part in the murder a remission for the same, and for all crimes with which they
might be chargeable on that occasion, on condition that they should make amends to the
parents and friends of the parties slain.5 In 1543 Master Mungo Monypenny archdeacon of
Eoss, and Sir Thomas Haisty a monk of Bewlie, found surety for their appearance in court to
answer for being art and part in the oppression done to Master Gawin Dunbar treasurer of Eoss
by their coming upon him in company with Ilobert bishop of Eoss and his accomplices within
the cathedral church, laying hands upon him, and cruelly wounding him to the effusion of his
blood.6 In 1546 a charter by Master John Monro, chaplain of Balkny, is given at the cathedral
church, with consent of the Queen, the Earl of Aran, and the same Master Mungo or Kentigern
dean and vicar-general of Eoss.7 In 1572 King James VI. granted in heritage to his treasurer
William Lord Euthuen ' the haill leid quhairwith the cathedrall kirk of Eos wes theikit, alsweill
principal kirk as queir and ills thairof, ellis tyrvit, tane of, and disponit vpoun as to be intro-
mettit with and in place vnhandillit,' formerly belonging to the bishop and canons, and now
in the King's hands, ' throw being of the said cathedrall kirk na paroch kirk, bot ane monasterie
to sustene ydill belleis,' and through the forfeiture of the bishop for treason and lesemajesty —
with power to ' intromet and tak vp the saidis haill leid theikit vpoun the said cathedrall kirk
queir and ylis thairof, ellis tirvit, tane of, and disponit vpoun, as alsua as yit restand vnintro-
inettit with,' and to sell or otherwise dispose of it at his pleasure.8 Bishop Leslie about the
year 1578 says that not far from Eosmarky is situated the cathedral church of Eoss, named
not from the town but from the province.9 In 1584 King James VI. confirmed a charter by
Alexander bishop of Eoss, granting in heritage to William Eobcrtsoun indweller in the canonry
of Eoss a piece of land or particate of the cemetery of the cathedral church, partly built and
partly waste, extending to the space of 10G feet or 8 ' cupill bigging' in length, reckoning 12

! Reg. Morav., pp. 475, 470. '•> Ibid. Keg. Sec. Sig., vol. iv. fol. 70.

2 Kilravock Charters. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. iv. fol. 70. 6 Pitcairn's Crim. Trials, vol. i. p. 328«.
The Family of Kilravock, pp. 64, 65, 163, 164. 1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxx. no. 566.

3 Kilravock Charters. * Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xl. fol. 106.
' Il>id. 9 De Gestis Scotorum, p. 17.

ROSEMARKIE.] PAROCHIALES. 573

feet as one ' cuppill bigging,' and to the space of 5 ells in breadth ; lying before the manse of
the archdeacon on the east side of the same between the south part or gable of the house of
John Irwyng of Kynnok, then belonging in heritage to him and Margaret Cumyng his wife,
and formerly belonging in feuferme to Robert Grahame archdeacon of Ross, situated within the
cemetery, on the north, and the residuum of the cemetery on the south, and extending from the
King's common road on the east as far as the residuum of the cemetery on the east (west?).1
In 1585 the same king confirmed a charter by the same bishop, granting to John Robertsoun
treasurer of Ross and his heirs a piece of the ground of the cemetery, partly built and partly
waste, extending to the space of 155 feet or 13 ' cuppill bigging' in length, counting 12 feet
as one ' cuppill bigging,' and to the space of 5 ells in breadth.2 In 1649 the inhabitants of the
Chanonrie of Ross represented to parliament that the cathedral church had lain waste and
destitute of a particular ministry ever since the Reformation, and prayed that it should be
declared a parish church, the stipend to be provided from the bishop's rents and the free teinds
of the parish of Chanrie.3 The parliament therefore recommended to the commissioners for the
plantation of kirks the plantation of the kirk of Chanrie to be considered among their first acts.4
A charter of King Alexander II., dated 5 July 1224, is addressed to the bishop of Catanes,
the abbot of Kynlos, and the dean of Rosmarkyn.5 The last named person was probably Henry
dean of Ross or of Rosmarkyn and vicar of Dunbathlach (in Moray), who appears in record in
the years 1224 (19 July), 1226, and 1227.6 In 1258 and 1280 the dean of Ross appears in
record without being named.7 Between 1338 and 1350 a charter of Muriel of Roys, the widow
of Sir William of Roys lord of Kylrauoke, is witnessed by Master John of Kynkellee dean of
Ross.8 In 1350 and 1368 Master Alexander dean of Ross appears in record.9 In 1389 Master
William of Dyngwale was dean of Ross.10 In 1420 the dean was Sir William Fayrhar, and in
1451 John Caldor.11 In 1478 and 1487 various charters are witnessed by Master Martin
Vaus dean of Ross.12 In 1507 and 1514 appears in record Sir Robert Fresale dean of
Ross, who was official in 1514, and is said to have died in 1523.18 In 1544 Sir Paul Fresall
chaplain was dean of Ross.14 He had four sons, Donald, Robert, William, and John, who in
that year were legitimised by Queen Mary ; and Sir Paul's death is recorded to have taken
place in 1545.15 In 1546, 1547, and between 1561 and 1566, Master Kentigern or Mungo
Monypenny was dean of Ross, and in the first two of those years vicar general.16 In 1572 King
James VI. granted in heritage to Robert Leslie of Arthourseir the escheat of the goods that
belonged to Master Mungo, then rebel and at the horn for non-payment of the third of his

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. li. fol. 62. " Ibid., p. 475. Balnagown Charters.

2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. lii. fol. 61. 12 Regist. de Aberbrothoc, vol. ii. no. 201. Reg. Ma;:.

3 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. v. p. 395. Sig., lib. x. no. 109.

4 Ibid. It does not appear that this transaction pro- 13 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. iii. fol. 113. Beauly Charters.
duced the desired result. Calendar of Fearn.

5 Regist. Moraviense, p. 19. u Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxix. no. 207. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

6 Ibid., pp. 76-78, 82, 333. 7 Ibid., pp. 133, 140. vol. xviii. fol. 34. 15 Ibid. Calendar of Fearn.
s Kilravock Charters. 9 Balnagown Charters. 16 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxx. no. 566. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

lu Regist. Moraviense, p. 354. vol. xxi. fol. 52 ; vol. xxxi. fol. 97.

574 ORIGINES [ROSEMABKIE.

deanery for the year 1567 to Patrick Dauidsoun ' Ros Herauld,' collector of the thirds of the
benefices within the bounds of Eos, Sutherland, and Caitnes.1 In 1576 the same king presented
Alexander Vrquhart to the deanery of Eos, then vacant by the demission of Master Mungo
Monypenny.2 In 1578 the same Alexander dean of Eos granted for life to Walter Vrquhart
Sheriff of Cromartie, and for life to his nearest heir, a yearly pension out of the quarter teinds
of the parish of Cromartie belonging to the deanery.3 In 1583 he presented Hector Monro,
the son of Robert Monro of Foulis, to the deanery, vacant by the deposition of Alexander
Vrquhart, or by his abiding at the horn for more than a year and a day, or by his demission
from whatever other cause.* In 1584 (22 August) he confirmed two charters — One by the
deceased Quiutigeru Monypenny dean and vicar general of Ross, granting in heritage to Helen
Tailzeour, the relict of the deceased Gilbert Dick, the dean's croft lying within the bounds of
the canonry of Ross between the croft of the rector of Alnes on the east and the croft of
the rector of Eoschene on the west, and between the lands, manse, or garden of the dean on
the north, and the common pasture of the Deanis Pot on the south ; and another by dean
Alexander Vrquhart, granting in heritage to Walter Vrquhart sheriff' of Cromartie his manse
and garden lying between his croft which belonged to Donald Vrquhart on the south, the
residuum of his manse occupied by William Hay on the east, the King's common road on the
north, and the manse of the rector of Eoskene on the west, in the earldom and canonry of
Ross.5 In 1585 the same king confirmed dean Alexander's grant of the quarter teinds of
Cromartie made to the sheriff in 1578. 6 In 1607 Thomas Urquhart of Cromertie was served
heir to his grandfather Walter sheriff of Cromertie in the manse of the deanery of Ross in the
canonry with the croft, and a piece or rood of land of the same manse with a stone house built
on it, of the extent of 10s. 4d. feuferme.7 In 1661, on a petition from Master Patrick Durhaine
late minister of Ardnaseir, who had been appointed for life to the deanery of Ross, the parliament
ordered the heritors and others to pay to him 40 bolls of teind victual with certain customs and
silver duty, payable to him as dean out of the teinds of Rosemarkie, which for three years
they had paid to the minister of Cromertie.8

In 1255 appears in record Master R. of Eglinton chanter of Eoss.9 In the year 1281 a
charter of William Earl of Ros is witnessed by Master Ada of Derlingtun precentor of Eos.10
Between 1350 and 1372 Sir Isaac Olivar precentor of Ross appears in record.11 In 1451 the
precentor was Thomas Fauconer.12 In 1505, 1513, and 1516 Sir John Calder chanter of Ross
appears in record, and in 1520 he was dead.13 In 1532 and 1541 the chanter was Sir Walter
Stewart, and between 1561 and 1566 Master John Cairncroce.1*

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xl. fol. 42. » Acta Parl. Scot., vol. vii. p. 106.

2 Reg. Sec. Sig , vol. xliii. fol. 109. » Beauly Charters.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. lii. fol. 105. See CKOMARTV, '" Regist. Moraviense, p. 282.

p. 558. " Balnagown Charters. a Hurt.

4 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 116. « Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. iii. fol. 21; vol. v. fol. 46.

5 Reg Sec. Sig., vol. li. ff. 14, 40. Beauly Charters. Keg. Mag. Sig., lib. xx. no. 86.

6 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. lii. fol. 105. " Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. ix. fol. 04. Reg. Mag. Sig., lib.

7 Retours. ixvii. no. 109. Book of Assumptions.

ROSEMAKKIE.] PAROCHIALES. 575

Of the chancellors of Ross appear in record, in 1255 Sir R., in 1333 William of Lindors,
and in 1451 and 1456 Master Thomas of Lochmalony or Loucholony.1 In 1520 King James
V. granted to Duncan Chalmer chancellor of Ros all the property that belonged to William
Wedman and James Crag (the latter residing in Litill Ferry), which was escheat to the
King ' throw thare remaning and biding at hame fra our Souerane Lordis oist and army quhilk
passit with his derest brothir and counsalour James Erie of Murray in Cathnes for invading
and perseving of his rebellis being tharin and putting of gud reule in thai partis.'2 The same
person, afterwards Master Duncan, and in 1553 official of Ross, appears in record in 1543,
1549, 1553, and 1556. 3 At the Reformation he was still chancellor or ' vsufructuare,' and
Master David Chalmer was titular.4 In 1508 King James VI. granted in heritage to Master
James Kirkcaldy, the brother german of Sir William Kirkcaldy of Grange, the escheat of all
the goods and of the fruits of all the benefices that belonged to Master David Chalmer,
especially the provostry of Creichtoun and the chancellary of Ros, forfeited by him as ' fugi
tive fra the law, at the home, or in will' for art and part in the battle of Langsyid,
and for art and part in the slaughter of James Balany in Prestoun, James Douglas ' suddart,'
and William Purves servitor to Alexander Hume of Manderstoun, at the same place.5 Master
Duncan Chalmer died in 1571, and in that year (1 July) King James VI. presented Master
George Monro to the chancellary of Rois, vacant by the decease of Master Duncan, or by the
forfeiture of his pretended successor Master David Chalmer for treason and lesemajesty.6 In
the same year (4 July) the King granted to Robert Monro of Foulis the escheat of all the
goods that belonged to the deceased Master Duncan, and to his pretended successor Master
David, who was then rebel and at the horn for non-payment of the third of his benefice to
the collectors.7 In 1572 the King confirmed the grant of the chancellary to Master George
Monro.8 In 1585 he confirmed a charter by Master George Monro chancellor of Ross, granting,
with consent of Alexander bishop of Ross, the dean, and the canons, to Master John Robert-
soun treasurer of Ross and Elizabeth Baillie his wife, and their heirs, with remainder to John's
heirs whomsoever, the chancellor's manse with the houses and buildings both built and to be
built, and the garden and croft of the same lying contiguously, in the canonry of Ross.9 In
1592 the same king granted to Master David Chalmer of Ormound the glebes and manses of
the chancellary of Ros.10 In 1649 Master George Monro, minister of the word of God at the
church of Rosmarkie, was served heir to his father Master George, minister at Suddie, in
the manse, house, and croft of the same, which of old belonged to the chancellor of Ross within
the canonry and bishoprick of the same, of the extent of 46s. 8d. feuferme ; and in a piece or
perticate of land of the garden or cemetery of the cathedral church of Ross, 72 feet long by
5 ells wide, in the same canonry, of the extent of 6 shillings feuferme.11

1 Beauly Charters. Balnagown Charters. Misc. of 5 Reg. Sec. Sip;., vol. xxxvii. fol. 72.

Bannatyne Club, vol. iii. 6 Calendar of Fearn. Eeg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxix. fol. 91 .

2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. viii. fol. 231. 7 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxix. fol. 101.

3 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxx. iin. 419, 440; lib. x_\xi. nn. 6 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxix. fol. 91.
205, 583. 9 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. Hi. fol. 61.

4 Book of Assumptions. 10 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. iii. p. 601. " Retours.

576 OBIGINES [BOSEMARKIE.

In 1227 an agreement respecting the churches of Kyntalargyn and Ardrosser, made at
Kenedor in Moray between the bishops of Moray and Boss, was subscribed among others by
William the treasurer of Kosmarkyn.1 In 1451 a transumpt of certain charters made in the
chapel of Saint Nicolas in the cathedral church of Koss is witnessed by Thomas Tulloch
treasurer.2 In 1518 is recorded the death of Thomas Heriot treasurer of Ross.3 In 1543
the treasurer was Master Gawin Dunbar, the subject of an affray in the cathedral church above
described.4 Master Gavin died in 154C, and in that year (13 September) Queen Mary presented
Master John Hammiltoun of Mylburne to the treasurership, vacant by Master Gauin's decease.5
The same Master John appears as treasurer in 1547, and was dead in 1548, in which year (22
April) Queen Mary presented John Robesoun to the treasurership, vacant by the decease of the
former.6 Master John Robertsoun was treasurer at the Reformation, when the treasurership was
leased to Matthew Hamiltoun of Mylneburne.7 In 1584 King James VI. confirmed a charter
by the same Master John, granting in heritage to Donald Reid the treasurer's croft in the canonry
lying between the croft and garden of the chancellor of Ross on the west, and the croft of the
chanter on the east, and between the treasurer's principal dwelling on the south and the hill
called Craiglaw on the north — and also a piece of the treasurer's manse on the east side
extending to 20 ells in breadth and destroyed to the foundation, lying between his croft on
the north and the King's common road on the south, and between the manse of the precentor
of Ross on the east and the residuum of the treasurer's manse on the east (west?)8 In 1585
the same king confirmed a charter by the same treasurer, granting in heritage to Thomas
Orok in the canonry of Ross and Bessy Gardin his wife a piece of the manse of the treasury
lying in the canonry and extending in length and breadth respectively to 20 ells, between
the King's common road on the south, the principal manse of the treasury on the north, the
part of the manse formerly let to Donald Reid on the east, and the entrance to the manse
on the west.9 In 1586 the same king confirmed two charters by the same Master John
llobertsoun treasurer of Ross — 1. Granting in heritage to Archibald Hammiltoun dwelling
in Linlithgow a part of the manse of the treasury within the canonry, lying between the
croft of the treasury occupied by William Robertsoun in the canonry towards the north,
another part of the said manse occupied by Robert Leslie on the east, the manse of the chan
cellor on the west, and another piece of the manse of the treasury let to Thomas Robertsoun
in the canonry on the south ; and 2. Granting in liferent to Robert Leslie in the canonry
and Margaret Robertsoun his wife, and in heritage to John Leslie their son, with remainder
to the other lawful heirs of Robert and Margaret and their heirs, and to John Robertsoun
the brother of Margaret and his heirs whomsoever, a part of the land of the treasury of Ross
on the east side of the same extending to 20 ells, lying in the canonry between the precentor's
manse on the east and the residuum of the treasury manse on the west, and extending in

; Kcgist. Morav., p. 82. « Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxL ff. 35, 86.

2 Balnagown Charters. ' Book of Assumptions. Book of Assignations.

3 Calendar of Fearn. 4 See p. 572. 8 Keg. Sec. Sig., vol. li. fol. 62.

> Calendar of Fearn. Hog. Sec. Sig., vol. xx. fol. 46. 9 Keg. Sec. Sig., vol. Hi. fol. 106.

ROSEMABKIE.] PAROCHIALES. 577

length from the King's common road on the south to the croft of William Eobertsoun in the
canonry on the north.1

In 1487 the foundation charter of the collegiate church of Tain was witnessed among others
by Thomas Eos subdean of Ross.2 In 1494 during the vacancy of the see King James IV.
presented Master James Forster to the subdeanery.3 In the same year (3 July) that kin?
prosecuted Master John Maitland for contempt of his authority and violation of the acts of
parliament in having passed to the court of Rome without the King's license, and in havino-
obtained the subdeanery of Ross and published certain bulls contrary to the royal prero
gative, by which acts he had incurred the penalties of proscription and banishment — and also
for disturbing Master James Forster in his possession of the subdeanery.4 Master John pro
tested against the auditors, but produced no exculpatory evidence ; and the Lords of Council
ordained that meantime Master James Forster should enjoy the benefice, and assigned to him
and to the King's advocates the eighth day of August following to prove that Master John
Maitland had acted contrary to statute and in what manner.5 In the year 1549 Pope Paul III.,
with the consent of Master John Thorntoun subdean of Ros and Master James Thorntoun parson
of Ancrum, granted for life to Master Henry Thorntoun a yearly pension of £100 Scots out of
the fruits of the subdeanery, and of a like sum out of those of the parsonage of Ancrum.6
Between 1561 and 1566 Master James Thorntoun was subdean of Ros.7 In 1569 (14
November) Master John Thorntoun was dead, and King James VI. confirmed the grant of 1549.8
In 1578 that king presented William Makquene parson of Assent to the subdeanery of Ros,
vacant by the decease of Master James Thorntoun.9 In 1583 he confirmed a grant in heritage
by the same William, to William Barbour in the canonry, of his manse of the subdeanery with
all its pendicles, pertinents, houses, gardens, and buildings, and the kiln (vstrina) and its croft
lying contiguous to the manse, in the canonry of Ross.10

In 1296 John of Hedlam subchanter of the church of Ros swore fealty to King Edward I.11
In 1514 a mandate of Robert Fresel dean and official of Ross is witnessed by Anselm Robert-
soun (Roberti) the subchanter.12 In 1541 and between 1561 and 1566 Master David Haliburtoun
was subchanter of Ross.13 In 1573 King James VI. presented Donald Adamesoun minister at
Vrray to the parsonage of Vrray or subchantry of Ross, vacant by the deprivation or forfeiture
of Master David Halyburtoun.1* In 1574 that king confirmed a charter by Master David
Halyburtoun, provost of the collegiate church of Methuen and subchanter of the cathedral
church of Ross, granting with the consent of the bishop, dean, vicar general, and canons, to
Donald Vrquhart in Ferrietoun and his heirs the manse with the houses, buildings, gardens,
tofts, and crofts, belonging to the subchantry, then occupied by John Frissell and John Wilsoun,
in the city of the canonry of Ross, between the chanter's manse on the west, the Watergate

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liv. fol. 33. 9 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlv. fol. 1.

3 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. x. no. 109. 10 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 68.

3 Acta Dom. Cone., p. 351. » Ibid. > Ibid. » Ragman Rolls, p. 144. 12 Beauly Charters.

« Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxviii. fol. 90. 13 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxvii. no. 159. Book of As-

7 Book of Assumptions. sumptions.

s Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxviii. fol. 90. " Keg. Sec. Sig., vol. xli. fol. 107.

VOL. II. 4 D

578 OEIGINES [HOSEMARKIE.

(aqualem mam) on the east, the common street on the south, and the hill commonly called
Plotokhill on the north.1 In 1604 John Urquhart was served heir male of entail and provision
to his father Walter Urquhart sheriff of Cromartie in a croft of land in the canonry of Ross
called the subchanter's croft, of the extent of 6s. 8d., and a rood of land in the canonry belong
ing to the subchanter, 40 ells in length and 30 in breadth, of the extent of 3s. 4d.'2 In 1607
Thomas Urquhart of Cromertie was served heir to his grandfather Walter Urquhart sheriff of
Cromertie in the manse of the subchanter and its croft, of the extent of £3 feuferme.3

Robert archdeacon and canon of Ross appears in record in 1226 and 1227, and in the latter
year was present at Kenedor in Moray at the settlement of a dispute between the bishops of
Moray and Ross.4 Between 1362 and 1372 charters are witnessed by Thomas of Urchard arch
deacon of Ross.5 In 1451 the archdeacon of Ross was Andrew of Monro, who was also commis
sioner of the bishop and auditor of consistorial cases.6 In 1484 Sir David Lichtone archdeacon
of Ross and clerk of the King's treasury was elected abbot of Arbroath.7 In 1487 the archdeacon
was Richard Murhed, one of the witnesses to the foundation charter of the collegiate church of
Tain.8 In 1510 King James IV. granted a letter of protection to Master Robert Elphinstoun
archdeacon of Ross.9 In 1543 the archdeacon was Master Mungo Monypenny, afterwards
dean.10 Between 1561 and 1566 the archdeacon of Ross was Master Duncan (Donald ?) Eraser.11
In 1572 Master Donald Fraser archdeacon of Ross was slain at Awfurd.12 In 1573 King James
VI. presented Robert Grahame to the archdeaconry, vacant by the decease of Master Donald
Fraser.13 In 1576 that king confirmed a charter by William Sinclare rector of Olrik, canon of
Cathanes, and commissioner and vicegerent of the deceased Henry bishop of Ross, granting to
the deceased Master Donald Fraser archdeacon of Ross and his nearest heirs, with remainder
to his heirs whomsoever, the lands and town of Mureheid, with their pertinents except the lands
of Craigheid, in the diocese of Ross — with the clause inserted by the bishop at the foot of the
charter, confirming it under his seal and subscription.14 In 1581 the same king confirmed a
charter by Robert Grahamo archdeacon of Ross, granting to William Stewart in the canonry
of Ross and Besset Irving his wife, and to their heirs born between them, with remainder to the
heirs of William, his portion of the manse of the archdeaconry within the canonry, with the
houses, buildings, gardens, and others, constructed or to be constructed by them.15 In 1582
King James confirmed a charter by Master Donald Fraser archdeacon of Ross, granting to
Donald Reid chaplain in the cathedral church for life, and to Alexander Reid his natural son,
and his heirs male, with remainder to John Reid the brother german of Alexander and to his
heirs male, and to the heirs male whomsoever of Donald Reid, that piece of land of his manse

1 Keg. Sec. Sig., vol. xli. fol. 145. " Book of Assumptions.

"- Retours. 3 lya. 12 Calendar of Fearn. The death of the archdeacon

4 Regist. Moraviense, pp. 82, 333. seems to have taken place in an engagement at Tulli-

5 Balnagown Charters. 6 Ibid. angus between the Gordons and Forbeses, in which the
7 Regist. de Aberbrothoc, vol. ii. no. 240. former were victorious. See Buch. Hist., lib. xx. c. 64.
" Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. x. no. 109. « Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xli. fol. 107.

a Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. iv. fol. 71. '* Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xliii. fol. 109.

10 Pitcairn's Crim. Trials, vol. i. p. 328*. See p. 572. « Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvii. fol. 118.

ROSEMAKKIE.] PAKOCHIALES. 579

in the canonry between the King's common road towards the east, the feu lands (terras
feudatarias) of Thomas Legat towards the west, the feu lands of William Robertsoun towards
the south, and the feu lands of Thomas Legat towards the north, and then occupied by Donald
Reid.1 In 1583 the same king confirmed two charters by the same archdeacon — 1. Granting
in heritage to William Robertsoun, dwelling in the canonry and college of Ross, and to Eufame
Basok his wife, a piece of the lands of the manse of the archdeaconry in the canonry occupied
by William, and extending to 65 measured ells in length, namely, from the common road called
the ' calsay ' on the east to the archdeacon's croft on the west, and 14 ells in breadth, namely,
from the principal manse of the rector of Kirkmichell on the south to the other side of the
archdeacon's manse on the north ; and 2. Granting to the same parties in heritage a croft of
land in the canonry called the archdeacon's croft, occupied by Helen Tailzeour.-' In 1584 the
same king confirmed another charter by the deceased Master Donald Fraser the archdeacon,
granting to Thomas Legat and Elisabeth Besek his wife, and to their heirs born between them,
with remainder to the heirs whomsoever of Thomas, a piece of the land of the archdeacon's
manse in the canonry, between the King's common road in front on the north, the lands of
William Robertsoun on the south, the King's common road and the archdeacon's lands occupied
by Donald Reid on the east, and the archdeacon's lands occupied by James Fraser on the west
— which piece of land was then occupied by Thomas Legat and John Patersoun, or was at
least in their hands by reason of a lease granted to them for 19 years.3 In 1585 King
James confirmed a charter by John Fraser feuar, with the consent of Isobel Marlioun liferenter,
granting in heritage to his brother german William Fraser the west piece of the manse of the
archdeaconry, with the houses, gardens, and buildings of the same, lying between the croft of
the archdeaconry then belonging in heritage to William Robertsoun towards the west, the garden
of the same William Robertsoun towards the south, a part of the said manse of John Fraser
towards the east, and the King's common road, commonly called the ' calsay,' on the north.* In
1627 Kenneth Grant was served heir to his father Robert Grant, burgess of the canonry, in
the principal stone house of the archdeaconry of Ros with part of the garden of the arch
deaconry lying in the canonry, of the extent of 7s. and 4d. in augmentation — in another part
of the archdeacon's manse in the canonry, of the extent of 6s. 8d. and 4d. in augmentation —
and in the fifth part of the lands of Bromehill with the tithes, also in the canonry, and of the
extent of £6.D

In 1451 Henrv Kynnidy, not designated as a prebendary, was official of the bishoprick.6
In 1226 an agreement between Robert bishop of Ross and John Byseth was witnessed by the
canons of Rosmarkyn.7 In 1227 a settlement made between the bishops of Moray and Ross
about the churches of Kyntalargyn and Ardrosser was subscribed by Robert bishop and canon
of Ross, Robert archdeacon and canon of the church of Ross, Edward Beket canon of Ross,
Archebald canon of Ross, Maurice canon of Rosmarkyn and parson of Ardrosser, and Peter

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlviii. fol. 123. <• Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. lii. fol. 130.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. tbl. 114. ' Retours. 6 Balnagown Charters.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. li. fol. 41. : Regist. Morav., p. 333. See above, p. 571.

580 ORIGINES [ROSEMARKIE.

canon both of Moray and of Ross.1 In the year 1296 Thomas of lar prebendary of the church
of Ros swore fealty to King Edward I.2 In 1312 an agreement between Bernard abbot of
Abirbrothoc and llayner the son of Alan was witnessed among others by Thomas of Salthor
canon of Ross.3 Between 1338 and 1357 a charter of Muriel of Roys was witnessed by Master
Andrew de Bosco canon of Ross.4 In 1398 Robert M'Chanter (Cantoris) witnessed among
others a protest by William bishop of Moray against a sentence pronounced on him for not
giving suit at the sheriff court of Innernys.5 There appear in record, in 1451 Thomas of
Dyngvale, in 1514 John Fresell, in 1524 Alexander Dunbar, and in 1546 Sir John Stephen-
son, canons of Ross.6 Besides the dignitaries the chapter in later times seems to have included
the rectors of Kirkmichael, Cullicuddin, Kiltearn, Lumlair, Logie Easter, Roskene, Allies,
Contin, Avoch, Kilmuir Easter, and Kincardine.7

In 1580 King James VI. confirmed a charter by Master Thomas Marioribanks rector of Kirk-
michell intra ecclesiam cathedralem Rossen. fundat., granting in heritage to John Wilsoun in
the canonry of Ross a piece of the waste manse (rnansi vasti) belonging to Master Thomas,
and lying within the bounds of the canonry between the lands of William Barbour towards the
north, the manse of the rector of Cullycuddin towards the south, the public road on the east,
and the seashore on the west.8 In 1585 the same king confirmed a charter by the same Master
Thomas, rector of Carmichaell within the cathedral church of Ross, granting, with consent of
the dean and canons during the vacancy of the see, to William Robertsoun dwelling in the
canonry and Eufame Basak his wife and their heirs, with remainder to William's heirs whom
soever, a waste piece of ground of the manse of the rectory within the canonry on its north side,
5 ells or thereby in length, lying between the manse on the south, the manse of the archdeacon
on the north, the street commonly called the 'calsay' and the common ferry (commune passagiwn)
on the east, and the high water mark (jluxum maris) on the west.9 In 1586 the same king
confirmed a charter by the same rector, granting in heritage to Walter Vrquhart sheriff of
Cromartie his principal house and manse of Kirkmichall, with its enclosure, garden, and tail, then
almost destroyed to the foundation, waste, and burned, lying in the canonry of Ross between
the feu lands (terras feudales) of William Robertsoun, which he held in heritage of the rector,
towards the north, the feu lands of William Barboure towards the south, the common road on
one side (towards the east?), and the seashore on the west — for the restoration, construction,
and repair of the same house and manso, and of its enclosure, garden, and ditches.10

In 1580 King James VI. confirmed a charter of Master John Sandilandis rector of Kilterne,
granting to Gavin Reid carpenter in Innernes the houses of the manse of Kilterne, with the
garden and pertinents, then occupied by Thomas Smyth.11 In 1583 he confirmed a charter
by Sir John Sadserf vicar of the parish church of Kilterne, granting, with consent of Master

1 Regist. Morav., p. 82. 7 See the following notices.

2 Ragman Rolls, p. 144. 8 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvii. fol. 2.

3 Resist, de Aberbrothoc, vol. i. p. 287. 9 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. lii. fol. 106.
* Kilravock Charters. 5 Regist. Morav., p. 210. 10 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liv. fol. 17.

6 Balnagown Charters. Beauly Charters. Reg. Mag. " Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvii. fol. 4£

Sig., lib. xx. no. 134 ; lib. xxx. no. 566. p. 478.

ROSEMAKKIE.] PAROCHI ALE S. 581

Quintigern Monepenny dean and vicar general of Eos during the vacancy of the see, and of
the chapter, to the deceased John Monro in Kilterne and his heirs the lands of the vicar's croft
of Kilterue, reserving to the vicar the manse and croft as then occupied.1

In 1584 (4 February) King James VI. confirmed a charter by Henry Kincaid, rector of the
parish church of Lymnolair and canon of the cathedral church of Eoss, granting to Master John
Robertsoun treasurer and his wife Elisabeth Baillie and their heirs, with remainder to John's
heirs whomsoever, the croft called Lymnolair lying within the bounds of the canonry.2 In the
same year (15 February) he confirmed a charter by the same Henry, granting to John Irving
and the heirs male of his body, with remainder to his heirs male whomsoever, the tenement and
manse with the garden called ' the personis of Lumlair ' in the canonry of Eos, situated between
the lands of tile rector of Eoskein on the east and the lands of the same John on the west and
north respectively.3

In 1584 King James VI. confirmed a charter by Master Thomas Hay rector of Logie, grant
ing to John Irving burgess of Eosmarkie and Margaret Gumming his wife, and to John's male
heirs, the croft of the rectory of Logie in the canonry, earldom, and diocese of Eoss.4 In 1619
Thomas Irwing was served heir to his father Andrew Irwing in the canonry of Eoss in the manse
of the rectory of Logie in the canonry, with the garden of the same, of the extent of 6s. 8d.5

In 1584 King James VI. confirmed a charter by the deceased Gavin Dumbar rector of Eos-
chene, granting in heritage to Helen Tailzeour the relict of the deceased Gilbert Dick a croft
lying in the canonry of Eoss between the croft of the dean on the east and the croft belonging
to the rector of Lymnolair on the west, the common pasture of Deanis Pot on the south and
the garden of the said Gavin on the north.6 In 1607 Thomas Urquhart of Cromertie was
served heir to his grandfather Walter Urquhart sheriff of Cromertie in the croft of the rectory
of Eoskein with a piece of land called the Eig in the Field 'lie Middilschede' within the canonry,
of the extent of 10 shillings feuferine.7 In 1621 George Dunbar was served heir to his father
James Dunbar of Newtoun in the manse and garden of the rector of Eoskene in the canonry
of Eoss, of the extent of 2s. 4d.8

The rector of Alnes had a croft in the canonry lying on the east side of the dean's croft.9

In 1587 King James VI. confirmed a charter by Master Eobert Burnet vicar of Cowtane,
granting in heritage to John Irwing in the canonry of Eoss the manse of the vicarage lying
between the manse of the vicar of Kilmure on the east, the manse of Kincardin on the west,
the common road on the south, and the common vennel descending between the vicar's manse
and the Middilsched on the north.10

In 1604 John Urquhart was served heir male of entail and provision to his father Walter
Urquhart sheriff of Cromartie in the manse or croft of the rector of Awach in the canonry of

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 114. 5 Retours.

* Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. 1. fol. 60. 6 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. li. fol. 14.

' Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. I. fol. 73. 7 Retours. 6 Ibid.

4 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. 1. fol. 60. See LOGIE EASTEB, 9 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. li. fol. 14.

p. 466. 10 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. Iv. fol. 89. See CONTIJJ, p. 505.

582 ORIGIN ES [HOSEMARKIE.

Ross, of the extent of 40s.1 In 1607 Thomas Urquhart of Oomertie was served heir to his
grandfather Walter Urquhart sheriff of Cromertie in the manse of the rectory of Awache, of
the extent of 42s. feuferme.2 In 1611 Edward Lord Bruce of Kinloss was served heir male to
his father Lord Edward in certain lands in the parish of Avoch, and in a manse within the
canonry, apparently considered to be within the same parish.3

In 1621 George Dunbar was served heir to his father James Dunbar of Newtoun in the
manse and garden of Kilmuir Easter in the canonry of Ross, of the extent of 2s. 4d.4

In 1624 Duncan Bayne of Logye, the son of the deceased Alexander Bane by his wife Agnes
Fraser, was served heir male to his grandfather Alexander Bayne of Tullich in the manse of
the rectory of Kineairclyne in the canonry of Ross, of the extent of a penny blench ferme.5

The church of Rosmarky, dedicated to Saint Boniface, stood in the town of Rosmarky on a
bank of sand near the sea shore.6 In repairing it in 1735 there were found in a vault under
an ancient steeple some stone coffins of rude workmanship.7 A new church was built in 1821
on the same site.8 A well at Rosmarkie is still known as Saint Boniface' Well.9

The cathedral church, dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Boniface, stood at the canonry
(now Fortrose) about a mile west from the parish church.10 When entire, it consisted of choir
and nave with aisles, eastern Lady chapel, western tower, and chapterhouse at the north-east
end ; its remains consist of ' the south aisle to chancel and nave, and the detached chapterhouse,'
all in the Middle-pointed style.11 The seal of the chapter, now used as that of the burgh, bears
the figures of Saint Peter and Saint Boniface, and the inscription SIGILLTM SANCTOKVM PETKI
ET BONEFACII DE ROSMARKIN.12 A large old bell, now hung in a modern spire, bears the
name of Thomas Tulloch bishop of Ross, the date 1460, and an inscription intimating its
dedication to the Virgin Mary and Saint Boniface.13

In the cathedral church was a number of chaplainries, the chaplains of which held some lands
and revenues in common. In 1451 two chaplains (apparently of the cathedral), Sir John Yonge
and Sir David Faw, witnessed a transumpt of certain charters made within it.14 In 1504 John
bishop of Ross granted, and King James IV. confirmed to the chaplains of the cathedral church
of Ross a yearly revenue of £10 from a tenement of land in the burgh of Linlithgw.15 Among
the particulars of the rental of assumptions, given in by Bishop Henry Sinclair at the Reformation
to the collector of thirds, are stated 13^ muttons as given to the ' cheplane of the bishoprick.'16
In 1580 King James VI. granted in heritage to Robert Grahame the three crofts of land called
the lands of the chaplains of the cathedral church of Ross and belonging to the chaplains and

1 Retours. 2 Ibid. 3 Ibid. 4 Ibid. ~" Ibid. " Neale's Ecclesiological Notes, pp. 53-57 ; in which

6 Camerarius, p. 117. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu. sec a minute description of the ruins.
Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace. 12 Old and New Stat. Ace.

7 Old Stat. Ace. Bishop Leslie about the year 1578 I3 Ibid. The bishop at the above date appears to
says that the town was adorned with the relics of have been Thomas Urquhart, not Thomas Tulloch.
Saint Boniface and the sepulchres and monuments of Sec Keith's Bishops.

his relatives. 8 New Stat. Ace. 9 Ibid. 14 Balnagown Charters.

10 Lcslaeus de Gestis Scotorum (1578), p. 17. Old 15 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xiv. no. 85.

Stat. Ace. 16 Book of Assumptions.

ROSEMARKIE.] PAROCHIALES- 583

stallers there founded ; two of which crofts without houses lay between the common lands of
Eoismerkie on the north and south — the lands of the bishoprick let in feuferme to Colin Makenze
of Kintaill, the common road between the canonry of Ross and Eoismerkie, and the common
lands of Eosemarkie, on the north (east?) — and the green path (transitum viridem) between
the canonry and the fishertown of the same on the west ; and the third croft with houses had
a piece of land called the Bischopis Sched, then let to the same Colin in feuferme, on the east
— the public street of the canonry on the south — the path between the canonry and 'lie Plotcok'
on the west — and the community (common lands) and houses of Plotcok on the north ; with
reservation of the usufruct and liferent to the existing chaplains and stallers ; the grantee paying
yearly a silver penny at the cathedral on the feast of Pentecost to the King, if asked, and the
sum of £20 Scots at the usual terms to the master of the grammar school of the town of the
canonry of Ross.1

There was a chapel in the cathedral church dedicated to Saint Nicolas, in which in the year
1451 a transumpt of certain charters produced by John Ross lord of Balnagowan was made in
presence of Andrew Munro archdeacon of Ross.2

In 1512 King James IV. granted anew to William Makculloch of Pladdis certain lands
resigned by him (including Balmoduthy, or Baillieduich), for payment of the usual services and
of 5 marks Scots yearly to a perpetual chaplain officiating in the cathedral church of Ross.3
In 1621 John Barbour was served heir to his father William Barbour in the canonry of Ross
in the lands of the chaplainry of Ballacuithe founded within the canonry, of the extent of
33s. 4d., and in lands of the sowing of 3 firlots of bear in the croft called Grantiscroft in the
canonry of Ross and burgh of Rosemarkie.4

In 1529 (18 May and 22 June) King James V. presented Sir William Spens to the chaplainry
founded by the King's predecessors in the cathedral church of Ross on £5 of yearly revenue
from the lands of Ardifaly (or Arthifale) in the lordship of Ardmanach assigned to that
chaplainry, when it should be vacant by the resignation of Sir John Spens.5 In 1537 the same
king presented Sir Patrick Hay to the chaplainry of Ardorfaily in the cathedral church of Ross,
vacant by the decease of Sir William Spens.6 In 1543 Sir Patrick Hay, styled chaplain of
the chaplainry of Ardewalie in the diocese of Ross, with the consent of Queen Mary, of the
Earl of Arran, and of Robert bishop of Ross, granted to John Chalmer the kirklands of the
chaplainry with all their pertinents, extending in his rental to 10 marks Scots, 2 muttons, and
2 dozen of poultry, for the yearly payment of £7 Scots and the other dues, in augmentation
of the rental by 6s. 8d.7 In 1546 Queen Mary presented Sir David Barchan to the chaplainry
of Ardinfaill in the cathedral church of Ross, vacant or when Vacant by the demission or
decease of Sir Patrick Hay.8 Between 1561 and 1566 Sir David Barquhan held the chaplainries

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvii. fol. 17. * Retours.

3 Balnagown Charters. See KILMUIR EASTER, p. ^ Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. viii. ff. 48, 59.

462. 6 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xi. fol. 7.

3 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xviii. no. 82. Reg. Sec. Sig., 7 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xvii. fol. 87.

vol. iv. fol. 197. See TAIN, p. 429. 8 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xx. fol. 56.

584 OEIGINES [BOSEMARKIE.

of ' Sanct Lawrent and Arfaill lyand within the diocy of Ros,' the former, as we have seen,
founded in the castle of Dingwall.1 In 1569 King James VI. presented Donald Adamsoun
' instructar and teichar of the youth within the burch of Dingwall' to the chaplainries of Saint
Lawrance in Dingwall and Ardafaily in Ardmannoch, vacant by the decease of David Barchan.2
In 1575 the same king granted for seven years to James Dauidsoun the son of John Dauidsoun
in Edinburgh, ' in support of his sustentation at the scule,' the chaplainry ' of Saint Lawrence
and Ardfeild in Dingwall,' vacant by the demission of Donald Adamesoun promoted to the sub-
chantrv of Ross.3 In 1582, the same chaplainry or chaplainries, styled ' of Sanctlaurence and
Ardfaill in Dingwall,' formerly granted by King James VI. to James Dauidsoun the son of
John Dauidsoun burgess of Edinburgh ' for his intertenement at the scoleis' for the term of
seven years, being vacant by the expiration of that term, the King granted to him the same
chaplainrv for life ' in forder support of his sustentatioun at the scolis and intertenement
vtherwayis.'* In 1586 the same king granted for seven years to Thomas Dauidsoun the son of
John Dauidsoun burgess of Edinburgh, and ' bursar in the college of Cambrige in Ingland
... to hald and interteny him at the said college for his better educatioun in vertew and
guid lettres,' the chaplainries of Dunskeyth and of Sanct Lawrence in Ardefaill, not exceed
ing the sum of £30 yearly, and vacant by the expiration of a grant to the same Thomas
and his brother James or in any other way.5 In 1587 the same king granted for seven years
to Robert Monro the son of Hucheoun Monro in Fyreis, ' to hald and interteny him at the
scules,' the same two chaplainries, then vacant by the expiration of grants made to two sons
of John Dauidsoun tailor, or by ' thair not abyding actuallie at the scules,' or otherwise.6
In 1615 Murdoc M'Kenzie of Ardafailie was served heir male to his father Rodoric M'Kenzie
of Ardafalie in the church lands of the chaplainry of Ardafalie in the diocese of Ross, of the
extent of £7.7 In 1662 Colin M'Kenzie of Reidcastell was served heir male to his father
Roderic in the chapel-lands of Ardafaillis with the glebe, in the diocese of Ross, of old in the
sherift'dom of Innernes, and then in the sheriffdom of Ross, of the extent of £7 feuferme.'8
Among the chaplainries in the cathedral church were three known as those of Aines, endowed
from lands in the parish of Alnes, apparently the lands of Allies, Fyrish, and Culcragy. In
1539 King James V. presented Sir Thomas Chirnsyde to the chaplainry of Alnes, vacant or
when vacant by the resignation or decease of Sir Walter Fethy.9 In 1558 Queen Mary pre
sented Master Alexander Makkenze to one of the chaplainries called of Alnes Fyres situated in
the cathedral church of Ross, vacant by the decease of Sir Patrick Hay.10 In 1574 (15 October)
King James VI. granted for seven years to Thomas Dauidsoun, the son of Patrick Dauidsoun
Ros Herauld, one of the three chaplainries of Alnes in the diocese of Ros, vacant by the decease
of Sir James Butchert — commanding the principal master of Sanct Leonardis college within the

1 Book of Assumptions. See DINGWAI.T.. p. 484. 6 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. Iv. fol. 32.

2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxviii. fol. 86. ? Retours.
1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlii. fol. 125. « Ibid.

4 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 29. 9 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xiii. 161. 1.

5 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liv. fol. 53. "> Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxix. fol. 64.

ROSEMARKIE.] PAROCHIALES. 585

university of Sanctandrois to receive the grantee under his care and discipline.1 In 1580 (14
October) the same king granted for life to the same Thomas one of the same three chaplainries,
vacant by the decease of Sir James Busehart or by the expiration of the space of seven years for
which it was granted to the same Thomas Dauidsoun.2 In 1581 he granted for life to Master
John Eobertsoun, one of the professors of theology in the New College of Sanetandrois, the
third of his own prebend or chaplainry called the chaplaiury of Culcragy, one of the chaplainries
of Alnes in the diocese of Ros, the grant to begin in 1580.3 In 1583 he granted for seven
years to Alexander Lowis, the son of Ninian Lowis burgess of Edinburgh, for his education at
school the chaplainry of Alnes (that of Fyrish) vacant by the decease of Master Alexander
M'Kainze.4 In 1585 he confirmed a grant of the chapel-lands of Navitie in Cromarty by certain
of the canons and chaplains of the cathedral, including Thomas Ros principal chaplain of Alnes,
and James Vischert one of the chaplains of Alnes.5 In 1619 Alexander Thornsone was served
heir to his father William Thomsone in the canonry of Ross in 2 roods or rigs of land in
Oversched — in another rood there — in 2 roods in Middlcsched — 2 roods or rigs in Nethersched
— 2 rigs in the acres within the bounds of the burgage of Rosmarkie — 1^ rig under the wood —
2 roods or rigs near the loch — 1 rood and 1 rig between the lands called Langseyfeild — 2
roods in Schortseyfeild within the bounds of the canonry of Ross and burgage of Rosmarkie —
all lying within the chaplainries of Mullochie and Culeragie and bishoprick of Ross — of the
extent of £4, 6s.6 In 1621 George Dunbar was served heir to his father James Dunbar of
Newtown in various lands, including those of the chaplainry of Alnes, of the extent of 42s.
and 2s. in augmentation.7 In 1645 Alexander Thomson was served heir to his father William
burgess of Chanorie in the same lands as in 1619, and of the same extent.8 In 1681 a con
firmation of the barony of Tarbet by King Charles II., in favour of Sir George M'Kenzie of
Tarbett and of John M'Kenzie his son, included the three chapels of Alnes founded from the
teindsheaves of the kirk of Alnes.9

In 1547 Queen Mary presented Master Thomas Ker to the chaplainry and altarage of Obstule
in the cathedral church of Ross, vacant by the decease of Sir John Stevinsoun.10 Between 1561
and 1566 the chaplainry called Obstull in the diocese of Ross was held by Master John Dumbar
parson of Cuinnok, and by him leased to George Monro of Dalcarty.11 In 1583 King James VI.
confirmed a charter by Hector Monro chaplain of the chaplainry of Obstuill in the earldom of
Boss, granting, with the consent of Robert Monro of Foulis the patron of the same, to George
Monro the patron's son the town and lands of Obstuill, with the boat, fishing, and yair of the

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlii. fol. 79. been a small sheet of water that lay near the public

2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvii. fol. 32. road from Rosemarkie to Fortrose, and about the year

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. \lvii. fol. 70. 1788 was drained by the parish minister. See Old

4 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 98. Stat. Ace.

5 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. lii. fol. 71. See post. It does 7 Retours. 8 Ibid,
not appear from this at what time Thomas Ros held 9 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. viii. p. 385.

the principal chaplainry of Alnes. James Vischert is 10 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxi. fol. 52. See ROSKEEN, p.

evidently the same as Sir James Busehart. 469.

6 Retours. The loch here mentioned seems to have " Book of Assignations.

VOL. II. 4 E

586 OEIGINES [ROSEMABKIE.

same, belonging to the chaplainry.1 In 1635 Hugh Lord Fraser of Lovat was served heir male
to his father Symon Lord Fraser in various subjects including the superiority and advowson of
the chaplainry of Obstuill and the salmon fishing of the same in the earldom of Eos.2

In 1549 Queen Mary presented George Dunbar, as we have seen, to the vicarage of Roismerky ;
and at the same time she presented him to the chaplainry of the chapel of Saint John of Ellen ;
both in the diocese of Ross and vacant by the demission of Sir Thomas Stevinsoun.8

In 1574 King James VI. granted for seven years to Patrick Dunbar the son of George Dunbar
of Avach, ' in support of his sustentatioun at the scule,' the chaplainry of Drimmen in the diocese
of Ross, situated in the chapel of Saint Boneface, vacant by the decease of Sir Donald Reid, and
not exceeding in yearly value the sum of 20 marks Scots.* In 1580 the same king granted
for seven years to John Dunbar the son of George Dunbar of Avache for the same purpose the
same chaplainry, styled of Drummis, vacant ' be ressoun the gift maid be his Hienes to Patrick
Dunbar student and bursar in grammcr of the said chaplanerie for the space of sevin yeiris is
alredie expyrit and furthrun.'5 In 1584 he confirmed a grant of the churchlands of the
chaplainry of Drum in the diocese and earldom of Ross, made by Sir Homer Fraser the chaplain
to Robert Monro of Foulis with the consent of Master Quintigern Monypenny dean and vicar
general, and of the canons and chapter.6 In 1608 Robert Monro was served heir male of entail
and provision to his father Master Hector Monro of Foullis in the lands of the chaplainry of
Drummond, with the mill, brewhouse, and brewhouse croft, of the extent of £8, 13s. 4d.7

In 1578 King James VI. granted to Thomas Dauidsoun the son of John Dauidsoun in
Edinburch, 'in support of his sustentatioun at the scole for the space of sevin yeiris,' the
chaplainry of Nevitie in the diocese of Ross, ' pertenyng to the chanrie kirk thairof,' vacant
by the decease of Sir Symon Blyth.8 In 1580, and again in 1582, he granted to the same
Thomas for life the common lands of Navitie, extending to 12 bolls of victual, and formerly
belonging to the chaplains of the cathedral church of Ross.9 In 1585 (2 June) the same king
confirmed a charter by Thomas Ros principal chaplain of Alnes — William Hay, Donald Reid,
and John Greirsoun, vicars of the cathedral church of Ross — and Jerome (Hieronimus] Paip and
James Vischert chaplains of Cullis and of Alnes — -with the consent of John bishop of Ross, and
of the dean and chapter — granting to Master David Chalmeris of Casteltoun of Ormont and his
heirs the two oxgangs of Navitie in the sheriffdom of Cromartie, lying between the lands of the
sheriff of Cromartie on the west, the lands of Thomas Duff on the east, the seashore on the
south, and the King's common road or the common pasture of the town of Navitie on the north.10
In the same year (24 September) King James granted for seven years from 1584 to John Mowat

' Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 132. 4 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlii. fol. 27. See KILTEARN,

2 Retours. p. 479. 5 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvii. fol. 31.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiii. fol. 7. It does not appear 6 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. li. fol. 90. 7 Retours.
from the terms of the grant whether this chapel stood 8 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlv. fol. 72. See CROMARTY,
in the parish church or in the cathedral. Saint John p. 560.

of Ellen seems to be John bishop of Ely, commemorated 9 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol xlvi. fol. 109 ; vol. xlix. fol. 2.
6 May. i» Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. Hi. fol. 71.

ROSEMARKIE.] PAROCHIALES. 587

' for his intertenement at the scules,' the chaplainry of Navitie belonging of old in common to
the canons of Boss.1 In 1592 he granted or confirmed to Master David Chalmer of Ormound
the two oxgangs of Nauitie in the sheriffdom of Cromertie.2 In 1607 William Chalmer apparent
of Ormond was served heir male to his father Master David in the same two oxgangs, of the
extent of 12 bolls of meal and other dues.3 In 1681 the chaplainry of Navity was included
in a confirmation of the barony of Tarbet by King Charles II. in favour of Sir George M'Kenzie
of Tarbett and John M'Kenzie his son.*

From one of the above notices (1585) it would appear that the chaplainry of Cullis was
served within the cathedral church.5

The chaplainry of Munlochy, noticed above, seems also to have been founded in the cathedral
of Koss.6

At the Reformation the vicarage of Rosmarky, as given up by Alexander Pedder, procurator
for George Dumbar parson of Kilmowr and vicar of Rosmarky, was stated at £20 ' quhen all
teindis and small offrandis was in vse of payment ; ' but the vicar had received nothing for three
years.7 About 1569 William Hay reader at Channonrie had for his stipend 40 marks, and about
1571 he had 50 marks.8 In 1570 James Buschart as reader had £20.9 In 1574 the minister at
Chanonrie or Rosmarkny and Cromartie had a stipend of £118, 10s. 8-|d. ; and the reader had
£20, the kirklands, and other perquisites.10 In 1576 Alexander bishop of Ross, minister at
Chanonrie and Rosmarkny, had for his living two-thirds of his bishoprick ; and the reader had
£20, the vicar's manse at Rosemarkny, the kirkland, and other perquisites.11

According to the ancient taxation of the thirteenth century the bishoprick of Ross was valued
at the yearly sum of £351, 19s. 8-^d., which, when taxed at the rate of 5d. per mark, gave
£10, 19s. ll^d. and the half of ^d.1>J In the Taxatio Seculi xvi. it is taxed at the rate of £248,
and in the Libellus Taxationum it is valued at 1200 marks.13 At the Reformation according
to the rental already cited the bishoprick was worth yearly £462, 4s. 2d.14

In Baiamund's Roll the deanery of Ross is taxed at £8 ; in the Taxatio Sec. xvi. at
£24, 16s. ; and in the Libellus Taxationum it is valued at £80.15 At the Reformation it was
stated to the collector of thirds at 20 bolls of victual, of which 5 chalders were paid from the
teinds of Ardrosser, and 6 chalders 1 boll from the quarter teinds of Rosmerkin and Crumbathy,
together with £35 in money, deducing yearly 20 marks 'to the chorislatt for his fie.'16

The chantry is taxed in Baiamund at £6, 13s. 4d., and in the Taxatio Sec. XTI. at
£20, 13s. 3d. ; and in the Libellus Taxationum it is valued at £66, 13s. 4d.17 The rental of the
chantry at the Reformation is thus stated by the chanter — ' In victuall viii chalder; in silver

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. liii. fol. 46. 6 See SUDDY, p. 538, and ROSEMAEKIE, p. 585.

1 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. iii. p. 601. 3 Retours. 7 Book of Assumptions.

* Acta Parl. Scot., vol. viii. p. 385. 8 Register of Ministers. 9 Ibid.

5 See NIG o, p. 454. There is a place named Culish I0 Book of Assignations. "Ibid.

in the modern parish of Knockbain, including the I2 Reg. Prior. S. Andree, pp. 28, 360, 361. Reg. de

greater part of the old parishes of Kilmuir Wester and Aberbrothoc, vol. i. p. 231.

Snddy. There is nothing in the recorded notices of 13 MSS. in Adv. Lib.

the chaplainry to determine the locality of the lands " Book of Assumptions. 15 MSS. in Adv. Lib.

from which it was endowed. 16 Book of Assumptions. " MSS. in Adv. Lib.

588 ORIGINES [ROSEMARKIE.

v*x merkis. Maister Williame Cranstoun lies of the said chantry in yeirlie pensioun the sowme
of xxx lib. John Gibiesoun chorister in the channonry of Ross lies yeirlie for his fie xxi merkis.
Summa of the money payit zeirlie out of the chantry of Boss extendand to the sowme of
Ixvi merkis.'1

In Baiamund the chancellary is taxed at £8, and in the Taxatio Sec. xvi. at £24, 16s. ; in
the Libellus Taxationum it is valued at £80.2 The rental of assumptions between 1561 and
1566 gives us the following statement — ' The rentall of the chansellarie of Eos pertenand to
Master Duncan Chalmere vsufructuare. The personage of Suddye, the personage and vicarage
of Kennetis, with the fourt pairt of the teind shavis of Cromarte and Eosmerkie, sett in
assedatioun to Master Dauid Chalmer titular of the samin and Eichard Wrwing his factour for
the sowme of xiiixx merkis — of the quhilk thair is to be deducit to the vicaris and chaplandis
ministaris of the samin the sowme of 1 merkis.'3

In Baiamund, the Taxatio Sec. xvi., and the Libellus, the treasurership is given at the
same sums as the chancellary.4 In the rental of the assumption of thirds we have it as fol
lows < The rentall of the thesaurarie of Eos. Item the fruitis of the said thesaurarie and

teind shavis of the samin, videlicet, the kirkis of Logy and Vrquhart, and the quarter of
Crumarty and Eosmerky, sett in assedatioun to Mathow Hamiltoun of Mylneburne for the
sowme of iii° merkis- — of the quhilk thair is to be deducit for the vphold of the kirkis and
to the ministaris ic merkis — and sua restis iic merkis.' 5

The subdeanery is rated in Baiamund at £12, and in the Taxatio Sec. xvi. at £37, 4s. ;
and in the Libellus it is valued at £120.6 The subdean's prebend consisted of the churches
of Tayne and Eddirtane, which at the Eeformation yielded together the sum of 300 marks
6s. 8d.7

The subchantry is taxed in Baiamund at £4, and in the Libellus Taxationum it is valued
at £40.8 At the Eeformation it was stated at £102, 13s. 4d.9

The archdeaconry, taxed in Baiamund at £8, and in the Taxatio See. xvi. at £24, 16s.,
is valued in the Libellus at £80, and in the rental of assumptions at £12, 13s. 4d. and
xx chalders of victual.10

The valuations of the prebends of the other canons are given above under the heads of
their respective parishes.11

The chaplainry of Ballacuithe, as we have seen, was of the yearly value of 5 marks Scots.12

The chaplainry of Ardifaly, originally of the yearly value of £5, was latterly valued at
£7.13 At the Eeformation the united value of the chaplainries of Saint Laurence and Arfaill,
' set in few be chartour and seasing,' was £15. u

1 Book of Assumptions. 2 MSS. in Adv. Lib. 'Book of Assumptions. See TAIN, p. 427, and

3 Book of Assumptions. 4 MSS. in Adv. Lib. EDDERTOUN, p. 415.

« Book of Assumptions. The statement is given and 8 MSS. in Adv. Lib. 9 See URRAY, p. 519.

signed by James Lamb notary public at the command 10 See KILLEARNAN, p. 525.

of the said Mathew the factor, who could not write " See pp. 411, 461, 466, 469, 473, 479, 482, 505, 542,

mamt propria, 553, 557. 12 See p. 583. ll Ibid.

6 MSS. iu Adv. Lib, u Book of Assumptions.

ROSEMAHKIE.] PAROCHIALES. 589

One of the three chaplainries of Aines (it is not stated which) was of the extent of
about 42s.1

Between 1561 and 1566 the chaplainry of Obstull was leased yearly for the sum of £20. 2
The chaplainry of Drummond appears to have been of the yearly value of £8, 13s. 4d.3
The chaplainry of Navity extended yearly to 12 bolls victual.*
The chaplainry of Munlochy was probably of the yearly extent of £4.5
In 1579 appears in record John Irving of Kynnok.6 In the year 1580 King James VI.
confirmed a charter by the deceased Alexander bishop of Boss, granting to John Irwing in
the canonry and Margaret Cumyng his wife, and their heirs born between them, with remain
der to John's own heirs, the churchlands of Kynnok in the bishoprick of Ross, extending to
a half davach.7 In 1584 John Irwyng of Kynnok and his wife Margaret again appear in
record, and had a house in the canonry.8

In 1655 Sir George M'Keinzie of Tarbit Baronet was served heir male to his father Sir
George in a fifth part of the lands of Broomhill in the parish of Eosemarkie, of the extent
of £6.9

The burgh of Eosemarkie, styled by Bishop Leslie about 1578 a very ancient town, is
said to have been erected a royal burgh (or burgh of regality ?) by ' Alexander King of
Scots.'10 In 1255 a charter by Laurence the soldier (miles), witnessed by several of the clergy
of Eoss, was given at Eosmarc, apparently the burgh.11 In 1455 ' the toun of Forterose
callit the Channorie of Eose' was annexed by King James II. to the burgh of Eois-
markie.12 In 1505 King James IV. granted to Andrew Aytoun captain of the castle of
Striueling the customs of all the burghs and bounds between Banf and Orknay (a grant which
included Eosemarkie), for the yearly payment of £50 to the King's comptroller and others.13
In 1506 a charter by the same king is dated ' at Channonry in Eoss.'14 In 1545 Queen
Mary appointed Master Thomas Marioribanks burgess of Edinburgh for seven years customer
of the burgh of Innernes and within all the bounds of Eos and other counties, he paying
yearly the sum of £40 Scots.15 In 1553 the Queen, on the narrative that the town of Eos-
merkie had been of old created a burgh of regality by her predecessors, and had been annexed
to the burgh of the Channonry of Eos, and desirous that the inhabitants should provide for
the lodging of strangers resorting thither, granted, in favour of David bishop of Eos, that
the bailies, burgesses, and inhabitants of Eosmerkie should have within the burgh a market
cross, a weekly market on Saturday for all kinds of merchandise and wares, and yearly fairs
upon Saint Peter's day (1 August) and All-hallow-day (1 November), and on the octaves of
both, with power to the bailies to levy all the customs and make payment of them to the

1 Seep. 585. 2 Book of Assumptions. I0 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. v. p. 030; vol. vii. p. 224.

3 See p. 586. 4 Ibid. Old Stat. Ace. Leslaeus de Gestis Scotorum, p. 17.

5 See SUDDY, p. 538.

6 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvi. fol. 53.
? Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvii. fol. 42.

8 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. li. fol. 62.

9 Retours.

1 Beauly Charters.

2 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. v. p. 630; vol. vii. p. 224.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. iii. fol. 30.

4 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. iii. fol. 81.

5 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. six. fol. 28.

590 ORIGINES [ROSEMARKIE.

bishop.1 In 1554 the same queen created the town of Kosmarky a burgh of barony in favour
of the bailies, council, and community, the grantees paying yearly to the bishop of Ross the
usual burgh fermes, and a wild goose (anser silvestris) or the common price of the same on
the entry of every burgess.2 In 1555, 1556, 1557, and 1562, charters are given by various
persons at the Chanonry of Ross ; one of them is witnessed by George Monypenny, Alexan
der Thomesoun, and Richard Irving, inhabitants of the Chanonry, and another by (appa
rently) the same Alexander Thomesoun ; and two are granted by the bishop, on condition of
the grantee performing three suits at the three head courts yearly held at the Chanonry.3
In 1563 Queen Mary granted to John Wyischart burgess of Kirkwall the non-entry and other
dues of the crofts and burgh roods beside the town of Rosmerky, extending to three roods
or thereby, with the ' outsettis, houss, biggingis, and yairdis,' formerly belonging to the
deceased Andrew Wischart his grandfather, provided that no other than his grandfather had
been heritably infeft in the same.* In 1569 King James VI. granted in heritage to Andrew
Monro of Ncwmoir the escheat of all the goods, cattle, and corn upon the piece of land
called the Bischoppis Sched (in the Chanonry), and the quarter lands of Mekill Allane (in
Tarbat), which belonged to John formerly bishop of Ross ' of this instant crop and yeir of
God im v«h Ixix yeiris and sawin to his behuif,' and were forfeited by him for treason and
lesemajesty.5 In 1590 the same king created Forterose, ' of old called the Channonrie of
Rosse,' a royal burgh, with weekly markets on Saturday and Monday, and two yearly fairs,
one on Saint Bonnieface day and the other on the day called Pardon day (Easter).6 In 1592
he confirmed the union of Forterose and Rosemarkie by King James II.7 In 1599 a contract
of marriage between Margaret the daughter of William Ros of Kilravok and Murdoch the
son of Rorie M'Kenzie of Ardafailie was made at the Chanorie of Ros.8 In 1612 King
James VI. confirmed the erection of the burgh of Roismarkie and all the privileges granted
to it by his predecessors Alexander King of Scots and James II. King of Scots, and also
the union of the towns by the latter king — uniting them anew, and granting all the privileges
of the burgh of Roismarkie (including the fairs on Saint Peter's and All Saints' days) to the
united burgh, which was to be governed by the provost, bailies, and council of the former.9
In 1615 Charles Pedder was served heir to his father James Pedder burgess of the Chanonry
of Ross in a piece of the common lands of Platcok within the bounds of the college of the
Chanonry, of the extent of 8s. ferme.10 In 1641 King Charles I. confirmed his father's charter
of 1612.11 In 1655 Sir George M'Keinzie of Tarbit Baronet was served heir male to his
father Sir George in 6 pecks of lands in the Chanonry of Ross and burgh of Rosemarkie,

each peck of the extent of 4s. and 2d.12 In 1661 King Charles II considering the ruinous

state of the burgh of Rosemarkie then almost depopulated, and the flourishing condition of

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxv. fol. 56. « Acta Parl. Scot., vol. vii. p. 224. " Ibid.

2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxvi. fol. 39. s Kilravock Charters.

3 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xx\i. nn. 267, 359, 481, 581. s Acta Parl. Scot., vol. v. p. 630; vol. vii. pp. 224,
' Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxi. fol. 60. 225. I0 Retours.
' Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxviii. fol. 95. " Acta Parl. Scot., vol. v. p. 630. Ia Retours.

ROSEMARKIE.] PAEOCHIALES. 591

the burgh of Forterose, which ' is within a rig length to the same old and ruinous burgh,
and of a most pleasant stance and cituation, and of old the cathedrall seate of the dyocie of
Rosse,' and that the latter still retained its privileges as a royal burgh and had been enrolled
as such by an act of the parliament then sitting — with the consent of the inhabitants of
Rosemarkie, who were to be burgesses of Forterose, confirmed all previous charters and infeft-
ments ; ordained that the united towns should thenceforth be called the burgh of Forterose ;
changed the weekly markets from Saturday and Monday to Tuesday and Friday ; and renewed
the grants of the yearly fairs, that called Saint Bonniface to begin on 1C March, and that
called Pardon day to begin on Whitsunday, each continuing for three days, and the fairs
formerly held in Rosemarkie on Saint Peter's day and Hallowmes to be held there or at
Forterose as the inhabitants of both might think expedient.1 Fairs are now held at Fortrose
on the first Wednesday of April, the third Wednesday of June, and the first Wednesday of
November.2 The houses of the inhabitants are chiefly the old residences of the canons.3
The old seal of the chapter of Ross, as above stated, is now used as the seal of the burgh of
Fortrose.4 The cross of Rosemarkie still stands at the west end of the town, and the seal
of the burgh, still in existence, bears the legend SIGILLUM COMMVNE BVKGI DE HOS-

MARK.YN.5

Between the years 1561 and 1566, as we have seen, Henry bishop of Ross complained that
his palace, or, as it was called, the house and place of the Chanonry, had been taken and kept
from him for nine months by ' broken men,' and that he was therefore compelled to undergo
considerable expense in paying men to defend it.6 His successor Bishop Leslie about the year
1578 describes it as the bishop's palace, situated not far from the dwellings of the canons, and
in splendour and magnificence inferior to few in the country.7 In 1578, as above stated,
King James VI. granted in heritage to Henry Lord Methuen the temporality of the bishoprick
and the ' castle, house, and place of the Chanonrie,' till a new bishop should be appointed.8
In 1579 (20 November) the same king remitted to Colin Makcainzie of Kintaill, Rodoric
Makcainzie his brother german, John Irving of Kynnok, and Donald M'Intagart, all action
which he had against them for their violence and treasonable coming with accomplices to the
number of 100 or thereby, armed with coats of mail, steel caps (galleris cullibeis), swords,
daggers, shields, ordnance great and small (bombardii bombardictdis), spears, lances, axes, bows,
arrows, and other instruments of war, on the 22d day of September 1578, to the castle,
fortalice, and palace of Channonrie of Ros belonging to the bishoprick, having heard and
certainly understood the death of Alexander bishop of Ros, who died on that day, with the
fixed purpose and deliberate intention to surprise and take the said castle, fortalice, and peel —
so that they the more easily effected their purpose, laid violent hands on the persons of William
Irving messenger, Thomas Merschall writer, and John Robertsoun the servitor of the deceased

1 Acta Parl. Scot, vol. vii. pp. 224, 225. 3 New Stat Ace.

1 New Stat. Ace. and Almanacks. The Calendar of 4 See above, p. 582.

Fearn in the seventeenth century mentions a fair at 5 New Stat. Ace. E See p. 569.

Chanonry in the month of April. 7 De Gestis Scotorum, p. 17. 8 See p. 570.

592 ORIGINES [ROSEMARKIE.

bishop, who were then in the city of the Channonrie, and caused them to be carried prisoners
to the castle called the Keidcastell belonging to Colin Mackcainzie and distant about 10 miles
from the Channonrie, detaining them there as prisoners for 24 hours, continually beating them
in terrorem, and giving occasion to all the servitors of the deceased bishop and to others the
King's lieges to flee and hide themselves from the cruelty of the said Colin and his accomplices,
and to leave the castle of the Channonrie as if deserted so that none save the janitor durst
remain in it; continuing there with a number of armed men sufficient to accomplish their
treasonable purpose ; exclaiming with terrible voices and noise, and declaring that they would
slay and burn all within the castle unless the doors were opened to them; and afterwards
besieging the castle for eight hours or thereby, treasonably seizing the keys and entering by
dint of superior force, treasonably intromitting with the goods found there, and afterwards
holding the castle without the King's licence to the above effect for a long time contrary to
the acts of parliament — and for treasonably supplying, fortifying, and holding either in person
or by their servitors and accomplices the said castle of the Channonrie of Boss against the
King's authority since the 29th of April, although regularly commanded and required on
that day to deliver it up to Henry Lord Methven, and to William Lord Ruthven the King's
treasurer and the tutor of Lord Methven, within 24 hours on pain of treason and lese-
majesty — and for all other crimes.1 In 1585, as we have seen, King James granted in
heritage to Henry Lord Methuen, the son and apparent heir of the deceased Lord Henry,
the temporality of the bishoprick, with the castle, house, and place of Channonrie, formerly
granted to the deceased lord.2 The bishop's palace no longer exists, but in 1835 its foun
dations appear to have been turned up in trenching a place in the Chanonry known as ' the
precincts.' 3

In 1854, in the course of some operations on the ruins of the cathedral, there was found
built into the wall near the high altar a stone sarcophagus divided horizontally into two com
partments, of which the upper contained the skeleton of a tall man, apparently a bishop, with
the vestments nearly entire, and at its left side a piece of wood supposed to be the remains of
a crosier.4

In the arches separating the south aisle of the cathedral church from the chancel are two
monuments, one dated about 1330 and commemorating a countess of Eoss, and the other said
to be that of Bishop John who died in 1507.5

Above the town of Rosemarkie is a circular hill with a flat top named the Courthill, probably
the seat of the bishop's court.6

In the last century were found among the foundations of an old house in the Chanonry coins
of Robert King of Scots, and in a moor near Rosemarkie coins of Queen Elizabeth, King James
VI., and King Charles I.7

Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvi. fol. 53. 2 See p. 570. 5 Neale's Ecclesiological Notes, pp. 53-57

New Stat. Ace. 6 Old and New Stat Ace.

Inverness Courier, March, 1854. 7 Old Stat. Ace.

ARDERSIER.] PAEOCHIALES. 593

LOCUINETHERETH.

IN the year 1227 a settlement between the bishops of Moray and Koss about the churches
of Kyntalargyn and Ardrosser was witnessed and subscribed by Douenald the vicar of
Locuinethereth.1 The locality of this church seems to be now unknown.

KYNTERYTH.

IN 1549 Queen Mary presented Arthur Hammiltoun to the rectory of Kynteryth in the dio
cese of Ross, vacant by the decease of Master Peter Sandelandis.2 This church may be the
same as Locuinethereth, but there seems to be nothing known of either farther than what is
here noticed.

ARDERSIER.

Ardrosser3 — Ardorsier4 — Arthourseir5 — Ardyrsyir6 — Arthyrsyir 7 —
Ardersier8 — Ardnasier.9 (Map, No. 35.)

THIS parish is situated in the county of Inverness upon the point or headland which lies on
the Moray Firth opposite to the Ness or Point of Chanonry. The shore is flat and sandy,
but diversified with sandy knolls and heathy ridges, morasses, and small lakes, and is generally
known as the Carse of Ardersier.10 The rest consists of a sea-terrace in some parts about 300
feet above the sea, and is in general cultivated.11

In 1227 a controversy arose between Andrew bishop of Moray on one side and Robert
bishop of Ross and his chapter on the other, the former asserting in presence of the Pope's
delegates, namely, the abbot of Der, and the dean and archdeacon of Aberdene, the right

1 Regist. Moraviense, p. 82. 6 Circa A. D. 1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu.

2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxii. fol. 91. ' Circa A. D. 1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib.

3 A. D. 1227. Regist. Morav., p. 82. A. D. 1561- 8 Circa A. D. 1640. Ibid.

1566. Book of Assumptions. 9 A. D. 1661. Acta Parl. Scot., vol. vii. p. 106.

4 Circa A. D. 1569. Register of Ministers. 10 New Stat. Ace. Thomson's Map.
3 A. D. 1574. Book of Assignations. " Old and New Stat. Ace.

VOL. II. 4 F

594 OKIGINES [ARDEESIER.

of diocesan over the churches of Gylltalargyn and Ardrosser, and having been put in actual
possession of the churches a year before causa rei sereande.1 The controversy was finally
settled by the advice of the delegates, and with consent of the chapters and clergy of both
dioceses in the following manner: That the bishops of Moray should possess the church of
Kyntalargyn as to diocesan right, and the bishops of Eoss should for ever have the church
of Ardrosser as to all ecclesiastical matters as their predecessors formerly held it.2 Moreover
the bishop of Moray for himself and his successors and with the consent of his whole chapter
renounced all right, if any, which he had or might have in the church of Ardrosser, and all
action and demand, solemnly promising that neither he nor his successors should afterwards
claim any right in that church or in any thing belonging to it ; the bishop of Koss for himself
and his successors and with the consent of his chapter and clergy making a similar renuncia
tion and promise as to the church of Kyntalargyn.3 The bishop of Eoss moreover with the
same consent gave for ever to the cathedral church of Elgyn a stone of wax to be held for
confraternity and the orisons and other benefits there to be rendered, which stone of wax
John Byseth and his heirs according to their charter were wont to give to the cathedral
church of Eos.4 It was further agreed that, if either of the said churches should attempt to
contravene the above, it should pay the penalty of £100 sterling to the other which observed
the agreement, and that the agreement should notwithstanding remain valid.5 The settlement
was subscribed by the respective bishops and clergy together with the delegates, and among
those who subscribed the copy to be kept by the bishop of Moray was Maurice canon of
Ilosmarkyn and parson of Ardrosser, who subscribed by the hand of his procurator because
he was blind.6 At the Reformation the kirk of Ardrosser was part of the prebend of the
dean of Eos.7 In 1569, 1571, and 1574 John Smyth was reader at Ardorseir, and in
1574 Andro Myll was minister there and at several other churches.8 About the year 1661
Master Patrick Durhame, late minister at Ardnaseir, was appointed for life to the deanery
of Ross.9

The church stood on the Carse near the bottom of the sea-terrace, where its cemetery may
still be seen.10 It was rebuilt with clay in 1766, and about 1790 was ruinous.11 The present
church was built in 1802 near the east end of the higher part of the parish.12

In 1296 the Master of the Knights Templars in Scotland swore fealty to King Edward I.
of England, and received from that king among other mandates for restoring the possessions
of his order one addressed to the sheriff of Invernys (which probably included their lands at
Ardersier).13 In 1611 James Lord Torphichen granted the Temple lands of Ardnasier to
Master Thomas Eollock, who in 1626 granted them to John Campbell.1* In the latter year
John Mackaye of the Tempill Land of Ardincheir granted to Houchone Eose of Kilravok a

1 Regist. Morav., p. 81. 2 Ibid. 3 Ibid. 10 MS. Maps. Blaeu. Thomson's Map.

4 Ibid., pp. 81, 82. ' o Ibid., p. 82. 6 Ibid. » Old Stat. Ace.

7 Book of Assumptions. 12 New Stat. Ace.

" Register of Ministers. Book of Assignations. " Rotuli ScotiiE, vol. i. p. 25.

9 A eta Parl. Scot., vol. vii. p. 106. " Acta Parl. Scot., vol. v. p. 366.

ARDEBSIEB.] PAKOCHIALES. 595

receipt for his 'haill vryttis haill and suir as he delyverit thame to him.'1 In 1661 King
Charles II. confirmed in favour of Sir Hew Campbell of Calder the grants of the Temple lands
made in 1611 and 1626, both granters and grantees being then deceased.2 The preceptory
or house of the Templars, the ruins of which remained in the beginning of the last century,
stood at Dalyards.3

Between 1561 and 1566 the kirk of Ardrosser, included in the rental of the deanery of Boss,
was valued yearly at 5 chalders of victual and apparently a sum of money not stated separately
from the money paid by the other churches held by the dean.* In 1569 and 1571 the reader
at Ardorseir had for his stipend £20, and in 1574 he had 20 marks and the kirklands.5 In
1574 the minister had £80 (the amount of the deanery), the kirklands (probably of Awach), and
other perquisites.6

In the year 1552 Eobert Monro of Fowlis granted a charter at Arthuirsair.7 In 1556 David
bishop of Ross, perpetual commendator of Cambuskynneth, with consent of the dean and
chapter of Eoss, granted to his brother Robert Leslie the lands and barony of Ardroseir,
the salmon and other fishings of the same, the upper alehouse of Ardroseir and the lower
alehouse with their crofts and pertinents, and the lands of Wester and Eister Delny (in
the neighbouring parish of Nairn) ; the grantee paying yearly for Ardroseir 24 marks
with 8 marks as grassum, 2 marts, 2 muttons, 18 capons, 18 poultry, 8 kids, 160 eggs,
and 4 bolls of oats — for the mails of the upper alehouse 20s. with 6s. 8d. as grassum —
for the mails of the lower alehouse 2 marks with 8s. lid. as grassum, 2 muttons, and
24 capons — and for the fishings 10 marks ; and performing three suits at the three head
courts held yearly at the chanonry of Ross.8 In 1557 Queen Mary confirmed the
grant.9 Between 1561 and 1566 Henry bishop of Ross enumerates the mairdom of Ardrosser
among the lands belonging to the bishoprick.10 In 1570 King James VI., for the good
service done to his ' guidschir and regent' by Robert Leslie of Arthourseir, granted to
him for life a yearly pension of £103, 11s. 4d. Scots together with 300 loads of peats
out of the fruits of the bishoprick of Ros, and as security he granted him the dues of the
lands and barony of Arthourseir with the fishing of the same, and the dues of the lands of
Estir Airdrie, in the sheriffdom of Innernes, belonging to the bishoprick as part of its patri
mony, and formerly let in feuferme to Robert and his heirs for the yearly payment of those
dues.11 In 1572 (3 January) the same king granted to the same Robert Leslie in heritage
the escheat of the goods which belonged to Master Mungo Monypenny dean of Ross, and ((j
January) confirmed to him the grant of 1570.la In 1575 the son of Robert Leslie sold the
lands of Ardersier and Delnies to John Campbell of Calder.13

1 Kilravock Charters. 8 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 581. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

2 Acta Part. Scot., vol. v. p. 366. vol. xxix. fol. 9.

3 New Stat. Ace. 9 Ibid.

4 Book of Assumptions. 10 Book of Assumptions.

b Register of Ministers. Book of Assignations. " Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxix. fol. 47.

6 Book of Assignations. 12 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xl. ff. 42, 43. See above, p. 573.

7 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 122. 13 Shaw's History of Moray.

596 ORIGINES [ARDEBSIER.

Campbeltovvn, lying partly in this parish and partly in Petty, was in 1623 created a
burgh of barony in favour of John Dow Campbell of Calder, with a fair on 5 July.1
It is now a village with about 1000 inhabitants, and has a fair on 12 August called
Lammas Fair.2

Fort George, built in 1748, an irregular polygon with six bastions, and capable of ac
commodating 2500 soldiers, occupies the extremity of the Point of Ardersier opposite to
Chanonry.3

On the height above Campbeltown is a circular mount about 20 feet high, having a rampart
of earth and clay 5 feet in height and 120 in circumference.4 It is known as Cromwell's
mount, a corruption of Cromal or Tom Mhoit, and was evidently the ancient moothill of the
barony of Ardersier.5

In 1508 King James IV. crossed the ferry of Ardersier on his way to Tain, on which
occasion he paid 13s. to the ' feryaris.'6

Near the march between Ardersier and Nairn is an erect stone 6 feet high, known as the
Claoch-na-cabbac or Kebbuck-stone, traditionally said to commemorate the death of a chieftain
who fell on the spot.7

On the heath of Balnagown are the remains of an encampment supposed to be Danish, which
when perfect consisted of two parallel lines of circular mounds, each mound in the one line
covering the opening between two mounds in the other.8

1 New Stat. Ace. 5 Ibid.

2 Ibid. " Treasurer's Accounts.

3 New Stat. Ace. and County Maps. 7 Old Stat. Ace.

4 New Stat. Aee. < New Stat. Ace.

DORNOCH.] PAROCHIALES. 597

DORNOCH.

Durnach1 — Domouch2 — Domoch3 — Dornogh* — Dunioch.5 (Map, No. 1.)

THIS parish, of which the seaward part is skirted by Loch Fleet and the Little Ferry (Unis) on
the north, the Dornoch Firth on the east, and the portion of that firth called the Meikle Ferry
(Portnacultyr) on the south — and whose northern extremes touch Loch Buie on the west, and
the immediate vicinity of the church of Rogart on the east — is low, flat, and sandy towards the
sea, and rises to no great height in the interior, which is traversed by some hilly ranges, and bv
two valleys named Strathcarnaig and Strathachvaich watered by the streams Carnaig and Evelix.6
The original parish church of Dornoch, the date of whose foundation is unknown, was dedi
cated to Saint Bar, Finbar, or Fymber, a native of Caithness and bishop of Cork, who flourished
according to some authorities in the sixth century, and according to others in the eleventh.7
Saint Duthace, said to have been bishop of Ross during the first half of the thirteenth century,
was believed to have wrought a miracle at Dornoch on the festival of Saint Fimbar (25 Septem
ber).8 During the same period, as will afterwards be seen, Bishop Gilbert (said to have been the
pupil of Saint Duthace) built the cathedral church, subsequently dedicated to him as Saint
Gilbert.9 Whether this erection superseded the church of Saint Bar, neither the charter of
Bishop Gilbert nor any other record informs us — but his festival continued to be held as a
term day and fair during both the sixteenth and the seventeenth century, and the cemetery
of Saint Fimber of Dornoch occurs in several bounding charters of the same period.10 The
church of Saint Bar existed, whether in ruins or otherwise does not appear, till about the
beginning of the seventeenth century, when it was taken down or destroyed.11

1 A. D. 1223-1245. Sutherland Charters. A. D. 1275. house and lands, and carried off his daughter Helga.

Sutherland Charters. He was pursued and overtakenbyUlf (apparently on the

a A. D. 1456. Misc. of Bannatyne Club, vol. iii. coast of Caithness), a sea-fight ensued, and Helg, being

3 A. D. 1568. Sutherland Charters. A. D. 1569. worsted, threw himself into the sea and swam ashore,
Sutherland Charters. Register of Ministers. A. D. carrying with him Ulfs daughter. They were kindly
1574. Book of Assignations. A. D. 1576. Ibid. A. D. received by a poor man named Thorfin, in whose cottage
1607. Sutherland Charters. they were irregularly married and dwelt for two years.

4 Circa A. D. 1640. Blaeu. Ulf being dead, they then returned to Orkney; and

5 A. D. 1641. Acta Parl. Scot., vol. v. pp. 599, 600. their son Bard, who travelled and acquired great learn-

6 Old and New Stat. Ace. ing, was afterwards bishop of Ireland, and became

7 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, pp. 6, 25. famous for his miracles. Orcades, lib. i. c. 10.
Pennant, vol. iii. p. 361. Brev. Aberd. Prop. SS. pro 8 Brev. Aberd. Prop. SS. pro temp, hyem., fol. Ixvi.
temp, estiv. fol. cxv. Annals of the Four Masters (trans- 9 Sutherland Charters. Genealogy of the Earls of
lated by Connellan), p. 180. Keith's Catalogue. Tor- Sutherland, p. 32.

faeus gives the following story, which he dates about 10 Sutherland Charters. Genealogy of the Earls of

995, and which bears some resemblance to the legend Sutherland, p. 7.

of the Aberdeen Breviary. Ulf, surnamed the Bad, an " Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, pp. 6, 25.
inhabitant of Sandey in Orkney, murdered Harald an Sir Robert Gordon, author of the Genealogy, writing
inhabitant of Ronaldsha. Helg the son of Harald in in 1030, says of the church that it ' wes of late demo-
revenge slew Bard the friend of Ulf, plundered Ulfs lislied in the dayes of King James the Sixth.'
VOL. II. 4 G

598 ORIGINES [DORSOCH.

The bishoprick of Caithness appears to have been from its erection co-extensive with the older
earldom, extending, as recorded in charters of 1476, 1527, and 1567, from Portnacultir to the
Pentland Firth and from the eastern sea to the western, and thus including the modern counties
of Caithness and Sutherland.1 The era of its erection is unknown.2 The first bishop whose
name appears in authentic records is Andrew, whose rule extended from the year 1146 at latest
to the year 1185.3 Before 1153 King David I. granted to that bishop Hoctor Comon (probably
the same as Huctherhinche subsequently assigned by Bishop Gilbert to the chantry) free from all
service except that of the common host.* About the same period Bishop Andrew granted to the
monks of Dunfermelyn, of which he had been himself a monk, for the weal of the soul of King
David, his predecessors, and successors, and of his own soul, the church of the Holy Trinity of
Dunkcld (which he appears to have had from the gift of King David), with all its pertinents,
namely, Fordouin, Dunmernach, Bendacthin, Cupermaccultin, Inchethurfin, and Chethec.8 i Be
tween the years 1160 and 1164 King Malcolm IV. confirmed to the monks of Dunfermelyn the
same church, to be held by them after the decease of Andrew bishop of Cateneis, and with the
same pertinents and rights held by him from the gift of King David.6 Before 1165 Gregory
bishop of Dunkeld confirmed the same, which he styles in his charter the gift of King Malcolm
and of Andrew bishop of Katenes.7 Bishop Gregory's charter is witnessed by Bishop Andrew,
and by Murethac the clerk of the bishop of Katenes.8 Before 1181, during the pontificate of
Alexander III., Harald earl of Catenes and Orkney granted to the see of Rome one penny
yearly from each inhabited house within the earldom of Catenes, a grant which was witnessed
by Bishop Andrew and other nobles of the district, and which the bishop had the duty of
enforcing.9 Bishop Andrew died at Dunfermelin on 30 December 1185.10

John, who succeeded Andrew as bishop of Caithness, witnesses several charters between the
years 1187 and 1199, in one case along with his two chaplains, each named Alexander.11 As
he refused to exact the papal contribution granted by Earl Harald, the latter between 1 198 and
1202 seems to have sent information to that effect to Pope Innocent III., who thereupon
commissioned the bishops of Orkney and Boss to compel Bishop John to levy the tax on pain
of church censure.12 During the same period Harald the son of Eric Slagbrell (styled Harald
the younger), having received from Magnus king of Norway the half of Orkney, and from

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. vii. no. 393 ; lib. xxi. no. 42. Andree, pp. 128, 129, 131, 133, 139, 144, 147, 149, 184-
Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. vi. fol. 72; vol. vii. fol. 81. Acta 189, 195, 196, 198, 199, 201-205, 207, 216, 217, 219,
Parl. Scot., vol. ii. p. 507. Macpherson's Gcog. Illust. 220, 222-225. Regist. Moraviense, pp. 4, 454. Lib.

2 Keith's Catalogue. Dalrymple's Collections, pp. Eccl.de Scon, pp. 7, 17,19,20,22,23,25,27,33. Regist.
227, 247. Macpherson's Geog. Illust. Miscellany of de Aberbrothoc, vol. i. pp. 7, 10, 11, 13, 16, 67, 101.
Bannatyne Club, vol. iii. Bishop Leslie, and after him Chronica de Mailros, p. 93.

.Sir Robert Gordon, attribute the foundation of this 4 Regist. de Dunfermelyn, pp. 14, 15.

bishoprick to King Malcolm III., and Sir Robert 5 Ibid., p. 74. 6 Ibid., p. 22.

gives Saint Bar as first bishop, and Saint William as 7 Ibid., p. 74.

his successor. Sir James Dalrymple and Mr. Chalmers s Ibid.

assign the foundation of the bishoprick to King 9 Epist. Innocentii III., lib. i. no. 218.

David I. in Chronica de Mailros, p. 93.

3 Regist. de Dunfermelyn, pp. 7, 8, 14, 22, 23, 24, 26, » Regist. Morav., p. 6. Regist. de Aberbrothoc. vol. i.
30, 31, 35. Acta Parl. Scot., vol. i. pp. 48«, 52*, 53*, pp. 17, 99.

<>4*. Regist. Glasguense, pp. 13, 32. Reg. Prior. S. 12 Epist. Innocentii III., lib. i. no. 218.

DORNOCH.] PAROCHIALES. 599

King William the Lion the half of Katanes, and having collected an army in Katanes, sent
to Earl Harald (called the elder) requesting him to yield the half granted to him by the king.1
The earl refused, raised a large army, entered Katanes, defeated and slew the younger Harald,
and retired to Orkney.2 King William on learning these things sent an army into Katanes
under Rognvald Gudrodson king of the Hebrides, who took possession of the whole district,
and left it under the charge of three prefects.3 Earl Harald in 1201 returned to Katanes with
an army, and landing near Thorsa was met by Bishop John then residing at his palace of
Skarabolstad (Scrabster), and anxious to intercede with the earl for the Katanes men who had
submitted to the king.4 The earl at first received him civilly, but then caused him to be
seized and to have his tongue and eyes cut out.6 The bishop of Orkney by letter informed
Pope Innocent III. of the outrage, and of the part acted in it by Lomberd a layman, who
according to his own account was forced by some of the earl's soldiers to cut out the bishop's
tongue.6 That pope in 1202 prescribed for Lomberd the following penance — That, barefooted
and clad only with breeches and a short woollen garment without sleeves, and having his
tongue projecting and tied with a string bound round his neck, and with rods in his hand,
lie shoujd in the sight of all walk for fifteen days in succession through his native district, the
district of the mutilated bishop, and the surrounding country ; that, prostrate on the earth
before the door of the church, he should cause himself to undergo discipline with the rods he
carried ; that he should spend each day in silence and fasting till after the evening, and then
support nature with only bread and water ; that at the end of the fifteen days he should make
ready to set out for the Holy Land, where he should labour for three years in the service of
the cross ; that he should never more bear arms against Christians ; and that for two years he
should fast every Friday on bread and water, unless that abstinence should by the indulgence
of some discreet bishop be mitigated on account of bodily infirmity or other cause.7 Bishop
John appears to have survived the mutilation till the year 1213, in which Adam abbot of
Melros was elected as his successor.8

In 1214 Adam was consecrated bishop of Cathenes by William Maleuicin bishop of Saint
Andrews.9 In the same year he presided at the dedication of the church of Saint Mary
of Hawic.10 In 1218, in company with Walter bishop of Glasgow and Bricius bishop of
Moray, he made a pilgrimage to Eome to procure absolution, and in 1219 he returned.11
It was probably in one of those years that he witnessed a charter of Bishop Bricius.12 In
1218 also he is said to have procured from Pope Honorius III. a confirmation of the erection

1 Orkneyinga Saga, p. 407. Torfaeus, lib. i. c. 38. 6 Epist. Innocentii III., lib. v. no. 77. 7 Ibid.

2 Ork. Saga, pp. 409, 411. Torfaeus, lib. i. c. 38. 8 Chronica de Mailros, p. 114. Tlie Sagas relate that
1 Ork. Saga, pp. 411, 413. Torfaeus, lib. i. c. 38. Bishop John, having been conducted by a woman to the
* Ork. Saga, p. 415. Torfaeus, lib. i. c. 38. Ford. tomb of Saint Trollhaena, had his tongue and eyes mi-
Scot, lib. viii. c. 62. Ep. Inn. III., lib. v. no. 77. raculously restored. Ork. Saga, p. 415. Torfaeus, lib.

5 Ibid. The Chronica de Mailros seems to place these i. c. 38. Trollhaena is Triduana of Scotch hagiologists,

events in 1196 or 1197 — Buchanan gives the date 1199. who place her tomb at Restalrig.

Chron. de Mailros, p. 103. Buch. Hist. lib. vii. c. 49. 9 Chrouica de Mailros, p. 114.

The date given by Fordun, 1201, seems to be more 10 Ibid., p. 115.

correct. " Ibid., p. 135. 12 Eegist. Moraviense, p. 62.

600 ORIGINES [DOHNOCH.

of the bishoprick.1 By an old custom a spann of butter for every 20 cows was paid to the
bishop by the husbandmen.3 Bishop Adam reduced the number first to 15, then to 12,
and finally to 10, exacting in every case the spann of butter.3 In 1222 the Katanes men
complained to Earl John, who in vain attempted to induce the bishop to be more moderate.*
While the bishop was at his episcopal manor of Hakirk in Thorsdal (probably at that time
the episcopal see), in company with Serlo dean of Neubotle his confidential adviser, and
Kafn the logmadr (one of the prefects appointed by King William), the discontented husband
men assembled in the vicinity, threatening to use violence, from which Earl John who was
present seems to have dissuaded them.5 Eafn's intercession with the bishop had no effect —
the husbandmen advanced to attack the house — Serlo came out to meet them, and was
immediately seized and put to death — and, the bishop at last coming out and offering terms
of agreement, the better part of the populace would have willingly made an arrangement
with him, but the more violent seized him, dragged him to a hut (or, as some say, his own
kitchen), and setting fire to it burned him to death.6 His body was afterwards honourably
interred in the baptismal church (of Skinnet), and in 1239 was transferred to the episcopal
see (then at Dornoch).7 Among the documents found in the king's treasury at Edinburgh
in 1282 was one entitled ' A quitclaiming of the lands of the bondi of Catanes for the slaughter
of the bishop.'8 Earl John, whose only blame seems to have been that after failing in his
first intercession with the bishop he declined again to interfere, was nevertheless considered
a partner in the murder, and forfeited his lands, which however were soon afterwards
restored.9

Gilbert de Moravia, a son of the laird of Duffus in Moray, and from 1203 to 1222 arch
deacon of that diocese, succeeded Bishop Adam in the see of Caithness.10 He is said by our
chroniclers to have been present with Bishop Andrew at the council of Northampton in 1176,
and to have been the Scottish clerk who there asserted the independence of the Scottish
church.11 Bulls granted by Popes Clement III. and Celestine HI. between 1187 and 1198
in favour of that church are said to have been partly the result of his able defence, and to
have been committed to his keeping by King Alexander II.12 He afterwards held some office

1 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 30. chawmyr lay' — was also killed; and that the bishop

2 Ork. Saga, p. 421. Torfaeus, lib. i. c. 40. suffered because he refused to lease his teinds to his

3 Ibid. own men.

4 Ibid. " Chronica de Mailros, pp. 139, 150.

5 Ibid. Hakirk was not at that period a parish, the 8 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. i. p. 4 post pref.

church being at Skenand (Skinnet), but there seems to 9 Chronica de Mailros, p. 142. Wyntownis Cronykil,

have been a chapel at Hakirk (afterwards made a book vii. ch. ix.

parish church), and the name according to some writers 10 Regist. Moraviense, pp. 43, 60-62. Brev. Aberd.

is translated ' high or principal church.' Prop. SS. pro temp, hyem., f'ol. Ixxxiii. Ford. Scot,

6 Ork. Saga, pp. 421, 428. Torfaeus, lib. i. c. 40. lib. viii. c. 26. Ext. e Var. Cron. Scocie, p. 93. Suther-
Chronica de Mailros, p. 139. Ford. Scot., lib. ix. c. 37. land Charters. Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland,
Wyntownis Cronykil, book vii. ch. ix. Brev. Aberd. p. 31. Keith's Catalogue.

Prop. SS. pro temp, hyem., fol. Ixxxiii. Such. Hist., " Forduni Scot., lib. viii. c. 26. Ext. e Var. Cron.

lib. vii. c. 56. Ant. Celto-Scandicae, pp. 272, 274. Scocie, p. 93. Camerarius, pp. 121, 122.

Ext. e Var. Cron. Scocie, p. 92. Wyntoun says that a ia Camerarius, pp. 121, 122. Genealogy of the Earhs

boy who attended the bishop — 'the child that in his of Sutherland, p. 31.

DOENOCH.] PAEOCHIALES. 601

under that king (variously but erroneously styled chancellor, chamberlain, and treasurer),
in virtue of which he was empowered to administer the king's affairs in the north, and to
build, repair, and keep the royal castles and other buildings.1 In 1225 as bishop he witnessed
the settlement of a dispute between Andrew bishop of Moray and Robert Hode about the
manor of Lamanbrid.2

Apparently soon after his appointment to the see Bishop Gilbert, on the narrative that in
the times of his predecessors there was but a single priest ministering in the cathedral church
both on account of the poverty of the place and by reason of frequent hostilities, and that he
desired to extend the worship of God in that church, resolved to build a cathedral church
at his own expense, to dedicate it to the Virgin Mary, and in proportion to his limited means
to make it conventual.3 He therefore ordained that in that church there should be ten
canons constantly ministering to the bishop by themselves or their vicars — that the bishop
should preside as head, five of the others holding the dignities of dean, precentor, chancellor,
treasurer, and archdeacon, each of whom, as well as the bishop and the abbot of Scon who had
been appointed a canon in that church,4 should find a priest as vicar to minister there daily in
his own absence — and that the other three canons should find deacons continually to assist and
serve the said priests within the church. Having assigned fourteen of the parish churches of his
diocese for the maintenance of the canons and the lighting of the cathedral church, and having
reserved six for the use of the bishop, he appointed to each canon his prebend as follows.5 To
the dean were assigned the church of Clun with all its fruits, the teindsheaves of the citv of
Durnach and the town of Ethenboll, with the fourth part of the altarage of Durnach and the
whole land of Methandurnach — to the precentor the church of Crech with its fruits and chapels,
the teindsheaves of Promci and Auelech, Stradormeli, Askesdale, and Rutheuerchar, the fourth
part of the altarage of Durnach, and the whole land of Huctherhinche at Durnach — to the
chancellor the church of Rothegorth, the teindsheaves of Scelleboll, namely, of 12 dawaehs,
and the fourth part of the altarage of Durnach — and to the treasurer the church of Larg,
the teindsheaves of Scitheboll and Sywardhoch, except those before assigned to the precentor
at Stradormeli belonging to those lands, and the fourth part of the altarage of the church of
Durnahc — with free toft and croft in the city of Durnach to each of those four prebendaries.
In order the better to secure their residence in the cathedral, there was given them as a common
church, while resident or while employed in the external business of the church or of the
bishop, the church of Far, except the tithes and fruits of Helgedall previously assigned by

1 Ford. Scot., lib. viii. c. 26. Ext. e Var. Cron. Criecli, Rogart, Lairg, Far, Kildonan, and Durness.
Scocie, p. 93. Brev. Aberd. Prop. SS. pro temp, hyem., in Sutherland ; and Bower, Watten, Skinnet, Olrick,
fol. Ixxxiii. Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, Dunnet, and Cannisbay, in Caithness. Those re-
p. 32. Crawfurd's Officers of State, p. 253. Keith's served to the bishop seem to have been Golspie and
Catalogue. Sir R. Gordon (Genealogy, p. 32) ascribes Loth in Sutherland, Reay in Sutherland and Caitli-
to him the building of Kildrummy Castle in Aberdeen- ness, and Tlmrso, Wick, and Latlieron in Caithness.
shire. Lairg at that period included Kdderachillis; Far in-

2 Regist. Morav., p. 460. 3 Original at Dunrobin. eluded Tongue ; and Skinnet included Halkirk and
* See KILDONAN post. Spittal. Assynt, the only remaining parish, was pro-
5 The 14 churches thus assigned to the prebends bably not a distinct parish at the time. See Rental

were, as will be seen, those of Clyne, Dornoch, of Bishoprick post.

602 ORIGINES [DOEHOCH.

the bishop to the church of Ka on account of the nearness of that church to Helgedall and
the great distance of the church of Far — reserving also to the bishop the power of dividing
the parish of Far into more on account of its diffuse extent. As those prebendaries were
next after the bishop the chief members of the cathedral, the bishop ordained that they should
be free from every burden payable to the archdeacon, the officials, and the rural deans, none
of whom should presume to exercise jurisdiction over them, their households (familias), or
their chaplains, the correction of their misdemeanours being left to the bishop and chapter.
To the archdeacon were assigned the churches of Bouer and Watne. The lands of Peth-
grudi and of the two Herkhenys, with the common pasture of the city of Durnach, were
assigned in common to the chancellor, treasurer, and archdeacon. The church of Kelduninach
was assigned as the prebend of the abbot of Scon, who was bound to serve in the cathedral
church by a competent priest as vicar, and to serve in his prebendal church by a competent
priest, but not bound to residence or to find a vicar in that church. To the three remaining
prebends were assigned the parish churches of Olrich, Donotf, and Cananesbi, with the church
of Scynend as a common church — the fruits of the last in case of absence to be applied for
the work and ornament of the cathedral church, saving for life to the bishop's clerk William
of Ros 100 shillings formerly assigned to him from that church, and to his chaplain Eudo
three marks yearly from the same. Tlfe church of Dyrnes was given to find light and incense
for the cathedral church. To the bishop's vicar in the cathedral were assigned with consent
of the chapter the teindsheaves of Thoreboll and Kynald, and 20 acres of land at Durnach,
with toft and croft in that city. To the five prebends above instituted and specified were
further assigned tofts and crofts in Durnach, in order to deprive them of all excuse for non-
residence. The prebendaries were to enjoy their benefices freely, saving the episcopal rights
in their respective churches. The bishop with the consent of the chapter further ordained,
that the dean should reside at least for the half of every year in the cathedral church, and
that all the other canons, whether dignified or otherwise, except the abbot of Scon, should
either together or singly be resident for three months in the year, unless licensed by the
bishop or chapter, the defaulter to pay 12 pennies for every week of his absence — that
any canon summoned by the bishop or chapter to give his advice and assistance for the
defence of the church, and neglecting the summons, unless he could plead a canonical excuse,
should be deprived of his prebendal revenue till he should make condign satisfaction — that
each of the seven priests ministering in the cathedral church should daily perform divine service
unless canonically prevented — and that all the priests and deacons should be daily present
at every (canonical) hour, unless unwell or licensed by the bishop, or in his absence by the dean
— the absentee otherwise to be punished according to the practice to be instituted in the
church. The bishop concludes his constitution by praying for peace and eternal glory to
every faithful canon and vicar, and eternal wrath to the divisive and injurious. He intimates
his own subscription and seal, and the manual subscriptions of the canons, none of which
seem to have been appended.1

Original at Dunrobin.

DORNOCH.] PAROCHIALES. 603

Bishop Gilbert appears to have completed the building of the cathedral.1 The glass used
for the windows is said to have been made at Sytheraw (now Ciderhall) a short distance west
from Dornoch.2 The bishop had latterly some controversy with William earl of Sutherland
about the episcopal lands, which was continued by two of his successors.3 In 1242 he made
his will, which was extant in 1630.4 He died in 1245, was afterwards canonised, had his
festival celebrated on 1 April (the anniversary of the day on which he died), and became the
patron saint of the church which he built, and of the diocese which he ruled.5 His relics
continued to be had in reverence till the eve of the Reformation.6

The immediate successor of Saint Gilbert was William, who in 1250 joined with other
Scottish bishops in addressing a letter to King Alexander III. concerning the liberties of the
church, and who is said to have died in 1261." He was succeeded by Walter of Baltroddi.8
In 1263 among the items of royal revenue accounted for by Laurence le Grant sheriff of
Innernes were the profits of the justiciar of Caithness, which amounted to 18 shillings, saving
the bishop's tithe, which was 2 shillings.9 Bishop Walter died in 1270 or 1271 ; and Nicolas
abbot of Scone, who was elected his successor, having gone to Rome for consecration, was
rejected by the pope (Gregory X.), who ordered the chapter to elect another.10

The next bishop was Archebald Hayrok (or Heroc), formerly archdeacon of Moray.11 In
the year 1275 — on the narrative that, after a long controversy between his predecessors
Gilebert, William, and Walter, on the one part, and William of good memory, and William his
son, earls of Sutherland, on the other part, about the castle of Sehythebolle with certain
other lands, namely 6 davachs of Sehythebolle, and 6 davachs of Sytheraw with the ferry,
and 2 davachs and a half of Miggewet, Swerdisdale, Creych with the fishing of the Bunnach,
Cuttheldawach, 2 davachs of Mouimor, 2 davachs of Awelec, 3 davachs of Promsy, a davach
of Rowecherchar, 3 quarters of Haskesdale, half a davach of Hacchencossy, 3 davachs of
Thorbolle, 2 davachs of Kynalde, and 4 davachs of Largge, in which lands and castle the
bishop's said predecessors claimed right from the said earls in name of the church of Cathanes ;
and after the prolongation of the controversy to the no small expense of the church and of
the earls down to the time of bishop Archebald and of William the son of the said deceased
earl; at length, by the interposition of certain prelates and noblemen compassionating the
straits of the church of Cathanes, the said earl by the advice of those prelates and other
trustworthy persons granted to that church the castle of Sehythebolle with six davachs of land
adjacent to it, 6 davachs of Sytheraw with the ferry, 2 davachs and a half of Miggeweth,
Swerdel, and Creych, with the fishing of the Bunnach, and 2 davachs of Mouimor, to be held

1 Brev. Aberd. Prop. SS. pro temp, hy em., fol. Ixxxiv. " ActaParl. Scot., vol.i. p. 83.* Sutherland Charters.
Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, pp. 6, 31. Keith's Catalogue. Rites of Durham, p. 133.

2 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, pp. 6, 31. 8 Sutherland Charters. Hay's Scotia Sacra. Keith's

3 Sutherland Charters. Catalogue.

4 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 32. 9 Compota Camerar, vol. i. pp. 21,* 31.*

5 Ibid., pp. 31, 32. Brev. Aberd. Prop. SS. pro temp. 10 Scotia Sacra. Keith's Catalogue. Genealogy of the
hyem., fol. Ixxxiv. Camerarius, p. 121. Earls of Sutherland, p. 35.

6 Protocol Book of David Seatton (at Aberdeen). " Regist. Moraviense, pp. 135, 279. Keith's Cata-
See post. logue.

604 OEIGINES [DORNOCH.

perpetually without any controversy on the part of the earl or his heirs, saving the forinsec
service of the king ; and that the rest of the land, namely, 2 davachs of Awelech, 3 davachs
of Promsy, a davach of Eutherhard, 3 quarters of Haskesdale, half a davach of Hachencosse,
3 davachs of Thorebol, 2 davachs of Kynalde, 4 davachs of Largge) and the davach of Cutthel-
dawach, was freely given over by the bishop and chapter to the earl and his heirs — Bishop
Archebald, in order more firmly to secure the privilege of his church with respect to the said
lands, and for the benefits conferred on him by the earl, with the consent of the chapter
granted to the earl in heritage a davach of Owenes of the value of half a mark, and the right
of presenting to the bishop a chaplain to celebrate perpetually in the church of Durnach at
the altar of Saint James for the souls of the earl, his predecessors, and his successors ; assign
ing to the chaplain for his maintenance 5 marks yearly de bonis episcopalibus, namely of the
formes of his town of Durnach, to be paid by the hands of his bailies at the feasts of Saint
Martin in winter and of Pentecost, and promising to grant to the earl every security which he
and his council might please to demand.1 To the above agreement, made in the cathedral church,
were appended on one part the seals of the bishop, dean, archdeacon, precentor, and chancellor,
and on the other those of the earl, William de Monte Alto, Sir Andrew of Moray, Sir Alexander
of Moray, and Sir David of Innerlunan.2 Bishop Archebald appears to have died in 1288.3
In 1290 (17 March) Alayn [of St. Edmund] bishop of Catenes was one of several bishops and
others who in the name of the community of Scotland addressed a letter to Edward I. king of
England proposing marriage between the Maid of Norway and his son Prince Edward.4 The
same bishop was afterwards associated with others in negotiating that marriage, which, as is well
known, was prevented only by the death of the Maid of Norway.5 In 1291 (12 June, die Martis
in crastino festi Sancti Barnabae apostoli), in the presence of Sir Robert of Brus, John of Balliol,
and others claiming right to the crown of Scotland, and of William bishop of Saint Andrews,
Robert bishop of Glascu, Sir John Comyn, and Sir James Stewart, wardens of that kingdom,
and of other nobles and prelates both of Scotland and of England, assembled on a certain green
opposite the castle of Norham on the north side of the river of Twede in the parish of Upset-
lington in the diocese of Saint Andrews, Alan bishop of Cathanes, created chancellor of the
kingdom of Scotland by the king of England, came and received the common seal of Scotland
(sigillwn ad regimen Scocie deputatum) delivered to him in the name of that king, and seeing and
kissing the holy gospels gave his bodily oath that he would faithfully hold the office of chancellor
according to the laws and customs of the kingdom of Scotland, that he \vould faithfully obey in
that office the king of England as superior and immediate lord of that kingdom, and would do
full justice to every one in that kingdom in every thing touching his said office.6 At the same
time Sir Walter of Amundesham (St. Edmund ?) clerk and associated with the bishop of Cathanes

1 Sutherland Charters. asserted by Keith; or that he was an Englishman,

- Ibid. which Keith both asserts and doubts.

< Keith's Catalogue. Priory of Finchale,pp. 190, 191. 5 Rymer, vol. ii. pp. 488, 1090. Hailes' Annals ad

' A eta Parl. Scot., vol. i. p. 85. Rymer, vol. ii. pp. annum 1290.

471, 472. There is no evidence that Alan was ap- 6 Ragman Rolls, pp. 6, 7. Rotuli Scotiae, vol. i.

pointed by King Edward or through his influence, as p. 2.

DORXOCH.] PAROCHIALES. 605

in the office of chancellor gave a similar oath.1 The wardens, claimants, and others, then went
to the king in the castle of Norharn, and treated of the above and other matters.2 In the same
year the same bishop was witness to the oath of fealty given by various persons to the king of
England, and had various mandates addressed to him by that king.3 In the same year (28 June)
King Edward, on the narrative that he had as above appointed Bishop Alan chancellor, and
Walter of Agmodesham his associate, ordered Alexander of Balliol his chamberlain of Scotland
to pay every four weeks from his receipts as chamberlain 20 marks to the bishop and 10 marks to
his associate as their salaries from 12 June till another arrangement should be made.4 On 12
August the same king, on the narrative that the pope (Nicholas IV.) had granted to him the
tithe of all ecclesiastical goods within the kingdom of Scotland as a subsidy for the Holy Land,
and had appointed the bishop of Carlisle and Alan bishop of Cathenes collectors of the same,
and that he had taken under his special protection those bishops, their substitutes, men, lands,
revenues, and possessions, ordered his bailies and others of Scotland to afford all protection and
assistance to them in making that collection.5 On 14 August he ordered the bishop as chancellor
to cause the bishop of Carlisle and himself to have the king's letters of protection under the seal
of Scotland while engaged in the same collection.6 On 17 August, after the chancellor and his
assistant had received 8 weeks payment (a die Martis post festum Sancti Barnabae usque ad diem
Martis proximam post festum Sancti Oswaldi regis et martiris, from 12 June to 7 August) at the
appointed rate of 20 and 10 marks respectively for 4 weeks, King Edward, considering that such
pay was not sufficient for their maintenance, ordered that from the latter date the bishop should
receive a mark daily till another arrangement should be made — that the chamberlain should pay
at the same rate to the bishop as the attorney of Walter of Agmodesham the arrears of his pay
from 7 to 16 August (a die Martis post festum Sancti Oswaldi usque ad diem Jovis in crastino
festi Assumptions Beatce Marice) — and that he should also give to the bishop beforehand 8 weeks
payment at the rate of a mark per day from 7 August, and repeat the same payment at the end
of every 8 weeks while the bishop held the office of chancellor until the king should otherwise
ordain.7 At the same time he authorised the chancellor, as he had then no assistant, to use the
seal of Scotland in sealing briefs of the chancellary till the king should appoint an assistant.8
On 18 August King Edward ordered the bishop to direct letters under the seal of Scotland to
Simon Fresel keeper of the forest of Selekirk, commanding him to give to various persons a
number of stags from that forest, and among these ten to the bishop himself.9 On the same day
he appointed as assistant chancellor Master Adam of Bodyndon clerk, and ordered the chamber
lain to pay him as his fee from 1 9 August (a die Dominica proximo, post festum Assumptionis
Beatce Marios proxime preteritum) one mark per day every 8 weeks in advance till farther orders.10
On 22 September the same king commanded the sheriffs of Forfare and Edenburgh to satisfy the
chancellor and his assistant of their expenses in advance from the issues of their (the sheriffs')

1 Ragman Rolls, p. 7. 2 Ibid. * Rotuli Scotiae, vol. i. p. 2.

3 Ibid., pp. 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, 21. Rotuli 5 Kot. Scot., vol. i. p. 3. 6 Ibid., p. 4.

Scotiae, vol. i. pp. 2, 3, 4, 5. Acta Parl. Scot, vol. i. 7 Ibid- 8 Ibid,

p. 5 post pref. 3 Ibid., pp. 4, 5. lu Ibid., p. 5.

VOL. II. 4 H

COG OKIGINES [DOKNOCH.

bailiary according to the king's grant.1 On 26 October he ordered Alexander Comyn his keeper
of the forest of Ternway in Moray to give Bishop Alan chancellor of Scotland 40 oaks from that
forest suitable for material for the fabrick of the cathedral church of Catanes, which the king had
granted to the bishop for the souls of Alexander king of Scotland of good memory last
deceased, and of the deceased Margaret queen of Scotland the consort of King Alexander and
the sister of King Edward.2 On 12 December the king of England commanded Alexander of
Balliol chamberlain of Scotland to pay to Master Adam of Botingdon subchancellor of that
kingdom his fee and the arrears of the same, and also his fee as vice-chancellor, which office he
had held by the appointment of the nobles and chiefs of Scotland since the death of Alan bishop
of Catanes of good memory, and to pay him his fee while he held the office by the same appoint
ment till the king should come into those parts or otherwise order in the matter.3 In 1292
(8 January) King Edward, desiring, on account of the faithful obedience which the deceased
Alan of good memory bishop of Cathenes and chancellor of Scotland had paid him during his
life, to show special respect to the deceased, granted that all the goods and cattle which belonged
to the bishop within Scotland at his death, and which had since according to the custom of
Scotland been seized in the king's hands, should be delivered to the prior of Coldingham and
Master Adam of Saint Edmund parson of the church of Lastalrik brother of the deceased bishop,
to be distributed by them as they might see fit at the sight and ordination of one whom the
bishop of Durham should appoint to act for him before the king.4 He therefore commanded
William of Dunfrcs then holding the office of chancellor in Scotland to direct briefs under tin-
seal of Scotland to those in whose hands the goods and cattle of the bishop were, that they
should deliver them to the said prior and the said Adam — to compel them to this, if necessary —
and to issue letters of protection and safe conduct in forma capelle, to last for a year, in favour
of the said Adam and his attendants while settling the affairs of the deceased bishop in those
parts.5 On 14 January the same king commanded Barachius Gerardi of Florence, Revnerus
Bollitoni, aiid their associates de societate Pullicum et Lamberinorum dwelling in England and in
Scotland, on account of the security which they had given to the king in England and to Brian
Fitz Alan in his name in the parts of Scotland touching the pence and other goods of the
deceased Alan bishop of Cathenes then in their hands to be kept for the king's use, to deliver
those pence and goods to the prior of Coldingham and to the bishop's brother Master Adam of
Saint Edmund, to be distributed as above for the soul of the deceased.6 On 15 January the
king ordered that the arrears of the deceased bishop's fee as chancellor should be paid to the
same persons for the same purpose.7 On 20 January he ordered William bishop of Saint
Andrews and Robert bishop of Glascu to commit the cure of the bishoprick of Catcnes, vacant
by the death of Bishop Alan, to some clerk of those parts in the king's allegiance, who should
be found sufficiently qualified for the office according to the custom in those parts.8

1 Rot. Scot., vol. i. p. 5. 2 Ibid., pp. o, (!. ' Rot. Scot., \

' Ibid., p. 0. It thus appears that Bishop Alan died 5 Ibid,

between 20 October and 12 December 1201, not in " Ibid., pp. 6,

1292 as stated by Cnuvt'urd and Keith. " Ibid., p. 7.

Rot. Scot., vol. i. p. 6.

» Ibid.

DOBXOCH.] PAROCHIALES. 607

The fulfilment of King Edward's mandate is not on record, and we have no authentic notice
of a bishop of Caithness from the death of Bishop Alan in 1291 till the year 1310, in which
Ferchard Belegaumbe or Belerambe bishop of Cathenes joined with certain other prelates in
acknowledging Robert Bruce as king of Scotland.1 In 1312 the same bishop appended his
seal to King Robert's confirmation of the treaty between King Alexander III. and Magnus oi'
Norway regarding the Isles of Scotland, and was one of those appointed to give oath to that
confirmation in the king's name.2 He again appears in record in 1321, and is said to have
died in 1328.3

Between 1306 and 1329 King Robert Bruce granted a charter styled Carte Beate Marie
et Sancti Gilberti de DornocJie, of which we have no particular account, but which from its
title appears to have been a confirmation of the charter of Bishop Gilbert.4 In 1328 Sir
Robert of Peblis chamberlain of Scotland accounted to the king for £233, 6s. 8d. of the issues
of the bishoprick of Caithness during the vacancy of the see — for the sum of 50 shillings paid to
the earl of Suthirland for the keeping (custodia) of that bishoprick since the term of Martinmas
preceding — and also for the sum of £8 paid to Herman for his service in that bishoprick while
in the king's hands.5 In 1329 the abbot of Dunfermline, depositary of the money ordained
pro pace, accounted to the same king for £64 received from the bishoprick of Caithness.6 In
1342 Sir John Marr clericus probationis received no salary for one term because he had been
appointed to a certain church in Caithness.7 In 1368 the chamberlain of King David II.
claimed the sum of 33 shillings and 4 pence as paid by him from the burgh fermes of Aberdeen
to the bishop elect of Caithness in name of the church of Saint Gilbert of Caithness, by
appointment of the chapter and confirmation of the king — which church used to receive
yearly 5 marks.8

In the year 1455, by a deed dated in the chapterhouse at Dornoch, William bishop oi
Caithness, for the defence of his churches and churchlands both in Caithness and in Suthirland,
with the consent of the dean and chapter granted to his brother-german Gilbert Mudy and
two lawful heirs the keeping of his castles of Scrabestoun (Scrabster in Thurso) and Skelbole,
and of the surrounding lands, for which keeping, to be made at the expense of the church of
Caithness, he leased to Gilbert and his two heirs 10 marklands in Caithness, namely, 9 penny-
lands in the territory and lordship of Weke, a markland of Alterwelle, 20 shillinglands
of Stroma, and 10 shillinglands of Dorrary.9 In 1456 Alexander Sutherland of Dunbeath
in his will ordained 30 trentals to be said for his soul, four of which were to be said in
Dornouch — and bequeathed to the bishop of Caithness for the repair of Saint Gilbert's
church all the fee due to him by the bishop since his consecration to office, except £40, and to
the same to sing for his soul and to confirm his testament £20. 10 Between 1458 and 1464 Pope
Pius II., in honour of God, the Virgin Mary, and Saint Gilbert the confessor and patron of the

1 Keith's Catalogue. Acta Parl. Scot., vol. i. p. 100. 5 Compota Camerar., vol. i. pp. 22, 24, 26.

- Acta Parl. Scot., vol. i. pp. 103, 104. 6 Ibid., p. 58. " Ibid., p. 282.

3 Ibid., p. 119. Keith's Catalogue. s Ibid., p. 487. 9 Reg. Mag., lib. viii. no. 123.

4 Kob. Index, p. 16, nn. 3, 6. See ante, pp. 601, 602. '•'> Miscellany of Bamiatyne Club, vol. iii.

608 OEIGINES [DORNOCH.

cathedral church of Cathanes, and for certain good and reasonable causes inserted at length
in his bull, of new erected a certain sacred immunity within bounds extending for three miles
on every side around the said cathedral church and marked with the sign of the holy cross.1
In 1464 King James III., at the pious and just request of his counsellor William bishop of
Cathanes and his clergy, and desiring to sanction and defend the said sacred immunity, com
manded all his liege subjects and officers to preserve the same immunity inviolate under all
pain which they might incur towards his royal majesty and that of his successors.2 In 1478
the same king confirmed Bishop William's grant of 1455.3

The death of that bishop does not appear in record — and one named Prosper is said to have
been elected as his successor, and to have resigned in favour of John Sinclair, who appears never
to have been consecrated.4 There is said to have then occurred a vacancy of 24 years, during
which the affairs of the see were administered by Adam Gordon dean and vicar general, and
at the end of which Andrew Stewart, afterwards commendator of Kelso and Feme, was
appointed bishop.5 Of the beginning or end of that vacancy we are not informed — but Sir
Donald Kos was dean of Caithness in 1487, and the see was certainly vacant in June 1494,
and in August 1497.6

Andrew Stewart was bishop at least as early as 1504. 7 In 1509 he was one of the curators
appointed in the case of Alexander Sutherland a claimant of the earldom of that name.8 In
1511 he was appointed the king's treasurer, and in 1517 or 1518 he died.9

He was succeeded by his namesake Andrew Stewart the son of John earl of Athole, of
whose rule nothing remarkable is recorded except the murder of the laird of Duffus by the
Clangun at his instigation, on which occasion, says Sir Robert Gordon, ' the haill dyocie of
Catteynes wes in a tumult.'10 Andrew Stewart was bishop from 1518 to 1542, and apparently
died illegitimate and intestate.11

His successor was Robert Stewart brother of Mathew earl of Lennox, who is affirmed never
to have been in priest's orders.12 In 1544 he is styled bishop elect and confirmed, and in the
same year one of his charters given at the cathedral church is witnessed by his brother Mathew
earl of Leuenax Lord Dernele.18 In that year the bishop elect took part in the rebellion
of his brother the earl, and passed with him into England to the court of King Henry VIII.,
and on that account forfeited his bishoprick.14 Alexander Gordon, the brother of George

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. vi. no. 18. 6 Sutherland Charters.

2 Ibid. The charter of King James is dated 14 9 Crawfurd's Officers of State. Calendar of Fearn.
August 1464. Keith erroneously places the bishop's Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 93.

death in 1460. 10 Keith's Catalogue. Genealogy of the Earls of

3 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. viii. no. 123. Sutherland, p. 102. Pitcairn's Crim. Trials, vol. i.

4 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 104. p. 149*.

Keith's Catalogue. 5 Ibid. " Keith's Catalogue. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xix. fol. 48.

6 Sutherland Charters. Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. x. no. In the latter authority he is erroneously named James.
109. Acta Dom. Cone., pp. 334, 341. Reg. Sec. Sip;., i2 Keith's Catalogue. Gregory's Highlands and Isles,
vol. i. ff. 13, 16. Keith says that Andrew Stewart was p. 175. Reg. Sec. Sip;., vol. xix. if. 8, 29.

bishop of Caithness in 1490. u Sutherland Charters.

7 Sutherland Charters. Crawfurd's Officers of State. 14 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xix. ff. 8, 29. Genealogy of the
Keith's Catalogue. Earls of Sutherland, p. 111. Keith's Catalogue.

DORNOCH.J PAROCHIALES. 609

earl of Huntly, was nominated in his stead.1 During die absence of Robert Stewart in
England (apparently in the autumn of 1544) George earl of Caithness and Donald M'Kv of
Far seized the lands and rents of the bishopriek in his name, and occupied the castles
of Skibo and Scrabster.2 In 1545 (23 April), in presence of John earl of Sutherland, Thomas
Murray precentor of Caithness, Thomas Stewart treasurer of the same, Duncan Chalmer
chancellor of Ross, and Paul Freser pensionary of the deanery of Ross, in the chapterhouse
of the cathedral church of Caithness, John Gray of Kilmaly swore on the relics of Saint
Gilbert that he was innocent of the coming of the servants and accomplices of Donald M'Ky
of Far within the bounds of the earldom of Sutherland, and of the depredation and slaughter
committed by them therein — the same John Gray and John Matheson chancellor of Caithness
gave their great oath on the same relics to be faithful to the earl of Sutherland — and Murquhard
Murray in Pronsi and Walter Murray in Auchflo deponed on their oath, touching the same
relics, that in riding with their accomplices in the month of October last to the harbour of
Unis they in no wise intended the hurt of Hugh Kennedy of Girvane Mains.3 In the same
year (28 April) Queen Mary granted to Sir James Dempstar the fermes and dues of the lands
and baronies of the bishopriek of Caitnes, which were in the queen's hands by reason of the
escheat of Robert bishop elect for passing to England in time of war without the queen's license.4
In the same year (apparently between 28 April and 6 August) the bishop elect was despatched
by his brother from England to induce the constable of Dunbarton castle to yield it to King
Henrv.5 It is said that an offer of restoration to his bishopriek led him to join the constable
in yielding the castle to the Regent Arran.6 On 6 August Queen Mary granted to the bishop
elect a remission for his treasonable conduct in passing to England and assisting the queen's
enemies there, and for all other actions preceding that date, except the prosecution of his
cause before the judge spiritual — to the effect that he might come to Saint Andrews or else
where with four servants to answer to a summons of deprivation from his benefices before the
judges appointed by the pope — the remission 'to indure quhill the end of the pley and ane
moneth thareftir.'7 On 23 September the same queen granted to Master Alexander Gordoun
postulate of Cathnes all the goods and the arrears of the pension of the bishopriek since the
provision thereof, which belonged to the deceased James (Andrew) Stewart, who died illegi
timate and intestate.8 In 1547 the queen granted a letter of protection to the same Master
Alexander, still styled postulate of Cathnes, and to his men, tenants, and servants of the
temporality of the bishopriek.9 In 1548 Queen Mary granted to Lauchlane M'Kintoische
the escheat of the goods of three brothers named Thomassoun dwelling within the barony of
Skebo, forfeited for default of finding surety to answer for slaughtering Lauchlane's servants.10

1 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 111. Reg. 5 Gregory's Highlands and Isles, p. 175.
Sec. Sig., vol. xix. fol. 48 ; vol. xxi. fol. 32. Pitcairn's 6 Ibid., p. 176.

Crim. Trials, vol. i. p. 337». 7 Reg- Sec. Sig., vol. six. fol. 29. Keith, apparently

2 Genealogy of theEarlsof Sutherland, p. 111. Pro- without foundation, says that Robert Stewart was
tocol Book of David Seatton among the records of obliged to abscond for 22 years.

Aberdeen. 8 Ibid., vol. xix. fol. 48.

3 Protocol Book of David Seatton. 9 Ibid., vol. xxi. fol. 32.

4 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xix. fol. 8. 10 Ibid., vol. xxxii. fol. H2.

610 OEIGINES [DOBNOCH.

In the same year Eobert bishop elect of Caithness, Sir John Mathesoun chancellor of Caithness,
Hercules Barculay rector of Cannisby, and others, found surety to appear before the civil court
to answer for taking and detaining from Master Alexander Gordoun postulate of Caithness
the house and place of Scrabister, for seizing on the fruits of the bishoprick, and for other
crimes.1 George earl of Caithness and Donald M'Ky of Far, who had seized on the revenues
of the bishoprick in the absence of Kobert Stewart, refused on his return to restore them, but
were reduced to submission by George earl of Huntly and John earl of Sutherland, ' by
which meanes,' says Sir Kobert Gordon, ' the dyocie of Catteynes wes for some years in peace
and quietnes.'2 ' Thus,' adds Sir Kobert, ' wes Bishop Robert Stuart repossessed in his owne
bishoprick.'3 In 1550 and for some years following Robert Stewart in his charters styles
himself either bishop or bishop elect and confirmed, and thereafter bishop of Cathanes.4 In
155.3 he granted to John earl of Sutherland the hereditary bailiary of all the lands, bounds,
' roumes,' and possessions of the bishoprick.5 In 1557, with the consent of the dean and
chapter, for the augmentation of his rental by the sum of £3 Scots, for large sums of money
paid to him beforehand and converted to his own use and especially to the repair of the
cathedral church, for the earl's defence of the canons and other ecclesiastical persons, and for
his other good services, Bishop Robert granted to John earl of Suthirland and Elenour
Stewart countess of Errol his wife, and to the heirs got between them, with remainder to the
earl's nearest heirs whomsoever, the following lands and other subjects within the bounds of
Suthirland and Cathanes, and in the sheriffdom of Innernys, namely, the lands of Westir Skebo,
Sythera, Vilest, Ardalles, Ferretoun with the boat and ferry, Dawachfyn, Drumdewane, and
Auchiveyauch with its pendicles called Auchegormolaye and Auchenecolas ; the mill of Skebo ;
the palace of Dornoch ; the lands of Force with the mill and salmon fishing ; Ballze ; Stam-
huster ; the 10 pennylands of Weik ; Canzeouchquyis ; Bischopisquyis ; North Killummister ;
South Killummister ; the mill of Wyndeles, with the 3 lie ottummis of land in Myrelandnorne
then in the hands of Master Thomas Brody pensionary of Wattin ; the mill of Lythe with the
multures ; the 9| pennylands of Scrabustar with the fortalice or castle ; the lands not named
of John M'Ewin and William Randelstoun, except the crofts of Scrabustar ; with the fourth
part of the salmon fishing of the water of Thurso, and the whole lands, crofts, and acres, of
the city of Dornoch — which according to the bishop's rental paid yearly as follows, namely,
Westir Skebo, 8 bolls of ferme victual and 4 bolls of dry multure at 10s. per boll, 2 bolls of
horse corn at 5s., 2 dozen poultry at 3d. each, £4 Scots of ferme, and 16s. grassum, in all
£11, 12s.; Sythera, the same; Vilest, 4 bolls ferme victual and 2 bolls dry multure at 10s.,
1 boll of horse corn at 5s., 1 dozen poultry at 3d. each, 40s. ferme, and 8s. grassum, in all
£5, 16s. ; Ardellis, the same ; Ferretoun with the boat and ferry, 2 bolls ferme and 1 boll
dry multure at 10s., 2 firlots of horse corn at 2s. 6d. (in all), 6 poultry at 3d. each, 40s.
ferme, and 4s. grassum, in all £3, 18s. ; Aucheveyich with its pertinents Auchegormula

1 Pitcairn's Crim. Trials, vol. i. p. 337*. 3 Ibid., p. 112. These events seem to have occurred

2 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, pp. Ill, between 1545 and 1550.

112. " Sutherland Charters. ' Ibid.

DOKSOCH.] PAROCHIALES. 611

and Auchenicolas, 20s. Scots ; Dawauclifin, 40s. Scots ; Drumdewanc, 53s. 4d. Scots ; Mill
of Skebo, £4 ; Force with the mill and salmon fishing, 4 chalders 8 bolls ferme at 8s.
4d., 6 bolls horse corn at 4s. 2d., 96 sheaves of oats at Id., 96 lie hallowis of stray
at 1-Jd., 18s. grassum, 3 grassum marts at 30s. each, 2 dozen poultry with 3 halkhennis
at 2d. each, 6s. plewch siluir, 12d. huik siluir, in all £38, 4s. 6d. ; Ballze, 20s. ferme,
20s. grassum, 4s. pleuch siluir, 1 boll horse corn at 4s. 2d., 32 sheaves of oats at Id.,
32 hallowis of stray (sarcinas straminum) at l^d., 4 halkhennis at 2d., and 16d. huik
siluer, in all 56s. lOd. ; Stambustar, 40s. ferme, 8 rams at 3s. each, 16 poultry and 4 halk
hennis at 2d., 4 bolls of horse corn at 4s. 2d., 64 sheaves of oats at Id., 64 hallowis of
stray at l^d., 8s. pleuch siluer, 3 grassum marts at 30s., 16d. huik siluer, in all £9, 16s. 8d. ;
the 10 pennylands of Weik, £6, 13s. 4d. ferme, £3, 6s. 8d. grassum, 2 onset martis (martas
emptas) at 16s. 8d., 20 capons at 6d., 20 poultry and 5 halkhennis at 2d., 5 bolls horse corn
at 4s. 2d., 80 sheaves of oats at Id., 80 hallous of stray at l^d., 16d. huik siluir, and 10s.
pleuch siluir, in all £14, 16s. 4d. ; Kennochquyis, 20s. ; Bischopisquyis, 10s. ; Northkilmister,
£6 ferme, £6 grassum, 9 bolls horse corn at 4s. 2d., 144 sheaves of oats at Id., 144 hallowis
of stray at lid., 36 capons at 6d., 36 poultry and 6 halkhennis at 2d., 12s. pleuch siluer,
2s. huik siluer, 3 vnset martis at 16s. 8d., in all £19, 16s. 6d. ; Southkilmistcr, the same,
except the pleuch siluer 15s. 9d., making the whole £20, Os. 3d. ; the mill of Wyndeles.
12 bolls of victual at 8s. 4d., in all £5 Scots ; the 3 lie ottummis, 6d. ; the mill of Lythmoir,
1 .5 bolls victual at 8s. 4d., or £6, 5s. ; the 9£ pennylands of Scrabustar with the castle,
£6, 6s. 8d. ferme, £12, 13s. 4d. grassum, 76 poultry and 8 hens at 2d., 9^ bolls of horse
corn at 4s. 2d., 152 sheaves of oats at Id., 152 hallowis of stray at Hd., 20s. pleuch siluer,
2s. 2d. huik siluer, 3 vnset martis at 16s. 8d., in all, £26, 17s. 6d. : the crofts of Scrabustar,
10s. ; the fourth of the salmon fishing of the water of Thurso, £13, 6s. 8d. ; the tofts and
crofts of the city of Dornoch with the palace and pertinents, formerly paying nil, £10 Scots ;
the getting, carrying away, and building of peats, £8 ; the ariages and carriages of all the
above lands and other subjects, £5; in all £227, 11s. 4d. of old ferme — the grantee paying
that sum and £3 Scots in augmentation.1 The bishop also appointed the earl and his heirs
hereditary constables of the castle of Scrabustar and the palace of Dornoch, situated among
the wild and uncivilised Scots and in a wintry region, granting them also the lands of Scra
bustar with the crofts extending yearly to £27, 12s. lid., and the lands, crofts, and acres
of the city of Doruoch extending yearly to £10, in all £37, 12s. lid., for their expenses in
maintaining and keeping the said castle and palace, to be built and furnished by the bishop
at his own expense while remaining there — ordaining that seisin for the whole lands and
other subjects granted should be taken at the castle and palace.2 In 1559 Bishop Eobert
granted to the same earl and countess and their heirs as in 1557, for certain sums of money

1 Sutherland Charters. A quoyland or mMirek ' is peece land whichc \ves quoyland, but now inclosed

ane peece of land newly win without the dykis'— within the dykis.' See Petorkin's Rentals of Orkney,

that is, a piece of land newly improved and not yet no. ii. p. 2.

enclosed. A tumall (perhaps the same as ottum) ' is ane 2 Sutherland Charters.

IH2 OEIGINES [DORNOCII.

and other favours, tlie following lands with the mills, tithes, and other pertinents, namely,
Gauldwale, Kauldale, Crannega, Borrole, Slanys, Astlairmoir, Astlairbeg, Sandwat, Carraga-
wyfe or Carragawow, Carramannycht, with the waters of Awmagarrone and Sandwat, with
the fishings, mills, and alehouses of the same, the island and lands of Hoa, the half of the
water and fishing of Laxfuird, the fishing of Ardwirnes with the mill and the fishing of the
crwis of the same, lying in Strathnavar ; and the lands of Skaile, Eegeboile, Dorare, Wlgrame-
moir, Wlgramebeg, Subambuster, Halkryk with the mill, alehouse, and fishing of the crwis,
Westirdale, Eisterdale, Thormeskeyth or Thormesdaill, Meremichaelis, Deren, Alterwall, 3^
pennylands of Stanthestell, lying in Cathanes ; all in the sheriffdom of Innernes — which
lands of Gauldwall, Kauldwall, Crannega, Borrole, Slanys, Astlairmoir, Astlairbeg, Sandwat,
Carregawyf or Carregawow. Carremannycht, together with the water of Amagarrone, the
water of Sandwat with the fishings, the island of Hoa, the half of the water and fishing of
Laxfurde, the whole water and fishing of Ardwirnes, with the mills, alehouses, teindsheaves,
and other pertinents, together with the teindsheaves of the whole parish of Ardwirnes, which
were never separated from the trunk (a trunco) of the said towns and lands and their prin
cipal fruits, with their grassums, fermes, and other dues and services, extended in the bishop's
rental to the sum of £81, Gs. 8d. Scots old ferme ; the lands of Skaile and Eegeboill extend
ing to £6 Scots ; the lands of Dorarie, 20s. ferme and 20s. grassum, in all 40s. old ferme ;
the lands of Mekle Wlgrame, 24 bolls victual at 8s. 4d., 3 gersum martis at 30s., 3 bolls of
horse corn at 4s. 2d., 48 sheaves of oats at Id., 48 hallowis of stray at l^d., 4s. plewch sihier,
9d. hwik siluer, 4 poultry and 3 hens at 2d., in all £15, 8s. 5d. ; the lands of Wlgrame Beig,
40s. ferme, 20 bolls ferme victual at 8s. 4d. Scots, in all £7 of old ferme ; the lands of
Subambuster, 10s. Scots of ferme, 2s. plewch siluer, 3d. hwik siluer, in all 12s. 3d. Scots old
ferme ; the lands of Halkryk with the mill, alehouse, and fishing of the crwis, 2 chalders
ferine victual at 8s. 4d. Scots per boll, 2 gersum martis at 30s., 12 capons at 4d., 12 poultry
and 12 halkhennis at 2d., 4s. plewch siluer, 9d. hwik siluer, in all £16, 17s. lid. Scots old
ferme ; the lands of Westerdaill, 6 bolls ferme victual at 8s. 4d., 30s. ferme, in all £4 Scots
old ferme ; the lands of Esterdaill, £3 Scots old forme ; Thormeskeyth or Thormeisdaill, 20s.
Scots old ferme ; Miremichaelis, 13s. 4d. Scots old ferme ; Stanstill, about 3^ pennylands,
otherwise granted in feuferme to William Dauidsoun, 46s. Scots, 7 capons at 4d., 7 poultry
and a halkhen at 2d., 7 firlots horse corn at 4s. 2d., 28 sheaves of oats at Id , 28 hallmois
of straye at l^d., 3s. 6d. plewch siluer, 3d. hwik siluer, 1J lie gersum mart at 30s., in all
£6, 9s. O^d. old ferme ; Alterwall, £5, 6s. 8d. Scots in ferme and grassum, and 2s. pleucfi
siluer, in all £5, 8s. 8d. old ferme ; Deren, 3 chalders of victual at 8s. 4d. per boll, 4 grassum
marts at 30s., 2 poultry and 4 halkhennis at 2d., 4 bolls horse corn at 4s. 2d., 64 sheaves of
oats at Id., 64 hallowis of straye at l£d., 8s. pleuch siluer, 12d. hwik siluer, in all £28, 5s.
Scots old ferme ; also the sum of £3, 5s. Scots for getting, carrying, and building turfs or
peats, and 3s. Scots for ariages, carriages, and other dues of the lands of Dorare, Wlgrame
Moir, Wlgrame Beig, Subambuster, Halkrik, Westerdaill, Esterdaill, Thormeskeyth or Thor
mesdaill, Miremichaelis, Deren, and Alterwall, and the 3£ pennylands of Stanstell ; extending

DORNOCH.] PAROCHIALES. 613

altogether in money fermes, victual fermes, grassum marts, horse corn, sheaves of oats, hal
lows of straw, muttons, capons, poultry, hens, teindsheaves, plewch siluer, hicik siluor, pete
siluer, arriages, carriages, and all due services and fishings of the said lands, to the sum of
£183, 4s. 3Jd. Scots old fernie, and 40s. in augmentation — the grantee accordingly paying
yearly the sum of £185, 4s. 3^d. — seisin for the lands in Strathnavar to be taken at Gauldwall
in Ardwirnes, and for the lands in Cathanes at Dorare.1 In 1560 the same bishop, for certain
sums of money paid by the same earl, and for his defence of the canons and others in hoc
periculoso tempore et in futuro, granted to the earl and his countess as before the same lands
and offices granted in 1557 and 1559, with the addition of Skebo-castell with the castle,
fortalice, and the pendicles, namely, Bramort, the east half of Skebo called the columbarium or
Dowcatland with the alehouse, in Sutherland, and the lands of Brymmis (or Halfbrimes), namely,
13^ pennylands, in Cathanes — the additional lands in Sutherland extending in the rental to
15 bolls forme victual and dry multure at 10s., 2 bolls and 2 firlots of horse corn at 5s.,
£5, 13s. 4d. for the alehouse and money ferme, 20s. grassum, and 30 poultry at 3d., in all
£15, 3s. 4d. — and the lands of Brymmis in Cathanes, except those formerly leased to Master
Walter Innes, to 40 bolls 2 firlots of ferme victual at 8s. 4d., 18s. grassum, 6 bolls of horse
corn at 4s. 2d., 96 sheaves of oats at Id., 96 hallows of straw at l^d., 36 poultry with 6
halkhenneis at 2d., 2s. hicik siluer, 6s. plewch siluer, 3 grassum marts at 30s., in all £25, 5s. 6d. —
the grantee paying yearly the sum of £295, 8s. 6£d., including £5 of augmentation.2 In
the same year (1560) the bishop added to his grant the lands of Kilmale and Rogart, extending
to £30 — the grantee thus paying yearly for the whole the sum of £328, 8s. Id., including
£3 of augmentation.3 In 1564 the same bishop — on the narrative that the above lands had
been forfeited by John late earl of Sutherland for treason and lesemajesty on 28 May 15C3,
and that Queen Mary, considering that Alexander Gordoun the earl's son was an infant and
had not partaken in his father's crime, had by letters dated 6 March 1563 (1564) presented
him to the bishop as feufermar of those lands — granted them to Alexander in heritage, reserving
the liferent to the lady Helen (or Elenour) Stewart, the mother of Alexander, and countess of
Errol and of Sutherland ; the whole rental extending to the sum of £475, 12s. 10d., with
£5 in augmentation, exclusive of the lands of Kilmale and Rogart ; the grantee paying yearly
those sums, and for Kilmalekirktoun with the teindsheaves and Rogartmoir with the mill and
alehouse £30, in all £510, 12s. lOd. saluo iusto calculo.* The bishop at the same time appointed
Alexander Gordoun hereditary bailie of all the lands and possessions of the bishoprick on the
following terms — that he should not appoint a deputy without the bishop's consent — that,
if the bishop should grant any of his lands in feufernie or in long leases, he should reserve
the bailiary to Alexander Gordoun, as bound by his own charter to the late Earl John dated
8 December 1553 — and that grants or leases made by the bishop after the grant of the

1 Sutherland Charters. The seal of the chapter at- 3 Sutherland Charters. The yearly payments are

tached to this deed bears the legend s. CAPITVLI EC- given from the originals, although not always calcu-

CLESIE SANCTE DEI GENiTBicis MAKIE CATANENSis. lated with correctness.

3 Ibid. Protocol book of William Gray at Dunrobin. * Ibid.

VOL. II. 4 I

G14 OKLG-INES [DOBNOCH.

bailiary to Earl John should not in any way prejudice Alexander — to whom the bishop further
granted £100 yearly out of the readiest profits of the said lands as bailie's fee, reserving as
before the liferent to the lady Helen Stewart.1 And, as the castles of Skebo and Scrabustar
and the palace of Dornoch were situated in a wintry region and among the wild and uncivilised
Scots, the bishop appointed Alexander and his heirs hereditary constables of the same, granting
them all the rights and services due to the office, his lands of Skebocastell extending yearly
to £13, 3s. 4d., the 9^ pennylands of Scrabustar with the castle extending to £27, 12s. lid.,
and his lands, crofts, and acres of the whole city of Dornoch extending to £10, in all
£52, 16s. 3d., for their expenses in keeping those castles, which should be built and maintained
by the bishop at his own expense for his reception when in those parts.3 Seisin was appointed
to be taken for the lands of Wester Skebo and others contained in the grant of 1557 at
the castles of Skebo or Scrabustar or at the palace of Dornoch — for Gauldwale and those
contained in the grant of 1559 at Gauldwale in Ardurnes or at Dorare in Cathanes — and
for Kilmalekirktoun with the teindsheaves and alehouses, and Eogartmoir with the mill and
alehouse, on the lands of Kilmalekirktoun.3 Between the years 1561 and 1566 we have the fol
lowing rental, which does not always tally with the above grants. ' The rentall of the bishoprik
of Cathnes giwin in be [Johne Kennedy]. Item the barronie of Ardurines callit xv dawoch land
with the salmond fishing of the samyne, pendicles and pertinentis thairof, with the tcindshawis of
the samin, sett in few and payis yeirlie in all dewtie £81, 6s. 8d. Item the townis of Skaill and
Ilegeboll payis yeirlie in all dewtie £6 money. Item the barronie of Skebo with pendicles
and pertinentis thairof sett in few and payis yeirlie in all dewtie the sowme of £54, 19s. Sd.
Item Stoirdaill, Nygdaill (Mygdaill), and Lytill Croicht, sett in few for the yeirlie pay
ment of £20. Item Kilmaliekirktoun and Eoard payis yeirlie the sowme in few mail],
xx merkis money. Item the croftis and tenomentis in Dornoche payis yeirlie the sowme of
£10. — The few landis within Cathnes. Item the barronie of May with pendicles and perti
nentis thairof sett in few to the erle of Cathnes paying yeirlie in all dewtie £84. Item
the town of Dorare payis yeirlie in all dewtie the sowme of £15, 18s. 5d. Item Lytill
Vllagrahame yeirlie in ail £7. Subumster yeirlie in all dewtie 11s. 3d. Haliecrik, with
myln, cowff, and salmond fishing, payis yeirlie in all dewtie £16, 17s. lid. Wasterdaill
yeirlie in all dewtie £4 money. Eisturdaill yeirlie in all dewtie £3 money. Thormsdaill
yeirlie in all dewtie 20s. Meremechalis yeirlie in all dewtie 13s. 4d. Stansall yeirlie in
all dewtie £9. Lyth within the paroshin of Bowar in all dewtie £9. Atterdaill (Alterwall)
yeirlie in all dewtie £5, 8s. 8d. Derane yeirlie in all dewtie £28, 5s. Item thir particular
townis fewit and payis mair in augmentatioun of the rentall £3, 5s. ; Brymis yeirlie in all
dewtie £46 ; Forss with the mylne and salmond fishing thairof payis yeirlie in all dewtie
£28, 4s. 6d. ; Bailzie payis yeirlie in all dewtie 56s. ; the twa pairt of Lochmoir (Lythmoir)
with the twa pairt of Awist and tua pennyland mair nor the saidis tua pairtis payis yeirlie in

DORNOCH.] PAROCHIALES. 615

all dewtie £21, 8s. 4d. ; Stambusteir in all dcwtie £9, 16s. 8d. ; Scrabuster in all dowtie
£34, 15s, ; the croftis of Scrabuster yeirlie 10s. ; the quarter of the waiter of Thurseth payis
yeirlie in all dewtie £13, 6s., 8d. ; Tenpennyland in Weik with Bishopisqwyis and Canisqwyis
yeirlie in all £16s. 6s. 4d. ; North Kilmster yeirlie in all £19, 16s. 8d ; the myln of Vindleis
yeirlie in all £5 ; thrie ottomis in Netherlandnorne (Myrelandnorne) yeirlie 5s. ; the mylne
of Lythmoir in all £6, 5s. Item thir particullar townis fewit and payis mair in augmentatioun
of rentall £6 mony ; Item for the annuellis of Thursocht, of the tenentis thairof yeirlie vi
do[sane] geis (on margin, presentlie xii li. vs., vi do[sane] geis). Sumnia of this haill tempo-
ralitio £607, 18s. od. — The rentall of the teindis of the bisehoprik foirsaid. Item the teind-
sliawis of the paroshin of Ray within Cathnes sett in assedatioun yeirlie for the sowme of
£79, 6s. 8d. Item the teindshawis of the paroshin of Thursoche within Cathnes sett in asse
datioun for the yeirlie sowme of £126, 16s. 8d. Item the teindshavis of the paroshin of Weik
within Cathnes sett in assedatioun for the yeirlie payment of £196, 13s. 4d. Item the teind
shavis of the paroshin of Lethrin within Cathnes set in assedatioun for the yeirlie payment
of £81, lls. 8d. Item the teindshawis of the paroshin of Lothe within Swthirland sett in
assedatioun for the yeirlie payment of £75, 17s. 4d. Item the teindshavis of the paroshin

of Kilmaly within Suthirland sett in assedatioun for the yeirlie payment of £105, 15s.

Deducit. Item thair is to be deducit of this prenominat rentall that is giwin in yeirlie
pensioun to Mr. Alexander Gordoun bishop of Galloway, &e. to the quhilk he is prouidit,
and cautioun actit for yeirlie payment thairof, videlicet the sowme of 500 merkis money.1
Item mair to be deducit yeirlie for contributioun to be payit to the Lordis of Counsall £14.
Item siklyk to be deducit in heritable bailzie fie to my Lord of Suthirland £100 mony
conforme to his infeftment maid thairvpon. — This rentall presentit be Johne Kennedie.
Subscryvit with my hand. Sie subscribitur, Johne Kennedy with my hand. — Money,
£1283, 18s. 9d. ; 3 thairof £426, 19s. 7d. Geis vi do[sane] ; 3 thairof ii do [sane]. All
vthir thingis omittit. — Memorandum that this be tain vp but prejudice of the auld rentall
quhill thir takis and fewis be producit to sie the tyme of thair giwing.'2 In 1570, in a
feud between the earl of Caithness and the Murrays of Sutherland, while Dornoch was
occupied by the latter, the master of Caithness burned the cathedral with the exception of
the steeple, which with the castle was held by the other party.3 We are not informed that
the bishop acted any part in that matter, but he probably took the side of the Murrays and
of Earl Alexander, to the latter of whom in 1577 he gave seisin of all the lands formerly
granted to him in his minority.4 In the same year he is styled earl of Marche and bishop
of Cathenis, in 1579 earl of Levenax and bishop of Cathnes, and in 1581 earl of Marche,
commendator of the priory of Saint Andrews, and bishop of Cathnes.5 In the last of those
years he granted to Alexander earl of Sutherland a new infeftment in the same lands and

1 This is Alexander Gordon who was appointed - Book of Assumptions.

bishop on the rebellion of Bishop Robert — and from 3 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 156.

this it appears that the latter had been restored to the 4 Sutherland Charters,

see only on the arrangement here stated. 5 Ibid.

616 ORIGIKES [DORXOCH.

offices granted to him in 1564, and specified in the bishop's precept of seisin of 15 January 1576
(1577), which the earl had resigned in the bishop's inner chamber in the abbey (priory) of
Saint Andrews.1 In 1605, on 5 November, the day of ' the detestable powder treasone,' the
pillars ' of the north syd of the body of the cathedrall church at Dornogh (apparently half of
those of the nave) were blowen from the verie roots and foundation quyt and clein over the
outer walls of the church.' 2 The repair of the church was begun by John earl of Sutherland
in 1614, and after his death in 1615 was continued by Sir Robert Gordon tutor of Sutherland,
the historian of the family, who in 1617 caused it to be roofed with slate from a quarry newly
opened in the neighbourhood.3 In 1641 King Charles I. granted to Mr. Alexander Monro
minister at Durnoch and his successors serving the cure of that church, 'being the cathedrall
kirk of the dyocie of Caithnes,' the sum of 800 marks Scots in money or 8 chalders in victual
in augmentation of their stipend from the rents of the bishoprick in the parish of Thurso and
elsewhere, on condition that they should pay yearly 300 marks for upholding the fabrick of
the church and 200 marks to help to provide a schoolmaster for the grammar school.4

In 1363 a charter of William Pop the son and heir of William Pop burgess of Elgin is
witnessed by Malcolm of Alues (or Alnes) dean of Cathanes.5 In 1455 the grant of Bishop
William to his brother Gilbert Mudy, above cited, was witnessed by Patrick Fraser dean of
Cathanes.6 In 1487 Sir Donald Ros dean of Cathanes witnessed the foundation charter of
the collegiate church of Tayne.7 Master Adam Gordoun, a canon of Moray (apparently pre
centor), was also dean of Caithness in the end of the fifteenth and beginning of the sixteenth
century.8 He is said, as we have seen, to have ruled the bishoprick during a vacancy of 24
years, and he died on 5 June 1529.9 On 12 June following Master Alexander Suthirland
was dean of Cathanes.10 He was the son of William Suthirland of Duffous and Jonct Innes,
rector of Duffous in Moray, and latterly official of that diocese.11 In 1512 he was made
rector of Duffous, and in 1524 perpetual chaplain of the chapel of the Virgin Mary of the
castle of Duftous, and in 1526 took the oath of canonical obedience to Robert bishop of
Moray.12 In 1529 after he was made dean of Cathanes, in 1532, and in 1535, he witnessed
various charters given in Moray and Sutherland.13 In 1537 he resigned to Bishop Andrew
all right which he had in the lands of Achloch.14 In 1538 (10 August) Thomas Young
burgess of Elgin sold to the dean of Cathanes a stone ' ducat' on the south side of the
burgh of Elgin with a space of 12 feet on every side of it, which the dean in the same
year (14 August) gave to found two anniversaries in the choir of the cathedral of Moray
for the weal of the souls of his parents William Sutherland of Duffous and Jonet Innes, of

1 Sutherland Charters. Sutherland, p. 104. There was at the same time au

2 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 255. Adam Gordon prebend of Petty and Bracholy.

! Ibid., pp. 309, 346. 9 See above, p. 608. Genealogy of the Earls of

1 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. v. pp. 599, 600. Sutherland, p. 104.

5 Reg. Morav., p. 313. "' Regist. Moravicnse, p. 416.

6 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. viii. no. 123. " Ibid., pp. 371, 374, 398, 401, 402, 416, 429, 430.
' Ibid., lib. x. no. 109. 12 Ibid., pp. 372, 401.

9 Regist. Moravicnse, pp. 236, 237, 238, 240, 241, >3 Ibid., pp. 374, 416. Sutherland Charters.
243-245, 257. 202, 204, 402. Genealogy of the Earls of " Sutherland Charters.

DORNOCH.] PAEOCHIALES. <;i7

William Sutherland of Duffous his brother, of Master Adam Gordoun dean of Cathanes and
canon of Moray, and of himself the founder.1 In 1542, 1544, 1549, and 1551, he still appears
as dean of Cathanes, rector of Duffus, and official of Moray.3 From 1557 to 1562 Master
William Hepburn appears as dean.3 In 1565 Henrie and Marie king and queen of Scots
presented Gawine Boirthuik, the lawful son of Michael Boirthuik of Glengelt, to the deanery
of Caithnes then vacant by the decease of Master William Hepburne.4 In 1566 (19 July),
within the choir of the cathedral church of Dornoch, John Kennetye living in Clynekirk-
town, in virtue of the above presentation and of a letter of collation by Robert bishop of
Caithnes dated at the palace of Scrabuster on 1 June 1566, and as the procurator of Gavin
Borthuik, received seisin of the dean's stall and place in the chapter from Master Thomas
Brady vicar pensionary of the parish church of Wattin as the executor specified in the
bishop's letter.5 Gavin Borthuik, afterwards Master Gavin, held the deanery till 1607 or
1608, when he resigned.6 In 1608 (5 January) King James VI. presented Master John
Gray, the son of Gilbert Graye of Suardell, to the deanery of Cathnes then vacant by the
resignation of Gavane Borthuik.7 In 1610 Master John Gray, with the consent of the bishop
and chapter, leased to John master of Sutherland for life, and to his heirs and assignees for
twice 19 years, the teinds of Clyne belonging to the deanery, and the dean's quarter of the
teindsheaves of the parish of Dornoch and of the teind vicarage, namely, the teindsheaves
and teind vicarage of the town and lands of Eyndboll, Balknok, Auchintreasurer, Auchin-
chanter, Pittgrodie, Auchincloich, Auchinlong, Ballalone, Dauchfin, Auchgormlarie, Auche-
vauch, and of the town and lands of Dornoch, all in the parish of Dornoch, for the yearly
payment of 40 bolls of bear between Yuill and Candlemess, and of the sum of 193 marks
3 shillings and 4 pence.8 In 1656 Master Robert Gray provost of Dornoche was served
heir to his father Master John Gray dean of Cathnes in the manse and croft called ' the
' Deane of Cathnes mans and croft' in the city of Dornoche, of the extent of 40 shillings
and 3s. 4d. in augmentation — and in the town and lands of Auchinloynge in the parish of
Dornoche and earldom of Sutherland, of the extent of 4 marks 2s. 4d.9

In 1368 a charter of William earl of Ross is witnessed by Sir John Derlynge precentor
of Caitnes.10 In 1455 John Kenniti was precentor of Cathanes.11 In 1497 (apparently after
10 August), during the vacancy of the see, King James IV. presented Nicholace Patersoun
to the chantry of Cathnes vacant by the decease of John Kennachtsoun (perhaps the same
as John Kenniti).12 In the same year (17 September) King James presented Master James
Betoun to the chantry, then vacant by the decease of Master James Auchinlek, last possessor
of the same.13 On 20 September he presented Sir John Poilsoun to the chantry of Dornoch
vacant by the resignation of Master James Auchinlek last possessor.1* On 11 October he again
presented Master James Betoun to the same chantry vacant by the decease of Master James

1 Reg. Morav. pp. 401, 402. 9 Retours.

* Ibid., pp. 398, 429, 430. Sutherland Charters. 10 Balnagown Charters.

3 Sutherland Charters. Reg. Morav., pp. 404, 414. " Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. viii. no 123.

4 Sutherland Charters. 12 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. i. fol. 13.

Mbid. 6 Ibid. "Ibid. s Ibid. 13 Ibid., fol. 18. » Ibid.,fol. 10.

618 OEIGINES [DORNOCH.

Auchinlek.1 In 1499 (3 November) he presented Sir John Poylsoun to the chantry of
Cathanes, when it should be vacant by the resignation of Master James Betoun last possessor.2
In 1504 (24 February) Sir John Poilson was precentor of Cathanes.3 In 1515 (9 March) Sir
Thomas Murray precentor of the cathedral church of Cathanes resigned certain lands in
Dornoch, and in the same year (28 September) he witnessed a charter of Andrew Kynnard
of Kynnard and Skelbo.* The same Sir Thomas appears as chanter in various following
years down to the year 1546.5 From 1557 to 1562 the chanter was Eobert Stewart.6 In
1559, with the consent of Bishop Eobert and of the dean and chapter, for the augmenta
tion of his rental by the sum of 3s. 4d., and for certain sums of money and other favours
bestowed upon him by John earl of Southirland, he granted to that earl, to his wife Helen
countess of Errol, and to the heirs of their body, with remainder to the earl's heirs whom
soever, all his lands commonly called the Chantourisfeild, with their pendicles and pertinents
as well cultivated as to be cultivated, lying between the town and the lands of Denisfeild
on the west, the lands of Bellinknok called the Archidenisfeild on the east, descending to
the lands of Auchekehoch belonging to Thomas Poison of Creychmoir towards the south, and
the Thesaurarisfeild on the north, within the barony of Skelbo and Dorhoch and sheriffdom
of Innernes, extending in his old rental to the sum of 40s. Scots yearly, the grantee paying
that sum and 3s. 4d. in augmentation.7 In 1562 (September) with the same consent he
leased to the same earl, his countess, and their heirs, for 19 years, his benefice of the chantry,
including the parsonage and vicarage of Creich, together with his quarter of the parsonage
and vicarage of Dornoch, namely, the teindsheaves of Strathormlie and the other teinds what
soever according to use and wont, with his glebe called the Chantourisfeild with the manse
and croft in the city of Dornoch — the entry to be ' at the feist of Beltane callit Phillope
and Jacobi' following the above date, and the yearly payment £100 Scots, from which was
to be deducted yearly the curate's fee and the fee of the staller in Dornoch.8 In 1577
Gilbert Gray chanter of Cathenis, with the consent of Eobert earl of Marche and bishop of
Cathenis, and of the chapter, leased the chantry for thrice 19 years to Alexander earl of
Sutherland and his heirs for a yearly payment of £102 Scots.9 In 1579 John Gray of
Sordell and Elizabeth Barclay his wife resigned to that earl a thrice 19 years' lease of one
fourth of the chantry, granted to them by their son Gilbert Gray the chanter with consent
of Eobert earl of Levenax and bishop of Cathnes, in lieu of which the earl appointed them
his assignees to the same.10 In 1583 King James VI. presented Donald Logane minister of
Creych to the chantry of Caithnes, vacant by the resignation of Gilbert Gray.11 Master
William Pape was chanter in 1602 ; and in 1607, with the consent of the bishop, dean, and
chapter, he leased to John earl of Sutherland for life, and to his heirs and assignees for 19 years,
reserving the liferent to himself, the teindsheaves of the chanter's quarter towns and lands lying
in the earldom and sheriffdoni of Sutherland and barony of Pronsie, namely, of the towns and
lands of Evelik, Eiarchar, Arsdaill, Karnamein, Pronsiecastelltoun, Pronsienaine, and Pronsiecroy,

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. i. fol. 19. 2 Ibid., fol. 95. 6 Ibid. " Ibid. « Ibid.

3 Sutherland Charters. * Ibid. « Ibid. « Ibid. w Ibid. " Ibid.

DORNOCH.] PAEOCHIALES. 619

all in the parish of Dornoch — the lessee paying yearly for Evelik 1 chalder of teind, for
Riarchar 9 bolls, for Arsdaill and Karnamein 8 bolls, for Pronsiecastelltoun 8 bolls, for Pronsif-
naine 6 bolls, and for Pronsiecroy 3 bolls, in all 50 bolls of teind victual, or 10s. for each boll.1
In the year 1390 Sir John of Abyrkerdor, with the consent of the bishop of Catenes, resigned
the chancellary of Catenes, the chaplainry of Saint Michael in the cathedral church of Moray,
and the chaplainry of the Inche, to be exchanged for the prebend of 100 shillings or of Saint
Giles with the vicarage of Elgyn held by Sir William of Lonkfordyn, who appears to have been
then appointed chancellor of Catenes.2 Bishop William's charter of 1455 is witnessed by Thomas
Quhit chancellor.3 In 1497 King James IV. during the vacancy of the see presented Master
Patrick Dunbar to the chancellary of Cathanes, when it should be vacant by the resignation of
Sir William Tarall.4 In 1524 a charter is witnessed by Sir William Fudes chancellor of Caithnes,
who probably died or was removed in that year, as Sir John Dingvale, archdeacon of Moray and
rector of Strabrok in Linlithgw, seems to have been then promoted from the archdeaconry of
Cathnes to the chancellary.5 In 1536 a transaction between Hugh Kanide of Garwenmanis and
John Murray of Cambussaffe was ' done in the manse of the chancellor of Cathanes within the
city of Dornoch.'6 From 1544 to 1554 the chancellor was Sir John Mathesoun.7 In 1547
Queen Mary presented Master John Craig to the vicarage of Thorso in the diocese of Gallianos,
when it should be vacant by the resignation of Sir John Mathesoun the chancellor or otherwise.8
In 1548 Sir John was one who together with the bishop had to find surety to answer before the
civil court for seizing on the fruits of the bishoprick.9 From 1557 to 1564 Master John Jarsom.
Jersom, or Jaksoun appears as chancellor.10 In 1560, for certain services done and sums of
money paid to him by Alexander Lowell, the chancellor granted to him in heritage the lands of
Pitgrwthee with the pertinents and the culture of the lands to be newly improved (melioran-
(iarum), lying in the earldom of Sutherland and sheriffdom of Innernes, and extending in his
rental, in ferme, grassum, and all other duties, to the sum of 4 marks Scots yearly — and also the
croft of the chancellary descending straight from his manse and the principal house and garden
of the same, with its two usual particles (or perticates) and tails, together with the upper part
of the manse and chief house of the same being then a waste tenement, lying between the said
house called the old manse and the king's high way, and bounded by the manse or waste tene
ment of the precentor of Cathanes on the east, and the manse or waste tenement of the treasurer
on the west, both contiguous — the grantee paying yearly for Pitgrowthyee the said 4 marks,
for the croft of the chancellary 10 shillings, and for the waste manse 2 shillings, all of old
ferme, with an augmentation of 3s. for Pitgrowthyee, 12d. for the croft, and 2s. for the waste
manse.11 In 1577, 1579, and 1581 the chancellor was George Synclar, and in 1602 and
1610 Thomas Pape.12

1 Sutherland Charters. ' Ibid. Keg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxx. no. 206. Reg. Sec.

2 Regist. Moraviense, pp. 203, 324. Sig., vol. xxi. fol. 27 ; vol. xxvi. fol. 74. Pitcairn's
•' Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. viii. no. 123. See p. 607. Crim. Trials, vol. i. p. 337*.

4 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. i. fol. 16. 8 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxi. fol. 27.

5 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xx.nn. 116,124. Reg. Sec. Sig., 9 Pitcairn, vol. i. p. 337*. See p. 610.

vol. vii. ff. 93, 104 ; vol. viii. fol. 26. 10 Sutherland Charters. Protocol Book of William

6 Sutherland Charters. Gray at Dunrobin. " Sutherland Charters. >2 Ibid.

620 ORIGINES [oowxoon.

The treasurer of Cathanes in 1455 was William Tulloch.1 In 1494 the treasurership was
claimed severally by Sir Thomas Myrtoun and Master Thomas the Hay, who were on that account
summoned before the civil court in name of King James IV. as patron of the benefice during the
vacancy of the see, and required to produce proof of their claims which might be submitted to
the arbitration of certain prelates and clergy.2 Sir Thomas Myrtoun agreed to have the matter
settled thus, but Master Thomas Hay protested and appealed to Rome.3 The king's secretary
therefore required Master Thomas in the king's name either to abide by the determination of
clergy chosen as arbiters by both parties, or to undergo the penalty of the law for pursuing a
matter that touched the king's privilege ' vttouth his realme.'4 To this he finally agreed, and by
the consent of both parties Master Adam of Gordoun parson of Kingkell, Master Andrew Liel
treasurer of Abirden, Master Thomas Strathauchin parson of Tulynessil, and Master Alexander
Cambell parson of Banchre, were chosen as arbiters, with one of the three following as
' owrman,' namely, Master Eichard Murhed dean of Glasgw secretary, Master Johne Fresale
dean of Lestalrig clerk of register, and Master Gavin Dunbar dean of Murray, and, they failing,
a canon of Abirden to be chosen by the arbiters.5 The parties were appointed to meet in the
cathedral church of Abirden or in the town of Abirden on 2 September 1494, and the arbiters
required to decide the case between that and 6 September following.6 In 1530 Master Thomas
Stewart treasurer of Caithness (probably the same who previously appears as rector of Duthell
in Moray) and certain others found caution for their appearance in court to answer for being art
and part in the slaughter of William Sutherland of Dufhouse, who was slain in Thurso at the
instigation of Andrew Stuart bishop of Caithness.7 The same Master Thomas appears as trea
surer in 1537, 1544, and 1546. 8 In 1547 Queen Mary presented Master William Gordoun
rector of Duthell to the treasurership of the cathedral church of Cathnes, vacant or when vacant
by the resignation or decease of Master Thomas Stewart.9 In 1548 the same queen presented
Master David Carnegy to the treasurership, then vacant by the decease of the same Master
Thomas.10 Master William Gordoun however was treasurer in 1552, and held the office till the
year 1564 or later.11 In 1564 John Murray was served heir male to Alexander Murray his
brother's son in a piece or particate of land called Akchinthesaurar in the bishoprick of Cathanes,
of the extent of 5 marks and 3s. 4d. in augmentation.12 In 1577, 1581, and 1602 the treasurer
was William Gray, and in 1610 the office appears to have been held by Master Alexander Gray.13
In 1656 Alexander Sutherland of Torboll was served heir to his brother-german John Suther
land in Skelbo in the lands of Auchinthesawrer of the extent of 5 marks.14

In 1328 Andrew Hirdmanniston archdeacon of Cathanes witnessed the settlement of a
controversy made in the chapel of the manor of the bishop of Moray at Kynedor between
the chanter and subchanter of the latter diocese.15 In 1365 Sir John of Moray was

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. viii. no. 123. 9 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xx. fol. 95.

2 Aeta Dom. Cone., pp. 334, 335. "' Ibid., vol. xxi. fol. 84.

1 Ibid., p. 335. 4 Ibid. " Lettcrfinlay Charters. Sutherland Charters. Pro-

3 Ibid., p. 341. « Ibid., pp. 341, 342. tocol Book of William Gray.

' Pitcairrrs Crira. Trials, vol. i. p. 149«. 12 Retours. " Sutherland Charters.

* Sutherland Charters. » Retours. I5 Reg. Morav., p. 152.

DOBNOCH.] PAEOCHIALES. 621

archdeacon of Cathanes. l In 1396 Alexander bishop of Moray, considering the earnest
desire of John of Inncs, archdeacon of Catanes, clerk, and a native of his diocese, to study the
canon law in the University of Paris, and seeing that the fruits of his archdeaconry were
insufficient for the fulfilment of that desire, granted to him for a continuance the tithes of the
'airs' and courts of the whole diocese of Moray. 2 In 1455 the archdeacon of Cathanes
was Alexander Suthirland the son of Alexander Suthirland of Dunbeath.3 In 1456 his
father Alexander bequeathed to him the sum of £200 in the hands of Sir James of Weik
to pass for him on a pilgrimage to Saint Peter of Home, and appointed him one of a number
of persons at whose disposal he placed all his goods not disponed in his will.4 In 1520 and
1524 the archdeacon was Sir John Dingvale, who in the latter year appears to have been
made chancellor.5 In 1529 a charter is witnessed by William Gordone archdeacon.6 In
1544 the archdeacon was Master James Bridy or Brady, who held the same office also in
1550 and 1551. 7 In one of the latter years, with the consent of John Sinclair his coadjutor
and future successor in the archdeaconry, of Robert bishop elect and confirmed, and of the
dean and chapter, and for certain sums of money and other favours, he granted in heritage
to Alexander Murray M'Schir-Angus the lands of Balleknok with the culture of lands to be
newly improved, lying in the earldom of Sutherland and shcriffdom of Innernes, and ex
tending in mail, grassum, and all dues, to £3, 6s. 8d. — the grantee paying yearly that sum
with 3s. 4d. in augmentation.8 John Sinclair appears as archdeacon in 1558, and in various
years between that and 1577.9 In the last named year (4 January) Alexander Murray fear
of the town and lands of Balleknok, with the consent of his wile Martell Bos liferenter,
granted to his firstborn son Thomas Murray and to his male heirs by his wife Margaret
Murray, with remainder to the heirs of Thomas whomsoever, his lands of Balleknok, reserving
the liferent to Alexander and his wife Martell, to be held of John Sinclair archdeacon of
Cathanes and his successors according to the charter of James Brady.10 In the same year (1 June)
Master Robert Innes was archdeacon.11 He again appears as archdeacon in 1580 and 1581. n
In 1610 the archdeacon was Master M. Pont.13 In 1633 William Lord Sinclair of Berridaill
granted the patronage of the archdeaconry to Sir George Hamiltoun of Blaikburne, and King
Charles I. confirmed the grant.1* In 1644 George earl of Caitlmes, Lord Sinclair of Berridaill,
was served heir male in the archdeaconry to his father John master of Berriedaill.15

We have no satisfactory account of the connexion of the abbot of Scone with the see of
Caithness. Between the years 1165 and 1206 Harald Earl of Orkney, Hetland, and Catanes,
for the souls of his predecessors and of himself and his wife, granted to the canons of Scon
a mark of silver yearly after the weight of the Scottish mark, to be paid by himself, his
son Turphin, and his heirs for ever.16 Between 1214 and 1249 King Alexander II. addressed

1 Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross. 6 Sutherland Charters. "Ibid.

3 Reg. Morav., p. 206. « Ibid. » Ibid.

3 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. viii.no. 123. Misc. of Bannatyne 10 Ibid. » Ibid.

Club, vol. iii. 4 Misc. of Bannatyne Club, vol. iii. 12 Ibid. "Ibid.

5 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. v. fol. 146 ; vol. vii. ff. 93, 104. 14 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. v. p. 154.

Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xx. nn. 116, 124. 15 Retours. K Liber Ecclesie de Scon, p. 37.

VOL. II. 4 K

622 ORIGINES [DOKSOCH.

a letter to his sheriffs, bailies, and men of Moray and of Catanes, informing them that he
had taken under his especial protection the ship of the abbot and convent of Scon, and the
men and goods which they had therein ; forbidding them on pain of his full forfeiture in any
way to injure the said ship, men, or goods ; and commanding that, when the ship should pass
to them, they should maintain and defend it and the men therein, not allowing any one to
injure or aggrieve them, and should freely allow them to buy in those parts whatever things
might be necessary for the victual of the abbot and convent.1 Between 1223 and 1245, as
we have seen, the abbot of Scon was recognised if not then first instituted as a canon of
Cathanes with the church of Kelduninach (Kildonan) for his prebend, being bound according
to Bishop Gilbert's constitution to serve in the cathedral church by a vicar and in his prebendal
church by a qualified priest, but not bound to reside in either.2 In 1226 Pope Honorius III.
confirmed to the canons of Scon the church of Kyldonach with its chapels and lands.3

There were, as we have seen, other three prebends constituted by the charter of Bishop
Gilbert, namely, those of Olrick, Dunnet, and Cannisbay, the history of which will be given
under the heads of those parishes.4 Other three prebends were subsequently instituted,
namely, the rectory of Assynt, the chaplainry of Helmsdale, and the chaplainry of Kinnald
in the cathedral church.5 In 1544 Sir Alexander Gray, chaplain of the chaplainry of Kinauld
in the cathedral church of Cathanes, and vicar penitentiary of Kobert bishop elect and con-
finned, for the augmentation of his rental by the sum of 10s. 4d., with the consent of the
bishop, dean, and chapter, granted to John Gray of Culmaly and his wife Jonet Mathesoun,
and to the heirs male got between them, with remainder to Patrick Gray the brother german
of John and to the heirs male of his body, to James Gray the paternal cousin of John and
the heirs male of his body, to the elder of John Gray's female heirs without division, and to
his heirs and assignees whomsoever, his lands of Auchinlong lying in the diocese of Cathanes
and sheriflilom of Innernes.6 In 1569 Robert bishop of Cathanes presented William Gray
his minister of Dornoch to the chaplainry of Kinnald, vacant by the resignation of Alexander
Gray.7 In 1G49 Master James Gray preacher at Lairge, for certain sums of money paid to
him by his lawful son Master William Gray preacher at Clyne, sold to him and his heirs
titulo oneroso his dwelling or manse (mansio) called the prebendary's manse of Kinnald,
lying within the city of Dornoche between the manse of the rector of Assint on the east, the
via arcti vici ' lie narrowe vynd gate' ascending to the top of the hill on the west, the common
road on the south, and the said hill to the top of the same on the north — also his croft called
Croftnacallache lying on the west of Dornoche, between the lands of Drumdivan and the
common road on the north and south, and the common roads on the east and west — for
yearly payment of 6s. 8d. Scots old feuferme to the king, and IGd. in augmentation, in all
8 shillings.8

1 Liber Ecclesie de Scon, p. 45. 5 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. viii. no. 123. Sutherland C'har-

2 Sutherland Charters. See above, p. 602. tors. Sir Robert Gordon says that the chapel stood at

3 Lib. Eccles. de Scon, p. 67. See KILDONAN post. Kinnald. Genealogy of the Earls, p. 3.

1 See above, p. 602. 6 Sutherland Charters. 7 Ibid. » Ibid.

DORNOCH.] PAEOCHIALES. 623

Of other functionaries connected with the cathedral we have the following notices. In 1272
a charter of John Fraser of Glenwym given apud wbem veterem is witnessed by Henry of
Nothingham canon of Cathanes.1 In 1365 there appear in record Sir John of Gamery and
Sir Symon canons of Caithnes.2 In 1472 a charter of the lands of Thorboll is witnessed by
Sir Farchard penitentiary of the cathedral church, and Sir Henry Wormot sacrist ; and in
1544, as we have seen, Sir Alexander Gray chaplain of Kinauld was also vicar penitentiary
of Robert bishop elect and confirmed of Cathanes.3 In 1504 we have Robert Ralston the
bishop's clerk, and in 1569 William Gray the bishop's minister at Dornoch.4 In 1512 the
seisin of certain crofts in Dornoch is witnessed by Masters and Sirs Malcolm Rattar, Laurence
Smyth, Donald Swyithne, and Andrew Feme, chaplains of the choir of the cathedral church ;
in 1527 we meet with Sir William Vmfray and Sir Donald Reid chaplains ; in 1544 Sir
Robert Bonar, Sir James Fern, Sir Thomas Raburne, and Sir Robert Stewart, chaplains ;
in 1545 Sir Robert Feme chaplain ; in 1546 Sir John Trumbull and Sir Thomas Raburne
priests, and Sir Robert Feme, Sir Patrick Stephenson, and Sir Donald Reid, chaplains ; and in
1576 Sir Farquhard Lesle chaplain (sacellanus) ; in each case probably chaplains of the choir.5
In 1539 William Sinclaire rector of Olrik appears as commissary pf Cathanes ; in 1562 we
have Richard Pyot officer of the commissariat of Cathanes ; and in 1633 is recorded the death
of another commissary Robert Monro.6 In 1546 appears Sir Robert Steward curate of
Dornoch, and in 1568, 1569, and 1576 Farquhard Lesly vicar pensionary of the parish church
of Dornoch.7

The church of Saint Bar, taken down, as we have seen, about the beginning of the seven
teenth century, wholly ignored in our statistical accounts, and now locally forgotten, stood
about the middle of the town of Dornoch beside the cross still standing and on the site of
the former council-house and prison removed in 1813.8

The church of Saint Gilbert, built within a few yards of the church of Saint Bar, was partly
ruinous in the end of the last century, and till the year 1835, when it was rebuilt from the
foundation except the central tower.9 It seems to have been wholly First-pointed, except the
aisles of the nave, which had circular-headed windows.10 To the north of the choir was attached
a strongly vaulted building, probably the chapter-house, but latterly used as a prison.11 South
west from the nave was a detached chapel, the burying-place of the Gordons of Embo.12 As
rebuilt, the church within walls is of the following dimensions — length of church 126 feet ;
height from floor to roof 45 ; length of nave 61, breadth 25 ; length of choir 34^, breadth

1 Liber Eccles. de Scon, p. 85. Probably named 9 Pennant, vol. iii. p. 361. Cordiner's Ruins in North
from Notingham in the parish of Latheron. Britain, vol. ii. Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace.

2 Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross. Neale's Ecclesiological Notes, p. 66. Notes taken on

3 Sutherland Charters. * Ibid. « Ibid. 6 Ibid. the spot 1854.

7 Ibid. In 1568 he is styled quartus viewing pen- 10 Cordiner's Ruins, vol. ii. Neale, p. 66. Air. Neale
sionarius de Dornoch. doubts the existence of the aisles, but they are distinctly

8 Pennant, vol. iii. p. 361. Notes taken on the spot figured by Cordiner, and also remembered by persons
1854. See p. 597. Its cemetery, mentioned in several still alive. They were about 14 feet in width,
charters afterwards quoted, has been either partly or n Notes taken on the spot 1854.

wholly erased. 12 Ibid.

(524 ORIGINES [DORNOCH.

23 feet 9 inches ; length of transepts 92 feet, length of each 31 feet 3 inches, breadth 23 feet
'.) inches; side of square of tower 29 feet 6 inches.1 The piscina, of continuous mouldings,
occupies its old position in the south wall of the choir at the east end.2 In the north transept
is a stone sarcophagus, removed from the choir, containing, it is said, the relics either of
Bishop Gilbert or of his brother, whose figure is represented by a cross-legged effigy on the
lid.3 The church has long been the burial-place of the earls of Sutherland.4

In 1275, on the settlement of a controversy between the earls of Sutherland and the bishops
of Caithness, it was, as we have seen, provided by Bishop Archebald that Earl William and his
heirs should present a chaplain to the altar of Saint James in the church of Durnach to celebrate
perpetually for the souls of the earls of Sutherland ; and the bishop assigned as the chaplain's
maintenance from the formes of his town of Durnach 5 marks yearly to be paid by the hands
of his bailies at Martinmas and Whitsunday.5 In 1509, 1512, and 1514, the aclvowson of the
same chaplainry was included in retours of the earldom.6 In 1551 the redemption money
of the lands of Balnabrayt in the lordship of Skelbo was paid at the altar of Saint James the
apostle in the cathedral church of Dornocht.7 In 1552 John Murray or Neilsone citizen of
Dornoch, for certain favours shown him by Master Thomas Brydy (Brady, or Brody) vicar
pensionary of Wattin, and for a certain sum of money paid to him in his necessity, sold to
Master Thomas and his heirs the north part of his house lying in the city of Dornoch, extending
in length to 40 feet from the west gable of his said house to the entry of the cemetery of Saint
Timber on the north, and thence extending in breadth from the said cemetery to the burn
running before and descending through the said city as far as the high water mark (ad marts
flmium) — for the payment of a penny yearly at Whitsunday to the chaplain of the altar of
Saint James the apostle in the cathedral church.8 In 1554 the sale was confirmed by Robert
bishop elect and confirmed of Cathanes.9 In 1563 Robert M'Donald M'Dauid citizen of Dor
noch, for a sum of money paid to him in his necessity, sold to Master Thomas Brody vicar
pensionary of Wattin and his heirs his garden on the east side of the city of Dornoch with his
house on the west side of that garden, lying between the tenement of WTalter Lesly on the south,
the kiln of Alexander Murray of Balleknok on the north, the king's highway on the east, and
the burn on the west, to be held of the bishop, the grantee paying to the chaplain of Saint
James the usual yearly rent if asked.10 In 1576 (18 March) Alexander earl of Sutherland,
' patron of Sanct James cheplenrye situat in Sanct James ile within the cathederall kirk of
Cathnes' long vacant in his hands, granted the chaplainry for life to his servitor John Forsythe
for his ' anefald guid and thankfull seruice' done by him to the earl's deceased parents and
to the earl himself, and for other causes — with a precept addressed to Alexander Lovell of
Pitgrudye his bailie in that part to pass to the said ' Sanct James ile, and thair quhair the
alter wount to stand' to give institution to John Forsythe ' be ane Scottis plak in takin of

1 Notes taken on the spot 1854. 2 Ibid. Neale.p. 66. 4 Genealogy passim.

3 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 33. Pen- 5 Sutherland Charters. See above, pp. 603, 604.

nant. Cordiner. Neale. Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. 6 Ibid.

Ace. Notes taken on the spot 1854. The effigy is not " Ibid. 8 Ibid,

that of a bishop. * Ibid. '» Ibid.

DORNOCH.] PAEOCHIALES. 625

his possession of the sam.'1 On 2 April institution was given accordingly super locum in quo
olim altare diui Jacobi predicti edificabatur.2 In 1580 Robert bishop of Cathanes confirmed
both the grant and the institution.3

The chaplainry of Kinnald has been noticed above.4

Between the years 1127 and 1153 King David I. commanded Reinwald earl of Orkney,
and the earl and all good men of Cateneis and Orkney, as they loved him, to respect the monks
dwelling at Durnach in Cateneis and their men and goods, and to defend them whithersoever
they might go in those parts, not allowing any one to do them injury or shame.5

It is said that in 1271 Sir Patrick Murray founded at Dornoch a convent of Red Friars,
otherwise named Mathurines or Trinity Friars, and that, after the English became masters of
Berwick, the lands belonging to the Red Friars there were given to the Friars at Dornoch/'

A monastery, in modern times known as Franciscan, stood at the south-east corner of the
town on the road leading to the links.7

In the Register of Ministers and their Stipends after the year 1567 we have the following
— 'Dornoch, Williame Gray younger exhorter in the Irsche toung 1 merkis, and xx merkis
mair sen Beltane 1569 for supporting of Creich in the ministratioun of the sacramentis, videlicet
baptysme.' 8 In 1574 and 1576 the same William Gray, minister at Dornoch and Creich,
had for his stipend 100 marks, and William Aw reader at Dornoch had £20. 9

The bishoprick of Caithness by the Antiqua Taxatio was estimated according to one authority
at £386, 13s. 4d., and according to another at £286, 14s. lO^d. — being taxed for the papal
contribution according to the one at 4d. per mark to the amount of £7, 3s. 4^d., and according
to the other (at what rate is not stated) to the amount of £8, 19s. 2-|d. and the £ of a farthing.10
In the Taxatio Sec. XVI. ad rationem triginta millium librarum it is taxed at £206, 13s. 3d.,
and in the Libellus Taxationum it is valued at 1000 marks.11 At the Reformation, as we have
seen, the total value of the bishoprick was stated at £1283, 18s. 9d.12

The deanery in the Taxatio Sec. XVI. is rated at £12, 8s., and in the Libellus Taxationum
is valued at £40.13 Between 1561 and 1566 the rental of the deanery is given as follows —
' The rentall of the denrie of Cathnes pertening to Mr. Williame Hepburne dene thairof is
x chalderis beir, and fourty merkis money for the vicarage of Kirktoun of Clyne and Denesfeild
heirof — the vicarage onpayit.' u

In the Taxatio Sec. XVI. the chantry is taxed at £16, 10s. 3d., and in the Libellus it is
valued at £53, 6s. 8d.15 In the rental of the assumption of thirds we have the value of the chantry

1 Sutherland Charters. 7 Sketch of Dornoch by R. S. Taylor Esquire. Per-

2 Ibid. 3 Ibid. 4 See p. 622. haps the three monasteries were but one.
5 Keg. de Dunfermelyn, p. 14. The earl of Catenes 8 Reg. of Min., p. 63.

aud Orkney was doubtless Earl Harald. sometimes 9 Book of Assignations.

styled the elder, who had the whole of Catenes and the 10 Registrum de Aberbrothoc, vol. i. pp. 231, 247.

half of Orkney. Reinwald is Rognvald. Reg. Prior. S. Andrce, pp. 28; 360, 361.

Keith, Pennant, Cordiner — who give no authority
for the statement. As Dunfermelyn was dedicated to
the Holy Trinity, may not the alleged establishment
of Trinity Friars be the same as the colony from Dun
fermelyn ?

1 MSS. in Adv. Lib.

2 Book of Assumptions. See above, p. 61; 5.

3 MSS. in Adv. Lib.
Rook of Assumptions.

5 MSS. in Adv. Lib

626 ORIGINES [DOBNOCH.

as follows — ' The rentall of the chantorie of Cathnes pertoning to Robert Stewart chantour
tliairof sett in assedatioim for yeirlie payment of i° Ib. Item for the Chantourisfeild in few
yeirlie xls. Sic subscribitur Johne Kcnnedie with my hand.'1

The chancellorship is rated in the Taxatio Sec. XVI. at £12, 8s., and is given in the Libellus
as worth £26, 13s. 4d.2 At the Eeformation its yearly value was given in to the collector
of thirds as follows — ' The rentall of the chancellarie of Cathnes pertening to Mr. Johne
Jaksoun chancellor tliairof. Payis yeirlie vi chalderis beir and ane hundreth merkis money
for the personage and vicarage. Item the Chancellarisfeild yeirlie xls. Heirof thair is to be
deducit of the chansellarie that is giwin in yeirlie pensioun to Thomas Mathesoun xl Ib.'8
In 1574 the chancellary seems to have been valued at £140, but the chancellor's name
George Sinclair is erased, and another substituted for it, ' becaus George Sinclair, being chargeit
for the haill fruites of the chancellarie of Cathenes for non-residence upon allegeance of deidlie
feid, obtenit decreit absolvatour.' 4

The treasurership, rated in the Taxatio at £18, and valued in the Libellus at £26, 13s. 4d.,
is valued at the Reformation thus — ' The rentall of the thesaurarie of Cathnes pertening to
Mr. Williame Gordoun. Payis yeirlie iii chalderis half chalder beir, and ic merkis money.
Item the Thesaurarisfeild yeirlie xls.' 5

The archdeaconry is rated in the Taxatio at £24, 16s., and is valued in the Libellus at £80.6
At the Reformation we have a rental, which including the teindsheaves of Bowar and Vattin
for 1561, the dues of the archdeacon's personal lands, the mill of Scarmlat, the lands of
Ballinknok, and the vicarages of Bowar and Vattin, and deducting £16 yearly for the chorister,
gives in all £55 in money and 28 chalders 15 bolls of victual.7 We have also ' Ane vthir
rentall of the archdenrie of Cathnes. The archdenrie of Cathnes set for takis to ryn to Dauid
Sinclar of Dune his airis and assignayis for the sowme of xiixx merkis yeirlie with the payment
of the stallaris fie of Dornocht and curatis fie of Bowair with all vthir ordinar chargis.
Subsryvit with my hand. Sio subscribitur Williame Lame.'8

The valuation of the other prebends will be given under the heads of the respective churches.9

We have no valuation of the chaplainry of Kinnald.10

The yearly value of the chaplainry of the altar of Saint James the apostle was, as we have
seen, 5 marks.11

Between the years 1203 and 1214 Hugh Freskyn granted to Master Gilbert archdeacon
of Moray, and to those of his clan (parentcla) whom he might appoint his heirs, and to their
heirs, all his land of Scelbol in Suthyrland and certain other lands, the grantee doing the
service of one bowman and acquitting the forinsec service of the king.12 Before 1214 the
grant was confirmed by King William the Lion, saving his own service, and before 1222 by

1 Book of Assumptions. 7 Book of Assumptions. See BOWER and WATTIN

'' MSS. in Adv. Lib. post.

•' Book of Assumptions. 8 Ibid.

I Book of Assignations. 9 See KILDONAN, OLRICK, &c.

' MSS. in Adv. Lib. Book of Assumptions. 10 See above, p. 622. » See above, p. 624.

II MSS. in Adv. Lib. 12 Sutherland Charters.

DORXOCH.] PAROCHIALES. 627

William lord of Suthyrland the son and heir of the deceased Hugh Freskyn, the land to be
held according to Hugh Freskyn's charter.1

Before 1235 or in that year Gilbert bishop of Katanes (formerly archdeacon of Moray)
granted the land of Scellebolle and other lands in Suthyrland in heritage to Richard his brother.'-*
In 1235 King Alexander confirmed the grant of those lands, to be held by Richard and his
heirs of the heirs of Hugh Fresekin according to the bishop's charter to him, the charter of
Hugh Fresekyn, and King William's confirmation granted to the bishop, saving the king's
service.3 In 1330 Kenneth earl of Suthyrland, the son of the deceased William earl of
Suthyrland, by a charter dated at the chapel of Saint Andrew of Goldespy on the day after
the feast of Saint Nicholas — -on the narrative that in times past many dissensions had arisen
between his predecessors and the predecessors of Reginald of Moray the son and heir of the
deceased Alan of Moray of Culbyn touching divers lands, debts, possessions, and their rights,
and other matters — in order to terminate those disputes and to establish friendship between
himself and Reginald and their heirs, resigned to the latter all kinds of exactions of debts,
and all controversies, quarrels, and calumnies, moved or to be moved till that date about all
lands, possessions, and tenements within his earldom, about which his charter of confirmation
granted to Reginald bore witness.4 The earl granted also to Reginald the whole relief of his
lands in Suthyrland on account of the matrimonial alliance formed between Gilbert of Moray
the son and heir of Reginald and the earl's eldest daughter Eustachia — faithfully promising
that, if any letter obligator)' or conventional, or any muniments or writings public or private-,
could be found, which might favour the earl or his heirs and in any way be prejudicial to
Reginald or his heirs, such writings should be for ever null ; and binding himself faithfully to
maintain and defend Reginald, his men, and his lands, and their possessions, and to support
them in all justice, counsel, aid, and favour.5

The lands and castle of Skelbole were afterwards in the hands of Bishop William Mudy,
who, as we have seen, in 1455 granted them to his brother Gilbert and two lawful heirs.6 In
1478 King James III. confirmed the grant.7

Between that date and 1494 the same lands and castle seem to have been held successively
by Alane of Kynnard of that ilk, by John of Kynnard (both dead in 1494), and by Thomas
of Kynnard, who in that year had a litigation about the lands and castle with Marjory
Mowat the widow of John.8 In 1510 King James IV. granted to Andrew Kynnard of that
ilk, one of the free tenants of the earldom of Suthirland, the dues of his lands of Skelebow
in that earldom till the entry of the righteous heir.9 In 1512 Thomas Kynnard is styled of
Skelbo.10 In 1515 Andrew Kynnard of that ilk and of Skelbo granted to John M'Ky in
heritage the lands of Eddiraquhelis, then in the barony of Skelbo.11 In 1518 Adam earl of
Suthirland and Elizabeth Suthirland countess and ' heritare' gave a precept of seisin in the

1 Sutherland Charters. " Ibid. 3 Ibid. ' Ibid.

4 Ibid. Sir Robert Gordon (Genealogy, p. 44) says 8 Acta Dom. Cone. p. 348. Acta Dom. And. pp. 203.

that the lands in question were those of Skelbo. They 204. See Skelbo Castle post.

were doubtless included in the arrangement. 5 Ibid. 9 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. iv. fol. 70.

0 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. viii. no. 123. See above, p. 607. 10 Sutherland Charters. "Ibid.

628 OBIGINES [DOKXOCH.

lands and fortalice of Skelbo in favour of Andrew Kynnard of that ilk, proceeding on the
king's brief, and addressed to John of Murray, Murcho Murray, Normontt Leslie, Dauid
Mvdy, and Huchoun Murray, their bailies in that part.1 In 1525 the same earl, with the
consent of the same countess, lady of the lands of Sudirland and superior of the lands of
Skelbo in the lordship of Sudirland and sheriffdom of Innernes, ordered his bailies in that
part, namely, John Murra, Rore Hurra of Spandaill, Valter Kynnard of Culbyn, Murchur
Murra, and Alexander Murra, to give seisin to John Kynnard, the son and heir of the
deceased Andrew Kynnard of that ilk last tenant and possessor of the lands, and admitted by
the earl as tenant and heir, in the land of Skelbo, the castle, and manor, and in East Skelbo
witli the alehouse and crofts, Dawauchdow, Auchandro, Paitmayne, Balnobraid, Cammeseffe,
Estir Abbirschoir, Vestir Abbirschoir, Litill Roart, Knokcartnoll, Moireuch, Auchindowecht,
Innirschyn with the fishings, Petintraill, Assent, Artrikquhillis, and of the whole lordship
(dominacio) of Skelbo.2 John Kynnard of that ilk was lord of Skelbo till the year 1529.3

In 1275, as we have seen, on the settlement of a long controversy between the earls of
Sutherland and the bishops of Cathanes, Archebald then bishop resigned to William earl of
Sutherland 2 davachs of Awelech, 3 davaehs of Promsy, 1 davach of Rutherhard, 3 quarters
of Haskesdale, half a davach of Hachencosse, 3 davachs of Thorebol, 2 davachs of Kynalde,
4 davachs of Largge, and 1 davach of Cuttheldawach.* In 1360 William carl of Sothyrland
granted to his brother Nicolas of Sothyrland in free barony, for his faithful homage and service,
J6 davachs in the earldom of Sothyrland of the land called Thorbol, namely, 3 davachs of
Thorbol, 1 davach of Rouarkar, 1 davach of Assastel, 1 davach of Proncey Upper, 1 davach
of Proncey Nether, 1 davach of Proncecroy, 2 davachs of Euelek, and other lands, to be
held by Nicolas and the lawful heirs of his body for the service of one soldier yearly.5 In
1362 King David II. confirmed the grant, saving the king's service.6 In 1408, by a charter
dated at the castle of Duifous (in Moray), John of Sutherland, the son and heir of Nicholas
of Sutherland lord of the castle of Duffous, confirmed the resignation of £40 lands in the
oarldom of Suthirland by his father, and a grant of the same by Robert carl of Suthirland
to John's brother Henry of Suthirland, with reversion to John failing heirs of Henry's body."
In 1444, by a deed dated 12 July at Pomfret in England, John earl of Suthirland declared
that he had seen a certain resignation, made at his chapel of Saint Andrew by Nicholas of
Suthirland lord of the castle of DufFhus in the hands of Robert earl of Suthirland, of the
lands and tenements of Thurboll, namely, of lands to the value of £40 lying in the earldom
of Suthirland and sherift'dom of Innernes ; and that in the same chapel the same Earl Robert
had granted those lands to Henry of Suthirland the son of Nicholas and to the male heirs
of his body, for service of ward and relief, three suits yearly at the earl's court in Suthir
land, and all other forinsec services belonging to the ward and relief; in which lands the
same Henry died vest and seised, and had male issue the earl's kinsman Alexander of Suthir
land lord of Thorboll.8 On the same day Earl John granted to Alexander of Suthirland of

1 Sutherland Charters. 2 Ibid. 6 Ibid. Kob. Index, p. 43, no. 30 ; p. 69, 1. 32 ; p. 72,

3 Ibid. * Ibid. 5 Ibid. no. 36. " Sutherland Charters. » Ibid.

DORNOCH.] PAROCHIALES. 629

Thurboll the said resignation, and the said lands of Thurboll, namely, Thurboll, Straqhaqh-
charu, Litil Thurboll, Ilik, Pronnsecroie, Nethirpronnse, Ouirpronnse, Aqliaqliasse, Dale,
Boyaqhrer, and others.1 In 1448 appears in record the same Alexander of Suthirland of
Thurcboll, and in 1455 appears Angus of Sutherlande of Thurboll.2 In 1472 John earl of
Suthirland granted in heritage to his kinsman Nicolas of Suthirland, the son and apparent
heir of his kinsman Angus of Suthirland of Thurcboll, with remainder to Angus and his
heirs, the lands of Thurcboll Micle, Thureboll Litle, Strathacharne, Kuryarchar, Askadaile,
Vfir Pronnsy, Nethir Prounsy, Pronnsycroy, Evillik, and others in the earldom of Suthirland
and sheriffdom of Innernis, resigned by Angus in the cathedral church at Dornach, the
grantee doing the usual rights and services, reserving the liferent to Angus, the terce to his
wife Cristina, and the ward and relief to the earl, if Angus should die before his son.3 In
1492 Hugli the son of Angus Sutherland lord of Thurboll, on a precept of John earl of
Sutherland, was infeft in the lands held by Angus his father, and by Nicholas and Donald his
brothers.4 In 1505 or 1506 Hugh Sutherland of Spronse granted to Andrew Kynnard of
that ilk, for his good service both in war and in peace, the lands of Spronscnain in the
earldom of Sutherland and sheriffdom of Innernis.5 In 1510 King James IV. granted in heri
tage to Cristina Suthirland the daughter of Hugh Suthirland of Torbull and John Stewart
her intended husband, with remainder to the heirs of Hugh, the lands of Thurball in the
earldom of Suthirland which Hugh Suthirland had resigned.6 In 1525 Adam Gordon earl
of Sutherland and Elezabeth his wife countess and hereditary lady of the same — lest the
lands subject to their dominium should pass to an uncertain heir or to unknown persons
having no title — having considered the right of succession of William Sutherland lord of
Duftbus to the lands and lordship of Pronse by the decease of Hugh Sutherland formerly
lord of Pronse without male heirs, and by reason of entail and ancient infeftment, granted
in heritage to the same William for his service the same lands and lordship, namely, the two
towns of Turbois with the mill of the same, the lands of Dalnamayne, Vuir Pronse, Pronse-
croy, Pronsenayn, the lauds of Ewillic with the mill, the lands of Ruarchar, Austisdaill, with
others in the earldom of Sutherland and sherifl'dom of Innernis, reserving to themselves the
superiority, and the ward, relief, and marriage, when they should occur, the grantee paying
those dues, and giving them his counsel and assistance in their causes.7

By an indenture dated at Aberdein 1 April 1529 it was agreed that John Kynnard of that
ilk should heritably infeft William Suthirland of Duftbus in his lands of Skelbo with the castle,
salmon fishing, and other pertinents, to be held of the earl of Sutherland for service used and
wont — that William Suthirland should for that infeftment pay to John Kynnard 2500 marks
Scots, namely, 1000 at the town of Dunde on 6 May following, on which day John Kynnard
should give him a charter of the lands of Innerschine and Awchindowich with the fishing of
the water and ' lyn ' of the same, and of the lands of Estyr Abyrskoure (none of which are

1 Sutherland Charters. 5 Sutherland Charters.

2 Ibi(i a Ibid. « Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xvi. no. 138.
' Charter in General Register House. ~ Sutherland Charters.

VOL. II. 4 L

(530 OEIGINES [DOKNOCH.

in the parish of Dornoch) ; the remaining 1500 marks to be paid at the same town on the
feast of Lammes immediately following the date of the agreement, for which John Kynnard
should by charter and seisin infcft William Suthirland and his heirs in the lands of Skelbo
with the tenandries, castle, and fishing — that the latter should endeavour to obtain the overlord's
confirmation, discharge John Kynnard and his heirs of all recognition that might be made of
the lands in virtue of the present alienation, warrant them against the same, and give John
a discharge of his mother's terce — and that, as part of the lands were wadset to sundry persons,
such as John Murray, Hucheoun Calder, and Kory Johnnesoun, of which lands John Kynnard
had the reversion, he should give up that reversion to William Suthirland, and make him his
assignee for < outredding ' the lands at his own expense.1 According to the above agreement
John Kynnard on 5 May 1529 sold to William Suthirland the lands of Abirscoir Estir,
Aehindowych, and Innerschin, and on 16 May the deed was confirmed by Alexander Gordon
master of Suthirland.2 On 31 July Jonet Terroll of Innerbreky resigned her lands of Petintreill
in the barony or earldom of Suderland and sheriffdom of Innernes in the hands of Alexander
Suderland lord of Skelbo her superior in favour of Walter Innes of Touchis and the children
to be begotten between her and Walter, with remainder to Walter's heirs whomsoever, reserving
the liferent to herself.3 On 26 August John Kynnard sold to William Sutherland and his heirs
his lands and fortalice or castle of Skelbo, with the fishings of Innerschyne and the ' lyn,' which
on 2 September were confirmed by Alexander Gordon.4 On 15 September John Murray of
Campbussay, as bailie in that part for John Kynnard of that ilk, gave seisin of Skelbo and
Innerschin to William Suthirland of DufFus, receiving a black ox with grey (gretiix) horns as
evidence of the seisin of the lands and castle of Skelbo, and a ' brandit ' ox as evidence of the
seisin of Innerschyne, the water, ' lyne,' net, fishing boat, and cable.5 In 1534 or 1535 (25
April) in the church of the Friars Minorites of Elgin William Sutherland of Duffous and
Skailbo, the son and heir of the deceased William of Duffous and Skailbo, acknowledged that
he had seen a certain acquittance granted by his father to John Murray of Cambusawy for the
sum of 366 marks Scots as part payment of 500 marks due by John to the deceased William
for the lands of Petfuir, Knokarwall, Estir Heberriscors, and Hawchandrow (some of them not
in the parish of Dornoch) in the barony of Skailbo, which acquittance William Sutherland then
approved and confirmed — and the same William there and then discharged John Murray and
his heirs of the sum of 40 marks Scots due by John to the deceased for 40 bolls of victual
bought of him — and, as to the ' rest' of the 500 marks, he discharged John Murray of 47 marks
for certain reasons, especially for his ' thankis, gratitudis, and plesouris' — and so of the said
500 marks William Sutherland allowed that only 47 remained unpaid, which John Murray
accordingly bound himself and his heirs faithfully to pay to William and his heirs between the
above date and the feast of Saint Fimber (25 September) 1536.6 In 1535 (27 September) the
same William Sutherland was seised as his father's heir in the lands of Turbois and others granted
to his father in 1525.7 In 1536 (7 December) in the manse of the chancellor of Cathanes

: Sutherland Charters. 2 Ibid. » Ibid. ' Ibid. » Ibid. 6 Ibid. • Ibid. See above, p. (im

DORNOCH,] PAROCHIALES. G31

within the city of Dornoch Hugh Kanide of Garwonmanis and his wife Jonet Steward vine
rods oraculo discharged John Murray of Cambussaffe of the mails, fermes, and grassums of the
towns of Petfwr, Knokcartoll, Cambussaffe, Balbrade, and the half of Coull, and of all other
burdens exigible from those lands down to the feast of Pentecost immediately following the
above date.1 In 1538 King James V. granted to Henry Kempt of Thomastoun the ward and
nonentry of Spronase (apparently Spronse) in the sheriffdom of Innernes, formerly belonging to
the earl of Suthirland.2 In 1542 inquest was made in the tolbooth of the burgh of Innernes
by William Hay of Mayne, James Innes of Rothkenze, George Munro of Dawachcarty, Thomas
M'Culloch of Pladdis, John Murray of Carnbissach, William Dunbrek of Ortane, James Innes
of Drane, Andrew Sudirland of Greschip, Andrew Stewart in Rossille, Hugh M'Culloch in
Terrell, Alexander Gumming in Barmwkytie, William Doddis in Golspetour, Andrew M'Culloch
in Craighous, Gilbert Have and Alexander Duf burgesses of Innernes, and Walter Leslie,
Ferquhard M'Gillespy, Alexander Rater, and Alexander M'Culloch, inhabitants of Dornoch
— who declared that William Sudirland of Duffos was the lawful heir of his father the
deceased William lord of Duffos in all the lands and yearly revenues in the sheriffdom of
Innernes in which his father died vest and seised.3 In 1549 (7 June), on a precept of John
earl of Suthirland dated 2 April, Hugh Murray the son and heir of John Murray of Cam-
bussavy was seised in the lands of Auchandro and Ester Abirscors.4 In the same year
(26 December), at the request of Alexander Sothirland the son and apparent heir of the
deceased William Sothirland of Duffous, with the consent of his curator Master Alexander
Sothirland dean of Cathanes and official of Moray, in the cathedral church of Moray, John
Leslie prebendary of Ryne and commissary of Moray made a transumpt of the four charters
of the lands of Thorboll dated 1360, 1362, 1408, and 1444.5 In 1551 Sir Robert Vrquhard
rector of Kildonein, as procurator for Master Alexander Sutherland dean of Cathanes, rector
of Duffus, and official of Moray, assignee of the deceased William Sutherland of Duffus for
the redemption of the lands of Balnabrayt extending to 2 davachs, lying in the lordship of
Skelbo, earldom of Sutherland, and sheriffdom of Innernes, went to the altar of Saint James
the apostle in the cathedral church of Dornoch, and there paid to Hugh Murray the son and
heir of the deceased John Murray of Cambussawe burgess of Dornocht the sum of £30 Scots
as redemption money for the lands of Balnabrayt — on which Hugh Murray resigned those
lands, which had been granted to his father by Andrew Kynnaird of that ilk.6 In 1555, on
precepts of seisin granted by John earl of Sutherland with the consent of Helen Stewart
countess, Alexander Sutherland of Duffous was seised in the lands and castle of Skelbo
and the lands and fishings of the water of Innerschyn with the ' lyn ' as heir to his
deceased grandfather William Sutherland of Duffous, and in the lands of Turbois and
others as in 1525 as heir to William Sutherland his father.7 In 1560 (26 October) on
a precept of the same earl and countess Christina Sutherland as the daughter and heiress
of the deceased Hugh of Sutherland of Thureboll was seised in the lands of Thureboll.8 In

1 Sutherland Charters. 3 Sutherland Charters. 4 Ibid.

2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xi. fol. 56. 5 Ibid. 6 Ibid. • Ibid. 6 Ibid.

632 ORIGINES [DOENOCH.

1560 or 1562 (more probably the former) on 30 October John earl of Sutherland, superior
of the following lands and others, with the consent of his wife Helen countess of Errol and
Suderland, granted in heritage to his kinsman Alexander Suderland of Duffous the lands
and barony of Skelbo, namely, Castcltowii of Skelbo with the tower, fortalice, and mill,
Ballewraat, Cambusawye, Ester Skelbo, Cowll, Petmayne, Wester Aberscors, Morynche, Roart-
beig, Morines, Cragie, Awchindowych, Innerschyn with the salmon fishing of the water of
Innerschyn and the ' lyn,' with the multures and alehouses — and the lands of the barony of
Pronsie, namely, Castelltown, with the tower and fortalice, Pronsienane, Pronsiecroye, Assidaell,
Cornamane, Rewarchar, Avelik with the mill, Dalnam.ayne, Mekle Torboll, Litill Torboll,
Grudebrora, Syborskeg, Kilpeddermoir, Kilpedderbeig, with the mill of Kilpeddermoir, Kil
pedder in Strathvlze, and Cayane in Strathvlze — all lying in the earldom of Sutherland and
sheriffdom of Innernys, and resigned by Alexander Sutherland at Dunrobyn on the above
day for a new infeftment in the same, and for the union of the lands into the free barony
of Skelbo, seisin taken at the castle of Skelbo to be sufficient for the whole.1 In 1562 (28
October) the same earl with the consent of his countess granted in heritage to the same
Alexander his kinsman for his many good services the lands of Turbois and others as in 1525,
which were on that day resigned at Dunrobbin by Adam Eeid the husband and procurator
of Christina Suthirland, the daughter of the deceased Hugh Sutherland of Tlmreboll, to whom
they belonged in heritage — seisin taken on the lands of Thuriboll Mekle to be sufficient for
the whole, and the grantee giving service of ward and relief.2 In 1562 (7 November) the
same earl with the same consent granted anew to his kinsman Alexander Sutherland of Duftbus
and his heirs, for his homage and for various services and benefits bestowed by him on the
earl, the demesne lands of Skelbo with the fortalice of the same, the lands of Ester Skelbo,
Petmayne, Cowll, Ballwraat, Cambusawye, Wester Aberscors, Morocht, Morenes, Litill Rewart,
Ladie, Blaricht, Machaell, the half of Langwell, Innerschyn, Auchindowicht, with the salmon
fishing of the water of Innerschine and the ' lyn,' together with the salmon fishing of Machaell
on the water of Oychall, the fishings of salmon and other fish in fresh water and in salt
within the bounds of the said lands and fishings, with the mill of the lands and its multures
and sequels — also the lands of Pentraell called the lands and barony of Pronsie, Thuriboll
Mekle, Thuriboll Litill, Strathcharne or Dalnamayne, Ruriarchar, Assisedaill, Overpronsie.
Nethirpronsie, Pronsiecroye, Evillik, Mekle Kilpedder, Litill Kilpedder, Grudebrora, Schiber-
skek in Stratlibrora, and the lands of Caven and Kilpedder in Strathvlze, with all their mills,
fishings in fresh water and salt of salmon and other fish, fortalices, and other pertinents — all
in the earldom of Sutherland and sherift'dom of Innernis, and resigned by Alexander on the

1 Sutherland Charters. The grant is witnessed by 2 Sutherland Charters. The charter is witnessed

Alexander Suderland or Hectorsone, and the seisin (of by Gilbert Gordons the earl's uncle, and the seisin

the same date) by Nycholas Suderlaud the brother (of same date) by John Suderland in Torboll, Alex-

Kerman of Alexander of Duffons, John Suderland or ander Suderland, Caiiicus Suderland or M'Jluldonych,

Hectorson, Alexander Suderland his brother gcriiian, and Thomas Gibsone, servitors of Alexander Suder-

Alexander Suderland in Litill Thureboll, and Canicns laud of Duflbus, and by William Suderland his brother

ISuderland jjerman.

DOBNOCH.] PAROCHIALES. 633

above day at Dunrobbin to be united in favour of himself and his heirs into one barony
called the barony of Skelbo, seisin taken at the fortalice of Skelbo to be sufficient for the
whole, the grantee paying service of ward and relief, and giving personal suit at the three
head courts of the earl to be held yearly at Dunrobbin.1 In 1563 (20 or 22 June) Queen
Mary granted anew to the same Alexander Suthirlande of Duffois, and to his heirs and
assignees, the lands of Skelbo with the fortalice, tenants, and other pertinents — the fishing
on the water of Innerschyne with the ' lyn,' and all the fishings of those lands with the usual
pertinents — the lands of the two towns of Torbollis, of Dalnamane, Overspronsy in Strathfleit,
Spronsyecroy, Spronsynane, Ewilik, Rewferchar, and Astray-daill in Brachat — the lands of
Kylpeddermoir, Sybarskaig, and Grodebrora in Strathbrora — the lands of Kilpedderis and
Cawyne in Straithvlze — the mills of Torbollis — the mill of Evelik • — • the mill of Kilpedder
in Straithvlze — and all the lands of Golspytoure — lying in the earldom of Suthirlande
and sheriffdom of Innernys, and formerly held by Alexander Suthirlande of John earl
of Suthirland, by whom they were forfeited for treason and lesemajesty on 28 May
1563 — the grantee paying the rights and services formerly due, provided that the grant
should not prejudice the subvassals of the earl previously infeft in any of the above lands,
and on condition of their paying their share of Alexander's composition.2 In the same year
(23 June) George earl of Cathanes, Alexander Suthirland of Duffus, and James Innes of
Drainy, bound themselves and their heirs to pay to the queen's treasurer Master Robert
Rychartsoun 1000 marks, namely, 500 at Michalmes (29 September) following, and 500 between
that and the feast of Yule (25 December) following, on pain of horning, as the composition
of Alexander Suthirland for the above lands and fishings — the earl and Alexander being surety
tor James Innes, and Alexander being surety for the earl — the earl also agreeing to free
Alexander Suthirland from all interdiction which he had against him for the relief of James
Innes and caution for payment of the said sum.3 On 14, 15, and 16 July seisin of the lands,
mills, and fishings, was given to Alexander Suthirland on the soil of the same by the delivery
of earth and stone, ' clap and hoppir,' net and boat.* On 22 September Queen Mary granted to
her brother Robert Stewart junior the lands and baronies of the earldom of Sutherland, forfeited
by Earl John, and including among other lands those of Cowle, Petmane, Bellwraith, Camusowe,
Westir Abbirscors, Litilrod, Mornes, Innerschine with the fishings, Auchindwycht, Mykael,
Ardinsche, Torrobull, Kynmowie, Dola, Blaroquhy, Lady, Langwell, Pettintraill, Pitfwir,
Knokartoll, Pronssecastell, Pronssenayne, Pronnsecroy, Evillik, Askadell, Rearcheare. Mekle
Torbo, Litill Torbo, Dalnamayne, Grudiebrora, Scheborskaik, Kilpeddermoir Kilpedderbeg,
Kilpedder in Straithvlze, Cayne, Kintraid, Kynnald, and Golspietwir.5 In 1564 (10 January)
Robert earl of Suthirland — on the narrative that the lands and earldom of Sutherland in the

1 Sutherland Charters. The charter is witnessed Bartholomew Litilljolme, Thomas Forman, Valter Su-

Uy Gilbert Gordone the earl's uncle and others, and derland and Nycliolas Suderland the brothers german

the seisin (dated 9 November) by John Suderland or of Alexander of Duffous, and Thomas Gibsone.

Hectorsone in Acharrie, Alexander Suderland his 2 Ibid. Reg. Sec. Sig. vol. xxxi. fol. 122.

brother german, Alexander Suderland junior in , 3 Sutherland Charters.

Hugh Suderland, Thomas M'Neill, David Suderland, * Ibid. 5 Reg. Sw. Sig., vol. xxxii. t'ol. it.

(534 ORIGINES [DORNOCH.

sheriffdom of Innernes were forfeited by Jolm formerly earl, and that he Earl Eobert had
been infefted in the same by Queen Mary, whose will it was that the free tenants after
settling with her treasurer about their compositions should be infeft in their tenandries as of
old — granted to Hugh Murray of Abirscors and his heirs the lands of Auchandro and Eistir
Abirscors with the mill, formerly held in heritage of Earl John by the same Hugh, who had
paid a certain sum as composition to the treasurer, the grantee giving the rights and services
formerly due.1 In the same year (22 August) Alexander Sutherland of Duffous and Skelbo,
with the consent of George earl of Caithness his governor, granted to the same Hugh Murray
and Beatrice Vrquhart his wife, for Hugh's homage and service, with remainder to Hugh
Murray the son and apparent heir of Hugh, and to his heirs and assignees, the lands of a
davach of Torboll in the lordship of Skelbo, earldom of Sutherland, and sheriffdom of Innernys
— the grantee paying ward and relief — and, should Hugh or his son and heir take part with
any one against Alexander Sutherland and his heirs, or appear in arms against them except on
royal authority, the lands should revert to the granter.2 In 1566, on a precept of Henry and
Mary king and queen of Scots, Earl John was seised in the earldom of Sutherland, resigned
by Eobert Stewart, and including among others the land of Cayan and Kilpedder in
Straythwllzie with the mill, Kilpeddirmoir, Kilpeddirbeg with the mill, Sevirscraig, Grudebrora,
Carnameyne, Golspetowr, Eister Aberscors, Vestir Aberscors, Knokarthoill, Kynnalde with
the mill, Litill Eeorde, Morenes, Pitfuyr with the mill, Pittintraill with the mill, Kynbraid,
Blarocht, Leady, Langoll, Kynmonovy, Innerschin with the salmon fishings, Auchindaucht,
Dolaye, Mekle, Ardinche, Casteltoun of Skelbo with the place, fortalice, mill, and pertinents,
Cambussave, Balnabraide, Pitmanyn, Andandro, Eistir Skelbo, Cowle, Prompsecastell, Promp-
senayne, Prompsecroy, Awalek with the mill, Askisdaill, Eearquhar, Dalnameyne, Mekle
Torboll with the mill, and Litill Torboll.3 In 1567 Master Eobert Eychartsone, provost of
Sanct Marie He and treasurer to Mary queen of Scots, granted to George earl of Caythnes,
Alexander Suthirland of Duffus, and James Innes of Drainy a discharge for the sum of 1000
marks paid by them as the composition of Alexander Sutherland for his lands of Skelbo and
others.4 In 1578 Alexander earl of Sutherland for a sum of money paid beforehand sold
to Hugh Murray of Aberscors and his heirs the lands of Auchandro, Estir Aberscors, Pitfour,
and Knokartholl, which Hugh had resigned ; the grantee paying ward, relief, and marriage,
answering at the three yearly capital suits, and doing all the other usual services, the ' blud-
wytis' of the lands being reserved to the earl.5 In 1616 William Sutherland of Duffus
was served heir to his father William Sutherland of Duffus in the demesne lands of Skelbo
with the tower and fortalice, the lands of Eister Skelbo, Pitmean, Coull, Ballavraid, Cam-
busavie, Westir Abirscors, Morroch, Morines, Litill Eogart, Cragie, Lady, Blerich, Mackell,
the half of Langwell, Inncrschyne, Awchindowich, with the salmon fishings of the water of
Innerschine and the ' lyn,' with the fishing of Makell on the water of Ockell, and the salmon

1 Sutherland Charters. 2 Ibid. gcrmau of Alexander Sutherland in Skelbo, William

3 Ibid. This charter is witnessed by Alexander Sutherland in Awelek, and John Sutherland in Mekle

Sutherland in Torboll, Nicolas Sutherland the brother Torboll. 4 Ibid. See p. 633. 5 Ibid.

DORNOCH.] PAROCHIALES. 635

and other fishings in fresh and salt water within the bounds of those lands and fishings, with
the mills — the lands of Pentraill called the lands and barony of Pronsie, Torboll Meikil,
Torboll Lytill, Cornamayne, Straithcairne or Dalnamayne, Euyarcher, Assiedall, Over Pronsie,
Nether Pronsie, Pronsiecroy, Evilick, Meikill Kilpeddir, Lytill Kilpeddir, Groudbrora,
Sheberskeg in Strathbrora, Cayane and Kilpedder in Strathulzie, with the fishings of salmon
and other fish both in fresh water and in salt — all lying in the earldom of Sutherland and
sheriffdom of Innernes, and united into the barony of Skelbo, of the old extent of £111,
12s. 2fd.!

Two davachs of Kynalde, as we have seen, were in 1275 resigned by Bishop Archebakl
to William earl of Sutherland.'-' They were afterwards held in heritage by a family of
Sutherlands, represented about 1499 by Alexander Sutherland of Dilrid.3 In 1499 King
James IV., for the good service of Odo or Y Makky in Straithnauern both in peace and
in war, and especially in the taking and bringing of the deceased Alexander Suthirland of
Dilrid and ten persons his accomplices, the king's rebels and at his horn, granted in heritage
to Odo certain lands forfeited by Alexander Suthirland, including Kynnald with the mill.4
In 1513 James Dunbar of Cumnok, the son and heir of the deceased Sir James Dunbar of
Cumnok, sued Y M'Ky in Stranawerne for a pretended royal grant which the latter alleged
that he had of the lands of Kynnauldy and Golspytour, which lands James Dunbar alleged
had been apprised in favour of his deceased father for debts due to him by the deceased
Alexander Sutherland of Dilryt, to whom at the time they belonged, and who was subse
quently forfeited.5 Y M'Ky having been regularly summoned before the Lords of Council
and not having appeared, the Lords after hearing the case decerned in favour of James
Dunbar, and ordered the earl of Sutherland to infeft him in the lands.6 In 1539 King
James V., on the narrative that the deceased Odonius or Y M'Ky the father of Donald
M'Ky in Stratlmauern possessed in heritage certain lands then in the king's hands by reason
of nonentry or otherwise, granted those lands, including as before those of Kynnald with
the mill, to Donald M'Ky, erecting them all into the free barony of Fer.7 In 1540 Donald
took seisin of the lands at the principal messuage of Farr.8 In 1551 Queen Mary granted
in heritage to Robert bishop of Orkney the lands and barony of Far, including Kynnault
and the mill of Kynnault, with the multures, sukkin, and astricted multures, forfeited by-
Donald M'Ky of Far, who lived and died bastard without lawful heirs or a lawful disposition
of the lands.9 The lands and mill of Kynnald were included in grants of the earldom of
Sutherland by the same queen to her brother Robert Stewart in 1563, 1564, and 1565, and
in a new grant of the same to John earl of Sutherland in 1560. 10 In 1570 George earl of
Huntlie, Lord Gordoune and Badenocht, baron of the barony of Farr, sold the same lands

1 Retours. 2 See p. 604. 7 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxvi. no. 338. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

3 See following note. vol. xiii. fol. 38.

4 Sutherland Charters. Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xiii. s Sutherland Charters.

no. 519. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. i. fol. 95. 9 Ibid. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiv. fol. 98.

5 Sutherland Charters. 10 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxii. ft". 5, 70, 138. Sutherland

6 Ibid. Charters.

63G ORIGINES [DOBNOCH.

and others to Y M'Ky arid his heirs.1 In 1601 they were included in a new grant of the
earldom of Sutherland by King James VI. to Earl John.2 In 1613 (4 June) the Lords of
Council decided that the lands and barony of Far, including as before Kynnalt with the mill,
multures, suckin, and astricted multures, were in the sovereign's hands by reason of nonentry
since the decease of Robert bishop of Orknay, who died about the month of February 1558,
or about 53 years before the date of the summons (29 December 1612), and that the king
by a letter under his privy seal dated 2 November 1012 had granted the nonentry and
other dues to Sir Eobert Gordoun of Kynmounwy till the entry of the lawful heir, those
having or pretending interest in the case as hereditary possessors of the lands, namely, George
marquis of Huntlie and erle of Enzie, Hucheoun Macky of Far, Donald Macky his son,
William Sutherland of Duffus, George Murray of Spanzedaill, and David Eeid of Aickinheid,
having been lawfully summoned and having failed to appear.3

In 1601 the whole of the lands of the bishop rick of Cathanes, including Skebo and others
in the parish of Dornoch, were included in a new grant of the earldom of Sutherland by
King James VI. to Earl John and his heirs male and of entail by the lady Anna Elphing-
stoun his countess.*

The episcopal city or town of Durnach (afterwards the burgh) is first noticed in record
between the years 1127 and 1153, when King David I. granted his protection to the monks
dwelling there.5 It is next mentioned in Bishop Gilbert's charter of erection of the chapter
(1203-1245), in which it is styled the city of Durnach.6 In 1275 Bishop Archebald calls it
his town of Durnach.7 In 1503 the Scottish parliament ordained that a sheriff should be
appointed called the sheriff of Catnes, who should have jurisdiction throughout the whole
diocese, and should sit in Dornok or in Weik as the case required.8 In 1505 Alexander
of Moray was a bailie and burgess of Dornocht.9 In 1509 King James IV. appointed Alex
ander earl of Huntlie sheriff of the whole sheriffdom of Innernys, with power to appoint
deputies and to hold courts within the bounds of Caithnes and other parts, and of sitting
daily when necessary in certain towns, those in Caithnes being Weik and Dorno.10 A deed
dated at Dornoch in 1515 is witnessed by John and Murchard Murray burgesses of Dornoch.11
In 1529 a seisin of lands in Rogart is witnessed by Murchard Murray burgess of Dornoch, by
his brother german Hugh (probably also a burgess), and by other two burgesses Ysaac Leslie
and John Talyour.12 In 1536 a discharge for the dues of certain towns was granted to John
Murray of Cambussaffe in the manse of the chancellor of Cathanes within the city of Dornoch.13
In 1542 we find on an inquest touching the lands of William Sudirland of Duffos the names
of Walter Leslie, Ferquhard M'Gillespy, Alexander Rater, and Alexander M'Culloch, inhabi
tants of Dornocht.14 In 1544 a charter is witnessed by Dauid Dyksoun citizen of Dornoch. ls
In 1546 Murchard Murray (apparently the burgess of 1529) was a bailie of Dornoch.16 In

: Sutherland Charters. a Ibid. « Ibid. 8 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. ii. pp. 242, 249, 250.

1 Ibid. See GOLSPIE post. '•> Sutherland Charters.

5 Regist. de Dunfermelyn, p. 14. 10 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xv. no. 63. Reg. Sec. Sig..

4 Sutherland Charters. See above, pp. 601, 602. vol. iii. fol. 204. " Sutherland Charters.

• Ibid. See p. 604. " Ibid. I3 Ibid. « Ibid. '5 Ibid. 16 Ibid.

DORNOCH.] PAKOCHIALES. 637

1551 John Murray of Cambussawe burgess of Dornocht was deceased.1 In the same year a
payment of redemption money for Balnabrayt is witnessed by Valter Murray of Auchlwing,
Murdoc Murray, Thomas Chesolme, Roderic Murray, and Alexander M'Culloch, burgesses of
Dornoch.2 In 1552 a charter by John Murray or Neilsone citizen of Dornoch is witnessed by
Walter Leslie, Thomas Sutherland, or Kennochson, David Dickesoun, and John Talveour, citizens,
and by Gillepatrick Tailyeour sergeant.3 In 1566 seisin of the dean's stall was witnessed by
Thomas Murray and Robert Mathesone burgesses of Dornoch.4 The town of Dornoch was
burned in 1567 by Y Macky of Far, and in 1570 together with the cathedral by the master
of Caithness and the same Y Macky.5 In 1583 appears Angus Poison citizen of Dornoch/'
In 1606 an agreement was made at Over Pronsie between William Sutherland of Duffus and
the bailies and community of Dornoch, with the consent of their overlord John earl of Suther
land, by which both parties chose Hucheouu M'Ky of Far, George Sinclair of May, and George
Monro of Tarrel, to ' sight' the marches between the town of Dornoch and the lands and baronies
of Skelbo and Pronsie both property and common.7 The arbiters decided ' that the comon
hie gate that passes betuix the lands of Auchthtoiche and the cistmost feild of Nether Pronsie
passand vp to Raghan sal be ane speciall proper merche betuix the saidis landis comontie and
properties of the toune of Dornoche and the litle townes and subvrbs thairabout haldin of the
kirk and the said baronie of Pronsie on the eist part — and the said litle hill and sliding callit
Rachan to be ane proper meithe and merche of the saidis toune of Dornoch and kirklandis
forsaidis at the north syde — and all that is beeist the said gate and feild of Rachan to be as
propertie to the said towne of Dornoche and vtheris suburbs forsaidis — and the haill landis
and vtheris lyand bewest the said gate and feild of Rachan to be ane proper part and pertinent
apertening to the saidis barones of Pronsie and Skelbo — the comon moore about Rachan vpon
the eist and north parts of the gate to be comontie to baith the saidis parties landis quhill they
cum to the proper merchis of Coule and Indboll — and all pasturages beest and benorth the
saidis meithis of Rachan to be comon to baith the saidis parties except corne feild landis and
hand (hained) feildis and gressings.'8 In 1628 (14 July) King Charles I. — on the narrative that
his city of Dornoch was the only city of the earldom and country of Sutherland to which beyond
the memory of man all the inhabitants of that country flocked as to a common emporium to
purchase the necessaries of life ; that, as a place built near the seashore, it had a fit station
for a harbour for the importation and exportation of merchandise ; that it was expedient that
it should be erected into a free royal burgh and free port for the use of his lieges in that
part, which might be of much use in reducing the barbarous and uncultivated mountaineers
to civilization ; and seeing that the country and earldom of Sutherland extending to 60 miles
had much need of a free burgh within their bounds — erected the burgh and city of Durnoch,
with all its lands, tenements, houses, buildings, roods, and ' outsettis,' together with the station
and port of the same, into a free royal burgh and port, reserving to John earl of Sutherland
and his heirs male and successors their hereditary right in the said lands and other pertinents,

: Sutherland Charters. 5 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, pp. 150, 156.

- Ibid. See above, p. 615. c Sutherland Charters.

3 Ibid. » Ibid. ' Ibid. 8 Ibid.

VOL. II. 4 M

638 ORIGINES [DOEXOCH.

to be held of them as formerly or as the earl and his heirs might please to appoint, with the
yearly dues specified in their infeftments, the entries of their tenants, and all their other here
ditary rights as superiors of the burgh lands, houses, mosses, and other subjects ; with power
to the community to elect a provost, four bailies, a dean of guild, a treasurer, and twelve coun
cillors, and to elect also commissioners to parliament ; and with power to the magistrates to
build a market cross and a tolbooth or prison, and to have a weekly market on Saturday, and
three yearly fairs to be held for three days each, one beginning on 20 July, another on 20
August, and the third on 10 October, with all the small customs of those fairs ; and with power
also to build the harbour and station of Dornoch cum fulcimento et propiignaculis ' lie schoir
et peir,' and to levy all the small customs of the same, with anchorages, ' lie dockmaill,' and
other privileges — the magistrates and community paying yearly to the king 40s. as burgh cess
(census) with the usual burgh service.1 Sir Robert Gordon, writing about that period, says
of Dornoch — 'It is situat betuein the rivers of Portnecouter and Vnes, and is the cheeff burgh
and seat of the shirreffs of Southerlancl, wher all the hornings and inhibitions are registred,
and all denunciations made and proclamations red. About this toun along the sea coast ther
are the fairest and largest linkes or green feilds of any pairt of Scotland, fitt for archery, goffing,
ryding, and all other exercise; they doe suqjasse the feilds of Montrose or St. Andrews. In
the toun of Dornogh ther ar four fairs kept yeirlie, Sanct Gilbert his fair, Sanct Barr his fair,
Sanct Margaret's fair, and Sanct Bernard's fayre, vnto the which ther resorteth a great confluence
of people to traffique from all pairts of the kingdome. St. Gilbert his fayre is keipt yeirlie
the first day of Aprile, St. Margaret's fayre is keipt yeirlie the tuentie daye of Julie, St. Bernard
his fayre is keipt yeirlie the tuentie daye of August, and St. Barr his fayre wes keipt in former
tymes the tuentie-fyfth day of September, bot Alexander erle of Southerland procured it to
be transferred and removed from the 2oth day of September to the tenth day of October.
Everie one of these fairs continues for the space of thrie dayes.'2 His continuator informs us
that ' this year of God, one thousand six hundredth thirty-one, there was a busines of the earl
of Southerland's finished which cost Sir Robert Gordon much paines and travell to compasse
for the space of seaven years together both at court and before the commission of surrenders
since the same was established : the matter was the setling of the shriffship-regalitie of Souther-
land, and enlarging the bounds of the shriflship of Southerland, and the dismembering off" it
from the shirriffdome of Invernes, and getting the town of Dornogh to be made the head burgh
of the shire in all time coming.'3 In 1G41 the parliament passed fin act changing the yearly
fair held at the royal burgh of Durnoch on 10 October to one to begin on 22 October, to
continue for three days, and to be called Saint Gilbert Fair, because the former fair was hurtful
to the burgh and its neighbourhood ' be catting and destroyeing thair comes thane being vpone
the grund and vsuallie win nor lead at the tyme thairof.'* In 1G47 parliament confirmed an
agreement (dated 9 February) between John earl of Sutherland and Thomas Mansone comtnis-

1 Sutherland Charters. ' In the nioneth of Julie the sent home then into Scotland to passe vnder the Create

yeir of God 1628 Sir Robert Gordoun procured from scale.' Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 406.
his Majestic at London the privilege of a burgh royall 2 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, pp. 6. 7.
to the toun of Dornogh in Southerland with divers 3 Ibid., pp. 450, 4.51.
priviledges conteaned in that gift: which Sir Robert ' Acta Parl. Scot., vol. v. p. 4o3.

DORXOCH.] PAEOCHIALES. 639

sioner for the burgh of Dornoch for himself and the magistrates and community, whereby the
earl agreed to remove to Dornoch the fair called Andersmes market, formerly held at Golspie,
to begin on 20 November and last for three days, and all the other markets held within the
earldom of Sutherland, the customs to be uplifted for the use of the burgh.1 In 1655 an
agreement was made at Dornoch between Alexander Lord Duflus on one part and John Dempster
and William Gordoun bailies of the burgh of Dornoch on the other part to the following effect
— The bailies, council and community acknowledged that, although for years they had cast and
led peats and turfs on the said lord's lands of Pronssie and Evileck, they had no right to do so
except by toleration of him and his predecessors ; on which acknowledgment, and for the favour
he bore to the burgh and community, Lord Duffus granted to them during his lifetime the liberty
to cast, win, and lead peats and turfs within the said baronies ' benorth and beeast Rachan, and
from Rachan straicht westward by the Billhead of Carney to the hill of Rierquhar — from thence
straight westward to Lochlavachie and to the north of the saids bounds — as also vpoun the
southe and west of the lands of Evileck bewest and besowth the water thairof allenerlie within
ane half quarter of ane myle to the arraball lands and haned grass of the saids lands of Evileck
and Aisdill — secluding and debarring the saids haill inhabitants of the said brughe from casting
of peattis, truffes, fail, diffattis, or forgaige beeast the saids (lands) of Evileck (or) any part of
Lonestutach at any tyme heirefter but licence and tollerance of the said lord, his heirs and
successors' — paying yearly within the burgh of Dornoch the sum of £20 Scots, beginning at
Martimes following.2

In 1504 Andrew bishop of Cathanes granted to John Murray in heritage the following
lands and tenement with garden in the burgh of Dornoch and without, namely — the lands
called Auchinecloieh, having the lands called Cragge on the south, Pronsenaiii on the west,
the common pasture on the north, and the lands of Pitgrode on the east — and a tenement
with garden, having the common street on the south, the common road on the west, the
cemetery of Saint Fynbar lineally on the north, and the tenement of Gillemechell M'Bathe on
the east — of which lands and tenement the donation belonged to the bishop plena jure —
the grantee paying yearly 4d. for each rood of the tenement.3 In 1535 John Murray
resigned the burgh lands of Achloich in the hands of Alexander Murray bailie of Dornoch
in favour of his friend and kinsman Walter Murray, reserving the liferent to himself.4 In
1537 Master Alexander Sutherland dean of Cathanes resigned to Bishop Andrew all right
which he had to the lands of Achloch, and especially Reuencronich, in favour of Walter Murray
burgess of Dornoch.5 In 1570 Walter Murray of Achcloch burgess of Dornoch resigned in
the hands of Robert M'Rathe bailie the lands of Achcloch in favour of his son John Murray
and his heirs, reserving the liferent of the fourth part of the lands to Jonet Sutherland his
wife.6 In 1584 (6 December) Walter Murray in Drumdewan and his wife Issobell Murray

1 Sutherland Charters. M'Talyonr, and John M'Ane M'Alexander, burgesses

2 Ibid. 3 Ibid. and neighbours of the burgh of Dornoch. 5 Ibid.
4 Ibid, This resignation is witnessed by Walter 6 Ibid. Witnessed by John Sanderson in Dornoch

Lesly, Gorre Neilsone, Alexander Gar, Farchard and Walter Murray sergeant (officiarius) of Dornoch.

(540 ORIGINES [DORNOCH.

bound themselves and their heirs to resign to Alexander earl of Sutherland and his heirs all
right to the lands of Achloche lying in the diocese of Caythnes and sheriffdom of Innernes,
which they might have or might between the above date and Whitsunday following purchase
of John Murray in Achloche and Agnes M'Craith his wife, within twenty days after obtaining
that right, and on what security the earl should choose — in return for which the earl promised
to secure to Walter and his wife the lands of Drumdewan in exchange for those of Achloche
— and it was agreed that, should either party be injured by the exchange, the injury should
be submitted to the judgement of neutral men and repaired accordingly.1 In 1592 (12 August)
by a contract made at the He of Broray between Alexander earl of Sutherland, John Murray
of Auehloych, and Adam Gordoun of Golspiekirktoun, it was arranged as follows — 1. John
Murray, with the consent of his son Angus Murray, fear of the lands of Auehloych, and
of his wife Agnes M'Krayth liferenter, sold to the earl and his wife Dame Jene Gordoun, and
to their heirs got between them, with remainder to the earl's heirs whomsoever, the town and
lands of Auehloych in the diocese of Cathenes and sheritlilom of Innernes, to be held of
the superior by resignation or confirmation as the earl might choose — engaging to give the
grantees charter and seisin of the lands between the above date and the next feast of Saint
Bar (25 September), and to deliver to them before that feast all his evidents of the lands,
and also the reversion and wadset of the same on the sum of 300 marks belonging to Adam
Gordoun. 2. The earl in lieu of the above became bound to infeft John Murray in the lands of
Dawachfyn in the same diocese and sheriffdom before the said feast of Saint Bar, and to pay
to Adam Gordoun for John Murray as the price of the reversion to the lands of Auehloych
200 marks before Whitsunday 1593, and also before that date the remaining 100 marks —
in lieu of which last John Murray became bound on being infeft in the lands of Dawachfyn
to infeft the earl and his lady in a yearly revenue of 5 bolls of ' sufficient cherateit victuall
with the inett and mesure of Leyth' from those lands between 25 March and 1 May, beginning
in 1593, and continuing till the said yearly revenue should be lawfully redeemed by his payment
of the said 100 marks. 3. As Adam Gordoun and John Murray had reckoned for the rent due
to Adam for the lands of Auehloych, the latter discharged John Murray of all rents due before
1593, except 100 marks due for the years 1591 and 1592, which sum the earl on John Murray's
behalf promised to pay — John Murray in lieu of the same further became bound to infeft the
earl, his lady, and their heirs in another yearly revenue of 5 bolls ' sufficient cherateit victuall '
from the lands of Dawachfyn till lawfully redeemed — and the earl on the other hand for the
redemption of the same engaged to give John Murray a letter of reversion on 200 marks
Scots to be paid to the earl, his lady, and their heirs within the cathedral church of Dornocli
on 40 days warning before any term of Whitsunday, which sum in case of absence or refusal
should be consigned to any responsible landed man dwelling in Dornoch for the use of
the earl, provided it should not be lawful for John Murray to redeem the said yearly revenue
till he should pay the whole rents due along with the 200 marks.2 On 18 October 1592

1 Sutherland Charters. - Ibid. ' Cherateit' is ' winnowed.'

DORNOCH.] PAROCHIALES. 641

tlie earl granted to John Murray in Aucliincloych and his heirs the lands of Dawachfyn.1
On 19 October at Dunrobin John Murray further engaged, in case himself or his heirs should be
obliged to sell or otherwise dispose of his heritable right to the lands of Dawachfyn, to give the
earl the first offer of them on such reasonable terms as others within Sutherland would give
for the same.2 On 20 October he received seisin of the lands.3

In 1512 (4 May), on inquest made in court at Dornoch, Eoderic Murray, John Murray,
Donald Murray, Andrew Cambell, Eodric Jonsone, Alexander Wrycht, Andrew Pantour,
Donald Taylour, Donald M'Gillemor, Henry Johnesono, Henry Burges, William Johnesone,
John Ancrani, Thomas Blair, and William Mathesone, declared that Alexander Murray the
father of Sir Thomas Murray died last vest and seised in certain crofts and tenements in the
town of Dornoch, as the charter of Alexander Murray more at length bore, and also in two
crofts formerly belonging to Paul Burges, all in the earldom of Suthirland and sheriffdom of
Innernes, and held in chief of the bishop of Cathanes, and that Sir Thomas was the lawful
heir of Alexander and of lawful age.* On 7 July Sir Thomas was seised in the same.5 In
1515 the same Sir Thomas Murray, then precentor of the cathedral church, and the heir of
his deceased father who was a burgess of Dornoch, in a court held at the market cross by-
Andrew bishop of Cathanes, resigned all his hereditary lands, to be named in a charter after
wards to be made, reserving the liferent — and the bishop immediately went to a tenement of
those lands lying near the market cross, and gave seisin of them to John Murray the brother
german of Sir Thomas, in whose favour they were resigned.6

In 1524, on the mandate of John Ostelar, seisin was given to Say Lesly in a tenement in
Dornoch between the king's common road and the burn, and witnessed by Rodric M'Ane Duf,
William M'Ayne Oyr, John Murray, and Farchard M'Talyour, burgesses and neighbours of
Dornoch, and by John Awloch mair.7

In 1545 John Murray of Cambussave, William Murray of Spanzedaill, John Poilsone of
Creichemoir, Alexander Murray of Begos, Sir Robert Makraith vicar of Kilmalie, Farquhard
M'Intailyour, Thomas Kenycochsone, Thomas Murray, Walter Murray, John Tailyour, Alex
ander M'Culloch, William M'Ane Moir, Alexander Gar, Murquhard Murray, Walter Lesley,
John Awloche, and Donald M'Dauid Blair, fellow-burgesses and fellow-neighbours of the
burgh of Dornoch, in name of the community granted to their fellow-burgess Thomas Mowfti-
a waste piece of land of their commonly lying within the king's high way leading to the
Innoche on the east, the Blechinghill on the south, the common ford of the burn running
before and through the burgh on the north, and the said burn wholly on the west, paying
yearly to the bailies of Dornoch the sum of 4d. Scots in the name of burgh ferme.8 In 1567
Mariot Mowat the daughter and heiress of the deceased Thomas Mowate was seised in the
same piece of ground.9

In 1557, as we have seen, Robert bishop of Cathanes granted his tofts, crofts, acres, and
tenements of the city of Dornoch to John earl of Sutherland, and in 1564 admitted the earl's

1 Sutherland Charters. 2 Ibid. 3 Ibid. s Ibid. Witnessed by John M'Brady sergeant of the

4 Ibid. s ibjd 6 jbid 7 jbid. burgh. * Ibid.

842 OKIGINES [DOENOCH.

son Alexander as hereditary tenant of the same.1 In 1601 the crofts and tenements within
the city of Dornoch, the ' assy is aill and thoill' of that city, and the superiority of the same,
formerly belonging to the bishop, were included in a new grant of the earldom of Sutherland
by King James VI. to Earl John.2

In 1562 Kobert Duf alias M'Donald M'Dauid burgess of Dornoch for a certain sum of
money sold to Alexander Murray or Angussone also a burgess a house in Dornoch, namely,
the Kill, measuring in length 56 feet and in breadth 22 feet, as appeared, lying in his tenement
at the foot of the bridge, and having his garden on the south, the common road on the north,
the water of Dornoch on the west, and the said garden on the east, with the house built upon
the same, to be held in burgage at the usual rate, with power to repair and roof the same, and
especially on the south side next his garden, to the extent of three feet when required.*

In 1568 Alexander Murray of Balleknok bailie of Dornoch gave seisin to John Murray the
son and heir of the deceased John M'Donald M'Murquhe in a tenement or house lying within
that city between the cemetery of Saint Findbar of Dornoch on the west, the burn or water
of Dornoch on the east, the common road on the south, and the tenement of Master Thomas
Braydy on the north.*

In 1568 a charter by Thomas Murray burgess of Dornoch, granting to his son John crofts
and other subjects round the city, names the croft of Sir Hugh Kennedy knight, Croft Anna-
bill, Croft Nicll, Croft Mowden, the hill called Knoknaheglis, and Doynefad.5 In 1618 John
Murray of Abirscors granted in heritage to "Walter Murray the son of the deceased John Murray
in Spainzedaill, and to Margaret Bayne his wife, the town and lands of Ballone otherwise
called Fynnieblair, the lands called Croftowile, Doanefad, and Loquharie, the lands of Croftlarie
and Belloroft, the lands of Doanefad and Barnesegen, the lands called the Tolme (or Colme)
with the tail of the same, the lands of Doanechouina, and his tenements and dwellings in
Dornoche, with the garden and other pertinents belonging to him in heritage, and all other
tenements, houses, and buildings erected or to be erected thereon, all lying within the immu
nity of Dornoch, earldom of Suthirland, and regality of the same.6 In 1633 (6 November),
on a mandate of King Charles I., John earl of Sutherland granted in heritage to George
Kos portioner of Pittcarie, the croft called Croftmauld lying on the south side of the burgli of
Domoche, with the tenement, barn, and garden in the upper part of the same, between the
Bletchinghill of the burgh on the east, the croft of Thomas Ratter on the west, the lands of
John Chisholme on the south, and the common road on the north — also the croft called
Croftowlay with the tenement and garden in the upper part of the same, lying on the south
of the burgh between the croft called Croftmauld on the east, the Delwingis on the south, the
croft called Gunneris Croft on the west, and the common road on the north — also the croft
called Gunneris Croft or the croft of the deceased Donafd Tailyour, lying on the south side of

1 Sutherland Charters. See above, pp. 610,611, 613. bert M'Donald M'Dauid, and Walter Murray sergeant

-Ibid. See GOLSPIE post. (aliens) of Dornoch. 6 Protocol Book of William Gray.

' Ibid. 6 Sutherland Charters. The immunity here named

' Ibid. Witnessed by William Clerk ' sutor,' Ro- is probably the ' girth,' noticed above, pp. 607, 60S.

DORNOCH.] PAKOCHIALES. 643

the burgh between the croft called the croft of Thomas Ratter then belonging to Sir Alexander
Gordoun on the east, the croft called the Delvingis sometime belonging to the heirs of the
said deceased John Chisholme on the south, the croft called Croftphaill then belonging to Sir
John Gordoun baronet on the west, and the common road on the north — and the croft called
the Delwingis with its pertinents, lying on the south side of the burgh between the crofts
called Croftmauld, Croftowlay, and Gunneris Croft on the north, the common road on the east,
the common pasture or seashore on the south, and the said croft called Croftphaill on the
west — all lying in the earldom and sheriffdom of Sutherland, and all formerly belonging to the
deceased Robert Monro commissary of Cathanes, and on 22 November last apprised from his
maternal cousin Robert Sutherland (-who had been lawfully summoned to show himself heir to
George Ros) by a decree of the Lords of Council in favour of George for the sum of 1885
marks Scots and 92 marks as sheriff's fee — the grantee paying yearly 20s. Scots, and Robert
Sutherland to have regress to the above on payment of the sum for which they were apprised,
saving the right of the earl and his heirs.1 In 1059 Robert Gray of Arbo granted in heritage
to George M'Culloch the croft of land called Croftphaill or Croftmore extending to 5 tolls
2 firlots of bear, lying on the south side of Dornoch between the land called the Chantoure*
Croft on the west, the land called Guners Croft on the east, the tenement of land, the barn,
and yard of John Polsone sometime heritor of the said croft on the north, and the lands called
the Delveingis on the south, together with the said dwelling, house, barn, and yard, being for
the time ruinous and waste, all lying in the burgh of Dornoch and in the earldom and sheriff
dom of Southerland.2

In 1573 Alexander M 'William M'Ane Moir was seised in certain crofts at Dornoch bounded
by the hill called Knoklot,3

In 1574 Alexander earl of Sutherland, by a deed dated at Edinburgh 7 August, promised
to pay to Luke Wilsoun burgess of Edinburgh and his wife Katherine Vddart, and to their
heirs, executors, or assignees, the sum of £1000 Scots within the burgh of Edinburgh by
Whitsunday 1575, and acknowledged receipt of 500 marks from Luke for ' outredding' of
his affairs ; in return for which the earl engaged to infeft Luke and his wife and heirs in
a yearly revenue of 50 marks Scots from his lands called the sixpenny lauds of Innerbo (or
Indbo) in the earldom of Suderland and sheriffdom of Innernes, under reversion on payment
of the said sum of 500 marks with all dues in the parish church of Edinburgh, giving as his
sureties Robert Abircromye and Clement Tor burgesses of Edinburgh ; and Luke Wilsoun
thereupon discharged the earl, as the son and heir of the deceased John earl of Suderland
and the deceased Dame Elenour Stevart countess of Arroll and Suderland, of all debts due
by them to Luke.* In 1592 John Gordoun in Clyntredlen granted to Alexander earl of
Sutherland reversion to a yearly revenue of 50 marks to be paid at Whitsunday and Martinmas,
sold to him by the earl, on payment of 500 marks Scots in one day within the cathedral
church of Dornoch.5

1 Sutherland Charters. - Ibid. 3 Protocol Book of William Gray. * Sutherland Charters. - Ibid.

644 ORIGINES [DOENOCH.

In 1575 Alexander Kenate burgess of Banff, as the procurator of Catharine Eeid the wife
of Master Alexander Dunbar dean of Moray, and of Thomas Dunbar their lawful son, on a
mandate of Alexander earl of Sutherland took seisin of a house in Dornoch called ' the vicar
of Kilmaleis chalmer.'1 In 1630 Angus Angussone burgess of Dornoch granted in liferent to
Jannet Kinros his future wife his dwelling-house on the north side of the burgh of Dornoch
and on the west side of his tenement formerly belonging to Sir Kobert M'Craith vicar of Culmalie
on the north side of the cemetery of Saint Fimber, with that part of his garden and the outer
house of the same lineally joined from south to north, lying between the king's highway on the
south, his tenement of land sometime belonging to the deceased Alexander M'Craithe of Inbo
on which the new stone foundation called the Castle was built on the west, the common road
on the north, and the rest of his tenement and garden with the buildings erected within the said
bounds as far as the tenement of the deceased Thomas Wyre on the east — also his said tenement
lying on the north side of the burgh sometime belonging to Kobert M'Craith vicar of Culmalie, with
the garden, kiln, houses, and buildings on the same, as they lay in length and breadth between
the tenement of the said deceased Thomas Wyre on the east ; his said tenement formerly belonging
to the said deceased Alexander M'Craithe of Inbo and James M'Eaith his son, on which the said
new stone foundation called the Castle was built, with the garden of the same, on the west ; and
the king's highway or vennel of the said burgh on the south and north — in the diocese of Cathanes
and sheriffdom of Sutherland — the grantee paying to John earl of Sutherland at Whitsunday,
if asked, in name of feuferme, 12d. Scots for the house with part of the garden and outer house
of the same, and 3s. 4d. Scots for the tenements with garden, kiln, and other buildings.2

In 1576 Alexander Murray of Balliknok conveyed to his son Angus his new ' bwithe' with
a small ' bwithe,' house, and stable, in the city of Dornoch.3

In 1603 (22 August) Barbara Matheson, the only daughter and heiress of the deceased Eobert
Matheson sadler and burgess of Dundie, with the consent of her husband Andro Ramsay tailor
and burgess of the same, appointed Donald Makphail citizen of Dornoch her procurator to obtain
for her by precept of dare constat from [George] Glaidstanis bishop of Kaitneis infeftment in a
tenement of land lying in the town of Dorno ' betuix the commoun gait of the said toune at the
north, the kirkyard of Dorno at the cist, and the commoun kingis gait at the west and south
pairtis,' and to resign the same in favour of William Sanderson bailie of Dornoch and his heirs
in terms of a contract between the said William and herself and husband.* On 22 November
an inquest was held in the tolbooth of the burgh of Dornoch by the following burgesses, namely,
Donald Makphaill, Richard Murray, Alexander M'Kraith, William Clunes, Alexander Clark,
Alexander Murray, Thomas Veir, Thomas Ratter, George Dicksone, Thomas Fiddes, William
Murray M'Kane M'Kwatt, Thomas Murray Angussone, and John Murray M'Kwatt, who
declared that the deceased Robert Mathesone sadler of the said burgh, the father of Barbara
Mathesone, died last vest and seised in the dwelling (mansio) commonly called the Bischopis
Lichting Place with the houses and buildings erected on the same, lying on the west side of the

• Protocol Book of William Gray. 3 Protocol Book of William Grny.

- Sutherland Charters. 4 Sutherland Charters.

BORSOCH.] PAROCHIALES. 645

burgh between the common roads on the south, west, and north, and the cemetery of the church
of Saint Gilbert on the east, and that she was his lawful heir and of lawful age.1 In 1606
Master Alexander Forbes bishop of Cathanes, for the good service done by William Sandesone
citizen of Dornoch, granted to him in heritage the Bischopis Lichting Place for the yearly
payment of 3s. 4d. Scots.2

In 1627 Alexander Murray, the lawful son of the deceased John Murray in Dornoch, was
served heir to his uncle William Murray in a tenement of land with a garden lying on the east
side of Dornoch in the sheriffdom of Innernes, of the extent of one penny.3

In 1660, on a precept by John earl of Sutherland, Alexander Gordoun burgess of Dornoche
and his heirs were seised in a tenement of land and garden adjacent, lying within the Castleclos
of Dornoche.4 In 1669, by a contract made at Dornoch on 14 July between Robert Mansone
burgess, with the consent of his wife Anne Papley, and George M'Culloch in Achindeane late
bailie of Dornoch, Kobert and his wife acknowledged receipt of £241 Scots from George
M'Culloch, and as security for the same sold to him and to his heirs ' that tenement of land
and yaird in Dornoch contigue lyand on the sowth syde therof, having the tenement of land
sum tyme pertening to Farquhair M'Intailyeour at the sowth, the commone calsey and vennalls
of the said burgh at the east and north pairtis, and the Castleyaird, Castleclosse, and tenement
therein at the west pairts,' lying in the sheriffdom of Sutherland, under reversion on payment
of the said £241 Scots, and for the yearly payment of £20 Scots.5

From the above notices and other sources it appears that the city or burgh of Dornoch was
formerly of much larger extent than at present.6 The burgh cross, apparently of some
antiquity, though broken, has been repaired, and still occupies its old site on the north of the
cemetery of Saint Gilbert.7 Beside it stood the townhouse or prison, mentioned by Pennant
in 1769, and taken down in 1813.8 Fairs were formerly held in the churchyard, which was
unenclosed, and through which in the end of the last century the public road passed.9 The
burn so often noticed in the charters of burgh property intersects the town from north to
south, and immediately to the east of the churchyard was crossed by the bridge (also mentioned
in charters, but now superseded by another), and at other three points by stepping stones
corresponding to the roads or lanes.10 Of the sites of the canons' houses, all or most of which
seem to have been extant in 1769, only two are now remembered, the house of the canon of
Clyne (the dean) at the east end of the town, and the house of the canon of Criech (the chanter)
on the south-east, now the site of the Caledonian Bank.11 Some of the names of the canons'
crofts or fields, such as Auchintreasurich and Auchinchanter, still survive.12

At the arrangement between William earl of Sutherland and Bishop Archcbald in 1275, as
we have seen, the castle of Schythebolle (Skibo) and six davachs of land adjacent to it were

1 Sutherland Charters. 2 Ibid. 8 Pennant, vol. iii. p. 361. Sketch by R. S. Taylor

3 Eetours. Esquire. Notes taken on spot 185-1.

1 Sutherland Charters. 5 Ibid. 9 Old Stat Ace. Note by R. S. Taylor Esqnire.
6 Sketch and notes by R. S. Taylor Esquire. Notes 10 Sketch and notes by R. S. Taylor Esquire. Notes

taken on the spot 1854. on spot 1854. " Ibid. Pennant, vol. iii. p. 188.

"• New Stat. Ace. Notes on spot 1854. '2 New Stat. Ace. Notes on spot 1854.

VOL. II. 4 N

646 OEIGINES [DOBNOCII.

ceded to the bishop.1 The castle was thenceforth a principal residence of the bishops of
Caithness, but we hear no more of it till about the year 1544, when it was taken by Macky
of Strathnaver and afterwards retaken by Captain James Cullen.2 Skebocastell with the
castle (that is apparently the castle and the six davachs around it) appears, as we have seen, in
grants by the bishop dated 1560, 1564, and 1577, and in the new grant of the earldom of
Sutherland in 1601. 3 In 1650 the marquis of Montrose is said to have been confined for
two days in the castle of Skibo after his capture in Assint.4 In 1769 the castle was modernised
and habitable, but was subsequently taken down.5

The castle of Skelbole (anciently Scelbol, Skclbotil, or Skcllcbolc, and now Skelbo) was,
as we have seen, granted to Gilbert Mudy by his brother Bishop William in 1455, and
confirmed by King James III. in 1478.6 In 1494 (1 July) the Lords of Council decided
that John earl of Suthirland and his accomplices had done wrong in taking and withholding
the castle and place of Skelbo and also two children of John of Murray, and ordained that
he should deliver the castle to Thomas Kynnard of that ilk to be held by him according to
his charter and seisin which he had produced before the Lords, that he should immediately
set the children at liberty, and should pay to Thomas Kynnard 100 marks Scots for his
' dampnag and scathis' as proved in court.7 As to other goods contained in the summons the
Lords continued the case till 8 October following, ordaining that the witnesses should be
dismissed and new witnesses summoned.8 In the same year (15 December) William Keth
appeared before the Lords Auditors as procurator for Marjory Mowait the widow of the
deceased John of Kynnard, demanding redress for the injury done her by Thomas of Kynnard
in ' falsing' the charters and letters made to her of the castell and place of Skelbo,9 Marjory
Mowat at the same time sued Alexander Murray, Johne of Murray his son, and Thomas
Kynnard for wrongously withholding from her the castle and place of Skelbow and occupying
and labouring the demesne lands of the same for that year, and for withholding the dues.10
Thomas Kynnard alleged that the charter and seisin of conjunct infeftmcnt of the said castle
and lands made to John of Kynnard and Marjory by the deceased Alane Kynnard of that ilk,
dated 15 January 1486 (1487) in presence of Master Walter Kynnard, Archibald Brothy,
Michell Murray, Huchon Monroo, Adam Brothy, William Murray, and Alexander Brothy,
were false and sealed after Alane's decease.11 The Lords Auditors therefore assigned to Thomas
Kynnard the 13th day of March following to ' fals' the said charters and seisin civilly by the
witnesses contained in the same infeftment ; and, as some of those witnesses were alleged to
be unwell and unable for a journey, they ordained with the consent of the parties that Sir
John Atnisfuld and one called Auchinlek public notaries in Dornoch should take the depositions
of the sick witnesses and forward them under their seals by the day appointed.12 In 1518

1 See above, p. 603. * Pennant, vol. iii. p. 361. New Stat. Ace.

2 Pennant, vol. iii. p. 361. New Stat Ace. Genea- 6 See above, p. GOT.

logy of tlie Earls of Sutherland, pp. Ill, 112. See " Acta Dom. Cone., p. 348.

above, p. 609. » Ibid.

3 See above, pp. 613, 614, 636. » Acta Dom. And., p. 203.

4 Genealogy of the Earls, p. 555. New Stat. Ace. >« Ibid., p. 204. "Ibid. 12 Ibid.

DORNOCH.] PAKOCHIALES. 647

Andrew Kynnard of that ilk took seisin of the lands and castle of Skelbo at the top of the
stair ascending to the tower of the castle.1 In 1525 John Kynnard the son of the deceased
Andrew took seisin of the same castle and lands in the hall of the castle.2 In 1529, as we
have seen, when John Kynnard sold the lands and castle to William Suthirland of Duffus, his
bailie John Murray of Campbussay received as evidence of the seisin a black ox with grey
horns.3 In 1545 Master John Sutherland appears as captain of Skelbo.* In grants or
confirmations of the barony, dated in 1555, 1562, 15G3, and 1566, the castle was included,
and in some cases appointed the chief messuage of the barony.5 In 1564 a transaction between
Alexander Suthirland of Duffus, his son James, and James's foster father Angus Suthirland
Hectorsone, was done in Alexander Suthirland's ' chalmer within the castell of Skelbo.'6 In
1616 William Sutherland of DufFus was served heir to his father William in the demesne lands,
tower, and fortalice of Skelbo.7 The castle, situated on Loch Fleet near the Little Ferry, is
now a mere ruin, but still exhibits traces of its former size and strength.8

In some of the above notices appears the bishop's castle or palace of Dornoch.9 In 1570
it was held for some time together with the steeple of the cathedral by the Murrays against
the Master of Caithness, after the latter had burned the cathedral and the town.10 Part of
it still remains on the south side of the square or place in the middle of which the cathedral
stands.11 Till the beginning of the present century it was surrounded by a court and wall,
in the inside of which were vaults or booths used as shops or dwellinghouses.12 The court
and a lane either on the east or on the west side of the wall were probably the Castleyaird
and Castleclos noticed in the titles of certain tenements.13 The new foundation called the Castle
appears to have stood on a different site.14 The use and even the name of the Bischopis
Lichting Place are now locally unknown.15

Pennant in 1769 mentions Embo, an old building, the seat of the knights of Embo.lc
' A litle by east the toun of Dornogh their is a monument in forme and structure lyk
a croce, called Craske-Worwarre, that is, the thaine or erle his croce. Ther is another besyd
Enbo about a mile from Dornoch, called Rie-Crosse, that is the king's crosse, in the which place
one of the kings or commanders of Denmark was slain and buried.' 17

I Sutherland Charters. - Ibid. 16 Tour, vol. iii. p. 361.

3 Ibid. See p. 630. " Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 7. The

4 Regist. Moraviense, p. 402. cross at Embo, which no longer exists, was traditionally

5 Sutherland Charters. See pp. 631-634. ascribed to the 13th century, and said to commemorate

6 Protocol Book of William Gray. a battle between William earl of Sutherland and the

7 Retours. See p. 634. Danes, in which the king of the Danes was slain. The

8 Notes taken in 1854. 9 See pp. 611, 614, 615. cross or obelisk near Dornoch, evidently of a much
10 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 156. later date, bears on each side a shield with three stars,

II Notes taken in 1854. and is still called the Thane's Cross, but is frequently

12 Sketch and notes by R. S. Taylor Esquire. confounded with that which stood at Embo. It is so

13 See p. 645. " See p. 644. 15 See pp. 644, 645. confounded by Pennant, vol. iii. pp. 188, 361.

G48 ORIGINES [GOLSPIE.

GOLSPIE.

Culmalin1— Culmaly2 — Kilinale3 — Kilnialy* — Kilmalie5 — Kylmalie6 —
Culmale7 — Kilmalze8 — Culmalze9 — Kilmailze10 — Kilmaillie11 — Col-
malie12 _ Culmalie13 — Golspie.14 (Map, No. 2.)

THIS parish, separated from Dornoch by Loch Fleet and its outlet the Little Ferry, extends in
a north east direction about 8 miles along the Dornoch Firth, and forms an oblong generally
equal in breadth to the length of Loch Fleet. The upper part is hilly with a few small lakes,
and the lower comparatively level and arable, including the links, a large tract composed of a series
of ancient seabeaches with intervening spaces, at one time overblown with sand, which has since
to a great extent been covered with mould, greensward, heath, and other vegetation. The
wooded glen of Dunrobin with its cascade on the burn of Golspie forms a scene of great beauty.
In 1471 a deed of inquest made in the head court of John earl of Suthirlaud and in his
presence was sealed for some of the parties with the seal of Sir Alexander K (probably Eattir)
vicar of Culmalin.15 In 1512 a transaction done at the castle of Dunrabyn was witnessed by
Master Malcolm Rathar vicar of Culmaly.16 In 1515 Master Malcolm appears to have resigned
the vicarage of Culmaly, and to have been appointed vicar of Latheroun.17 Sir Robert
M'Raith, probably appointed his successor in the same year, appears as vicar of Culmaly in
1524 and 1529.18 In 1532 Master Alexander llattar is styled vicar of Kilmale.19 In 1536
Master Robert M'Raith (evidently the same as Sir Robert) was vicar.20 In 1545 the same
Sir Robert appears as vicar, and Alexander Rattar as parish clerk.21 In 1546 (29 April) a
charter is witnessed by the same Sir Robert as vicar, by Sir Robert Fern curate, and by
Alexander Rattar parish clerk.22 In the same year (13 October) a seisin of the earldom is
witnessed by one surnamed Fern, and styled either pensionary or penitentiary of Culmale.23

1 A. D. 1471. Fors Charters. '- A. J). 1580. Ibid.

-A. D. 1512. Sutherland Charters. A. D. 1515. "A.D. 163U. Ibid.

Ibid. A.D. 1524. Ibid. A. D. 1529. Ibid. A.D. 14 A.D. 1602. Acta Parl. Scot, vol. vii. p. 390.

1545. Ibid. A. D. 1552. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxv. l5 Fors Charters. Richard Fossard parson of Ivil-

t'ol. 3. malyn, who in 129C swore fealty to King Edward of

3 A. D. 1532. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. ix. fol. 67. A. D. England, may have been parson of this parish. See

1549. Sutherland Charters. A. D. 155!». Ibid. KILMAUE, p. 180.

1 A. D. 1536. Sutherland Charters. A. D. 1546. 16 Sutherland Charters.

Ibid. A.D. 1549. Ibid. A. D. 1558. Ibid. A.D. '7 Ibid. "Ibid.

1501-66. Book of Assumptions.; >'•> Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. ix. fol. 67. This notice is er-

5 A.D. 1545. Sutherland Charters. A.D. 1551. roneously applied to the parish of Kilmalie in the
Ibid. diocese of Argyle. See p. 180.

6 A. D. 1546. Ibid. «' Sutherland Charters.

7 A. D. 1546. Ibid. 8 A. D. 1565. Ibid. 21 Ibid. Seisin of the lands of Auchinloug is wit-
1J Circa A. D. 1569. Register of Ministers. m-sscd by Alexander Rattar parish clerk.and by Thomas

10 A. D. 1574. Book of Assignations. Gray, William Makynnane, and Thomas Makewin.

11 A. D. 157S. Sutherland Charters. laymen. « Ibid. * n,i(1-

GOLSPIE.] PAROCHIALES. 649

In the same year (10 December) Sir Robert Feme again appears as curate of Kylmalie.1 Sir
Robert M'Raith again appears as vicar in 1549, 1551, 1552, 1558, 1559, and 1565." In
the last year (8 August) Henrie and Marie king and queen of Scots granted for life to their
daily servitor James Dauidsoun Kintyre Pursevant the vicarage of Kilmalze, with the manse,
glebe, and kirkland, vacant by the decease of Sir Robert Makcraith.3 In 1569 Sir Robert Feme
(apparently the curate of 1546) was exhorter at Culmalze, and in 1574, 1577, and 1578 he
was reader.4 In 1578 James Dauidsoun vicar of Kilmaillie, with the consent of the bishop
and chapter, leased to John master of Sutherland and his heirs for 19 years from Alhallowmes
1579 the vicarage of Kilmaillie, with the fruits, rents, teinds, teindfish, wool, lamb, butter,
cheese, teindstirk, staig, and other emoluments — ' corps presentis, vmaist claythis, Paschefynis,
and oblationis, alwayis according to the ordour taikin heiranent exceptit' — reserving also the
glebe and manse to the readers ; the lessee paying yearly £10 Scots at Alhallowmes and Peax,
namely, £6, 13s. 4d. as two-thirds to the vicar, and £3, 6s. 8d. as one-third to Sir Robert Feme
reader at the kirk of Kilmaillie or any other reader there.5 In 1581 (4 February) Robert earl of
Marche, commendator of the priory of Saint Andrews, and bishop of Cathnes, with the consent
of his dean and chapter, for the sum of £2000 Scots paid to him by Alexander earl of Sutherland,
leased for life to the earl, to his lady Dame Jean Gordoun, and to their son and apparent heir
John master of Sutherland, and after their decease for 19 years to the master's heirs and as
signees, the teindsheaves of the parishes of Loth and Colmalie, the latter including those of Wppet,
Innerboll, Mellak, Claysyid, Dunrobin, the Glen of Dunrobin, Allertoun, Bakeis, Golspitour,
Golspimoir, Golspikirktoune, Ruiffis, Drummoy, Colinalimoir, Colmaliecraigtoun, Eister Aherscors,
and Westir Aberscors, with entry at Lambes 1581, the lessee paying yearly 120 marks Scots.6
In 1662, on a petition by Lord Strathnaver the son of the earl of Sutherland, and the report of
their commission, the parliament found that during the vacancy of the church of Golspk-
(1649-1653) the stipend had been applied by the presbytery to pious uses."

The church (probably dedicated to a saint whose name is corrupted to Garden) stood at
Kilmaly, corruptly Culmalie, and now known as Kirktown, where its cemetery, enclosed, but
disused and overgrown with weeds, and the remainder of its north wall, may still be seen.'1 The
wall is 81 feet long, about 7^ feet high, and 3^ feet thick.9 The eastern portion, 26^ feet long,
seems a later but very old addition, and has within 12^ feet of its eastern termination a
semicircular arched recess in length 7 feet.10 In the other and older part of the wall is a slab
of hewn stone, with an inscription bearing that the dilapidated cemetery contains the bodies of
many of the earls of Sutherland, a modern fancy which has no foundation in fact.11 In 1611)
the place of worship was changed to the village of Golspie, two miles eastward from Kilmaiv,

1 Sutherland Charters. ' Acta Parl. Scot., vol. vii. p. 390.

- Ibid. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxv. fol. 3. Book of As- B Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 79. Old
sumptions. The notice from the Reg. Sec. Sig. is Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace. Notes on spot 1K54.
erroneously given under Kilmalie. See p. 180. 9 Measurement taken in 1864.

1 Sutherland Charters. . "> Ibid.

* Register of Ministers. Book of A ssignations. " Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace. Notes taken on
3 Sutherland Charters. 6 Ibid. spot 1854. See Genealogy of the Earls passim.

650 OEIGINES [GOLSPIE.

and the site of the chapel of Saint Andrew mentioned below.1 The present church, which
is cruciform, is said to have been built in 1738, and to have had an aisle added in 1751.2 Mr.
Neale, writing in 1848, says, ' The church, which is cross, is on old foundations, but nothing
ancient remains except the rood staircases.' 3

In the year 1330, on the day following the feast of Saint Nicholas, Kenneth earl of Suthyr-
land granted a charter to Eeginald of Moray of Culbyn at the chapel of Saint Andrew of
Goldespy.* Between 1399 and 1408 Kobert earl of Suthirland by a deed dated at the chapel
of Saint Andrew granted to Henry of Suthirland the lands of Thurboll, resigned there by
Henry's father Nicholas of Suthirland lord of the castle of Duffhus.5 In 1448 John earl of
Suthirland presented Sir Alexander of Eatir to the perpetual chaplainry of Saint Andrew the
apostle of Golspi then vacant, and specially to the town of Drommoy, with the crofts and lands
around the chapel and the croft upon the hill between the burns.6 In 1451 Robert of Suthir
land, the son and heir of John of Suthirland of Fors, granted to the perpetual chaplain of
' Sant Androwis chapell of Golspy' 40s. Scots yearly from the mails of the town of Drommy
(Drommoy), ' for to pray for me and the sawlys off my forbearis and successouris.'7 In 1509
the advowson of the chaplainry of Golspy was included in a retour of the earldom of Suther
land in favour of John Sutherland the son and heir of the deceased Earl John.8 In 1515
(31 August) Adam Gordoun earl of Suthirland presented Sir Eobert M'Eaith chaplain to the
chaplainry of Saint Andrew of Golspy in the parish of Culmaly, vacant by the resignation of
Master Malcolm Eattir.9 In the same year (18 September) Andrew bishop of Cathanes granted
collation of the chaplainry to the procurator of Sir Eobert M'Eaith.10 About the year 1550,
during the absence of earl John, John Southerland, the son of Alexander who, as will after
wards appear, laid claim to the earldom, came with a party to Golspikirktoun, intending to
attack Alexander Gordoun the earl's brother, to whom he had committed the rule of the earl
dom, and who was then at worship in the chapel ; but he, having learned their approach, went
out to meet them, on which they dispersed.11 In 1556 John earl of Suthirland, with the consent
of his wife Elizabeth Stewart countess of Erole and Sudirland, granted to his faithful servitor
Sir Eichard Maddir priest the chaplainry of Saint Andrew with the lands and crofts of the same,
when vacant by the consent of Sir Eobert M'Eayth then chaplain or in whatever other way —
committing to him the cure, government, and administration of the same — Sir Eichard doing
the funeral rites (exequias) and other services according to the foundation of the chaplainry,

1 Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace. Genealogy of the of the parish and neir the house of Dunrobin.' Genea-

Earls of Sutherland, pp. 9, 361. Neale's Ecclesio- logy, p. 361.

logical Notes, p. 67. ' At this tyme also Sir Robert 2 New Stat. Ace.

Gordoun interprysed the building and repairing of the 3 Eccles. Notes, p. 67. Those staircases are now gone,

parish churches of Southerland, being almost all ruinous Mr. Neale does not seem to have been aware that the

to the ground, which in end he brought to passe, and ' old foundations' were those of a chapel, or that the

began with Golspiekirktoun. Sir Robert with consent parisli church was at Kilmaly.

of the bishop and of the parishioners did appoynt the 4 Sutherland Charters.

same to be the parish church and the place of meitting 5 Ibid. 6 Ibid. ' Ibid,

for divyne service, which wes befor this tyme at Kil- 8 Ibid. 9 Ibid. '" Ibid,

maly Kirktoun, seing Golspie church is in the midst u Genealogy of the Earls, p. 132.

GOLSPIE.] PAROCHIALES. 651

together with the service and worship (seruitio et diuinis) due and wont within the palace or
fortalice of Dunrobin when possible besides the cure and service of the chaplainry according to
the same foundation.1 Sir Robert M'Crayth, who, as we have seen, was vicar of Kihnaly,
appears to have held the chaplainry till his death in 1565.2 In 1566, under the designation of
the benefice of Saint Andrew called Golspiekirktoun, the advowson of the chaplainry was
included in a new grant of the earldom of Sutherland made by Queen Mary to Earl John.''
In 1570 Richard Maddir chaplain of the chaplainry of Saint Andrew of Gospye, with the con
sent of the patron Alexander earl of Suthirland then a minor, of Barbara Sinclar countess of
Suthirland his wife, and of the earl's curators Robert bishop of Cathanes and Alexander Suthir
land of Duffous, for certain sums of money paid to him by Gilbert Mill and for other favours,
granted to Gilbert in heritage his chaplainry of Golspe with its lands, fields, crofts, tofts, houses,
and buildings, and with the yearly revenues of the town of Drommoy and of the boat of the
port or ferry of Vnis, lying within Suthirland in the sheriffdom of Innernes, extending yearly
in his rental to the sum of £10 Scots — the grantee paying yearly that sum with 16 pence in
augmentation of the rental.* In 1575 (16 February) Sir Richard renewed the grant of the
chaplainry to Gilbert Milne, who on 23 February took seisin of the same.5 In 1583 (15 March)
Gilbert Milne, fear of the town and lands of Golspykirktoun, with the yearly revenues of the
town and lands of Drummoy extending to 40s., and the privilege of the ferryboat of Vnis,
in fulfilment of a contract with Adam Gordoun of Culgour dated at Dornoch 3 March 1582
(1583), with the consent of Edward Kennety the son of John Kennetie burgess of Bamfe,
chaplain of the chaplainry of Saint Andrew of Golspy, and with the consent of the same John
the tutor of his son Edward, and of the patron Alexander earl of Sutherland, granted to Adam
Gordoun and to his wife Cristina Murray the daughter of Hugh Murray of Aberscors, and to
the heirs got between them, with remainder to Adam's heirs whomsoever, the town and lands of
Golspykirktoun, with the annual rents of Drummoy extending to 40s. Scots, and the privilege
of the ferryboat of the port of Vnis, with the rest of their pertinents, belonging to the chap
lainry of Saint Andrew of Golspykirktoun in the earldom of Sutherland and sheriffdom of
Innernes, for a certain sum of money paid to him by Adam in his necessity — to be held of the
chaplain and of the earl and of their successors for the yearly payment of £10 old ferme with
16d. in augmentation — seisin taken on the lands of Golspykirktoun to be sufficient for tin-
whole.6 In the same year (18 April) Alexander earl of Sutherland confirmed the grant.7 In
1592 Adam Gordoun of Golspiekirktoun appears as a party to a contract with the same earl and
John Murray of Auchloych.8 In 1617 his son Alexander, styled of Golspiekirktoune, witnesses
a seisin of the earldom of Sutherland.9 In 1626 the same Adam (apparently), with the consent
of his eldest son Alexander fear of Golspiekirktoun, and of his (apparently Alexander's) wife

1 Sutherland Charters. ° Ibid. The grant is signed by Gilbert Mylne,

'l Book of Assumptions. Sutherland Charters. Edvart Kennayte cheplan of Golspy, and Alexander

1 Sutherland Charters. 4 Ibid. erll off Sutherland.

5 Ibid. The seisin is witnessed by William Mak- ? Ibid.

lienrik in Golspyekirk. >• Iliid. See DOBNOCH, p. 640. 'J Ibid.

652 ORIGINES [GOLSPIE.

Margaret Gordoun, for the sum of 2500 marks Scots paid to him by Sir Eobert Gordoun of
that ilk baronet, tutor of Sutherland, sold to Sir Eobert and his heirs the ' chaplane landis of
the towne and landis of Golspiekirktoun, with houss, biggingis, yairdis, toftis, croftis, annexis,
connexis, dependenceis, partis, pendicles, and pertinentis thairof vsit and vont, togidder with the
annuelrentis of the towne and landis of Drummoy extending to the sowme of fourtie sehillingis
monie yeirlie to be vpliftit and tane furth of the saidis landis of Drummoy, with the priviledge
of the passage boit and poirt of Vnis, with all and sindrie thair pertinentis quhatsumevir per-
teneing to the chaplanrie of Sanct Andro of Golspiekirktoun,' to be held of the superior.1
Earl John who died in 1400, the lady of his son Earl John (the daughter of the Lord of the
Isles) drowned at Vnes about the same date, her husband who died in 1508, and a son of the
earl of Caithness poisoned by accident in 1567, were all buried at Golspiekirktoun.2 The
monument of the countess, ' with a ston curiouslie carved,' was extant in 1630. 3

Between 1561 and 1566 the teindsheaves of the parish of Kilmaly were leased for the yearly
pavment of £105, 15s.4 About 1569 the exhorter at the church of Culmalze had as his stipend
,">0 marks ' fra the bischope.'5 In 1574 the reader had £16 and the kirklands, 'as part of which
or in addition to it he had, as we have seen, in 1578 the third of the vicarage amounting
to £3, 6s. 8d.6

Between 1561 and 1565 the chaplainry of Saint Andrew, as leased by Sir Robert M'Crayth
vicar of Kilmaly, paid yearly £10, which, as we have seen, was the old valuation.7

The district anciently known as Sudrland (the south land of Catanes or Cateneys, in which
it was included) extended from the range called the Mound or Mounth (apparently the same
as the more ancient Eisteinsdal or Drumnahallestane (Drumalestane, Drumhallesdell), and ter
minating at the south in the modern Hill of Ord) to the north bank of the river Oikel or
Portnacoulter, known to the Norwegians as Ekkialsbakka, and a small tributary stream named
Alde-ne-Gealgigh (probably the Goddgedlae of the Norse writers), thus excluding Assynt, Ed-
derachylis, Durness, and Strathnaver or Farr, included in the modern earldom.8 These excluded
districts however seem to have been from an early age sometimes included under the name
Sudrland.9 Between the years 875 and 880 (apparently) Sigurd or Sward earl of Orkney,
having formed an alliance with Thorstein the Red the son of Olaf the White king of Dublin,
subdued Cathanes and Sudrland as far as Eckialdsbacka the boundary.10 Earl Sigurd was slain
about the year 880 in a battle with Mclbrigd a Scottish earl, and was buried at Eckialdsbacka.11

: Sutherland Charters. vol. iii. p. 350; Blaeu's Maps ; Macpherson's Geogra-

J Genealogy of the Earls, pp. 75, 88, 147. pineal Illustrations; and Worsaae's Danes.

•' Ibid., p. 75. 4 Book of Assumptions. 'J Ibid. ' Sutherland, in Irish Catav, and Caitness,

5 Register of Ministers. Gualav, were anciently called Catenesia cis et ultra

'' Book of Assignations. Sutherland Charters. See montem, viz. Ord. In Irish cad is altus, high, and guael

p. 649. 7 Book of Assumptions. See p. 651. is hmnilis, low, plain. And so Catav (from cad, high.

' See the following notices from Torfaeus and the and taobh. or tav, a side) is the high side of the Ord,

Orkueyinga Saga; and also Innes's Critical Essay, A pp. and Giialavisihe low side of it.' Shaw's Moray, p. 50.

No. 1 ; Miscellany of the Maitland Club, vol. iv. part i ; lu Torfaeus, lib. i. c. 4. Antiquitates Celto-Scandicse,

Keg. de Dunfernielyn, p. 14 ; Ford. Scot., lib. viii. c. 59 ; p. 5. The latter authority places this event circa 895.

Buch. Hist., lib. i.cc. 30, 31 ; Genealogy of the Earls of and translates Ekkjalsbakka mantes Ochellenses.

Sutherland, pp. 1-18: Sutherland Charters; Pennant, " Torfaeus, lib. i. c. 4. Worsaae's Danes, p. 259.

GOLSPIE.] PAROCHIALES. 653

Between 941 and 969 Liot, the son of Thorflnn Hausakliuf earl of Orkney, defeated his brother
Skul and a Scottish army in the Dales of Catanes, and occupied the whole district, but, bein?
afterwards attacked by another Scottish army under an earl named Magbrad (probably Malbrieid
the brother of Finnleikr Jarl the Scot) in the Scidensian marshes a tract of Catanes (said to b<-
the neighbourhood of Loch Shin in Sutherland), although victorious, he died in a few days of
his wounds.1 Between 969 and 995 his grandson Earl Sigurd the Gross, besides holding
Catanes against Kenneth III. king of Scotland, is said to have ruled Moray, Ross, Sudrland,
and Dale.2 Being challenged by the Earl Finnleic (Finnleikr Jarl) to battle on a certain day
at the Scidensian marsh, having received from his mother a charmed standard, and having
restored to his subjects of the Orkneys their allodial lands, Earl Sigurd met and defeated Earl
Fiunleic after losing three standard-bearers.3 In 1014 Earl Sigurd was slain in battle in Ireland,
and Thorfin, his son by a daughter of King Malcolm II., then only 5 years old, received from
his grandfather Malcolm Katanes and Sudrland with the title of earl, and men to assist him
in his rule.4 About the year 1034 Karl Hundason, styled by the Norse writers king of Scot
land, demanded of Earl Thorfin that he should pay tribute for Katanes, and the earl, claiming
Katanes as the gift of his grandfather, refused, on which war arose between them.5 King Karl
created his sister's son Moddan earl of Katanes, with the intention of giving him the rule of
that country, and Moddan having raised an army in Sudrland, Thorfin raised one in Katanes,
and, assisted also by troops from Orkney, caused Moddan to retire, subdued Sudrland and Eos,
and overran several other parts of Scotland.6 About the year 1036 Earl Thorfin frequently
dwelt in Katanes at Goddgedlae, where, says the Orkneyinga Saga, Scotland and England
march." Earl Thorfln retained during life the whole of his dominions, namely, nine earldoms
in Scotland, all the Hebrides, and a large territory in Ireland, and died apparently in 1064.s
The rule of Katanes and Sudrland appears to have been held successively by Paul the son of
Thorfin, Haco the son of Paul, and Harald the son of Haco, the last of whom died in 1135.9

1 Tort'aens, lib. i. c. 9. Macpherson's Geog. Illust. 6 Ork. Saga, p. 31. Torfaeus, lib. i. c. 13. For the

See DING WALL, p. 485. sequel of this war see CANKISBAY post.

- Torfaeus, lib. i.e. 10. Orkneyinga Saga, p. 7. Dale, ~ Ork. Saga, p. 55. Torfaeus, lib. i. c. 14. Cum,

or the Dales of Catanes, is usually applied to the dis- says Torfaeus, caeteroqnin in Calanesia Gaddgedlif

trict of Halkirk. The above notice seems to distinguish Thorfinrms plerumque resident, urbisne an praedii

it from both Catanes and Sudrland. If the distinction nescio, loci certe nomen eft, inque finibus Catanesiae

is correct, Dale must apply to Assynt, Edderachylis, quaerendum. The place may probably have been Alde-

Durness, and Strathnaver, or some particular part of ne-Gealgigh near the Oikel (Genealogy of the Earls of

those districts. Sutherland, p. 8. Old Stat. Ace. See ASSYNT)—

3 Torfaeus, lib. i. c. 10. This battle is probably the and the probability is strengthened by the fact that
*ame as that of Creich, dated by Sir Robert Gordon in during the war above noticed Moddan led an army
1031, and fought between his imaginary thane Alane into Katanes through the Highlands (per superiorem
Southerland and the Danes and Norwegians who had Scotiam), when be may have crossed the Oikel near
settled in Moray. the same spot.

4 Orueyinga Saga, pp. 5, 27. Torfaeus, lib. i.cc. 10, 12. s Ork. Saga, p. 87. Torfaeus, lib. i. c. 15. Buchanan,

5 Ork. Saga, p. 31. Torfaeus, lib. i. c. 13. For an and after him Sir Robert Gordon, mention a thane of
explanation of the name and story of Karl Hundason Sutherland (named Alane by Sir Robert) who was put
see the chapter of Torfaeus just cited, and the Irish to death by Macbeth between 1046 and 1057. Buch.
version of Nennius published by the Irish Archaeo- Hist., lib. vii. c. 85. Genealogy of the Earls, p. 23.
logical Society, notes, pp. Ixxxii, Ixxxiii. 9 Ork. Saga, p. 141, 147. Torfaeus, lib. i. c. 19.

VOL. II. 4 O

G54

OEIGINES

[GOLSPIE.

It scorns to have boon afterwards a subject of dispute between Earl Paul the brother of Harald
and Earl Bognvald (afterwards sainted).1 In 1137 Sveinn Asleifson, a turbulent leader of that
period, went into Orkney, seized Earl Paul, sailed by the Breidafiord (the Moray Firth) to
Eckialsbaka, and leaving there a ship with 20 men went with the rest of his followers to Maddad
earl of Atjoklis (Athole) and his wife Margaret the sister of Earl Paul.2 Earl Paul soon after
died or was murdered, and in 1139 Harald the son of Earl Maddad (and thence styled Harald
Maddadson), by the joint consent of Earl Rognvald, Sveinn Asleifson, William bishop of Orkney,
and a bishop named John said to be from Atjoklis in Scotland, was admitted (when only o years
old) as the colleague of Earl Rognvald — an arrangement which is said to have been afterwards
confirmed at a meeting held in Katanes by the oaths of the nobles of Orkney and Scotland.3
In the same year Sudrland was overrun and laid waste by Sveinn the son of Asleif.* The
two earls seem to have ruled jointly but not always cordially till the death of Earl Rognvald
in 1159, when Harald became sole earl.5 He was thenceforth styled earl of Catenes and
Orkney, or earl of Orkney, Hetland, and Catanes.G Between the years 1196 and 1202 he
had war with King William the Lion, who at length marched into Katanes and encamped with
a large army at Eisteinsdal the boundary between Katanes (proper) and Sudrland, on which
the earl after consulting with the inhabitants made peace on condition that they should pay
the king yearly a fourth of all their possessions and reimburse certain persons who had fled
to the king to escape the earl's vengeance.7 Earl Harald died in 1206, and his sons David
and John, who ruled jointly, both died (John by violence) in the year 1231.8

Between the years 1203 and 1214 Hugh Freskyn held the land or territory of Suthyrland
of King William the Lion.9 He appears to have died about the year 1214, and before 1222 his
son and heir William lord of Suthyrland held the same territory of the crown.10 Between
1222 and 1229 King Alexander II. in consequence of the murder of Adam bishop of Cathanes
passed into Ros, Suthyrland, and Catenes 'to do justice.'11 William lord of Suthyrland seems
to have been for some time known both as Sir William of Moray and William of Suthyrland.12
He appears to have been created earl by King Alexander II. about 1237, and was undoubtedly

1 Ork. Saga, pp. 109-219. Torfaeus, lib. i. cc. 21-25.

2 Ork. Saga, p. 219. Torfaeus, lib. i. c. 25.

3 Ork. Saga, p. 221-231. Torfaeus, lib. i. cc. 25, 26.

4 Ork. Saga, p. 235. Torfaeus, lib. i. c. 26.

5 Ork. Saga, p. 419. Torfaeus, lib. i. c. 39.

0 Epist. Innocent. III., lib. i. no. 218. Lib. Eccles. do
Scon, p. 37.

7 Ork. Saga, pp. 407-419. Torfaeus, lib. i. c. 38.
Ford. Scot., lib. viii. cc. 59, (J2. For the history of this
war see CANNISBAY post.

K Chronica dc Mailros, pp. 106, 142. Ork. Saga,
pp. 419, 421. Torfaeus, lib. i. cc. 39, 40; lib. ii. There
is no evidence whatever to show that Earl Harald was
forfeited. By his submission to King William he re
tained the earldom, which was distinctly held also by
his sons.

9 Sutherland Charters. Hugh was the son of Fres
kyn, a person of unknown origin, who in the reigns of

King David I., King Malcolm IV., and King William,
had extensive possessions in Linlithgow, Moray, and
perhaps in Sutherland. The land of Suthyrland held
by Hugh was apparently that already described as the
original territory which bore the name. See Nisbet's
Heraldry, app. p. 183, and Dalrymple's Collections,
pp. 422, 423. Chalmers (Caledonia, vol. i. pp. 604, 605)
confounds Hugh Freskyn with his nephew Hugh the
son of William Freskyn.

10 Sutherland Charters.

11 Wyntoun, b. vii. c. 9. King Alexander is said
to have given the earldom of North Caithness to
Magnus the son of Gillibrid Earl of Angus, and to
have taken from him the earldom of Sutherland. See
Dalrymple's Collections, pref., p. Ixxiii ; Ork. Saga,
appendix, p. 551 ; Lib. Ins. Miss., p. liii ; and CAN
NISBAY post.

12 Kegist. Moraviense, pp. 26, 81, 89, 133.

GOLSPIE.J PAROCHIALES. 655

the first earl of Sutherland.1 Among the documents found in the king's treasury at Edinburgh
in 1282 were two charters styled Carta de Suthirland and Alia carta Suthirlandie, both very
probably referring to the erection of the earldom.2 Earl William died in 1248 at the peace of
King Alexander II., and was succeeded by William his son, then apparently a mere child.3 In
the year 1263 among the items of royal revenue Sir Laurence le Grant sheriff of Innernes
accounted for the sum of £20 as part of the king's silver (finis) of the earl of Sutherland.4
In 1269 a charter by William earl of Eos was witnessed by William earl of Suthirland.5 In
1275, as we have seen, by an arrangement between Earl William and Archebald bishop of
Cathanes the latter yielded to the earl the lands of Awelech, Promsy, Rutherhard, Haskesdale.
Hachencosse, Thorebol, Kynalde, Largge, and Cuttheldawach, and granted to him also a davach
or half a markland of Owenes, with the right of presenting a chaplain to the altar of Saint
James in the church of Durnach.6 Between that year and 1294 the same earl witnessed a grant
of the lands of Tarradale in Ross by David of Innerlunan.7 About the year 1284 he witnessed
a grant of the lands of Culnacloych and Ruthtrelen in Strathbolgy, which were held of him by
John of Moray the son of Sir Malcolm of Moray.8 In 1284 he was one of the nobles of
Scotland who bound themselves to support the title of Margaret the daughter of King Alexander
III. to the throne.9 In 1290 he joined in addressing a letter to King Edward I. in name of the
community of Scotland, proposing marriage between Edward the son of that king and the Maid
of Norway the grand-daughter of King Alexander III.10 In 1296 he swore fealty to King
Edward.11 In 1297 that king addressed a mandate to the earl, giving him special thanks because
he had always and especially in those days conducted himself well and faithfully in Scotland ;
and enjoining him by his homage, faith, and love to King Edward and the peace of his kingdom,
and by the full trust the king had in him — seeing that the king had committed the guardianship
of Scotland to Brian the son of Alan (who in 1296 had sworn fealty along with him) — that
he, continuing as he had in that part manfully and laudably begun from good to better, should
persist in all things belonging to that guardianship with his horses and his arms and his whole
power (posse), in order to repress the malice of the king's enemies in those parts as often as
was necessary and he should be required by the said Brian.12 The same earl is said to have
fought in 1314 at Bannockburn on the side of King Robert Bruce.13 It is certain that in 1320
he signed the memorable letter of the Scottish barons to Pope John.11 He is said to have
been with Bruce at the battle of Byland in 1322.15 He died in 1325, and was succeeded
by his son Kenneth.16 In 1330 the latter, styling himself Kenneth earl of Sutherland the
son of the deceased William earl of Sutherland, made an agreement with Reginald of Moray

1 Regist. Morav., p. 133. Sutherland Charters. 8 Regist. Moraviense, p. 462.

Hailes' Additional Sutherland Case. 9 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. i. p. 82. I0 Ibid., p. 85.

2 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. i. p. 4 post pref. » Ragman Rolls, p. 119.

3 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 33. Suther- I2 Rotuli Scotiae, vol. i. p. 50.

land Charters. Caledonia, vol. i. p. 606. I3 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 39.

* Compota Camerar., vol. i. pp. 21«, 31*. u Acta Parl. Scot., vol. i. p. 114.

5 Regist. Moraviense, p. 279. 15 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 42.

6 Sutherland Charters. See DORNOCH, p. 604. 16 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 44. Suther-

7 Beauly Charters apud Macfarlane. laud Charters. Additional Sutherland Case.

G5G ORIGINES [GOLSPIE.

the son and heir of the deceased Alan of Moray of Culbyn concerning Reginald's lands in
Suthyrland, and gave his daughter Eustachia in marriage to Reginald's son Gilbert of Moray.1
Earl Kenneth was slain in 1333 at the battle of Halidon-hill, which was fought contrary to
his advice.2 He several times renewed the fight, exposing himself where the danger was
greatest, ' vntill,' says Sir Robert Gordon, ' he loosed all hope of victorie ; then, disdaining
in any case to incurr either the infamie or suspition of cowardice, he resolved not to overlive
so great dishonor as to sie his countrie in servitude vnder the dominion of a stranger ; thus,
peremptorilie hazarding all and therwith his lyff, he lossed the same in the midest of his enemies
with the pryce of a number of ther deaths.' 3

William earl of Sutherland, who succeeded his father Kenneth, took an active part in the
public affairs of the period in which he lived.* He is said to have been present with Sir Andrew
Murray of Bothwell at the battle of Kilblane in 1335, was certainly a party in the incursion of
the Scots into England in 1340 while King Edward III. besieged Tournay, and was in high favour
with King David II., whose half-sister Margaret he married in 1344.5 In 1345 King David
granted to the earl and his wife Margaret, and to the heirs of their body, the earldom of
Sutherland in free regality." The same king subsequently granted to the earl various lands
in the counties of Forfar, Kincardine, Aberdeen, and Inverness.7 They were both taken
prisoners at the battle of Durham or Nevill's Cross in 1346, but the earl seems to have been
soon after liberated.8 He appears to have taken no part in the negotiations for the ransom of
King David in the years 1348 and 1349." In 1351 (28 June) Earl William with the earls of
Marche, Marre, and Angus, or any two or three of them, had a safe conduct from King Edward
III. (to last till 15 August), in order that they might go with 40 horsemen in company to
the town of Newcastle on Tyne to treat with certain of the king's lieges of matters enjoined
on them by the king.10 On 11 July King Edward empowered the bishop of Durham and others
to prolong the term of safe conduct according to their discretion.11 On 4 September William
carl of Sotherland, the earls of Marche and Angos, the bishop of Saint Andrews, and William
of Douglas, or any four, three, two, or one of them, had a safe conduct from the same king (to
last till the fifteenth day after 2 February 1352) empowering them to go with 200 horsemen of
whatever estate to David de Brus his prisoner, who was about to proceed to Scotland for certain

1 Sutherland Charters. See DORNOCH, p. 027. p. 63, no. 53 ; p. 65, no. 15 ; p. 66, no. 2 ; p. HI, no. 157 ;

- Buch. Hist., lib. ix. c. 14. Genealogy of the Earls p. WJ, no. 242.

of Sutherland, p. 45. Hailes' Annals, app. no. iv. 6 Genealogy of the Earls, p. 50. Douglas's Peerage.

:t Genealogy, p. 46. Hailes' Annals. In the list of the prisoners given by

4 See the following notices. Hailes, app. no. vi., appears William of Moray, pro-

» Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland. Hailes' An- bably a son of the earl of Sutherland. The earl was

nals. Douglas's Peerage. Additional Sutherland Case. perhaps liberated privately, as some prisoners were.

8 Genealogy of the Earls, pp. 49, 53. Douglas's Rymer's Foedera, vol. v. pp. 532-537. Rotuli Scotiae,

Peerage. Additional Sutherland Case, p. 10. Robert- vol. i. pp. (!77, 679. The same William of Moray

son's Index, p. 32, no. 5. The charter containing this appears in a list of the Scotch prisoners to be brought

grant was extant in the last century, and was produced to the Tower of London, 8 December 1346. Hot. Scot..

in the case of the Countess Elizabeth in 1770, but is not vol. i. p. 678.

now in the charter chest at Dunrobin. 'J Rotuli Scotiae, vol. i. pp. 714, 717, 718, 721-4,

7 Genealogy of the Earls, pp. 53, 54. Rob. Index, 727.

I'. :;•_', no. 13; p. 33, no. 49; p. 39, no. 42; p. 49, 1. 26; «' Ibid., p. 741. " ibid., pp. 741, 742.

GOLSPIE.] PAROCHIALES. 657

causes touching his freedom, certain hostages liaving been first delivered to the king of England,
to the place at which the exchange of David de Brus for those hostages should be made, to remain
there, and then to return home in the train of Brus.1 John the son and heir of the earl of
Sothirland was one of the hostages for King David, to whom on 5 September King Edward
granted a safe conduct (to last till a fortnight after 2 February) to go to Berewyc on Tweed if
in his hands, otherwise to Newcastle on Tyne, with 100 horse, and there be exchanged for the
king of Scots.2 The hostages were ordered to be kept in the castles of York and Notingham.s
Ascension Day (17 May) 1352 seems to have been at first fixed for the king's return to England,
which was however delayed till the Quinzaine of Easter (22 or 23 May), on which day the hos
tages were brought to Berewic and released.4 In 1354 (18 June) the earl of Sotherland and
others had a safe conduct from King Edward (to last till 22 July) to go to Newcastle upon Tyne
to treat about the ransom of King David.5 In the same year (5 October) a treaty was con
cluded for a ransom of 90,000 marks sterling (to be paid in nine years at the rate of 10,000
marks yearly on 2 February or its Quinzaine), for the payment of which King David became
bound to send to England twenty hostages, of whom one was the son and heir of the earl of
Sotherland.0 On 17 October the hostages had a safe conduct from King Edward for their
journey to England.7 The truce was broken early in 1355, and the treaty was consequently
void.8 In 1356 negotiations for peace and for the ransom of the king were renewed, and in
1357 a new treaty was concluded.9 On 1C August 1357 William earl of Sutherland, Thomas
earl of Anegos, and Thomas earl of Morref, had a safe conduct from King Edward (to last till
the Quinzaine of Saint Michael, 13 or 14 October) that they might go to Berewic on Tweed
with CO horsemen and their grooms (garcionibus) to treat for the ransom of King David.10 On
the same day the earls of Sutherland, Anegos, and Morref, and twenty sons of Scottish noble
men, had a safe conduct given them to go into England as hostages for King David's ransom —
the safe conduct to last till the Quinzaine of Easter following.11 In September of the same
year the Scottish parliament agreed to ransom the king for 100,000 marks sterling, to be paid
at the rate of 10,000 yearly on 24 June ; and the earl of Sutherland was one of those who became
surety for the payment, and John his son and heir was again to be given as a hostage.12 On
3 October the treaty was concluded by the commissioners of both nations at Berewic on
Tweed.13 John, the son and heir of the earl of Sothirland, was sent to London in company
with his father to abide in the custody of the chancellor.14 On 25 October 1357 John of
Foderyghani, a familiar of the earl of Sutherland (then apparently in England), had a letter of
safe conduct from King Edward till 24 July 1358.15 In 1358 (25 October) Earl William, before

1 Kotuli Scotiao, vol. i. p. 743. 2 Ibid., p. 744. » Ibid.

3 Ibid., p. 745. 4 Ibid., pp. 748 -75(1. 12 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. i. pp. 156-159. Rob. Index.

5 Ibid., pp. 765, 766. 6 Ibid., p. 76S. pp. 107, 108, nn. 23, 25. Hailes' Annals.

7 Ibid., p. 774. 13 Kotuli Scotiae, vol. i. pp. 811-814. Rob. ludtx,

- Ibid., pp. 775, 776. Hailes' Annals. p. 107, no. 19. Hailes' Annals.

B Rotuli Scotiae, vol. i. pp. 791, 799, 803, 806. SIIK, " Rotuli Scotiae, vol. i. p. 814. Rymer's Focdeni.

S09, 811-814. Hailes' Anna!*. vol. vi. p. 35.
"' Rotuli Scotiae, vol. i. p. 809. lb Rotuli Scotiae, vol. i. p. 815.

658 OKIGINES [GOLSPIE.

visiting Scotland on business of his own, took oath in the chamber of the bishop of Winchester
( Wyntoniensis) in Suthwork, in presence of the bishop, of Eichard earl of Arundell, of Guido
de Bryan, of Roger of Beauchamp, of Edward of Saint John, and others, by the hand of
John of Cherleton the king's chamberlain, that he would return to England by 2 February 1359
at farthest.1 On 26 October he received a safe conduct for the purpose.2 His visit to Scotland
was probably occasioned by the death of his wife Margaret, who appears to have died about that
time.3 In 1359 (1 April) King Edward III. granted a safe conduct to Nicholas of Cryghton,
the familiar of William earl of Sutherland, and two horsemen his companions, sent into Scot
land by the carl to expedite certain of his aifairs — the safe conduct to last till 1 August.4 On
28 July John of Sutherland, Nicholas of Creghton, and Adam de la More (apparently the same
parties), had from the same king a safe conduct for one year to go to England by sea or land.5
On 9 September the same king granted a safe conduct for one year to John of Croye clerk,
a familiar of the earl of Sutherland, to go through his dominions into the parts beyond sea for
expediting certain affairs of the earl at the court of Eome, and to return thence through
England into the parts of Scotland.0 In 1360 (14 May) King Edward granted a safe conduct
for one year to John of Sutherland and Nicholas of Creghton of Scotland to go into England
with two servants and four horses to William earl of Sutherland, still abiding there as a hostage
for King David.7 On the same day he granted a safe conduct (to last till Christmas) to Adam
de la More and John de Seint Clcr of Scotland to go to the earl with the same number of
servants and horses.8 On 28 November he gave a safe conduct (to last till Christmas) to
Thomas of Nesbyt the familiar of the same earl with three horsemen of any estate in his train to
go into Scotland on the earl's business.9 In the same year Earl William was appointed ' executor-
testamentar' to Thomas Fingask bishop of Catteynes.10 It is said that John the earl's son and
heir (styled by Fordun his only son), one of the hostages for King David, died of the plague at
Lincoln about 8 September 1361. n In the same year (28 November) King Edward granted a
safe conduct (to last till 24 June 13G2) to Robert of Catenesse the servant of the same earl to go
to Scotland with two companions to expedite certain affairs of the earl.12 In 1362 (23 January)
the earl himself had a safe conduct from King Edward to go to Scotland on his own affairs in
company with twelve horsemen, on condition that he should return to the city of London by
15 May at farthest.13 On 9 February King Edward granted a safe conduct (to last till 29 Sep
tember) to John of Greneburn of Scotland to go into England to prosecute the affairs of the
same earl.14 On 28 April the earl's servant Robert of Catenesse had a safe conduct into Scot
land for the same purpose and till the same day.15 At the same time King Edward granted to

1 Rotuli Scotiae, vol. i. p. 830. 2 ibid. 11 Ford. Scot., lib. xiv. c. 25. Hailes' Annals and

3 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 51. Additional Sutherland Case. This statement rests solely
Douglas's Peerage. on the authority of Fordun or his continuator Bower.

4 Rotuli Scotiae, vol. i. p. 837. Sir Robert Gordon makes John succeed his father in

5 Ibid., p. 840. " Ibid., p. 841. 1370. See post. Lincoln is an evident mistake for
7 Ibid., p. 848. " Ibid. London.

' Rotuli Scotiae, vol. i. p. 852. 12 Rotuli Scotiae, vol. i. p. 858. 13 Ibid., p. 860.

'" Genealogy of the Earls, p. 52. i* Ibid., p. 8G1. I5 Ibid., p. 863.

GOLSPIE.] PAKOCHIALES. 659

the earl, who had returned to England and was then at the city of York, an extension of the
term of his safe conduct till 1 August, on which day he should be bound to return to London.1
On 30 April the king ordered Marmaduc le Conestable his sheriff of York and Henry of Ingelsby
canon of the church of Saint Peter of York to take the earl's oath to that effect.2 On 8 Novem
ber Eobert of Catnes the earl's vallettus had a safe conduct to London in company with three
horsemen till the following Whitsunday.3 On 10 December Nicholas Sutherland of Scotland
(probably the earl's brother) had from the same king a safe conduct into England for one year.4
Some time before 20 September 1363 King Edward had again given the earl of Sutherland
leave of absence on his affairs till 29 September in company with twelve horsemen ; on 20
September he extended that leave till Whitsunday 1364 ; and on 21 September ordered Ralph
de Nevill to take the earl's oath that he should return to London by the day appointed.5 On
6 December the king granted to the same earl liberty to pass to and from Scotland with his
twelve familiars both horse and foot as often as he pleased during the space of one year.6 On
the same day he granted the same liberty for the same term to Johanna countess of Sutherland
with ten familiars both horse and foot.7 On 6 December 1364 the countess had the same
liberty for another year.8 On 12 December King Edward extended the earl's leave of absence
with the same following to the feast of Easter 1365, and from that to the same feast 1366. 9
On the same day the earl's two valletti James of Stratton and Alexander Eameseye had from
King Edward a safe conduct into Scotland with four horsemen in company for the space of one
year.10 On 6 May 1366 the same king granted his passport into England for a year in favour of
Richard Mufford esquire (tcutifer) of the earl of Sutherland on the earl's affairs and in company
with a single horseman.11 On 11 May the earl's leave of absence was extended from the previous
Easter to 29 September following.12 On 16 October it was extended to 29 September 1367. 13
On 28 January 1367 King Edward took under his protection and safe conduct for a year the
person and property of William of Murrif the son of William earl of Sutherland, then abiding
in England.14 On 20 March the same king took under his protection and safe conduct for a year
William earl of Sotherland, who had lately resided in London as a hostage for King David, and
who by King Edward's license had returned to the parts of Scotland to dwell there for a certain
time, and was then for the same purpose about to return to London with his wife Johanna and
twenty horsemen in their train ; the earl's wife Johanna ; their horsemen and harness ; and
their money, goods, and chattels of whatever sort.15 Among the accounts deferred by the Scot
tish parliament at their meeting at Scon in September 1367 till their meeting to be held in
January 1368 was the sum of £15 in the hands of the earl of Suthirland to be accounted for of
the retour of an assise of his earldom.16 Earl William seems to have been finally released about
this time, and is said to have died at Dunrobin in 1370 at the faith and peace of King David II.17"

1 Rotuli Scotiac, vol. i.p. 863. 2 Ibid. 3 Ibid., p. 866. 10 Ibid. » Ibid., p. 902.

4 Ibid., p. 867. Sutherland Charters. J2 Ibid. 13 Ibid., p. 906.

5 Rotuli Scotiae, vol. i. p. 874. 6 Ibid., p. 8/8. » Ibid., p. 909. 15 Ibid., p. 911.

7 Ibid. Johanna was countess of Strathearn. See 16 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. i. pp. 168, 169.

Regist. ilorav., pref., p. xxxiv. n Douglass Peerage. Sutherland Charters (retour

8 Rot. Scot., vol. i. p. 889. •' Ibid. of 1630). Genealogy of the Earls, p. 54.

660

OEIGINES

[GOLSPIE.

The next earl of whom we have any authentic notice was Eobert (apparently the son of
William), who was earl of Suthirland on 2 November 1389, when he witnessed a decree
arbitral by the bishops of Moray and Boss between Alexander Stewart earl of Buchan and
his wife Eufame countess of Boss, and was one of the sureties given by that earl for his
fulfilment of the sentence of the bishops.1 He was succeeded by Earl Nicholas, who was
undoubtedly the grandson of Earl William, and whose death is placed in 1399.2

Kobert apparently the son of Nicholas was earl on 22 January 1401, when he granted
certain lands to his brother Kenneth.3 He is said to have fought at the battle of Homildon
in 1402, and between that year and 1408 to have been a party in an incursion of the Scots
into England.4 He died in 1442. 5 In 1444 his son John earl of Suthirland granted a
charter of the lands of Thurboll dated at Pomfret in England.6 In 1448, as we have seen,
the same Earl John granted the ehaplainry of Golspi to Sir Alexander of Battir, and the deed
was witnessed by his son Nicholas of Suthirland.7 In 1456 (22 February) the same earl
resigned the earldom, which King James II. then granted to John of Suthirland his son and
apparent heir according to a charter to be made.8 On 24 February accordingly the king
sjranted the earldom in heritage to John of Suthirlande for payment of the usual services,
reserving the liferent to the earl, and to Margaret his wife her conjunct infeftment in the
two towns of Lothis, the lands of Cracok, Culnagoure, and Vfirglen, and her terce of the
oarldom for life, with the farther condition that, should the earl die before his son, the ward
and relief should be the king's notwithstanding the above grant.9 This earl died in 1460,
and was succeeded by his son John, who was infeft in the earldom in 1456, and who appears

1 Registrum Moraviense, p. 354. Sutherland Char
ters (retours of Ki30 afterwards cited).

2 Sutherland Charters (retours of 1630). Genealogy
of the Earls, p. 59. We have three accounts of this
part of the succession, all differing from the account
given above. 1. Sir Robert Gordon affirms that Earl
William was succeeded by his son John, who according
to Fordun died in 1361 and was never earl, and that
F/arl Nicholas was the son of John. 2. Douglas in his
Peerage follows Sir Robert Gordon in making John
the immediate successor of William, and, giving John
another son, the Robert of the Registrum Moraviense,
makes this Robert die in 1389 and be succeeded by his
brother Nicholas. 3. Lord Hailes, summarily rejecting
both accounts, and founding on the notice of William
of Murrif in 1367 and a notice of Kenneth the son of
the deceased Earl William in 1408, creates William of
.Murrif his father's successor in the earldom, omits Ro
bert and Nicholas, and makes another Robert (who
succeeded Nicholas) the son of William of Murrif.
The trutli seems to lie in either of the following state
ments — 1. That William earl of Sutherland, who died
in 1370, had four sons ; John his firstborn and for a time
his only son, styled his son and heir, -who died before
his father; William of Murrif, styled the son of Wil
liam earl of Sutherland, and probably a natural son;
Robert, who was carl in 1389 : and Kenneth, who was

alive in 1408 — or 2. That he had only three sons, and
that the Earl Robert of 1389 and Earl Nicholas his
successor, were the sons of John the master who died
in 1361. See Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland,
pp. 54-59; Douglas's Peerage; Additional Sutherland
Case, pp. 10-12; Fors Charters; and Sutherland Char
ters (retours of 1030). Buchanan and after him Sir
Robert Gordon name Earl William's son who died in
England Alexander, and Sir Robert seems to have been
totally ignorant of that earl's second marriage. The
same authorities affirm that this imaginary Alexander
was declared by King David II. to be heir to the
crown, when that king repudiated Robert (also by
Buchanan misnamed Alexander) Stewart his sister's
son — a statement which seems to have no foundation
in fact. See Buchanan, book ix. c. 37, and Genealogy
of the Earls, p. 51.

3 Fors Charters. Genealogy of the Earls, p. 59.

4 Genealogy of the Earls, pp. 60, 61. Sir Robert
Gordon says that this incursion extended to Pomfret
Castle, where Nicolas Suthirland of Duffus resigned to
the earl the lands of Thorboll. That resignation, how
ever, was made at the chapel of Saint Andrew of
Golspy. Sutherland Charters. See post.

5 Genealogy of the Earls, p. 70.

6 Sutherland Charters. See DOKNOCH, p. 628.

• Ibid. See above, p. 050. " Ibid. 9 Ibid.

GOLSPIE.J PAEOCHIALES. 661

as earl in 1471 holding his head court (apparently at Dunrobin), and in 1472 as superior of
the lands of Thureboll.1 In 1488 Earl John is said to have been on his way to assist Kins;
James/ III. at the battle of Bannockburn or Sauchieburn, which was however fought before
the earl arrived.2 He again appears in record in 1494, and died in 1508 at the peace and
faith of King James IV.3 In 1509 (4 May) King James IV. directed to his sheriff and
bailies of Innernes a brief of inquest of the chapel royal regarding the earldom in favour
of Elizabeth Suthirland the daughter of the deceased John earl of Suthirland.4 On 25
July Master Gilbert Hay the attorney of John Sutherland the son and heir of the deceased
John earl of Sutherland, and Adam Gordoun of Obin with Elizabeth Sutherland his wife the
daughter of the deceased earl, appeared in the sheriff court of Innernys held in the tolbooth
of that burgh by Thomas Patirson and James Donaldson the deputies of Alexander earl of
Huntlve and Lord Badzenach sheriff principal, and presented the king's brief, requesting
execution of the same, and asserting that the deceased John earl of Sutherland died last
vest and seised in the earldom, with the castle of Dunrobin, the tenants, tenandries,
and services of the free tenants of the earldom, and the advowson of the chaplainries of Golspy,
Helmisdale, and Saint James in the cathedral church of Cathenes, and that John Sutherland
his son was his lawful and nearest heir.0 In the same court appeared Alexander Sutherland also
the son of the deceased earl, asking instruments against the brief and petition of John Sutherland,
asserting that he had a hereditary right in the earldom, and requesting that, as he was a
minor of about 18 years, curators in the case should be given him.0 The deputies accordingly
appointed as his curators Andrew bishop of Cathanes and commendator of Fern, William earl
of Cathanes, John master of Athole, Sir William Spyne provost of Thane, and Sir Thomas
Kobertson rector of Assint.7 The curators having advised with Alexander Sutherland, and
having held a friendly conference with Master Gilbert Hay, Adam Gordoun, and Elizabeth
Sutherland, both parties at length agreed that Alexander Sutherland should for a certain com
position renounce his right to the earldom in favour of John and Elizabeth Sutherland and their
heirs, saving his own right of succession in case their heirs should fail.8 Accordingly Alexander
with the consent of his curators immediately resigned his claim for a composition of 40 marklands,
of which Adam Gordoun there in court gave him charter and seisin ; and the deputies then
proceeded to the service of the brief.9 In 1512 (24 December) Patrick Baize, the attorney of
John Suderland the son and heir of the deceased John earl of Suderland, appeared before
Duncan Eiche signifer the king's sheriff of Innernis in that part, and produced a brief of the
chapel royal dated 6 August ; on which the sheriff went to the castle of Dunrabyn and gave
seisin to the attorney in the earldom of Suderland, the castle of Dunrabyn, the tenants,
tenandries, and services of free tenants of the earldom, and the advowson of the chaplainries
of Golspy, Helmysdale, and Saint James in the cathedral church of Cathenes.10 In 1514 (3 May)
King James V. appointed William Lord Kuthven, John Lord Drummond, David Lyndesay

1 Genealogy of the Earls, p. 75. Fors Charters. 3 Ibid., pp. 79, 83. Sutherland Charters.
Sutherland Charters. 4 Sutherland Charters. 5 Ibid. 6 Ibid.

2 Genealogy of the Earls, p. 79. ' Ibid. 8 Ibid. 3 Ibid. '° Ibid.
VOL. II. 4 P

662 ORIGINES [GOLSPIE.

master of Crawfurd, Sir William Scott of Balwery, Sir David Lyndesay of Edzell, William Gray
of Lour, Alexander Rede of Straloch, John Ross, and Walter Ross, his sheriffs of Innernes in
that part, to execute a brief or briefs of idiotry (ydeotrie) of his chapel upon John earl of
Suthirland.1 On 9 May John Gordon of Halheid appeared before Alexander Blair provost
and sheriff of the burgh of Perth, and John Donyng and Robert Bonkill bailies, and presented
a brief of the chapel royal addressed to them and dated 5 May, to the effect that the king,
understanding that the sheriffs of Innernes were not present in that part to give their oaths
before the Lords of Council as to the due serving of the above brief of idiotry on John earl
of Sutherland, charged the said provost and bailies immediately to take the oaths of the sheriffs.2
In obedience to the king's charge the provost and bailies immediately took oath of John Lord
Drummond one of the vice-provosts of Innernes, there present, concerning the faithful admi
nistration of justice in the case.3 Lord Drummond then by the mouth of John Matheson
mair of the sheriffdom of Perth caused the sheriff court of Inuernes to meet — Sir Hugh Ros
of Kilrawac, Sir John Cambell of Cavdar, Sir David Ros of Ballangovn, and David Dunbar of
Durris, having been first summoned for their suits and presences — and there appointed John
Peblis and Robert Thomson notaries public clerks of court, Thomas Cuk dempster, and John
Matheson, Andrew Cuk, James Wisman, and James Fydlar, mairs of the sheriffdom of Innernes
in that part, and took their oaths de fideli administratione* Thereafter Lord Drummond pro
ceeded to the market cross of Perth, and there by the mouth of John Mattheson one of the said
mairs, in his own presence and in that of John Merschell one of the bailies of Perth, caused
the brief of idiotry to be proclaimed ; appointed it to be served in the sheriff court of Innernes
to be held by himself or his colleagues in the tolbooth of Perth on 13 June following ; and
summoned all having interest, and all the barons liberetenentes of the sheriffdoms of Innernes
and Perth and of other four adjacent sheriffdoms, under pain of a fine of £10 from each person,
to appear at the said day and place to proceed to the service of the brief.5 On 13 June accor
dingly Sir William Scot of Balwery and Alexander Reid of Stralouch, sheriffs of Innernes in
that part specially appointed to execute the brief, appeared and took oath faithfully to discharge
their duty ; after which they convened the sheriff court of Innernes in the tolbooth of Perth,
caused the brief, previously proclaimed at the market cross of Innernes, to be proclaimed also
at the window of the tolbooth of Perth, and, none objecting to it, proceeded to choose an
assise to make inquest regarding its contents, and took their oaths according to law in the
presence of the earl of Sutherland.6 Immediately before the exit of the assise from court the
sheriffs demanded of the earl, Who in case of heirs of his body failing should be held as heir
of his lands and possessions ?7 The earl replied that his sister-german Elizabeth Sutherland
the wife of Adam Gordoun, and her offspring i/donie begotten, should, his own heirs failing,
succeed to his heritage.8 The earl moreover, as he was naturally of a weak intellect, and was
strongly desirous that his heritage should not be alienated, chose (on condition that the king's
license should be obtained) the said Adam Gordoun his sister's husband, and John Sutherland

1 Sutherland Charters. -' Ibid. 3 Ibid. * Ibid. 5 Ibid. 6 Ibid. ; Ibid. - Ibid.

GOLSPIE.] PAKOCHIALES. 663

burgess of Elgin, his curators for managing all his affairs.1 Earl John died about July of the
same year.2

In 1514 (17 September) James Fidlar sheriff of Innernes in that part appeared at the
market cross of Innernes, and presented to John Dunnyn one of the sergeants of that town
a royal letter relating to the serving of a brief obtained by Elizabeth Sutherland the daughter
and heiress of the deceased earl of Sutherland, and summoned all and sundry to appear in
the tolbooth of Innernes on 3 October next to witness the service of the brief, and object
if objections they might have.3 John Dunnyn accordingly caused the brief to be thrice
proclaimed at the market cross.* On 3 October Master John Caldor precentor of Eoss, the
attorney of Elezabeth Suderland the sister of the deceased John earl of Suderland, appeared
in the sheriff court of Innernes held in the tolbooth by Andrew Auchlek burgess of Innernes
and sheriff deputed for serving the said brief, produced that brief lawfully proclaimed and
executed, and caused its execution to be proved in presence of Master Robert Munro the brother
and procurator of Alexander Suderland, who objected to the brief and claimed a right to the
contrary.5 The procurator being unable to show any thing against the brief and its execution,
or against the members of court, the sheriff proceeded to the election of an assise.6 The
procurator then alleging that Alexander Suderland had not access to Innernes by reason of
the cruelty of Alexander earl of Huntlie and his friends the favourers of Elizabeth Suderland,
Adam Gordon of Obeyn the husband of Elizabeth for himself and his accomplices offered to
give security to Alexander that he might return to Innernes.7 The procurator further alleging
that the earldom was entailed, but failing to produce the charter of entail, the assise proceeded
to the service of the brief.8 The persons on the assise, namely, Thomas Eraser of Lowet.
John Grant of Fruchy, George Haliburton of Gask, James Fenton of Ogyll, James Dunbar
of Cumnok, Alexander Cuming of Altir, John Cuming of Ernesyd, Alexander Wrquhard of
Burrisyardis, David Dunbar of Durris, Alexander Brody of that ilk, David Douglas of Pettin-
drech, Hugh Ros of Kylraok, Henry Doles of Cantra, William Doles of Bodwyt, Alexander
Strathaqhyn of Cullodin, John Corbet of Ester Ard, John Waiis of Lochslyne, William
M'Cullocht of Plaidis, Robert Murref of Fochabris, Robert Wrwell of Schanchar, and Thomas
Patrikson burgess of Innernes, declared that the deceased John Suderland earl of Suderland,
the brother german of Elezabetht Suderland, died last vest and seised in the earldom of
Suderland, its tenants, tenandries, and services of free tenants, and the advowson of the
chaplainries of Saint John of Helmisdaill and of Saint James in the cathedral church of
Cathanes, and of all other churches and hospitals in that earldom lying in the sheriffdom of
Innernes — that Elezabetht was his lawful heiress and of lawful age — that the earldom was
then worth yearly 1000 marks Scots, and in time of peace 500 marks — that it was held of the
king in chief by service of ward and relief — and that it was then in the king's hands by reason
of the decease of Earl John, who died about the month of July last, and in defect of Elezabeth

1 Sutherland Charters. 3 Sutherland Charters. 4 Ibid. 5 Ibid.

2 See the following references. 6 Ibid. "Ibid. 8 Ibid.

664 OEIGINES [GOLSPIE.

prosecuting her right.1 On 14 October King James V. granted a precept of seisin in
the earldom in favour of Elizabeth Suthirland.'2 In 1515 (30 June) the same Elizabeth, the
wife of Adam Gordoun of Avbyn, on a precept by Alexander earl of Huntly and sheriff of
Innernes dated 21 May and proceeding on the king's brief, by her attorney James Wysman
took seisin of the earldom on the soil of Wnys at the hands of George Reidfurd the
sheriff depute,3 In the same year (31 August) Adam Gordoun was styled earl of
Suthirland, and granted a charter which "was witnessed by his son Alexander as master of
Suthirland.4

In 1527, by a contract dated 9 November at Elgin between Elizabeth countess and ' heritare'
of Sudirland and her husband Adam earl of Sudirland on one part, and their son and apparent
heir Alexander master of Sudirland on the other, it was agreed that the countess should with the
consent of her husband resign the earldom in favour of her son Alexander, reserving the liferent
to themselves — .that for this Alexander should ' cause ak" in the books of the official of Moray
Robert Lines of Innermarky, Robert Innes of Rothmakenze, John Gordon of Lungar, William
Gordon of Auchindoir, James Gordon of Collquhiddilstoun, John Gordon of Bawchrome,
George Gordon of Coclaraquhy, and William Gordon of Awochy, and their heirs, executors,
and assignees, as his sureties, to pay yearly to the countess and the earl, or to the longest
liver of them, or to their factors at Dunrobin or at Brora in Sudirland, 23 chalders victual,
£22 Scots, 14 (or 12) score ' veddeis of irn,' and 20 marts, in lieu of all the dues of the
earldom, according to an indenture made on 16 June 1520 between the same countess and
earl and the deceased John earl of Atholl — that, should the countess and earl die before
giving Alexander's sisters in marriage, Alexander should pay to each of his unmarried sisters
being of blameless life 100 marks Scots ' to thair mariagis,' and should cause my Lord of
Huntly to receive John Gordon the brother of Alexander as tenant of the lands of Obeyne,
and ensure him of the same — that, should Alexander with the help of his parents happen
to lead any process of forfeiture or recognition on any tenandry within the lordship of
Sudirland, he should with the advice of the countess and earl compound for the same in behalf
of his brother — that notwithstanding the premises the countess and earl should at pleasure
during life freely intromit with all the lands and dues of the earldom, in the meantime finding
Alexander and his wife honestly in house with them — that Alexander should cause to be
paid to his parents between the date of the contract and eight days after the next feast of
Saint Andrew (30 November) 500 marks due to them by the deceased John earl of Atholl,
and should with them sue that earl's executors for the 'restis and skathis' they had sustained
for not keeping the contract with him — and that the procuratory of resignation should be
placed in the hands of Alexander Ogylwy of that ilk, and the contract be registered in the
books of the official of Moray.5 On the same day (9 November) the parties took oath that
they would observe the contract, and the countess declared that she was not in any wav

1 Sutherland Charters. 2 Ibid. 3 Ibid. * Ibid. my hand at the pen be the leding of Schir Dauid
5 Ibid. This contract is subscribed, Adam erle of Fothringham notar public — Alexander Gordoun
Suthirland — Elizabeth countub of Sudirland with mastir of Sudirland.

GOLSPII:.] PAROCHIALES. 665

forced by her husband to make the resignation, but made it of her own free will.1 On
10 November Elizabeth Suthirland, styling herself countess of Sutherland and hereditary
lady of the same, with the consent of her husband Adam Gordoun earl of Suthirland, for
her love towards her firstborn son Alexander Gordoun master of Suthirlande, and for
other causes, and also by reason of his marriage contracted (after many benefits conferred on
Elizabeth and her husband) with a noble lady (domicella) Jonet Stewart the daughter of the
deceased John earl of Atholl, appointed Master William Gordoun and others her procurators
to resign the earldom in the hands of King James V., reserving the liferent to herself and
husband, to be held of the king.3 On 17 November Robert Innes of Innermarky, Robert
Innes of Ilothnokenze, John Gordon of Lowngar, William Gordon of Crag, James Gordon
of Tulemenoch, William Gordon of Awoqhy, Thomas Copland of Edocht, and John Gordon
of Bawquhrom, in name of the master of Suthirland took oath to pay yearly to the countess
and the earl 23 chalders of victual, £22 Scots, 240 (or 280) < le viddeis' of iron, and 20
marts, at the ports of Helmisdaill, Dunrobin, or Broray, beginning at the feast of Saint
Martin (11 November) last — and the master and his wife Jonet Steuart took oath yearly
to relieve their cautioners of those dues at the hands of the earl and countess.3 On 1 December
King James V. granted in heritage to Alexander Gordoun, styled the son and apparent heir
of Adam Gordoun earl of Sutherland and his wife Elizabeth Sutherland countess of Suther
land, the whole earldom of Sutherland, and all the lands of the earldom, with the castle of
Dunrobin and all pertinents, resigned by the countess, reserving the liferent to her and
her husband racione curialitatis Scocie — the grantee doing the rights and services due and
wont.4 On 20 December Alexander Gordoun was seised in the earldom by John Murray
of Cambushavy at the principal messuage or fortalice of Dunrobyn.5 In the same year-
appears in record John Rattir mair of Sutherland.6 The master of Sutherland died before
both his parents in January 1530.7 The Countess Elizabeth died in September 1535.8
In 1536 King James V. granted to George earl of Huntlic the ward, rents, and marriage
of the lands that belonged to the deceased Alexander Gordoun fear of the earldom of Suthir
land.9 Earl Adam died 17 March 1538.10 In the same year (1 April) King James V.
granted to Sir John Campbell of Caldour the mails, nonentries, wards, reliefs, and other
dues, in the king's hands by the decease of Alexander Gordoun master of Suthirland, of
his father Adam earl of Suthirland, and of his mother Elizabeth Suthirland countess of
Suthirland.11

' Sutherland Charters. - Ibid. * Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 103 See

3 Ibid. Subscribed by six of the cautioners, and by also the retour of 1546 post.

Allexander mastir of Sutherland, and Jonet Steuart 9 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. x. fol. 97.

with my hand at the pen. "' Genealogy of the Earls, p. 103.

' Ihid., Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxii. no. 32. " Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xi. fol. GS. The authorities cited

' Sutherland Charters. in this and the preceding note, and the retour of 154(!

6 Ibid. cited below, prove that the Countess Elizabeth died in

7 Ibid. Sir Robert Gordon says 15 January 1529 1535, and her husband Earl Adam in 1538. Yet a
("the year being correct according to the old reckon- retour of 1591 places the death of the countess in 153U.
ing). and that of the earl in 1541 (1542).

666 ORIGINES [UOLSPIK.

In 1546 (4 May) inquest was made in the tolbooth of the burgh of Innernes in the presence
of George earl of Huntlie sheriff principal by William M'Kintoche of Dunnachtan, Kcnzeoche
M'Kenze of Brayne, Eobert Monro of Fowlis, Robert Innes of Innermarky, James Dunbar
of Terbet, Robert Dunbar of Durris, Hugh Ros of Kilrawak, John Hay of Park, Alexander
Cummyng of Altir, Alexander Kynnard of Cowbyne, John Grant of Culcabok, Jarnes Dunbar
of Conze, Thomas Brody of that ilk, George Monro of Dawachcarte, Alexander Baize constable
of Innernes, James Vrquhart burgess of Fores, and Robert Vaus burgess of Innernes, who
declared that the deceased Alexander Gordone master of Sutherland, the father of John
Gordone, died last vest and seised in the earldom of Sutherland, its lands, and the castle
or manor of Dunrobin — that John Gordone was his heir and of lawful age — that the earldom
was worth at the time 1000 marks yearly, and in time of peace 500 marks — that it was held
of the queen by service of ward and relief — that by the decease of Alexander Gordone it
had been in the queen's hands by reason of ward for 3 years and 5 months since the death of
King James V., in whose hands it had been for the same reason for 5 years preceding his
dead, — an(l that it had been also in the hands of the deceased Adam Gordone and his wife
Elezabeth Sutherland for 8 years following the month of January 1529 (1530) by reason of
liferent and of John Gordone not prosecuting his claim.1 On 7 June at the messuage or
castle of Dunrobin and on the soil of the earldom James Patirsone sheriff depute of Innernes
in that part gave seisin of the earldom on a precept by Queen Mary to John Gordone the
procurator of John Gordone earl of Sutherland as the heir of his deceased father Alexander.2
On 6 August Queen Mary granted in heritage to the same earl and to the lady Elizabeth
Campbell countess of Murray the lands of the earldom of Suthirland with the tower and
t'ortalice of Dunrobyn, resigned by the earl, the grantee paying the rights and services formerly
due.3 On 13 October James Patirsone gave seisin of the earldom to the earl and his countess
at the castle and on the lands of Dunrobin.* On 10 December seisin of certain lands granted
by the earl to Alexander Terrell was witnessed by Donald Williamsone alias Skallag the earl's
mair and officer.5 In 1558 a seisin of the prebend of Helmisdaill was witnessed by the same
Donald Williamson, styled officer of Suthirland.6 In 1563 (22 September) Queen Mary
granted in heritage to her brother Robert Stewart junior the lands and baronies of the earldom
of Sutherland both property and tenandry, namely, the lands of Sutherland with the castle
and fortalico of Dunrobin and the whole manor of the same ; the lands and town of Nevindell ;
the towns of Eistir Garthe, Mydgarthe, and W'estir Garthe, Cowlegowre, Mekle Lothe, Craigok,
Litil Lothe with the mill, Clyntredwane, and Brora with the fishings ; half the lands of Doill ;
Vppate, Innerbo Heiche and Laiche, Clayside, Mallecht, Allertoun, Golspiemoir, Ruves,
Culmaliemoir with the mill, Culmalie-craigtoun ; Strabrora, Dalpoldie, Westkelziebeg, West-
kelziemoir with the mill, Kilnabrair, Kyllane ; half the lands of Carroll ; Larg, Schennynes,
Moy with the mill, Rine, Cragie ; the lands of Grudy, Plaide, Petfuire, Clynall, Pittarkessie

1 Sutherland Charters. 2 Ibid. 4 Sutherland Charters.

3 Ibid. Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxix. no. 370. Reg. Sec. ° Ibid.

Sig., vol. xx. fol. !>7. 6 Ibid.

UOLSPIE.] PAROCHIALES. 667

with the mill, Auchannye ; Holmisday (Helmisdayll) with the water and fishings ; the lands
of Borryboill, Killarnanes Eister and Wester with the mill ; Vlbister, Gyllyboll, Lyriboll,
Borroboll, Altreboll, the Glen of Loth, and the Glen of Dunrobene ; as property — also the
tenandries of the lands of Skebo with the demesne lands of the same ; the lands of Eister
Skebo ; half the lands of Doill ; Cowle, Petnane, Bellwraith, Cammusowe, Westir Abbirscors,
Litilrod, Mornes, Innerschine with the fishings, Auchindwycht, Mechall, Ardinsche, Torrobull,
Kynmowie, Dola, Blaroquhy, Lady, Langwell, Pettintraill, Pitfwir, Knokartoll, Pronssecastell,
Pronssenayne, Pronssecroy, Evillik, Askadell, Rearcheare, the barony of Promesy, Mekle Torbo,
Litill Torbo, Dalnamayne, Grudiebrora, Scheborskaik, Kilpeddermoir, Kilpedderbeg, Kilpedder
in Straithvlze, Cayne, Kintraid, Kynnald, Kilchallumkillie, Golspietwir, Dawachbeg, Rewy-
kirktoun, Rewy-craigtoun, Inchecaip, Rossaill, Auchcailze, Eister Abirscors, Auchindrow,
Drummoy, Bakkeis, Torreis, Clyneles, Clynemylne with the mill, the half of Kirktoun of Clyne,
Dalcallum, and the lands of Eastside of Brora lying on the east side of the bridge — all forfeited
by John earl of Sutherland.1 In 1564 (27 May) the queen confirmed the grant.2 In 1565
(15 January) she renewed or again confirmed it, and re-erected the earldom in favour of the
same Robert Stewart, appointing the castle of Dunrobene to be the principal messuage.3

Between the years 1538 and 1563 Earl John, especially after attaining his majority in 1545
or 1546, had a considerable share in various public events both in Sutherland and in other parts,
and especially in the battle of Pinkie fought in 1547, and in the matters which led to the conflict
at Corrichie in 1562.4 During his forfeiture he resided abroad, and seems to have returned
to Scotland in 1565 or early in 1566.5 In the latter year (27, 28, and 31 May, and 1 June)
Gilbert Gordoun in Golspetovr and Alexander Tarrell of Doill, bailies in that part, on a precept
by Henry and Mary king and queen of Scots, at the place and fortalice of Dunrobin near the
well of the same, and at the following lands and castles, gave seisin to John Kennedy the
procurator of John carl of Sutherland in those lands and castles belonging to the earldom,
namely, the lands of Nauadaill, Borroboll, Estir Killernan, Vestir Killernan with the mill of the
same ; the lands of Vlbister, Galzeboll, Lereboll, Askraig, Altreboll, Cayan and Kilpedder in
Straythwlzie with the mill of the same ; Auchadill ; the water of Helmisdaill with the salmon
fishings ; Eister Garthe, Myd Garthe with the mill, Vastir Garthe, Culgour, Mekle Lotht,
Crakok, Litill Lotht with the mill, the Glen of Lotht, Clynetredwane with the mill, Clynemullin
with the mill, the half of Clynekirktoun, Clynelys, Daligallum, Brora Eist and Vest Syde with
the salmon fishing ; the lands of Doill, Carroll, Culnabrayr, Delfoldyn, Vest Kelziebeg, Vest
Kelziemoir with the mill, Kyllin, Gillecallumkille, Kilpeddirmoir, Kilpeddirbeg with the mill,
Sevirscraig, Grudebrora, Carnameyne ; the lands of Vppat, Inverboll, Clayeside, Mellok, Dun-
robbin with the tower, fortalice, place, houses, orchards, gardens, and pertinents, the mill of
Golspye, the Glen of Dunrobbin, Allartoun, Bakkeis, Golspetowr, Golspemoir, Ruiifis, Kyl-
mailzemoir with the mill, Drummoy, Kilmailziecragtoun, Eistir Aberscors, Vestir Abirscors ;

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxii. fol. 5. Earl John was 4 Genealogy of the Earls, pp. 106-149. Buch. Hist..
forfeited for treason and lese-majesty on 28 May 1563. lib. xvii. c. 38.
3 Ibid., fol. 70. 3 Ibid., fol. 138. 5 Genealogy of the Earls, p. 144.

668 ORIGINES [GOLSVIE.

Knokaitholl, Kynnakle with the mill ; Litill Reorde, Morenes, Pitfuyr with the mill, Pittintraill
with the mill, Kynbraid, Dawachbeg, Roykirktoun, Roycragtoun, Inchekipe, Rosall, Auchawelle,
Blarocht, Leady, Langoll, Moy, Reynde, Craggie, Kynmonovy, Leargis, Schinenes, Edderdachelis ;
the lands of Gruyde, Pleddis, Pitfuyr, Pettarkassie with the mill, Auchannye, Innersohin with
the salmon fishins*, Auchindaucht, Torreboll, Dolaye, Mekle, Ardinche ; the lands of Casteltoun
of Skelbo, with the place, fortalice, mill, and pertinents, Cambussave, Balnabraide, Pitmanyn,
Andandro, Eistir Skelbo, Cowle, Prompsecastell, Prompsenayne, Prompsecroy, Awalek with the
mill, Askisdaill, Rearquhar, Dalnameyne, Mekle Torboll with the mill, Litill Torboll ; with the
castles, towers, fortalices, mills, fishings, woods, advowsons, annexis, connexis, outseittis, parts,
pendicles, and pertinents ; together with the advowson of the benefices of Saint Andrew called
Golspiekirktoun, of the chaplainry of Saint John of Helmisdaill, and of the chaplainry of Saint
James of Dornocht, and all other benefices of the earldom — resigned by the queen's natural
brother Robert Stewart, to whom they belonged in heritage, and erected anew by the queen
into the earldom of Sutherland, the castle of Dunrobin to be the chief messuage.1 In 1567
(9 April) the process of forfeiture against Earl John was reduced by a decree of parliament.'2
In the same year (23 June) inquest was made in the tolbooth of the burgh of Innernis before
James Innes of Dranye, James Patirsone provost of Innernis, and Alexander Baillie of Dunnane,
sheriffs depute, by Alexander Ros of Balnagown, Robert Monro of Fowlis, Walter Wrquhart
sheriff of Cromertie, John Innes of Innerbraky, George Monro of Dawachcarte, Thomas Dingvell
of Kildwn, Alexander Chessolme of Commer, Murdoch M'Kenzie of Forbryne, Alexander Bane
of Tullich, John Stewart of Kyncarne, John Name of Cromdell, John Gray of Swordell, Hugh
Murray of Aberscors, William Murray of Spanzedell, Thomas Poilson of Cresmoye (Crechmoyr),
John Hay of Perk, Alexander Murray in Dornoch, Thomas Murray, and John and Alexander
Lewall of Craggy, who declared that Adam earl of Sutherland, the grandfather of John earl
of Sutherland, died at the peace and faith of King James V., and that Earl John was his lawful
heir and of lawful ago — and that he was likewise the lawful heir of his grandmother Elizabeth
countess of Sutherland, who also died at the king's peace.3 The earl and his lady are said
to have died by poison at the castle of Helmisdale, the earl's son and successor Alexander
narrowly escaping the same fate.4

In 1573 Alexander earl of Suthirland complained to King James VI. that, although he was
desirous to serve the king's briefs of inquest of the lands in the sheriffdoms of Innernes and
Abirdene in which his father Earl John died vest and seised, he was unable to serve the brief
of inquest of the lands in Innernes in the tolbooth of the burgh, because he could find no
inquest of barons and hereditary proprietors within the sheriffdom for that purpose by reason
that many barons and gentlemen of the sheriffdom, such as Colin Makkanze of Kintaill, Hugh
Lord Fraser of Lovet, Lauchlan Mukintosche of Dunnauchtane, Robert Monro of Fowlis, with
many other families and men of the country, were at deadly feud among themselves.5 The

1 Sutherland Charters. 4 Genealogy of the Earls, pp. 146, 147. *

2 Ibid. Genealogy of the Earls, pp. 145, 146. 5 Paper at Dunrobin (extract from the burgh records
J Sutherland Charters. of Aberdeen).

GOLSPIE.] PAEOCHIALES. 669

king therefore (30 May), with the consent of George earl of Huntlie sheriff principal of Inner-
nes and Abirdene, appointed John Leslie of Buchquhane, Gilbert Menzeis apparent of Petfod-
dellis, Patrick Menzeis burgess of Abirdene, Master Kobert Lummisdane of Clova, and Master
Patrick Ruthirfurde burgess of Abirdene, sheriffs of Innernes in that part, to serve the said
briefs in the tolbooth of the burgh of Abirdene.1 On 13 June accordingly John Kennedy the
attorney of Earl Alexander appeared in the burgh court of Abirdene held in the tolbooth by
Master George Middiltoun one of the bailies, and presented the king's commission.2 Thereafter
the sheriffs took the oath of fidelity, and held their court in the tolbooth, when John Kennedy
presented the king's brief, and the sheriffs delivered it to the officers of court to be proclaimed
at the market cross of Innernes and served on 8 July next, and meantime ordered the king's
commission to be engrossed in their books.3 On 8 July Master William Dauidson and Master
George Barclay, appointed by the earl his procurators in all actions, presented to the sheriffs
in court the king's brief duly executed, the proclamation was certified by the officers, and, none
objecting, the brief was submitted to the following assise, namely, Andrew Master of Erroll
chancellor, James Dunbar of Tarbet, Alexander Dunbar of Conze, Archibald Dunbar of Pennek,
John Gray of Sordell, William Hay of Delgaty, Thomas Gumming of Alter, Robert Turing of
Fowerane, William Setoun of Meldrum, John Pantoun of Petmeddene, James Murray of Cov-
bardy, Hutcheone Murray of Abirshorss, James Patirsoun provost of Innernes, George Gordoun
of Auchmengzye, Andrew Meldrum of Darley, Andrew Myln in Estir Bin, and James Dunbar
in Kintassacht.4 On the same day the earl's procurators produced in court an instrument of the
lands of the earldom contained in a petition dated 6 June 1546 ; a retour of the deceased John
earl of Sutherland in those lands dated 4 May of the same year ; a decreet of the constitution
of parliament reducing the process of forfeiture against that earl, dated at Edinburgh 9 April
1567 and subscribed by Master James Makgill clerk of register ; and an attestation of the
decreet by James Ballindene dated 25 May 1573, by which Earl Alexander's age might be
known — whereupon the assise unanimously served the earl heir to his father Earl John, deter
mining the yearly value of the earldom, as before, to be 500 marks in time of peace, and at the
date of the inquest 1000 marks.5 On 17 July James Innes of Towchis sheriff depute of Inner
nes in that part gave seisin of the earldom to the earl's procurator John Kennedy burgess of
Banf at the castle of Dunrobyne and at the gates of the same.6 In 1581 (18 March) Earl
Alexander resigned the earldom with the castle of Dunrobin in favour of his eldest son John
master of Sudirland, reserving the liferent to himself ; and King James VI. (23 March) granted
the same to John in heritage.7 In 1583 Adam Gordone in Culgowyr at the gates of the castle
of Dunroben took seisin of the earldom for the same John, saving Earl Alexander's liferent.8
In 1591 the following assise, namely, Andrew Monro of Newmoyr, John Vaus of Lochslyne,
William Eraser of Strowy, John Chessolme of Commyr, James Corbet portioner of Arkboll,
Alexander Eraser of Gussoquhan, John Cuthbert of Old Castle, John Vinstyr of Artrelle,
William Baize of Dunnayne, Luke Patirsone burgess of Innernes, John Corbet apparent

1 Paper at Dunrobin (extract from the burgh records 6 Sutherland Charters.

of Aberdeen). 2 Ibid. 3 Ibid. * Ibid. 5 Ibid. " Ibid. s Ibid. The seisin is witnessed by the earl.
VOL. II. 4 Q

670 OEIGINES [GOLSPIE.

portioner of Arkboll, Gilbert Gollan burgess of Innernes, James Abram burgess of the same,
Findlaw Donaldson burgess of the same, and John Eraser in Incherore, served Alexander earl
of Suderland heir to his great-grandfather Adam Gordone earl of Suderland, who died in
January 1541 (1542), and to his great-grandmother Elizabeth countess of Suderland, who died
in September 1539.1 Earl Alexander died in 1594, and was succeeded by his son John.2

In 1601 (29 April) King James VI. granted anew to John earl of Sutherland, and to his
heirs male and of entail got between him and his wife the lady Anna Elphingstoun countess of
Sutherland, with remainder to his own heirs male of his body, to his brother german Robert
Gordoun and the heirs male of his body, to his brother german Alexander Gordoun and the
heirs male of his body, and to Adam Gordoun the lawful son of George marquis of Huntlie and
his heirs male whomsoever, the earldom of Sutherland and the Castle of Dunrobene with all
pertinents, resigned by the earl — also a davach of Knokfyn, a davach of Ere, a davach of
Swyisgill, a davach of Kynbrasche, two davachs of Kyldonan, two davachs of Dwyboill, a
davach of Balnabaleach, and a davach of Helmisdaill with the pendicles of the same called
Achaadaleyis, alienated by the earl's predecessors to the earls of Caithnes, and resigned by
George then earl of Caithnes in favour of Earl John — also the lands and barony of Ear with
the waters and salmon fishings, the lands of Armedaill and Straith with the waters and salmon
fishings, Eenew, Kynnald, Golspetor, Delreid, Cattak, Broniche, Killicalumkill, Dawach Loch-
naver, Dawach Ereboill, two pennylands in Strone, the island of Sanda, namely, three penny-
lands there, the island of Haga extending to two pennylands, the lands of Millines and Hoip
with the waters and salmon fishings, Galdwell, Balnahacles, Skelpik, Mowadell, Mekill Grub,
Litill Grub, Syre, Carnoch, Innernaver, Thorisdaill with the waters and salmon fishings, Mekill
Borge, Litill Borge, Kirkboyll, Tung, Skrabister, Kennyside, Candloch, Edderdawachellis, the
water of Torrisdaill with its fishings, Awchynes, Clybrek, Langoill, Eosuall, Eaygill, Ardnedell,
Skarre, Lettirlyoll, Lettirwyndeschoir, Ardnaboill, Houndland, Strathoridaill, the island of
— , the mills of Tung, Far, and Kynnald, with the multures and sucken, with all pertinents,
resigned by Earl John.3 King James moreover for the earl's good service annexed to the earl
dom Knokfyn and the other lands resigned by the earl of Caithnes, and Far and the other
lands resigned by Earl John — and, understanding that the earldom had been granted in free
regality to the earl's predecessors by David King of Scots and other kings, and for other reasons,
erected the earldom and the annexed lands into one free regality with free chapel and chancel-
lary and all other privileges.4 The king also, understanding that the earl had undergone great
expense in the construction of houses and for policy (pro policia) upon the Inver of Bruray in
the earldom of Sutherland to the great advantage of the king's lieges and others, erected the
Inver of Bruray, its lands, tofts, crofts, outsettis, and pertinents, in favour of the earl and his
said heirs, into a free burgh of barony and regality to be called the burgh of Innerbroray, with
power to create bailies, councillors, burgesses, sergeants, and other officers, and to remove the
same ; with power to the burgesses ad lie pak et peill, and of buying and selling in the burgh

1 Sutherland Charters. For the true dates of the 2 Genealogy of the Earis, p. 233.
deaths of Earl Adam and his countess see above, p. 665. :i Sutherland Charters. 4 Ibid.

GOLSPIE.] PAROCHIALES. 671

wine and wax, cloth woollen and linen, broad and narrow, and all other articles of merchan
dise and staple goods (stapule bona*), and of admitting into the burgh fishers, brewers,
laniatores, sellers of fish, sartares, shoemakers, weavers, allutarii, scissores, carpenters, smiths,
and all other necessary tradesmen ; with power also to build a tolbooth, to have a market
cross with a weekly market on Saturday, together with four free yearly fairs on the feasts of
the Conception (8 December), of Saint Peter the apostle (29 June), of Saint Peter ad vin-
cula (1 August), and of Saint Michael (29 September), to hold a market at each of those fairs
for the space of two days, and to collect the entire customs and apply them for the good of the
burgh ; with all other privileges.1 The king moreover, understanding that the following lands
and other subjects, partly in Sutherland and partly in Caithnes, and in the sheriffdom of
Innernes, belonged in heritage to the earl, and before the annexation of ecclesiastical lands
were held of the bishop of Caithnes, and were then held of the king, namely, the lands and
towns of Galdwell, Caldell, Crammage, Barolye, Slanys, Astlermoir, Astlerbeg, Sandewatt,
Tarriagavis, Crannamannycht, Carnogarraw, with the mills and fishings, and with the fishings
of Laxfurde, and the water of Ardurines and the ' cruvis' of the same, the island of Hoa
with the other islands there and their fishings; the lands of Kilmalekirktoun with the pen-
dicles of the same called Auchnacalzie ; the lands of Stambuster, the half of Brymmes, Fors
with the mills and fishings, Baillie, two thirds of Lythmoir with two pennylands of the (other)
third part of Lythmoir, two thirds of the lands of Owist ; the lands of Dorarie and Myrre-
michaellis ; 9i pennylands of Skrabister, with the ' castell wairdis' and Langag of Skrabister
and the fishings of the same, with the Sklaitheuch and Halkes in Hoburneheid ; 10 penny-
lands of Weik and Papigo with the crofts called the Bischopis Quoyis and Kenzeochis Quoyis,
with the other crofts there and the tenements in the town of Weik and the superiority of
the same ; the lands of Southkilmister and Northkilmister with the mill of Wyndles ; three
' ottonnyrlandis' in Myrelandmoir, with the teindsheaves of all the above lands ; the lands
of Mekill Vllagrahame, Littil Vllagrahame, and Halkrig, with the mills, fishings, and ' cruvis ;'
the lands of Westerdaill, Esterdaill, Thormesdaill, with the fourth part of the salmon fishing
in the water of Thurso ; a pennyland of Subamster, the lands of Diran, Alterwell with the
loch of the same, 3^ pennylands of Stanstell ; the lands of Skebomanys with the pendicles
called Braymort, the eastern part of Skebo, the lands of Wester Skebo and Skebocastell,
the lands of Vlleste, Ardaleis, Auchvaiche with the pendicles called Auchgormela and Auch-
incholas, the lands of Sythera with the croft called Tayclyb, the lands of Dawachfyn, Drum-
dewan, and Ferritoun of Portinculter, the mill of Skebo, with the crofts and tenements within
the city of Dornoch, the palace of Dornoch with the ' assyis aill and thoill' of the city and
the superiority of the same ; 13^ pennylands of Brymmes ; the lands of Rogartmoir with
the mill ; the lands of Skaill and Regeboill, with the tenants, tenandries, and services of free
tenants of all those lands and of the others, the hereditary office of constable of the castles
and palaces of Skrabister, Skebo, and Dornoch, and the hereditary office of bailie of all the

1 Sutherland Charters.

672 ORIGINES [GOLSPIE.

said lands with all its fees and dues — and considering that within those lands justice was
not rightly administered owing to their remoteness — erected the whole into a separate sheriffdom
to be called the sheriffdom of Sutherland, and appointed the earl and his male heirs hereditary
sheriffs and crowners of the same, the burgh of Innerbroray to be the chief burgh of the
sheriffdom, and the castle of Dwnrobene to be the chief messuage for the earldom, sheriffship,
crownership, and burgh ; the grantee paying yearly for the earldom and regality a pair of gilt
spurs on the feast of Saint John the Baptist (24 June) in name of blench ferme, although
formerly held by service of ward and relief — and for the hereditary offices the administration
of justice personally or by deputy, and a pair of gilt spurs on the same feast.1 In 1605 the
same earl was served heir to his father Alexander in the same lands and earldom.2

In 1616 (4 June) an assise held in the tolboth of Innernes, namely, Symon Lord Eraser
of Lovett, Thomas Eraser of Strwy, John Monro of Lymlair, John Murray of Abirscors, Robert
Monro of Assint, George Murray of Spanzedell, Eobert Monro of Vrquhart, Robert Gray
of Ospisdell, Andrew Monro of Teanower, Oliver Gordoun of Drummoy, Adam Gordoune of
Backyes, William Eraser of Mullochies, Patrick Gordoune of Craigtotine, Alexander Sutherland
of Cambusboy, Robert Monro of Teanenich, James Sutherland of Ballavraid, and Walter
Murray of Ovir Skibo, declared that John earl of Sutherland was the lawful male heir of the
deceased John earl of Sutherland who died vest and seised in the earldom and the annexed
lands and hereditary offices — that the whole earldom with the hereditary offices were at that
time worth yearly 1000 marks Scots, and in time of peace 500 marks (old extent) — that
the davach of Knokfyne and the lands annexed along with it were then worth yearly £66
Scots, and in time of peace £36 (old extent) — that the lands and barony of Far with the
other annexed lands were then worth yearly £50 Scots, and in time of peace £13, 6s. 8d.
(old extent) — that they were held as above (1601) — and that they had been in the king's
hands by reason of nonentry for about 8 months since the decease of Earl John who died 13
December 3615.3 In 1617 (17 April) the earl was seised in his earldom and other property
as above by John Gordoun of Golspetour younger bailie and sheriff depute in that part for John
Gordoun of Buckie sheriff of Innernes.4 In 1630 an assise held in the tolbooth at Innernes,
namely, Simon Eraser of Lovatt, Hugh Eraser master of Lovatt, Sir Thomas Vrquhart of
Cromartie, Hugh Vrquhart of Leatheris, Robert Dumbar of Burgy, George M'Kenzie of
Kildun, Robert Leslie of Finrossie, Alexander Dumbar of Grange, James Sutherland tutor of
Duffus, John Monro of Obstuill, John M'Ky of Dalrit, Angus M'Ky of Beghous, Hugh Ros
of Tolly, Robert Monro of Assint, John Monro of Lemlair, Thomas Eraser of Strwy, James
Eraser of Phoppochie, Hector Monro of Findon, and Andrew Monro of Teanowar, declared

1 Sutherland Charters. 2 Retours. 4 Sutherland Charters. The witnesses to the seisin

:1 Sutherland Charters. Retours. Sir Robert Gordon are Patrick Gordoune of Craigtoune, Alexander Gor-

dates the death of Earl John on 11 September 1015, dounof Golspiekirktounc, Gilbert Gordoun his brother

which the interval of 8 months renders more pro- german, Adam Gordoun of Backies, Robert Aikin in

bable. Sir Robert also says that at the time of this Dunrobbin, William Innes chamberlain of Sutherland,

service £8 Scots were paid into the king's exchequer and Andrew Gordoun, the servitor of Sir Donald M'Ky

instead of the pair of gilt spurs specified in the charter. of Strathnaver.

GOLSPIE.] PAROCHIALES. G73

that William first of that name earl of Sutherland, attavus of the deceased Nicolas earl
of Sutherland, attavus of the deceased Alexander master of Sutherland, abavus of John then
earl of Sutherland, died at the peace of Alexander II. king of Scots — that William earl
of Sutherland, attavus of the deceased John earl of Sutherland, attavus of (another) deceased
John earl of Sutherland, the father of John then earl of Sutherland, died at the faith and
peace of David king of Scots (1370) — that John earl of Sutherland, attavus of John earl
of Sutherland, the father of John then earl of Sutherland, died at the faith and peace of
James IV. king of Scots (1508) — and that John then earl of Sutherland was the lawful
heir of those three earls and of lawful age.1

In 1401 Robert earl of Suthirland granted to his brother Kenneth of Suthirland and to the
heirs male of his body, for his faithful service, the lands of Drommoy, Torowys (in Kildonan),
and Bakys, with common pasture in the valley called in English the Glen to all the inhabitants
of the lands of Bakys — reserving to the earl and his heirs the mill called the mill of Dunrobyn,
with the croft lying between the mill and the water running on the west side of the croft,
and the fat fish coming to the lands of Drommoy and Bakys, except the fish called ' pellokis,'
which alone the grantee should be allowed to carry home, and about which the earl and his
heirs should raise no question — the lands of Bakys being bound to cause millstones to be
brought to the mill of Dunrobyn, and the millhouse (domum molendini) to be maintained
according to ancient custom; the grantee doing similar service to the mill of Culmali for tin-
lands of Drommoy ; the lands of both Bakys and Drummoy to be free of multure ; and, failing
Kenneth and his male heirs, the whole lands granted to revert to the earl.2 In 1448, as we
have seen, the town of Drommoy (probably only a part of the lands), and the croft upon the
hill between the burns (apparently the croft reserved by Earl Robert in 1401), were part of the
kirklands of the chapel of Saint Andrew of Golspi.3 In 1451, as we have further seen, Robert
the son and heir of John of Suthirland of Fors granted to the same chapel 40 shillings Scots
yearly from the mails of the town of Drommoy.* In 1471 inquest was made in the head court
of John Earl of Suthirland, and in his presence, by Angus Suthirland of Thureboll, Alexander
Suthirland of Golspie, William of Cline of that ilk, Neil of Moray, Alexander of Moray, John
Reoch Suthirland, William Thomson Suthirland, Angus Neilson, Alexander of Suthirland,
Thomas of Terraile, John M'Alister, John of Suthirland, and Murchard M'Gillecaloune, who
declared that the deceased Richard of Suthirland of Forss, the father of the deceased John
of Suthirland, within the sheriffdom of Innernes and earldom of Suthirland, died last vest and
seised in a davach of the lands of the town of Drummoy, a davaeh of the lands of the town
of Bakys, and the third of a davach of the lands of Torrois, held in chief of the earl.5 In 150,5

1 Sutherland Charters. Genealogy of the Earls, p. Robert Gordoun knight-baronet, then shin-eft' principal!

421. This service of Earl John is decisive as to the of thatshyre,who caused returne the service and briefs

misstated succession between William fourth earl of to the chancellarie orderly proceeded conforme to the

Sutherland and the Earl Robert of 1401. See p. 660. lawe observed in such cases." 2 Fors Charters.

It was ' performed at Innernesse according to the cus- 3 Sutherland Charters. See above, p. 650.

tomes of the kingdome in the presence of his uncle Sir * Ibid. s Fors Charters.

674 ORIGESTES [GOLSPIE.

King James IV. granted to John Suthirland of Fors the fermes and teinds of his lands of
Bakeis in Strabrora in the earldom of Suthirland, held by him of the earl.1 In 1529 the seisin
of certain lands in Eogart was witnessed by Kenneth the son of Nicolas Suthirland in Drummoy.2
In 1546 John earl of Suthirland ordered his bailie John Gordoun constable of the castle of
Dunrobin to give seisin to Richard Suthirland of Fors, the grandson and heir of the deceased
John Suthirland of Fors, in the lands of Drummoy, Torrowis, and Baikeis, with common pasture
in the valley called in English the Glen, lying in the lordship and earldom of Sutherland and
sheriffdom of Innernes, and held of the earl by service of ward and relief.3 In 1563 (8 Sep
tember) Queen Mary granted anew in heritage to William Suthirland of Fors and Jonet Sinclare
his wife the same lands with common pasture in the Glen of Dunrobin, formerly held by William
of John earl of Suthirland, who was forfeited for treason and lesemajesty on 28 May 1563,
and now to be held of the queen for the services formerly due, but without prejudice to the
vassals, subvassals, and other tenants, or to their infeftmeuts previously granted.4 The same
lands, as we have seen, were included in the grant of the earldom by Queen Mary to Robert
Stewart on 22 September 1563 after the forfeiture of Earl John, and in the new grant by that
queen to the same earl in 1566. 5 The seisin following on the latter grant was witnessed by
William M'Angus in Bakky and James Suthirland in Drummoy.6 In 1602 Alexander Sutherland
was served heir male and of entail to William Sutherland of Fors his grandfather's brother in
the lands of Drummoy, Bakkeis, and Torrois, with common pasture in the Glen of Bakkeis,
in the earldom of Sutherland and sherift'dom of Caithness, of the old extent of £6.7 Two of
the assise for the retour of the earldom in 1616 were Oliver Gordoun of Drummoy and Adam
Gordoun of Backyes, and the latter, as above noticed, witnessed the seisin of the earldom in
1617.8

In 1401, as we have seen, the holder of the lands of Drommoy was bound by ancient custom
to furnish millstones to the mill of Culmali, and to maintain the fabrick of the mill.9 In 1529
the seisin of certain lands in the parish of Rogart was witnessed by Alexander Vicarson in
Culmalyemoir.10 In 1548 John earl of Sutherland granted in liferent to Helen Stewart the
widow of the earl of Errol certain lands including Kilmalieuioir with the mill and alehouse.11
The grant was confirmed by Queen Mary.12 The same lands and mill were included in the grant
of the earldom of Sutherland by Queen Mary to her brother Robert Stewart in 1563, and in
the new grant of the same by that queen to Earl John in 1566.13 In 1575 Alexander Kenate
burgess of Banf, as procurator for Catherine Reid the wife of Master Alexander Dunbar dean
of Moray, and for Thomas Dunbar their lawful son, on a charter by Alexander earl of Suther-

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. iv. fol. 71. head of Caithness, although the sheriffdom of Suther-

2 Sutherland Charters. land, as appears above, was erected in 1601.

3 Ibid. 8 See note, p. 072. « See above, p. 673.

4 Ibid. Reg. Mag. Sig , lib. xxxii. no. 393. Reg. Sec. '" Sutherland Charters.

Sig., vol. xxxii. fol. 2. « Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxx. no. 206. Reg. Sec. SIR..

6 See above, pp. 6GO-G68. vol. xxiv. fol. 15.

6 Sutherland Charters. 12 Ibid.

7 Retours. This is given in the Retours under the 13 See above, pp. 6G6-668.

GOLSPIE.] PAROCHIALES. 675

land, took seisin of Culmalemoir and Mcllak, and a house in Dornoch called the ' vicar of
Kilmaleis chalmer.'1

In 1476 Sir Robert Crechtone of Sanchar sued John earl of Southirland for wrongfully
occupying the lands of Cragtone in Southirland and the fishing of the same, and withholding
the dues.2 The Lords Auditors decided that ' for oucht that thai haue sene' the earl should
' devoid and red' the lands and fishing to Sir Robert, and that letters should be written to a
sheriif in that part ' to devoid and red the samyn.'3 In 1529 appears in record William Smyth
in Cragtoun.* In 1548 John earl of Sutherland granted the lands of Kilmaliecrag in liferent
to Helen Stewart the widow of the earl of Errol, and Queen Mary in the same year confirmed
the grant.5 In 1554 the same Earl John gave precept of seisin in the lands of Cragtoun in
Culmaly with the ' fische gartht' and pertinents, lying in the earldom of Suthirland and sherifl-
dom of Innernes, in favour of Alexander Lokart the grandson and heir of the deceased Sir
Stephen Lokhart of Gleghorne, saving the earl's own right.6 The same lands were included
in the grant of the earldom by Queen Mary to her brother Robert Stewart in 1563, and in
the grant by the same queen to Earl John in 1566. 7 In the latter year a seisin of the dean's
stall in the cathedral church of Dornoch was witnessed by James Fraser in Culmalyecragtowne.11
Patrick Gordoun of Craigtoune (probably the same Craigtoune) was on the assise for a retour
of the earldom in 1616, and witnessed the seisin of the same in 1617.9

In 1544 (2 March) Robert bishop elect and confirmed of Cathaues, with the consent of the
dean and chapter, in order to augment the rental of the church by the sum of 16s. 8d. Scots,
and for certain sums of money paid for the repair of the cathedral church, and other favours
done by John Graye in Kilmalye, granted to him and to Jonet Mathesoun his wife, and to the
male heirs of their body, with remainder to Patrick Gray the brother german of John and to
the male heirs of his body, to James Gray the paternal cousin of John and Patrick and to the
male heirs of his body, and to the eldest of the female heirs of all the above persons without
division and to their heirs whomsoever, the lands of Kilmalykyrk and Rogertkyrk, with the
mill, alehouses, multures, sequels, and other profits, lying in the barony of Skebo, diocese of
Cathanes, and sheriflclom of Innernes ; with power to erect sufficient dwellings, with halls,
chambers, fortalices, barns, kilns, stables, mills, pigeonhouses, and all other buildings — to
make gardens, orchards, bridges, and stanks, with other buildings and policies convenient
for the ground — and to reduce the lands under new cultivation ; the grantee paying yearly
for Kilmalykyrk with the alehouse 10 marks Scots as old ferme and 10s. in augmentation — and
for Rogartkyrk with the mill and alehouse, including money fermes, victual fermes, grassums,
astricted multures, custom oats, poultry, and other dues and services, 23 marks Scots old ferme
with 6s. 8d. in augmentation — -in all 34 marks 3 shillings and 4 pence — and furnishing three
suits yearly at the bishop's three head courts held at Skebo ; seisin taken at Kilmalykirk to

1 Protocol Book of Wiiliam Gray. 4 Sutherland Charters.

2 Acta Auditorum, p. 52. 5 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxx. no. 206. Reg. Sec. i*ifr.,

3 Ibid. These lands were apparently Kilmaly vol. xxiv. fol. 15.

Craigtotm, although there is another Craigtoun in 6 Sutherland Charters. ~ See pp. 666-(!(i8.

Rogart. » Sutherland Charters. ' Ibid.

67U ORIG-INES [GOLSPIE.

be sufficient for the whole.1 On the same day Sir Alexander Gray chaplain of the chaplainry
of Kinauld granted to the same parties the lands of Auchinlong in Dornoch ; of which grants
John Gray of Culmaly took seisin respectively on 12 and 30 June 1545.^ On 6 April 1546
Cardinal David Beton, as papal legate in Scotland and primate of the same, on the petition of
John Gray ordered the prior of Pluscardyn and the dean and chancellor of Ross to confirm
the grant of Kilmaly and Eogart by apostolical authority.3 On 29 April Kentigern Mone-
penny dean of Ross and Duncan Chalmer chancellor, on the above mandate, ordered all clergy
to publish the same — to cite the bishop, dean, and chapter of Cathanes, and all having interest
in the matter, to appear before the delegates in the chapel of the Virgin Mary in the cathedral
church of Ross on 12 June following to witness the confirmation of the grant to John Gray —
and also to cite Murchard Murray bailie of Dornoch, Sir Robert M'Rath vicar of Kilmaly, Sir
Robert Fern curate, and Alexander Ratter parish clerk of Kalmaly, Sir Donald Neilson curate
of Rogart, Donald M'Hcwin, Allan Thomason, Farquhard Murray alias M'Aue Glas, Sir
Laurence Smyth, and Donald Thomassone, to appear at the same place and date to inquire
into the truth of the premises.4 Accordingly David Settoun notary on 5 May summoned
Murchard Murray and the others enumerated above, except Sir Laurence Smyth and Donald
Thomassone — on 9 May the bishop and chapter — and on 1 1 May Sir Laurence Smyth
and Donald Thomassone.5 On 12 June the confirmation was given in due form at the
appointed place, the chapel of the Virgin in the cathedral of Ross.6 On 2 December a
precept of seisin by the earl of Sutherland was witnessed by the same John Gray of
Kilmale." In 1548 a grant of Kilmaliemoir by John earl of Sutherland was witnessed by
John Gray of Kilmalie.8 In 1550 a confirmation of lands in Rogart by John earl of
Sutherland was witnessed by the same John Gray of Culmalie, styled notary public.9 In 1554
(11 August), for a certain sum of money paid to him beforehand in his necessity, he sold to
Earl John, to his wife Helen Stewart countess of Arol, and to the earl's heirs whomsoever,
the lands of Kilmalie and Rogartmoir with the mill and alehouses, lying in the sherift'dom of
Innernes and barony of Skebo — the holder paying yearly to the bishop of Cathanes the dues
and services specified in the charter to John Gray.10 On 3 November at Dernivey in Moray
the same John Gray witnessed a precept of seisin of the lands of Skelbo by the same earl.11
On 1 December Robert bishop of Cathanes confirmed that sale and another, and both con
firmations are witnessed by John Gray of Kilmaly.12 In 1555 (12 November) Earl John took
seisin of the lands of Kilmalie and Rogartmoir.13 In 1560 Bishop Robert seems to have granted
the same lands to the same earl.14 Between 1561 and 1566, as we have seen, the same lands
are given in the rental of assumptions at the sum of 20 marks yearly.15 In 1564 Robert
bishop of Cathanos on Queen Mary's presentation admitted as hereditary tenant of the lands
of Kilmalekirktoun with the teindshcaves and Rogartmoir with the mill and alehouses, forfeited

Sutherland Charters. 2 Ibid. ;< Ibid. » Sutherland Charters. 10 Ibid.

' Ibid. <> ibid. « Ibid. ' Ibid. » Ibid. 12 Ibid.

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxx. no. 206. Reg. Sec. Sig., « Ibid. » Ibid.

vol. x\iv. Ibl. J5. '••> Book of Assumptions.

GOLSPIK.J PAROCHIALES. 677

by John late carl of Suthirland for treason and lesemajesty, Alexander Gordoun the earl's
elder son, reserving the liferent to Alexander's mother Helen Stewart countess of Errol and
Suthirland ; the grantee paying yearly the sum of £30, and seisin taken on the lands of
Kilmalekirktoun to be sufficient for those lands with the teindsheaves and alehouse, and for
the lands of Kogartmoir with the mill and alehouse.1 In 1567 or subsequently John Gray
of Sordell and Elizabeth Barclay his wife for themselves and their heirs granted to the same
Alexander as earl and to his heirs the right of reversion on payment of 500 marks within the
cathedral church of Dornoch to the lands of Kilmaliekirktowne with the alehouse and alehouse
croft, sold by the earl to them and to the heirs got between them, with remainder to John's
heirs whomsoever.2 In 1577 the same Alexander had seisin of the same lands, and in 1581
resigned them and had a new grant.3 In 1583 he again resigned them in favour of his son
John master of Sutherland, saving his own liferent, and they were included in subsequent grants
or confirmations of the earldom.4

In 1456 Alexander Sutherland of Dunbeath bequeathed to Donald Bruntouch the half of the
alehouse of the tower of Gouspy.0 In 1471 Alexander Suthirland of Golspie, as we have seen,
appears on an inquest of the lands of Drummoy, Bakys, and Torrois.6 In 1499 King James IV.
for the good service of Odo or Y Makky in Straithnauern both in peace and in war, and es
pecially in the capture of the deceased Alexander Suthirland of Dilrid and ten accomplices the
king's rebels and at his horn, granted in heritage to Odo the lands of Fer and others, including
those of Gollesby, formerly belonging to Alexander Suthirland in heritage, and forfeited by
hiin for treason.7 In 1513, as before noticed, James Dunbar of Cumnok, the son and heir of
the deceased Sir James Dunbar of Cumnok, sued Y M'Ky for a pretended royal grant of the
lands of Kynnauldy and Golspytour, which James Dunbar alleged had been apprised in favour
of Sir James his father for debts due to him by Alexander Sutherland of Dillryt, who was sub
sequently forfeited ; and the Lords of Council gave sentence in favour of James Dunbar.8 In
1527, by a deed dated on 2 July at the burgh of Fores, James Dunbar of Cumnok for a
certain sum of money sold to his kinsman William Suderland of Duffous and to his heirs the
lands of Golspytour in the earldom of Suderland and sheriffdom of Innernes, to be held of the
earl by service of ward and relief.9 In the same year (10 December) a seisin of the earldom in
favour of Alexander master of Sutherland was witnessed by William Doddis in Golspetoure,
probably the same who in 1529 appears as William Doddis armiger.10 In 1539 King James V.,
on the narrative that the deceased Odonius or Y M'Ky the father of Donald M'Ky in Strath-
nauern held in heritage the lands of Fer and others including Golesby or Golspietour, then in
the king's hands by reason of nonentry or otherwise, granted those lands in heritage to Donald,

1 Sutherland Charters. 2 Ibid. tween Earl Kenneth and Reginald of Moray in 1330.

' Ibid. l Ibid. See p. 650. 6 Fors Charters.

5 Miscellany of Ban. Club, vol. iii. Golspie, sub- "' Sutherland Charters. Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xiii.

jected to various interpretations by Celtic authorities no. 519. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. i. fol. 95. See FARR,

(see Old Stat. Ace. and Anderson's Guide), is appa- HALKIUK, and other parishes,

rcntly Norwegian, its earliest known form being 8 Sutherland Charters. See DOKNOCH, p. 635.

Goldespy, in which it appears in the agreement be- 9 Ibid. 10 Ibid.

VOL. II. 4 R

G78 ORIGINES [GOLSPIE.

erecting the whole into the free barony of Fer.1 On an inquest made at Inncrnes in 1542
respecting the lands held by William Sudirland of Duftbs in the sheriffdom of Innernes we find
the name William Doddis in Golspetour.2 In 1546 a charter is witnessed by Alexander
Gordoun in Golspetour.3 In 1548 (2 January) a contract of marriage was made at Golspetour
between Alexander Tarrell portioner of Doill and Margaret Murray.'1 In 1551 Queen Mary
granted in heritage to Robert bishop of Orkney the lands and barony of Far, including Golspi-
tour, forfeited by Donald M'Ky of Far, who lived and died bastard without lawful heirs or a
lawful disposition of the lands, and to be held of the earl of Sutherland.5 In 1552 the same
queen granted to John earl of Suthirland the escheat of all the goods of the deceased William
Dodis in Golspitour, who died illegitimate and intestate.6 In 15G3 (20 or 22 June) she granted
anew in heritage to Alexander Suthirlande of Duffois his lands of Skelbo and others, including
the lands of Golspytoure, formerly held by him of John earl of Sutherland, who was forfeited
on 28 May.7 In the same year (22 September) the lands of Golspietwir were included in the
queen's grant of the earldom to her brother Robert Stewart.8 In 1564 a precept of seisin of
certain lands by the same Robert, then infeft in the earldom of Sutherland, was addressed to
Gilbert Gordon in Golspetour and John Kennedy.9 In 1566 the lands of Golspetowr were
included in a new grant of the earldom by Queen Mary to Earl John.10 In 1570 (31 July)
George Earl Huntlie, Lord Gordounc and Badenocht, baron of the barony of Farr, and proprie
tor of certain lands, in implement of a contract between him and Y Macky dated on 29 July at
Abirden, and for certain sums of money therein contained to be paid to the earl and his heirs,
sold to Y Macky those lands and others, including Golspietour in the earldom of Sutherland,
diocese of Cathanes, and sheriffdom of Invernes.11 The same lands were included in the new
grant and erection of the earldom in 1601. 12 In 1613 the Lords of Council decided that the
barony of Far, including Golspietour, was in the king's hands by reason of iionentry, and that
the king had granted the nonentry and other dues to Sir Robert Gordoun of Kynmounwv.13
In 1617 John earl of Sutherland was seised in the earldom by John Gordoun of Golspetour
younger, bailie and sheriff depute in that part for John Gordoun of Buckle sheriff of Innernes.14
In 1666 a transumpt was made at Dornoch of the instrument of seisin on the charter of
1539, and also of the charter of 1570, in favour of Donald M'Ky in Strathnaver and his
heirs.15

In 1548 Queen Mary confirmed a charter of John earl of Suthirland, in which he sold or
granted in liferent to Helen Stewart the widow of the earl of Errol certain lands in the sheriff
dom of Innernes, including Golspemoir with the mill.16 The same lands and mill were included

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxvi. no. 238. Reg. Sec. Sig., 9 Sutherland Charters. '« Ibid,

vol. xiii. fol. 38. Sutherland Charters. u Ibid. See DORNOCH, p. 635, and FAUR and other

- Sutherland Charters. 3 Ibid. parishes post.

4 Ibid. « Ibid. See above, p. CTO.

5 Ibid. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiv. ff. 97, 98. 13 Ibid. See DORNOCH, p. G36, and FARR and other
" Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxv. fol. 8. parishes post.

7 Sutherland Charters. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxi. '* Ibid. 'j Ibid.

I'ol. 122. 16 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxx. no. 206. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

" Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxii. fol. 5. vol. xxiv. fol. 15.

GOLSPIE.] PAROCHIALES. 679

in the grants of the earldom of Sutherland in 1563 and 1566, and apparently in all subsequent
grants.1

In 1512 Thomas Kynnard of Skelbo granted to Holland Murray of Spangdull for his good
service the liferent of the lands of Westir Abirskor and ' le Morach' in the earldom of Suthirland
and sheriffdom of Innernis.2 In 1525, as we have seen, John Kynnard, the son and heir of the
deceased Andrew Kynnard of that ilk last tenant and possessor of the lands and lordship of
Skelbo, on a precept by Adam Gordon earl of Sudirland was seised in those lands, including
the lands of Estir Abbirschoir, Vestir Abbirschoir, and Moireuch.3 In 1529 (5 May) the same
John Kynnard of that ilk, lord of Skelbo, according to an agreement made at Aberdeen on
1 April sold to William Suthirland of Duffous and his heirs the lands of Abirscoir Estir and
others in the earldom of Suthirland.4 On 16 May the grant was confirmed by Alexander
Gordone master of Suthirland.5 On 21 May William Suthirland lord of Duffos and Estir
Abirscors for a sum of money paid beforehand sold to John Murray of Cambusawy and his heirs
the lands of Estir Abirscors, for the service of ward and relief payable to Alexander Gordon
master of Suthirland and fear of the lands.6 On 4 September the same William Suthirland
gave John Murray a charter of Aclnnandro and Estir Abirscors.7 In 1534 or 1535 a transaction
partly relating to the lands of Estir Heberriscors took place in the church of the Friars Minorites
of Elgin between the same John Murray and William Sutherland of Duffous and Skailbo the
son of the deceased William.8 In 1549 Hugh Murray, the son and heir of John Murray of
Cambussavy, on a precept of John earl of Suthirland was seised in the lands of Auchandro and
Estir Abirscors.9 Hugh Murray of Abirscors witnesses a charter by Robert Stewart precentor
of Cathanes in 1559, and a seisin of the earldom of Suthirland in 1560.10 In the latter year
or in 1562 John earl of Sutherland granted anew to his kinsman Alexander Suderland of
Duffous and his heirs the baronies of Skelbo and Pronsie, including the lands of Wester
Abirscors and Morynche (or Morocht).11 The lands of Westir and Eister Abirscors were included
in the grant of the earldom by Queen Mary to Robert Stewart in 1563.12 In 1564 Robert
earl of Sutherland, on the narrative that the lands and earldom of Sutherland in the sheriffdom
of Innernes had been forfeited by John formerly earl, and that he Earl Robert had been
infefted in the same by the queen, whose will it was that the free tenants, after settling with
her treasurer about their compositions, should be infeft in their tenandries as of old, granted in
heritage to Hugh Murray of Abirscors the lands of Auchandro with the pertinents and of Eistir
Abirscors with the mill, lying in the same earldom and sheriffdom, formerly held of Earl John
in heritage by the same Hugh, who had paid a certain sum as composition to the treasurer —
paying the rights and services formerly due.13 The new grant of the earldom by Queen Man-
to Earl John in 1566 included Eister and Vestir Aberscors, and the seisin was witnessed by

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxii. fol. 5. Sutherland Char- 8 Ibid. See DORNOCH, p. 630.
ters. See pp. 666-672. 9 Ibid.

2 Sutherland Charters. 10 Ibid. Protocol Book of William Gray.

3 Ibid. See DORNOCH, p. 628. n Sutherland Charters.

* Ibid. See DORNOCH, p. 629. I2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxii. fol. 5. See above, p. 666.

* Ibid. 6 Ibid. " Ibid. l3 Sutherland Charters.

680 ORIGINES [GOLSME.

Hugh Murray of Abcrscors, who in 1567 was on the inquest that served Earl John heir to Earl
Adam and the Countess Elizabeth, and in 1573 on that which served Earl Alexander heir to
his father John.1 In 1578 Earl Alexander sold to the same Hugh for a sum of money paid
beforehand the lands of Estir Aberscors and others, which Hugh had resigned — the grantee
paying ward, relief, and marriage, answering at the three yearly head courts of the earldom,
and doing all other wont services, the ' bludwytis' being reserved to the earl.2 In 1583 we
meet with Cristina Murray, the daughter of Hugh Murray of Aberscors and the wife of Adam
Gordoun of Culgour, and in 1618 with John Murray of Abirscors.3 In 1616 William Suther
land of Duft'us was served heir to his father in the barony of Skelbo, including Westir Abirscorss
and Morroch.*

We have seen that in 1401 and various subsequent years grants of the lands of Bakys and
others included common pasture in the Glen of Dimrobyn, that the mill of Dunrobyn and an
adjacent croft were reserved to the earl of Sutherland, and that the holder of Bakys was bound
to furnish millstones to that mill, and keep the fabrick of the same in sufficient repair.5 In 1528
King James V. granted certain lands in Sutherland, including Vphald, to Alexander Gordoun
master of Sutherland, the son and apparent heir of Adam earl of Sutherland, and to Jonet
Stewart his wife.6 In 1548 John earl of Suthirlaud granted in liferent to Helen Stewart the
widow of the earl of Errol (besides the lands above specified) the demesne lands called the Manis
of Dunrobin with the castle and fortalice, the lands of Platagall, Kuvis, Allertoun, Mellak, and
Innerbo with the alehous.7 Queen Mary in the same year confirmed the grant.8 The grant
by that queen to Robert Stewart in 1563 included the lands of Sutherland with the castle and
fortalice of Dunrobin and the whole manor of the same, and the lands of Vppate, Innerbo Heiche
and Laiche, Clayside, Mellak, Allertoun, and Ruves.9 In 1564 a seisin of Doill and Carrel I
is witnessed by John Leslie in Clyside and Donald Wik Euisoun in Vppatt.10 The former
witnesses also the seisin of the earldom in 1566 following on a grant to Earl John, which included
the lands of Vppat, Inverboll, Clayesydc, Mellok, Dunrobbin with the tower, fortalice, place,
houses, orchards, gardens, and pertinents, the Glen of Dunrobbin, Allartoun, and Ruiftis.11 In
1573 a seisin of the earldom is witnessed by Thomas Black in Dunrobin, and in 1575 a seisin
of the chaplainry of Golspie is witnessed by Thomas Balfour in Dunrobin (probably the janitor
afterwards mentioned).1- In the same year, as we have seen, Catherine Eeid, the wife of
Alexander Dunbar dean of Moray and Thomas Dunbar their son were seised in the lands of
(Julmalemoir and Mellak.13 The seisin of the earldom in 1617 was witnessed by Robert Aikin
in Dunrobbin.11

The original village of Golspie seems to have stood at Golspietower about a mile from the sea,
where there is still a small cluster of cottages.1'' The yearly fair called Andersnie.s or Saint

1 Sutherland Charters. See above, pp. 607-669. 9 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxii. fol. .5. See p. (iOli.

'l Ibid. 3 Ibid. '" Sutherland Charters.

4 Retours. 5 Sec p. 673. " Ibid. See p. 667. " Ibid.

u Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxii. no. 76. 1:) Protocol Book of William Gray. See p. 674.

7 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxx. no. 206. Reg. Sec. Sig , " Sutherland Charters.

vol. xxiv. fol. 15. See p. 678. » Ibid. '•> Notes taken in 18o4.

GOLSPIE.] PAROCHIALES. (J81

Andrew's fair was anciently held on 30 November at Golspiekirktown on the seashore.1 In
1647, as we have seen, by an agreement between John earl of Sutherland and Thomas Mansoiu-
commissioner to parliament for the burgh of Dornoch, the fair was removed to Dornoch, and
appointed to be held for 3 days, beginning on 20 November.2 In 1793 the village of Golspie
stood ' along the shore.'3 Its site was on both sides of the burn east from Golspiekirktown, and
is still partially occupied by houses.4 The present village also lies along the shore a little to the
westward of the former.5 It has two yearly fairs, one in May and the other in October."5
In 1630 there was a yearly fair held at Kilmaly called ' Sanct Garden his fayre.' '
The castle of Dunrobin (Dunrobyn, Dunroben, Dunrabyn, Drumrabyn), as it existed previously
to recent alterations, was evidently a building of considerable antiquity.8 About the year
1630 it is described as follows — ' It is a place seated upon a round mote, by the which ther
lyeth fair orchards and gardens, planted with all kynd of fruits, hearbs, and flovres vsed in
this kingdome, and good store of safron, tobacco, and rosemarie. The fruit heir is excellent,
and cheeflie the pears. In the midst of the court within the castle ther is one of the deipest
draw-wells in Scotland, all made of aisler work from the ground, which wes built and finished
befor the hous was begun. This castle is situat hard by the sea.' 9 Its earliest notice in
authentic record seems to be in 1401, in which year Robert earl of Sutherland granted a
charter at the castle of Dunrobyn.10 His son and successor Earl John dates one of his charters
at the same place.11 ' This John earle of Southerland,' says Sir Robert Gordon, ' had some
truble at home with his owne friends.'12 The two sons of his natural brother Thomas Moir,
named Robert and the Keath, who had incurred his displeasure, happening to go to Dunrobin,
the earl killed Robert on the spot, and severely wounded the Keath, who, although he escaped
from the castle was overtaken and slain at a place called Aylen-Kheaigh, ' that is, the Kaitli
his bush.'is In subsequent transactions from the year 1509 till the year 1601 the castle
appears as the residence of the earls and the chief messuage of the earldom, seisin of the
lands being generally taken at the castle, at its gates, or near the well, which it appears was
styled the well of Saint John.14 In 1512 a seisin of the earldom and castle, done at the
latter, is witnessed by David Stewart constable of Drumrabyn.13 About the year 1519, while
Earl Adam was in Strathbogy, Alexander Gordoun the natural brother of the last earl, who

1 Genealogy of tlie Earls, p. 7. Sutherland Charters. Rognvald Gudrodson in the reign of King William the

3 Sutherland Charters. Lion, and subsequently (in 1222) present at the death

3 Old Stat. Ace. of Bishop Adam, whom he had in vain advised to con-

4 Notes taken in 1854. 5 Ibid. ciliate the infuriated populace. See Orknryinga Saga,

6 New Stat. Ace. pp. 407-408, and Tort'aeus, lib. i. cc. 38-40. From the

7 Genealogy of the Earls, p. 7. description of its site as it formerly existed Dunrobin
* See the following notices. castle may fairly be inferred to have taken the place of
9 Genealogy of the Earls, p. 20. On the same autho- a more ancient edifice, one of those curious structures

rity, corroborated by AVorsaue, Dunrobin is said to now known as Picts' houses.

mean the ' mote' or tower of Robin (Worsaae, p. 259), 10 Fors Charters. There is no early notice of the

the foundation being ascribed to an earl named Robert castle in the Sutherland Charters.

who never existed. As the name is a matter of mere u Sutherland Charters.

conjecture, it may with far greater probability be >2 Genealogy of the Karls, p. 81. u Ibid.

ascribed to Rafn the logmadr, one and apparently the u See above, pp. 661-672. Genealogy of the Earls.

chief of several prefects left to rule the country by p. 8. 13 Sutherland Charters.

«82 ORIGINES [GOLSPIE.

liad in 1509 claimed the earldom, besieged the castle of Dunrobin, but, before a party sent
by the earl to raise the siege arrived, he had retired into Stratlmaver, leaving a garrison in
Dunrobin.1 It was yielded to Alexander Leslie of Kinninvy, who with a party soon after
attacked and slew Alexander Gordoun at Aldquhillin near Kintrachvell.2 Leslie beheaded
Gordoun, and ' his head wes careid to Dunrobin on a spear, and was placed vpon the height
of the great tour.'3 In 1527 and 1529 various transactions are witnessed by Thomas Blair
constable of the place of Dunrobyn.4 In 1546 the constable of the castle was John Gordoun.5
About 1550 John Sutherland, the son of Alexander who was slain in 1519, was killed by
William Murray of the family of Pulrossie ' vpon the Nether Grein of Dunrobin at the west
corner of the garden.'0 In 1556, as we have seen, the chaplain of Saint Andrew of Golspy
\vas bound according to the foundation of the chaplainry to officiate when possible in the palace
or fortalice of Dunrobin.7 In 15G3 the yearly payment fixed by a charter of Queen Mary
for the lands of Colmekill in Strabruraich was one penny in name of blench forme to be paid at
the castle of Dunrobin.8 In 15C7 Earl John and his countess, after being poisoned in the castle
of Helmisdale, were carried to Dunrobin and died there.9 In the same year Alexander master
of Sutherland was seized and kept for some time at Dunrobin by George earl of Caithness, who
is said to have dwelt there for a time and to have destroyed all the writs of the family of Suther
land that he could find.10 In 1569 the master was rescued by a stratagem of his friends the
Mnrrays and Gordouns, who in the absence of the earl of Caithness concealed a party on the burn
of Golspie, and, having informed the master of their presence by a person in disguise, induced him
to elude the vigilance of the earl's servants and to escape to his friends.11 In the same year Thomas
Balfour janitor of Dunrobin witnessed a grant of the chaplainry of Golspe, and was probably
the person who witnessed a seisin of the same in 1575.12 On 14 May 1580 Sir Robert Gordoun
the historian of the Sutherland family was born at Dunrobin.13 ' This year of God one thousand
six hundreth fourty-one the carl of Southerland did begin to repair the hous at Dunrobin, and
finished the great tour the same yeir, wowting it to the top ; wherein Anna countesse of
Southerland was a very diligent overseer during her husband's absence in the south for the most
part of that summer.'14 ' This year of God one thousand six hundreth fortiefour the earl of
Southerland repaired the little tour of Dunrobin.' lu In 1650 the castle was strongly garrisoned
by the earl, who retired into Boss, and the constable, having captured some of Montrose's
men, refused to deliver them to that leader, who seems to have made no attempt to take the
place.16 Defoe in the beginning of the last century says, ' The earl of Sutherland has a castle
beyond Inverness called Dunrobin, situate on the eastern shore ; in the gardens of this seat,
though so northerly, saffron grows very well and comes to maturity.'17 Large additions have

1 Genealogy of the Earls, pp. 95, 90. 9 Genealogy of the Earls, p. 147.

2 Ibid., p. 96. * Ibid. i« Ibid., pp. 151, 152. » Ibid., pp. 153, 154.
' Sutherland Charters. 3 Ibid. " Sutherland Charters.

'• Genealogy of the Earls, p. 132. 1J Genealogy of the Earls, p. 314.

7 Sutherland Charters. See p. 650. There seems to » Ibjd., p. 509. 13 Ibid., p. 519.

!>e no other notice of a chapel or chaplain in the castle. 16 Ibid., pp. 552, 553.

s Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxii. no. 395. 17 Tour through Great Britain, 7 ed., vol. iv. p. 201.

GOLSPIE.]

PAROCHIALES.

683

recently been made to Dunrobin — the old castle, its tower, and its draw-well, being carefully
repaired and preserved ; and the whole constitutes the princely seat of the present Duke of
Sutherland, the lineal descendant of Hugh Freskyn, and locally known by the old title of
the earls, Morfhear Chatt or Maormor of Sutherland.1

In 1630 there were towers or peels at Golspitour, Golspikirktoun, and Aberscors.2

In the parish are the remains of three of those buildings known as Picts' houses — one at
Backies, 10 or 15 feet in height, the interior diameter at the base being 27 feet, and the thick
ness of the wall 16^ feet — and two near Dunrobin, one of which situated on the seashore, of
which from 5 to 10 feet of the height remain, has an interior diameter of 33 feet, with a wall
of the average thickness of 14.3

Various ancient implements of brass, wood, and other materials have been dug up in several
parts of the parish, most or all of which are now at Dunrobin.4

On the links of Golspie are the remains of several circular cairns, one of which lies behind
an ancient beach within a few yards of the present flood-mark.3

At Strathsteven on the eastern boundary of the parish are two caves placed at about half
the height of the perpendicular rocks ; one of which, approached by steps cut in the rock,
but now rendered inaccessible by a stone wall built below, is supposed to have been the abode
of a hermit — the other, accessible by natural indentations and irregular cuttings in the rock,
appears to be still occasionally the abode of human beings.6

In the churchyard at Golspie is an obelisk of red sandstone about 6 feet high, with the usual
grotesque emblems.7

' The yeir of God 1609,' says Sir Robert Gordon, ' a rock of bastard kynd of cristall wt-s
found in Southerland in the burn of Golspie hard by the Glen of Dounrobin.'8

The same authority informs us that in 1620 Sir Thomas Menzeis provost of Aberdeen
found a silver mine in Southerland, and sent part of the ore to the mint at London.9 The
Creig-n-airgid or Silver Rock near Golspie has been supposed the locality of the mine, which
the finder concealed, but the name appears to have an older date, and to mean the rock of
rents paid in silver.10

There is said to have been a skirmish at the Little Ferry in 1746 between the soldiers of
the government and of Prince Charles Edward, and remains found on the ground, though of
much older date, are supposed to be relics of the fight.11

1 Notes taken in 1854.
Genealogy of the Earls, p. 8.
Notes taken in 1834.
New Stat. Ace.
Notes taken in 1854.
Ibid. Pennant, vol. iii. fol. 192.
Notes taken in 1854.

8 Genealogy of the Earls, p. 259.

3 Ibid., p. 6.

10 Pennant, vol. iii. p. 361. Sir Robert Gordon do» •>
not name the silver rock in connection with the dis
covery of Sir Thomas Menzeis. See also Pennant,
vol. i. p. 261.

" New Stat. Ace. Anderson's Guide, p. 510.

684 ORIGINES [CIIIECII.

CRIECH.

Crech1 — Creich2 — Creigh.3 (Map, No. 3.)

' THE paroch of Creich in Sutherland is twenty four miles long from east to west, Pulrossie
being the eastern and Kenlochailse the western extremities therof. It is not over a mile in
breadth in most parts, but in the Highland parts of it there are straths and outskirts stricking
up from the body. It runs for fourteen miles on the north side of an arm of the German Ocean
commonly called in the maps the Firth of Tayn, beginning at Pulrossie near Portnaeulter alias
Mikle Ferry, and so west to Innerchasley near Castlemearn where the tyde ends.'* ' Suther
land,' says Sir Robert Gordon, ' is divyded from the province of Rosse by the river Port-ne-
couter or Tayn), by the water of Oikell, and by the hight of Glenmuck ; so that Casley, Kean
Logli Eilsli, and all the lands lying upon that river of Casley evin unto Aldi-Ne-Geale-Gigh and
the Laydmore in Assint, and whatsoever els that payeth tithes to the parish of Creigh, apper-
teyneth all to the province of Southerland.'5 The whole parish is hilly, and is watered by the
rivers Casley and Shin.6

At the erection of the chapter of Cathanes by Bishop Gilbert between 1223 and 1245 the
Church of Crech with its fruits and the fourth of the teinds of Durnach were assigned as the
benefice of the precentor.7 The subsequent history of the chantry has been given above.8 In
1562 Robert Stewart chanter of Caithnes, with the consent of the bishop and chapter, leased for
nineteen years to John earl of Suthirland, Helenor countess of Arroll his wife, and their heirs,
his benefice of the chantry, including the parsonage of Creich, namely, the teindsheaves of the
parish, and the vicarage or small teinds (inclusive of the teinds of the salmon fishings), and his
•(iiarter of Dornoch with the glebe and manse there, for the yearly payment of £102 Scots,
from which was deducted the fee of the curate of Creich and the staller's fee in Dornoch.9

The church (probably dedicated to a saint corruptly named Saint Teavneck) appears to
have always stood on the site of the present church at Criech on the north shore of the
Dornoch Firth, 9 miles from the 'east and about 30 from the west end of the parish.10 It was
probably repaired by Sir Robert Gordon in 1619, when he ' interprysed the building and

1 A. IX 1223-1245. Sutherland Charters. 5 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, pp. 1. 2.

- A. D. 1562. Ibid. A. D. 1569. Register of Minis- written about the year 1630.

ters. A. D. 1574. Book of Assignations. Circa A. D. 6 Old and New Stat. Ace.

1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu. 7 Sutherland Charters. See DORNOCH, p. 601.

3 Circa A. D. 1C30. Genealogy of the Earls of " See DORNOCH, pp. 617-619.

Sutherland, pp. 3, 9. 9 Sutherland Charters.

f Macfarluiie's Geog. Collect. This description, writ- lu Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 7. MS.

ten in 1726, is still substantially correct, with the ex- Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu. Old and Ne\v Stat. Ace.

ccption on]}1 of the measurements in miles. See Old Anderson's Guide,
and New Stat. Ace.

CRIECH.] PAROCHIALES. 685

repairing of the parish churches of Southerland, being almost all ruynous to the ground.'1 It
was rebuilt in 1790, and has been since repaired.2

There were burying-grounds and apparently chapels at Knockan (or Crockan) and Achness,
' at the first of which (1726) they bury for ordinary.'3

The yearly value of the chantry of Cathanes early in the sixteenth century is given in the
Libellus Taxationum at £53, 6s. 8d., and about the same period it was taxed to the amount
of £16, 10s. 3d.4 Between 1561 and 1566 its yearly value when leased was, as we have seen,
£102.5 In 1569 Donald Logane ' reidar in the Irsche toung' at Creich had for his stipend £21,
and in 157-1 he had £14 and the kirklands."

Between the years 1203 and 1214 Hugh Freskyn granted to Master Gilbert archdeacon of
Moray, to his heirs of the same family whom he might choose to name, and to their heirs, along
with his lands of Scelbol, the lands of Fernebuthlyn (Ferenbeuthlin, Ferinbeildiu, Ferrinbusky,
Ferrincoskarie, Chilis, Slishchelis) and Innerchyn (Innerchen, Innerschyn, Invershin), and all his
land of Suthyrland towards the west lying between those lands and the bounds of Ros.7 This
grant, which apparently included the entire parish of Criech, was confirmed before 1214 by King
William the Lion, and before 1222 by William lord of Suthyrland the son and heir of the
deceased Hugh Freskyn.8 Before 1235 or in that year Gilbert the archdeacon, afterwards
bishop of Cathanes, granted the same lands in heritage to his brother Richard.9 In 1235 King
Alexander II. confirmed the grant, the lands to be held of the heirs of Hugh Freskyn (after
wards earls of Sutherland) according to the charter of Hugh Freskyn, the bishop's charter to
Richard, and King William's confirmation, saving the king's service.10 In 1308 King Robert
Bruce, besides restoring to William earl of Ross his own lands, caused him to be infeft in the
land of Dingwal, and also in the land of Ferncroskry (Ferncrosker, Farncroscen) in the earldom
of Suthyrland, a grant apparently including the whole parish.11 In 1321 or 1322 King Robert
seems to have confirmed the grant.12 The lands of the parish, described in general terms as
those of Braychat (or Ferrincoskarie) and Strathoykil, were subsequently held by William earl
of Ross the grandson of the former, by Paul M'Tyre, who appears in record from 1350 to 1372,
by the crown between the years 1427 and 1431, and apparently also by the lords of the Isles as
earls of Ross from 1431 till their final forfeiture in 1476.13

The lands of Innerchyn, included in the above grants and confirmations between the years
1203 and 1235, were probably included also in the arrangement made in 1330 between Kenneth
earl of Suthyrland and Reginald of Moray of Culbyn (the descendant of Richard of Moray),

1 Genealogy of the Earls, p. 361. 9 Sutherland Charters.

2 Old Stat. Ace. New Stat Ace. "> Ibid.

3 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect. MS. Maps, in Adv. " Acta Par], Scot., vol. i. p. 117. Rob. Index, p. 15,
Lib. f no. 17; p. 16, no. 4. Balnagown Charters. See also

* MSS. in Adv. Lib. the following references.
5 See above, p. 684. u Rob. Index, ut supra.

5 Register of Ministers. Book of Assignations. 13 Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross. Balnagown Char-

• Sutherland Charters. Genealogy of the Earls, ters. Rob. Index, p. 98, no. 327 ; p. 114, no. 10. Reg.
pp. 4, 28, 65. Blaeu. See also the following notices. Mag. Sig., lib. iii. no. 64; lib. vi. no. 116. Genealogy

3 Sutherland Charters. Criech at that period pro- of the Earls of Sutherland, pp. 36, 37, 65. See DINO-
bably included Assynt WALL, p. 488.

VOL. II. 4 S

686

OEIGINES

[CRIECH.

and in the retour of the lands of Skelbo in 1518 in favour of Andrew Kynnard of that ilk
(a descendant of the same Richard.)1 In 1525 John the son and heir of the deceased Andrew
Kynnard of that ilk was seised in the lands and lordship of Skelbo, including the lands of
Auchindowecht and of Innirschyn with the fishings.2 The subsequent history of the lands of
Innerschine and Awchindowich with the fishing of the water and ' lyn' is included in that of
the barony of Skelbo.3

In 1275, as we have seen, by an agreement between William earl of Suthyrland and Arche-
bald bishop of Cathanes, the lands of Miggeweth, Swerdisdale (or Swerdel), and Creych, with
the fishing of the Bunnach (now Bonar) were among those ceded by the earl to the bishop.4 In
1430 King James I. granted to Nele Nelesoun, for his homage and for his service in the
capture of his deceased brother Thomas Nelesoun a rebel, the lands of Creich, Gerloch, and
others in the earldoms of Boss and Suthirland and sherifi'dom of Innernys.5 In 1464 John of
Yle, earl of Ross and lord of the Isles, granted to his brother Celestine of the Isles, and to his
heirs by his wife Finvola the daughter of Lachlan Macgilleon of Dowart, with remainder to his
heirs by any other wife, with reversion thereafter to the earl, the lands of Fernacoscreche,
namely, Crechmor, Spanigidill, Davachcarry, Plodd, and Pulrossy, in the earldom of Suther
land.6 In the same year King James III. confirmed the grant.7 In 1467 John earl of Suther
land was infeft (apparently on a crown precept) in the lands of Pulrossie and Spainzidell.8 In
the rental of assumptions between 1561 and 1566 the bishop's lands of Soirdaill, Mygdaill, and
Lytill Creicht are entered as leased for the yearly payment of £20.9

In 1472 a grant of the lands of Thorboll is witnessed by Hugh Poilson (Pauli), probably a
descendant of Paul Mactyre and one of the family that held the lands of Creichmore.10 Sir
John Poilson (probably of the same family) was, as we have seen, presented to the chantry of
Cathanes in 1497, and was chanter in 1504.11 In 1515 Sir Donald of the Isles of Lochalch
granted to Hector Monro of Foulis his fishing of Kelysakkell (the Kyles of Oikel, apparently
the same as the Bunnach) in the sherifi'dom of Innernvs.12 In 1541 Margaret Ylis the wife of
Alexander His of Glengarry with the consent of her husband granted to Hector Monro of

1 Sutherland Charters. See above, p. 685, and DOR-
NOCH, pp. 627, 628.

2 Ibid. See DORNOCH, p. 628.

3 See DORNOCH, pp. 628-635. ' In the river of Shin
ther is a great lin and overfall of water, wher ther is
good fishing of salmond, which is the biggest and lar
gest salmond in the kingdomc.' Genealogy of the Earls
of Sutherland, p. 4. ' There is on this river a cascade
of a considerable height, and a deep pool below into
which the water falls from the rock. The fish, leaping
to get over the cascade, fall into a creel (or basket) and
are killed. Most of the fish were in use to be caught
in this way. The cascade is called the Linn.' Old
Stat. Ace.

4 See DORNOCH, p. 603.

5 Reg. Mag. SIR., lib. iii. no. 64. Sir Robert Gordon
informs us that, Thomas the son of Neill Macky, of the
Strathnaver family, having slain Mowett laird of Fresh-

weik, and being therefore denounced rebel, Angus Mor
ray the son of Morray of Culbin induced Morgin and
Neill the brothers of Thomas to apprehend him. This
they did at Spanizedaill, and then delivered him to
Angus Morray, by whom lie was taken to the king.
Thomas was then put to death, and his lands of Pul
rossie and Spanizedaill (of which below) were given to
Angus Morray. Sir Robert further aflirms that Creigh-
more, which was held by the same Thomas, was then
given by the lord of the Isles to the Poisons. Genea
logy of the Earls of Sutherland, pp. 64, 65.

6 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. vi. no. 116.

7 Ibid.

8 Genealogy of the Earls, pp. 75, 429, 430. This in-
feftment, extant in 1630, has disappeared.

J Book of Assumptions. 10 Sutherland Charters.

11 See DORNOCH, pp. 617, 618.

12 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. v. fol. 84.

CBIECH.] PAROCHIALES. 687

Fowlis the superiority of the lands of Creichmore and the fishing of Killisoehell.1 In the same
year King James V. confirmed the grant.2 In 1545 there appears in record John Poilsone of
Creichemoir, and in 1559 and 1567 Thomas Poilson of Creychmoir.3 In 1589 Master Hector
Monro was served heir male and of entail to his father Eobert Monro of Fowlis the elder in
the superiority of the lands of Creichmor in Breachat, and the fishings of Kellisoquill both
in salt water and in fresh, lying in the earldom of Eoss and the barony of Fowlis.* In 1608
Robert Monro was served heir male of entail and provision to his father Master Hector Monro
of Foullis in the superiority of the same lands, lying in the barony of Fernicosky in Brachat
in the earldom of Sutherland.5 In 1635 Hugh Lord Fraser of Lovat was served
heir male to his father Symon Lord Fraser of Lovat in the superiority of Creichmoir, lying
as before.6

In 1525 Rore Murra of Spandaill appears as one of the bailies of the earl of Sutherland in
giving seisin of the barony of Skelbo.7 In 1527 King James V. granted certain lands in
Straithalladale to Gavin Murray the son of Roderic Murray of Spayngdale.8 In 1529 the same
king granted to Alexander Murray the son of Rore Murray of Spangdale the fermes and
dues of the same lands, which had been in the king's hands since 22 July 1527 by reason of
the nonentry of the late Gavin Murray the brother of Alexander.9 In ] 545 the same Alex
ander, styled of Begos (in Strathalladale), and William Murray of Spanzedaill, appear as
burgesses of Dornoch.10 In 1546 two of the witnesses to a notarial summons were Gilbert
Murray of Spangzedaill and Hugh Murray his son.11 Gilbert is said to have fallen at Pinkie
in 1547. 12 About the year 1550 mention is made of William Morray, the son of Caen Morray,
one of the family of Pulrossie.13 In 1553 Walter Murray of Spanzedell sold to Gawin Murray
his brother and to his heirs male, with remainder in succession to his brother Gilbert and his
heirs male, to his brother Neil and his heirs male, to John Murray the son of the deceased
John Murray in Auchcarry, and to Walter himself and his heirs whomsoever bearing the
surname and arms of Murray, the lands of Spanzedell, Floid, Auchcarry, and Pulrosse, with
the mill of Spanzedell, lying in the earldom of Sutherland and sheriff'dom of Innernes.1* In
the same year Queen Mary granted to Gawin Murray a crown charter of the lands.15 There
appear in record in 1555 Alexander Sudirland in Spanzedaell, in 1562 John Suderland or
Hectorsone in Acharrie and Alexander Suderland his brother german, in 1567 William
Murray of Spanzedell, and in 1577 George Murray in Balliblair.16 In 1579 or previously
John Murray of Spanziedaill granted in liferent to his wife Jonet Monro the daughter of the
deceased George Monro of Daucharty, and in heritage to the heirs got between them, with

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xiv. fol. SO. Angus was soon after slain in Stratlmaver. Ibid.,

- Ibid., ff. 80, 86. p. 66.

3 Sutherland Charters. 8 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxi. no. 41.

1 Retours. 9 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. viii. fol. 41.

Ibid. c Ibid.

~ Sutherland Charters. Sir Robert Gordon, as above
stated, affirms that the lands of Pulrossie and Spanize-
daill were granted by King James I. to Angus Morray
(of the Culbin family) about 1430. Genealogy, p. 65.

0 Sutherland Charters. " Ibid.

2 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 129.

3 Ibid., p. 132.

4 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 193.

5 Ibid. 1C Sutherland Charters.

688 ORIGINES [CRIECII.

reversion to Jolm himself and his heirs, the lands of Polrossie and the lands of Floid, lying in
the earldom of Sutherland and sheriffdom of Iiinernes.1 In 1579 King James VI. confirmed
the grant.2 In 1599 George Morray was served heir to his father John Morray of Spainzedell
in the lands of Spainzedell with the mill, Acharrie, Floid, and Pulrossie, in the lordship of
Sutherland and sheriffdom of Innernes, of the old extent of £14, 13s. 4d.3 George Murray of
Spanzedaill appears in 1G13 as having or pretending a right to the lands of Farr, and in 1616
on an assise for the service of John earl of Sutherland as heir to his father John.* In 1618
appears Walter Murray the son of the deceased John Murray of Spainzedaill, and apparently
the brother of George.5

From 1554 to 1579 John Gray of Kilmaly, who in that year sold the lands of Kilmaly to
John earl of Sutherland (or exchanged them for Sordell), appears as John Gray of Swerdell
(or Sordaill).6 His son Gilbert Gray, chanter of Cathnes, and afterwards styled of Suardell,
appears in 1577, 1579, and 1608.7 Among the sons of Gilbert was Robert Gray of Ospisdell,
who appears in record in the year 1616. 8

In 1541 (20 April) Margaret Ylis the wife of Alexander His of Glengarry with the consent
of her husband granted to Hector Monro of Fowlis the half of the lands and fishings of
Fernecosky in Braycat, namely, the half of the lands of Inzeorane, Linsettcroy, Linsettmore,
Altasbcg, Altasmore, and Achinzeis, with the half of the mill of Inzeorane.9 On the same dav
Hector Monro resigned the lands to King James V., who confirmed the charter of Margaret Ylis
and gave Hector Monro a new grant of the same lands.10 On the same day Thomas Dingvale
of Kildune resigned the (other) half of the same lands and fishings, which King James then
granted to him anew.11 In 1541 (20 April -22 June) Thomas Dingwell, by a charter dated at
Inzeorane, sold his half of the lands to George Monro of Dalcarty.12 On 22 June King
James V. granted to George Monro a crown charter of the same half of Farnycosky.13 In 1552
Queen Mary granted to Hucheoun Monro, the brother german of Robert Monro of Fowlis, tin-
nonentry and other dues of the half of the lands of Fcrryncosque in Brachat between the waters
of Schyn and Castnay (Casley), namely, the half of Inverren with the half of the mill, multures,
and fishing, the half of Leynsidemore, the half of Leynsidecroy, the half of Altesbeg, the half
of Altesmore, and the half of Auchnes with the half of its fishing, in the earldom of Ros, in the
queen's hands since ' the redemption!! and lowsing tharof maid be Thomas Dingwell of Kildun
furth of the handis of George Monro of Dalcarty.'1* In 1554 (4 March) the same queen granted
to Thomas Dingwell of Kildun the dues of the same half of Farryncosquy in Braquhat since his
redemption of the same from George Monro.15 On 5 March she granted to the same Thomas
a letter of regress to the same lands, sold by him under reversion to George Monro of Dalcarty,16

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvi. fol. 95. " Ibid., vol. xv. fol. 38.

3 Ibid. ' Retours. 12 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxvii. no. 159. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

4 Sutherland Charters. ' Ibid. vol. xv. fol. 9.
'• Ibid. Genealogy of the Earls, p. 105. '3 Ibid.

" Ibid. " Ibid. '» Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiv. fol. 121.

9 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xiv. fol. 80. 15 Ibid., vol. xxvi. fol. 64.

"> Ibid., vol. xiv. ff. 80, 86. '<* Ibid., vol. xxvi. fol. 69.

CRIECH.J PAROCHIALES. 689

In 1555 the same Thomas Dingwell sold his half of Farincosky to Duncan Bayne of Tulch,
and in 1556 Queen Mary granted to Duncan Bayne a crown charter of the same.1 In 1563
Alexander Bane of Tullich granted his half of Ferrincosky and its fishings to Robert Monro
of Foulis (holder of the other half) in exchange for the lands of Wester Logy and certain lands
in the burgh of Dingwell ; and Queen Mary in the same year granted to each a crown charter
of the lands exchanged.2 In 1577 Donald M' Angus M'AUister of Glengarrie was served heir
to his granduncle Sir Donald Ylis of Lochelche in the half of the lands of Ferncosky, namely,
Inveran, Leinset, Altesbeg, Altesmoir, and Achenis, in Brachate in the dukedom of Ross, of the
old extent of 50 shillings.3 In 1589 Master Hector Monro was served heir male and of entail
to his father Robert Monro of Fowlis the elder in the lands of Fernecoskie, namely, Innerane
with the mill and salmon fishings, Lynsettcroy, Lynsettmoir, Altesbeg, Altesmoir, and Achiness
with the salmon fishings — which lands with the superiority of Creichmoir and the fishings of
Kellisoquill were of the old extent of £10. 4 In 1608 Robert Monro was served heir male of
entail and provision to his father Master Hector Monro of Foullis in the same lands of Ferincosky
in Brachat, described as Innerane with the mill and the half of the salmon fishings of the Ness
of the water of Schin, Linceatcroy, Linceatmoir, Altasbeg, Altasmoir, Innerald, and Achnes,
with the half of the salmon fishing in the fresh water of Caslay and the ' lyn' of the same,
with the woods, fishings, outsettis, and sheillingis of Glencaslay belonging to it, and with pasture,
all lying in the barony of Ferincosky in Brachat in the earldom of Sutherland.5 In 1635
Hugh Lord Fraser of Lovat was served heir male to his father Symon Lord Fraser of Lovat
in the same lands, described as in 1608. 6

In 1341 William Earl of Ross granted to Hugh of Ross his brother the lands of Strathochill
with the fishing of Acheferne and Stogok.7 In 1350 (30 April) he appointed the same Hugh
his heir, provided the king's consent were obtained, and on 18 May he ordered his bailie
William Marschal (of Balnagown) to infeft Hugh in the same lands.8 In 1365 the same
Hugh of Ross, lord of Fylorth, granted to his son-in-law Paul Mactyre, and to his wife Mariot
of Graham the niece of Hugh, and to their heirs, with remainder to Paul's heirs by any other
wife, and to his brothers and their lineal descendants, the lands of Tutumtarvok, Turnok, and
others in Strathokel.9 In 1384 William Ross (of Balnagown) appears to have been infeft in
the lands of Inverchasly.10 In 1430 King James I. granted to Neil Nelesoun, for his hoinagi-
and for his service in the capture of his deceased brother Thomas Nelesoun, certain lands in
Ross and Sutherland, including Daane, Tittumtarwauch, Lanchort, and Drinayde, partly in this
parish.11 In 1475, in a marriage contract between the families of Balnagovin and Lochboy,

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 269. Reg. Sec. Sig., who doe possesse most of them at this day (1630), and
vol. xxviii. fol. 2. have alwise keiped a true and inviolable friendship

2 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxii. nn. 593, 594 Reg. Sec. with the cries of Southerland.' Genealogy of the Earls,
Sig., vol. xxxi. ff. 98,99. ' These lands of Ferrincoscarie p. 65.

or Sleashchilish fell to the lairds of Glengarie and Kil- 3 Retours. 4 Ibid. 5 Ibid. '- Ibid,

dan by the marriage of tuo sisters of the surname of 7 Balnagown Charters. * Ibid.

Clandonald, who wer heyrs and heretors of the same ; 9 Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross. M Ibid,

which lands were sold by Glencarie and Kildun to the " Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. iii. no. 64. Genealogy of tlie

Banes, and the Banes disposed them to the Monrois, Earls of Sutherland, pp. 64, 65. See above, p. 686.

690 OKIGINES [CRIECH.

John Ross of Balnagovin and Alexander his son and apparent heir became bound in case of
•their nonfulfilment of the contract to pay to Hector M'Gillane of Lochboy the sum of 600
marks Scots, until payment of which it was agreed that Hector or his heirs should hold the
22 marklands of Straithochell.1 In 1490 King James IV., as tutor and governor of his
brother James duke of Eoss, granted to David Ross the nephew and apparent heir of John
Ross of Balnagovn the lands of the lordship of Balnagovn, including Strathochell and Hospital!,
with the mills, brewhouses, tenants, and tenandries, resigned by John Ross and reserving the
liferent to him.2 In 1528 King James V. granted to William Ros, the brother of the deceased
Walter Ros of Ballangoune, the ward, relief, and nonentry of the three marklands of Crokkane,
the 7 marklands of Cullace, and the 5 marklands of Pellavelnie, and other lands in Strath oikel,
in the king's hands by reason of nonentry since the decease of David Ros of Ballangoune, for
the yearly payment of 20 marks to James earl of Murray or any other having the ward and
relief of the lands.3 In 1576 King James VI. granted in heritage to George Ros the son and
apparent heir of Alexander Ros of Balnagowne, and to Marjory Campbell his wife, with
remainder to George's heirs whomsoever, certain lands in the barony of Balnagowne, including
the half davach of Innercaslay with the salmon fishing, formerly belonging to Alexander in
liferent and to George in heritage, resigned by them, and to be held for the services formerly
due.4 In 1578 the lands and barony of Strathokell with the pertinents, namely, Innercaslay
with the fishing of the same called the Screlak, the half of the Tullen (or Cullen) of Caslaw,
Glencaslaw, Glenmwke, lie Crokane, Tutentarroch, the two Turnochis with the fishing of
Essokell, Killochel, Drumleth (or Drumloch), the lands of Amat, Langwell with the fishing of
the water of Enoch, Dalmachtane, and lie Downe (most of which lie north of the Oikel), and
certain lands in Ross, formerly belonging in heritage to Alexander Ros of Balnagowne and
George Ros his son and apparent heir, and held by them of the bishop of Ros and others,
were in defect of movable goods apprised in favour of James Scrymgeour of Duddop constable
of Dundie for the sum of £10,000 as principal and the sum of £500, 6s. 8d. as the fee of
the apprising sheriffs, to be held of the crown for the services formerly due.5 In 1582 James
Scrymgeour resigned the lands, which were then granted by King James VI. to George Ros
of Balnagowin and the male heirs of his body, with remainder to his male heirs whomsoever.6
In 1584 George Ros apparent of Balnagoun sold to Hugh Munro of Asschyn and his heirs
the town and lands of the davach of Innercaslaw with Glenmwk, Stronroschir with the coble
fishing called Swlach, Rossach with the salmon fishing of the ' lyn', and the ' lynes' of Inner
caslaw, in the barony of Strahokell ; and in special warrandice of the same certain lands in
Stracharroun in Ross.7 In 1614 John earl of Sutherland was served heir to his father Earl
Alexander in the lands of Strathokell, Invercaslay with the fishing called lie Sulak, the half of
the Lyn of Caslay, Glencaslay, Glenmuck, Knockan, Tutumtreach with the fishings, the two

1 Acta Dom. Cone. pp. 346, 347. See TOROSAY, 4 Ibid., vol. xliii. fol. 102.
]>!>. 311, 312, and KILMUIR EASTER, p. 462. 5 Ibid., vol. xlv. fol. 67.

2 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xu. no. 285. • Ibid., vol. xlix. fol. 11.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. ix. fol. 140. 7 Ibid., vol. 1. fol. 111. See KINCARDINE, p. 413.

CRIECH.] PAROCHIALES. (591

lie Turnakis with the fishing of Eshokell, Kendlochalsch, Drumvaich, and certain lands in Ross,
together of the old extent of £150. r In 1642 Robert Lord Ross of Halkheid and Melvill was
served heir to Lord William his brother german in the lands of Strathokell, namely, Auchnafairne
and Sloggak, the lands of Innerchasley, with the fishing called Soulak, half the salmon fishing
of the Lin of Chasley, the lands of Glenchasley and Glenvaik, the lands of Hospistill, the lands
of Knokan, the lands of Tuttintarroch with the salmon fishing, mill, and multures, the lands
of the Tua Turnakis with the salmon fishing of Eschokell, the lands of Kendlochalslie, the lands
of Drumvaiehe, Amott, Langwall, with the salmon fishing, Enak, Dalnauchtane, and Doun>'
In 1657 David Ros of Belnagowin was served heir male to his father David Ros of Belnagowin
in the same lands of Straithhochell, of which the lands of Dalvanachtan and Downe extended
to 6 davachs, 4 davachs lying ' benorth' the water of Oickell in the sheriffdom of Sutherland,
and 2 davachs on the south of the same in the sherift'dom of Ros and of old in the sheriffclom
of Innernes.3

In 1630 there was a yearly fair held at Creigh named Saint Teavneck's fair.* The Kyk-
markets are now held at Bonar Bridge iu July, August, and September.5

In the parish are the sites or remains of several of those circular buildings known as Picts'
houses, built of dry stones and open at the top.6

Dun-Criech on a hill near the church is a vitrified fort, locally believed to have been built
by Paul Mactyre.7

' Near by the place where the river (Shin) empties itself in the sea is an old ruinous castle
called the castle of Innershin, built by one of the family of Duffus of the surname of Sutherland,
to whom Innershin belongs.'8

There were castles also at Pulrossie and Ospisdale.9

Near the church in 1790 stood an obelisk about 8 feet high, bearing the figure of the cross,
and supposed to mark the grave of a Danish chief.10

The north bank of the Oikel (Eckialdsbacka) has been the scene of numerous battles, of which
its tumuli still bear evidence, and among which is recorded a battle in the ninth century between
Sigurd Earl of Orkney and a Scottish earl named Melbrigd, in which Sigurd was slain.11 'Sigurd
was buried at Eckialdsbacka.12 There are on record also the battle of Tutumtarvach fought
between Macleod of Lewis and the men of Sutherland and Strathnaver between the years 1400
and 1430 ; the battle of Aldycharrish or Doricha in 1479 or 1487 between the Rosses of
Balnagown and the Mackays aided by the men of the earl of Sutherland ; and the battle of
Mackeil between the master of Sutherland and the Mackays of Strathnaver.13

1 Retours. Stat. Ace., near which is Curor na Croike, the liill of

2 Ibid. 3 Ibid. the gibbet.

4 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 7. 9 Genealogy of the Earls, p. 8. 10 Old Stat. Ace.

5 New Stat. Ace. " Torfaeus, lib. i. c. 3. Antiquitates Celto-Scandica.-,

6 Macfarlane's Geog. Coll. p. 5. Worsaae, p. 259. 12 Ibid.

7 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 8. Old " Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, pp. 61, 78,
Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace. Anderson's Guide. 97. Macfarlane's Geog. Collect. Anderson's Guide.

8 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect. This appears to be the New Stat. Ace. Anderson's History of the Erasers,
old castle ' at the top of the Kyle' mentioned in the Old p. 66.

692 OEIGINES [ASSYNT.

' There is a place in Southerland besyd Spainzidell, wher the inhabitants doe tak a kynd
of fish called sandells efter this manor: At hight streames and springs in summer, when the
sea is at a low eb, their doth appeir in the firth of Port-ne-Couter some banks or bedds of sand ;
at these tymes the commoun sort of the inhabitants doe conveen on horsbak to the number of
six or seaven hundred people, and so doe swim towards these sands ; and, when they doe aryve
vpon these bedds of sand, incontinent they run their horses at full speed, stryveing who can
first aryve at the fishing place, wher they doe indevoar with all dilligence to tak these sandeills,
not unlyk vnto sprats, whereof they tak such abundance durcing some few dayes that it suf-
ficeth them for provision of that kynd of fish dureing the Lent and the most pairt of the yeir
following.'1

ASSYNT.
Assend2 — Assint3 — Assent4 — Assyiu3 — Assynt.6 (Map, No. 4.)

THE parish of Assynt is identical with the ancient district. ' Southerland,' says Sir Robert
Gordon, 'is seperat from Assint by the Gormlogh, Finlogh, and Loghmarkell ; toward Toin-
ne-toyne by the Glasiom lying north-east from the Bin-more in Assint ; by the Eynagh of
Bin-more in Assint inclyning to Glen-muck; and by Strathnordell falling into Kean Logh
Eilsh the mother of the river Oikell.'7 The district is extremely rugged and mountainous,
rising in Benmore (or Conval) to the height of 3230 feet above the sea, and is diversified by
numerous lakes, of which the largest is Loch Assynt lying about the centre, and containing
the Isle of Assint, the island Skadden, and the island Nachassh.8 The rocky coast, from 20
to 40 miles long, is indented by Loch Inver, Loch Row, Clashmessie bay, and Loch Ardvar,
and bordered on the north by the larger arm of the sea named Kyle Skow (Cheules Gung,
Kiliscuig, the narrow Kyle).9 Around the coast are the islands Elan-a-gharin, Elan-an-du,
Maul-elan-an, Oldney (or Oldernay), Cronay, Soay, and Klett.10 Assynt consists of Ard-assynt
or Upper Assynt, Mean-assynt or Middle Assynt, and Fan-assynt or Lower Assynt.11 It was
anciently divided into four davach-lands, each containing eight oxgates, namely — the davach
of Ard-assynt extending from the river Skiak to Knockan ; the davach of Edra-isk lying between
the river Kirkaig and Inver, and having pasture in the Suilvine and Canisp hills ; the davach

1 Genealogy of the Earls, p. 5. Evidently a pre- Sutherland Charters. A. D. 1578. Reg. Sec. Sig.,
Reformation custom. vol. xlv. fol. 1.

2 A. D. 1455. Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. viii. no. 123. <> Circa A. D. 1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib.
! A. D. 1509. Sutherland Charters. A. D. 1580. 6 Circa A. D. 1(>40. Blaeu.

Ibid. A. D. 1049. Ibid. ' Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 1.

1 A. D. 1547. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiii. ibl. 89. 8 Old Stat. Ace. NewStat. Ace. Anderson's Guide.

A. L>. 1553. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxv. fol. 85. A. D. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu.

1561-1566. Book of Assumptions. A. D. 1574. Book '•> Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace. MS. Maps. Mo
ot' Assignations. A. D. 1576. Ibid. A. D. 1577. dern Maps. 10 Old Stat. Ace. " Old Stat. Ace.

.VS9YNT.] PAROCHIALES. 693

of Rowstore between the river Inver and Clashmessie; and the davoch of Slish-a-chilish (the
side or skirt of the Kyle) from Clashmessie to Glencoul.1

The church of Assynt is the only church of the diocese of Caithness not included in Bishop
Gilbert's charter between 1223 and 1245 — subsequent records sufficiently establishing the fact
that it was not one of the six churches reserved to the bishop.2 It is therefore probable, as
will be seen, that Assynt was at that time a part of the parish of Criech.3 The origin of the
church is locally ascribed to Angus Macleod, laird of Assynt between 1436 and 1443, who,
we are informed, travelled into France and Italy, and having received favours from the pope
vowed that he would build and endow a church at Assynt.4 The earliest record notice of
the church appears to be in 1455, when Sorlet rector of Assend witnessed the charter of Bishop
William to his brother Gilbert Mudy.5 In 1509 Sir Thomas Eobertson rector of Assint was
one of the curators appointed in the case of Alexander Sutherland a claimant of the earldom.6
In 1547 and 1553 the rector of Assent was Sir Robert Macnair.7 In 1574 the charge was
vacant ; in 1576 the minister was William Gray ; and from 1577 to 1580 the rector of Assent
was William Makquene.8 The benefice seems to have been a prebend of the cathedral from
1455 downwards, the rector having a manse in Dornoch lying on the east of the manse of
the prebendary of Kinnald.9 In 1793 the glebe consisted of half an oxgang, partly hill partly
lowland, called the half oxgate of Camore, the lower part being ' runrig.' 10

The church stood at Kirktoun, Balnaheglise, or Achnahiglash, at the east end of Loch Assynt,
' beautifully situated on a moderately rising ground,' on the right bank of the river Tralegal
(Avon Tralligir) falling into the loch.11 Between 1780 and 1793 there remained of the original
church an arched vault, the burying-place of the Macleods of Assynt, with an apartment above
it supposed to be a place for private devotion.12 The upper apartment was removed before 1793 ;
the vault and cemetery remain.13 In 1793 the church, apparently built during the last century,
and repaired about the year 1785, stood without the burial ground.14 The present church,
' a small lonely building,' also without the cemetery, is said to have been built ' in the end
of last century.'15

In 1793 there were burying-grounds (all perhaps the sites of chapels) at Geclavolich near
Loch Nedd, at Ardvor, on Oklney island (apparently the Skyrmuyig of Font's map), on the
farm of Store, and at the mouth of the river Inver.16 At two of those places, Inver and Store,
are the remains of chapels.17

1 Old Stat. Ace. See post. For a minute descrip- 8 Sutherland Charters. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlv.
tion of the localities of the parisli see the Old Stat. fol. 1.

Ace., and for a good general idea of the surface see 9 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. viii. no. 123. Sutherland Char-
Anderson's Guide. ters.

2 Sutherland Charters. Book of Assumptions. See 10 Old Stat. Ace.

DORNOCH, pp. 601, 602, 615. " MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Old Stat. Ace. New Stat.

3 See the following notice, and p. 604 post. Ace. Anderson's Guide.

4 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, pp. 69, 262. 12 Old Stat. Ace.

Old Stat Ace. " Ibid. New Stat. Ace.

5 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. viii. no. 123. See DORNOCH, » Old Stat. Ace.

p. 607. 6 Sutherland Charters. lb New Stat. Aec. Anderson's Guide.

7 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiii. fol. 89; vol. xxv. fol. 85. 16 Old Stat. Ace. 17 New Stat. Ace.

VOL. II. 4 T

694 ORIGINES [ASBYST.

Between 1561 and 1566 the yearly value of the parsonage and vicarage of Assent, as then
leased, was £40.J In 1574 the stipend of the reader was £16 ; and in 1576 the stipend of the
minister was £76, Is. 10d., and some other perquisite not named.2

' Assint,' says Sir Eobert Gordon, ' wes in former tymes a pairt of Sutherland and of the
barony of Skelbo, as appeirs by ane infeftment given of the same to the lairds of Kinnaird,
who had somtymes the lands of Skelbo.'3 'Tradition and even documents declare that it
was a forest of the ancient thanes of Sutherland.' * It first appears in authentic record about
the year 1343, when King David II. granted in heritage to Torkyll M'Cloyd (of Lewis) the
four davochlands of Asseynkt (Askynkte, Asscynkte) with the fortalice in the island of the
same, the grantee doing the service of a ship of 20 oars when required.5 In the beginning
of the following century the lands of Assint were held by Roderick Macleod of the Lewis
(apparently styled Rory Moir).6 In 1502 King James IV. granted a commission to Alexander
earl of Huntlie, Thomas lord Eraser of Lovate, and William Monro of Fowlis, or two of them,
the earl being one, to lease the lands of Cogeach, Assent, and all the ferine lands that belonged
to Torquell Makloid of Lewes, then in the king's hands ' throw the being of the said Torquell
his rebell, fugityve fra the lawis, and at his home,' with power to give part of the lands
' in seal to gude trew men' for such a term as the earl should deem expedient for the king's
honour.7 In 1508 the same king granted for life to Odo Makky in Strathnavern, for his
faithful service in resisting and attacking the king's rebels and others, the lands of Assent and
Ladachchogich in the sheriffdom of Innernys, forfeited for treason by Torquell Makcloid formerly
of Lewis, with power to sublet.8 In 1511 (29 June) the same king granted to Malcolm
Makcloid the son and heir of Rory Makcloid (and the brother of Torquill) the lands of Lewis
and Wattirnes in the lordship of the Isles, the lands of Assent in the earldom of Sutherland,
and the lands of Coidgeach in the earldom of Ross and sheriffdom of Innernys, with the
fortalices, houses, waters, fishings, patronage of churches, and mills, all erected into the barony
and lordship of Lewis, with the castle of Stornochway as the chief messuage, and with the
provision that, if the lands of Assent were formerly held of the earl of Sutherland, he should
suffer no loss of his superiority of the same.9 In 1517 the regent Albany appointed Colin
earl of Ergile for three years or more as the regent pleased lieutenant of the Isles and of

1 Book of Assumptions. 2 Book of Assignations. younger sou of Macleod of Lewis sprang fourteen suc-

3 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 2. No cessive lairds of A ssynt, a manuscript history of whom
such infeftment of an early date appears among the the writer in the Stat Ace. had read. The superiority
writs at Dunrobin, unless the grants of Skelbo, Inner- of Assynt was certainly claimed by the earl of Suther-
shin, and the land of Sutherland are meant — in which land in 1511. See below.

case those grants would include Assynt, and thereby 5 Rob. Index, p. 48, no. 6 ; p. 99, 1. 13; p. 100, no. 2.

strengthen the belief that it formed part of Criech. Gregory's Highlands and Isles, pp. 72, 73.

Assent however appears in an infeftment of 1525. See 6 Genealogy of the Earls, p. 262 ; Gregory, p. 73.

post. •' Reg. Sec. SIR., vol. ii. if. 108, 111, 112.

4 Old Stat. Ace., which further asserts that those 8 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. iii. fol. 157. Reg. Mag. Sig.,
• documents are in the archives of the present noble lib. xiv. no. 464.

proprietor;' that one of those thanes granted Assint to 9 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xvii. no. 16. Reg. Sec. Sig.,
a person named Mac-kry-cul, and that from the mar- vol. iv. fol. 120. This shows that the superiority was
riage of a female descendant of Mackrycul with a at least claimed by the earl of Sutherland.

ASSTNT.] PAEOCHIALES. 695

various other lands, including those of Assin and the lands belonging to Malcolm Makcloid
of Lewis upon the mainland, for the purpose of establishing peace among the inhabitants.1 In
1525 John Kynnard the son and heir of the deceased Andrew Kynnard of that ilk was on a
precept of Adam earl of Sutherland seised in the barony of Skelbo, including the lands of
Assent.2 In 1538 (2 April) King James V. granted to Rory M'Cloyd, the son and heir of
the deceased Malcolme M'Cloid of the Lewis, the nonentry and other dues of the lands and
barony of Lewis, including Assent, since 30 June 1511 and for a year from the date of the
grant.3 In 1541 the same king granted to Bodoric M'Cloid of Lewis and Barbara Stewart
his affianced spouse the lands and barony of Assynt and the other lands above specified, resigned
by Rodoric, and erected them of new into the free barony of Lewis.* In 1572 King James
VI. granted to Torquil M'Cloyd the son and heir apparent of Rodoric Makcloyd of Lewis,
and to the male heirs of his body, with remainder to Gillecallum Garwe M'Cloyd of Raisay
and his male heirs, and to Torquil's male heirs whomsoever bearing the M'Cloid surname and
arms, the lands and barony of Assynt, included in the barony of Lewis which Rodoric had
resigned, reserving to Rodoric the lifcrent, on condition that both should remain faithful to
the king.5 In 1614 Patrick Kynnaird of that ilk was served heir to his great grandfather's
grandfather Allan Kynnaird in the lands of Assent in the sheriffdom of Innernes.6 In 1616
John Kynnaird of that ilk was served heir in the same lands to his father Patrick Kynnaird
of that ilk.7 In 1633 George M'Keinzie was served heir male to Colin earl of Seafort in the
lands and barony of Assint with the mill, fishings, and advovvson of churches.8

In the year 1386 King Robert II. granted in heritage to Ferchard Leche for his service the
islands of Jura, Calwa, Sanda, Elangawne, Elanewillighe, Elanerone, Elanehoga, Elanequochra
(or Elanequothra), Elanegelyc, Elanenyefe, and all the islands lying between Rowestorenastynghe
and Rowearmedale in the sheriffdom of Innernys, to be held for the services of old due and
wont.9

Early in the fifteenth century Roderic Macloid of the Lewis (styled Rory Moir) granted the
lands of Assint in heritage to his younger son Tormod.10 The lands appear to have been
thenceforth successively held in tenandry of the Macleods of Lewis by Angus the son of Tormod ;
by Neill the grandson of Angus ; by Angus Moir the son of Angus ; by Donald Cairn, Tormot,
Angus beg, John Reawigh, Neill, and Houcheon, the sons of Angus Moir ; by Angus Mac-ean-
Reawigh and John the sons of John Reawigh — by Tormot, Angus, and Allister, the natural
sons of Neill the sons of Angus Moir — and by Neill the son of Houcheoun — conjointly; and
by Donald Bane the son of Neill the son of Angus Moir, who was tenant in 1630.11

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. v. fol. 102. rest of the islands contained in the grant appear to

2 Sutherland Charters. See DoRNOCH, p. 628. belong to other parishes. Rowestorenastynghe is the

3 Reg.Sec.Sig.,vol.xi.fol.CG. 4 Ibid., vol. xv. fol. 77. Row or Point of Store in Assynt. Rowarmedale is

5 Ibid., vol. xl. fol. 65. See ET, p. 383. Armidale Head in Farr. See LAIRG, DUENESS, and

6 Notes of Retours furnished by James Locli Esq. FARR, post.

7 Ibid. 8 Ibid. 10 Gregory, p. 73. Genealogy of the Earls of Suther-
9 From copy in the General Register House. Jura is land, p. 262.

now Oldney or Olderney on the coast of Assynt. The " Genealogy of the Earls, pp. 262-264.

696 OKIGINES [ASSTKT.

In 1793 the farms or towns in Assynt were Inverkirkag, Baddynaban, Knocknannach,
Gulag, Film-wintering, Drumswordland, and Duchlash, in Edraisk ; Baddydarroch, Inver, Brack-
loch, Baddygrinan-wintering, Torbreck-wintering, Achonaloich, Clacktoll, Store, Ballachladach,
Clashmore, Aclmacarnan and Dureland, and Culkinachnakarnan, in Kowstore ; Clashnessy,
Oldeny, Culkin-drunibaig, Drumbaig, Nedd, Glenleag, Ardvare, Kyantraid-wintering, and
Unapool, in Slish-a-chilish ; Ledbeg, Little Assint, Loch-bannoch, Poul-a-garvie, Poullakarkan,
Tumore, Edrachalda, Upper and Lower Tubeg, Baddynacarbad (the wintering of Edrachakla),
Upper and Lower Achmore, Culin, Half Camore, InchnadaiF, Stronchruby, Laing, Byancrovich,
Ledmore, Crornauld, Auldanachy, Alpine, and Knock, in Ard-assint.1

There was, as we have seen, a castle or fortalice on the Isle of Assint in the middle of the
fourteenth century, when the lands were granted to Torquyll M'Cloyd.2 It appears to have
been included in the subsequent grants of the land, particularly in the grant of 1511. 3 In 158.5
it was besieged by Houcheon Mackay of Strathnaver in the interest of Donald Neilsone, and
defended by Neill Houcheonsone then ruler of the district ; but the siege was raised by Alex
ander earl of Sutherland.4 In 1646 it was besieged by the Clan Kenzie and held by the same
Donald Neilsone then laird of Assint, but the siege was abandoned on the proclamation of
peace.5

The castle of Ardvrock (Ardbrek, Ardwreck, Ardvrack), said to have been built about 1580
or 1590, and now a ruin, stands on a peninsula running into Loch Assynt on its north shore.0
In 1650 the marquis of Montroso was kept for a short time in the castle of Ardvrock after his
capture by Macleod of Assint.7 It was partly destroyed by lightning in 1795.8

At Edderachalda on the same shore of Loch Assynt, between Ardvrock and Kirktown, is a
ruined house or castle said to have been built by the Mackenzies.9

There seem to have been several of the circular buildings named Picts' houses, or similar
erections, in the parish, one of which at Clachtoll on the sea shore, defended by a double
dike of stone on the land side, is named Tighe-talmidh-no-druinich.10

In the island of Oldney in 1793 was a cairn, in which was a stone basin with a lid, at one
time the receptacle of a variegated mineral about the size of an egg, long held in veneration
by the inhabitants, but said to have been stolen by a sailor.11

1 Old Stat. Ace. The farms or grazings of Auldy- 6 Genealogy of the Earls, p. 555. MS. Maps, in Adv.
vulin, Auldanfarn, Strathkeskach, Knocklmrny, and Lib. Blaeu. Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace. Ander-
Glaswel, now in Criech, are said to have at one time son's Guide. Miller's Scenes and Legends,
belonged to the parish of Assynt. ' Genealogy of the Earls, p. 555. Anderson's Guide.

2 See above, p. 694. 8 Anderson's Guide.

3 See above, pp. 694, 695. » Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace. Anderson's Guide.

4 Genealogy of the Earls, p. 181. 10 Old and New Stat. Ace.
* Ibid., pp. 534, 535. " Old Stat, Ace.

LAIRG.j

PAKOCHIALES.

LAIRG.

Larg1 — Lairg2 — Largie.3 (Map, No. 5.)

THE old parish of Lairg included the greater part of the district called Edderachylis, which
with a smaller part of the same district belonging to the ancient parish of Durness was in
1724 erected into a separate charge.*

The parish of Lairg thus extended from a point near the borders of the parish of Dornoch to
the western coast, and was nearly divided into two equal parts by a chain of lakes running from
north west to south east, and including Loch Stack, Lochmore, Loch Merkland, Loch Geam, and
Loch Shin, of which the last alone is about 24 miles long.5 It included two districts — 1. Brae-
chat, nearly the same as the present parish of Lairg, and subdivided into two by Loch Shin, the
tract lying on the south of that lake forming the ancient barony of the Gruids ; and 2. Eddera
chylis, namely, the portion of that district lying south of Loch Laxford.6 Both districts are
extremely rugged and hilly, with a comparatively small proportion of arable land.7 In Braechat
is the forest styled the Dirimeanigh and in Edderachylis the half of the forest of Dirimore ; in
Loch Shin are the islands Murie (Mulruy), Donald, Seyad, and Clach Elian ; and the coast of
Edderachylis, stretching from the head of Kyle Skow to the head of Loch Laxford, and indented
by several smaller arms of the sea, is skirted by about 20 islands, of which the largest is
Handa, a mass of horizontal basaltic blocks rising to the height of GOO feet above the sea.8

At the erection of the chapter of Caithness by Bishop Gilbert between 1223 and 1245 the
church of Larg, as we have seen, and part of the teinds of Dornoch, were assigned to the
treasurer.9 The subsequent history of the treasury has been already given.10 In the year 1515
a charter is witnessed by Thomas Faid curate of Larg.11 In 1568 the church of Larg was served

1 A. D. 1223-1245. Sutherland Charters. A. D.
1515. Ibid. A. D. 1568, 1569. Register of Minis
ters.

2 A. D. 1574. Book of Assignations. Circa A. D.
1630. Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, pp. 3, 7,
9. Circa A. D. 1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu.

3 A. D. 1662. Acta Parl. Scot., vol. vii. p. 390.

« Genealogy of the Earls, pp. 9, 10. Old Stat. Ace.
' Although Edderachilis doth appertern at this day
(1630) to Macky, yet it was uever a pairt of Strath-
naver, bot it wes a portion of the baronie of Skelbo in
Southerland, and hath been a pairt of the parish of
Lairg ; though since it went from the lairds of Skelbo
it hath payed no tythes to the thesaurer of Catteynes,
unto whom the whole tythes of the whole parish of
Lairg doe properlie appertain. Neythcr doth it at this
day apperteyn to any other parish, bot that of late the
bishop hath given the tythes to the possessor; nether is

ther any parish church within itselff to this day.' Ge
nealogy of the Earls, pp. 9, 10.

5 See modern maps.

6 Ibid. Sutherland Charters. Braechat, or the Brae
of Sutherland, appears to have of old included also the
parish of Criech. See CRIECH, pp. 685-689. Eddera
chylis, the land between the Kyles, that is, Kyle Scow
and Kyle Durness, included the tract implied in its
name ; but, the district being attached partly to Durness
and partly to Lairg, the name seems to have been latterly
confined to the portion south of Loch Laxford. See
Blaeu's Scotia and Maps, and the Old Stat. Ace. of
Edderachylis.

' Old and New Stat. Ace.

8 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, pp. 5, 9, 10.
MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu. Old Stat. Ace. New
Stat. Ace. 5 See DORNOCH, p. C01.

10 Ibid., p. 620. " Sutherland Charters.

698 ORIGINES [LAIEG.

by Donald Williamson reader, in 1569 by the exhorter at Eogart, and in 1574 by Hew Poil-
soun reader.1 In 1662 the Scottish parliament, on a petition of the lord Strathnaver the son of
the earl of Sutherland and a report by their commission, found that during the vacancy of the
church of Largie between 1652 and 1658 the stipend had been devoted by the presbytery to
pious uses, and therefore declared the lord Strathnaver and the earl free of the stipend pre
viously to the year 1661, and assigned it for the years 1661 and 1662 to Mr, James Wood
' sumtyme' minister at Kilpatrick.2

The church appears to have been dedicated to Saint Malrube, and to have always stood on
or near the site of the present, built in 1794 near the east end of Loch Shin on its northern
shore/'

' On the south side of Kiliscoug,' says a writer in 1726, ' a mile east from Scoury stands the
farm of Badcall. At this farm the parish church of Edirachilis is designed to be built with the
minister's manse, the parish being lately erected out of the parish of Durness.'* The church
of Edderachylis appears still to occupy the site thus described.5

Between 1561 and 1566, as we have seen, the treasurership of Caithness, then held by Master
William Gordoun, was worth yearly 3^- chalders of bear and £68, 13s. 4d.6 In 1568 the reader
of Larg had for his stipend the sum of £20; in 1569 the exhorter at Eogart had 20 marks
additional to his stipend 'for supporting of Larg;' and in 1574 the reader at Lairg had
£16 and the kirklands.7

Among the lands given up to the earl of Sutherland by Bishop Archebald in 1275 were
the 4 davachs of Largge.8 The lands of Aqhaqhasse, resigned with those of Thorboll and
others by Nicolas of Suthirland, granted by Earl Robert to Henry the son of Nicolas, confirmed
to Henry by his brother John in 1408, and confirmed by John earl of Suthirland in 1444
to Alexander the son and heir of Henry, appear to lie in the parish of Lairg.9 About the
year 1519 Alexander master of Sutherland is said to have taken the lands of Gruids from John
Macky of Strathnaver.10 Tn 1548 John earl of Sutherland granted to Helen Stewart the
widow of the earl of Errol, the liferent of certain lands, including the Two Largis, Schenanes,
and Cragy.11 Queen Mary in the same year confirmed the grant.12 In 1554 (25 April) Walter
Seytoun of Tulybody, who had been seised in the following lands on a precept by John earl
of Sutherland, for certain favours done and certain sums of money paid to him by the earl,
and in terms of a contract between them dated 5 March, resigned the lands of Grwde lying
in the earldom of Sutherland and sherifl'dom of Innernes, extending to 7 davachs, namely, the
lands of Clunok, Petterquhasty, the Ord of Petfure with the mill, Auchanne, and Plaid, with
the mills, fishings, and other pertinents.13 The lands of Cragie were in 1560 or 1562 included

1 Register of Ministers. Book of Assignations. 7 Register of Ministers. Book of Assignations.

J Acta Parl. Scot., vol. vii. p. 390. s See DORNOCH, pp. 603, 604.
1 Genealogy of the Earls, p. 7. MS. Maps in Adv. 9 See DORNOCH, pp. 628, 629.

I jib. Blacu. New Stat. Ace. 10 Genealogy of the Earls, p. 97. See post.

4 Macfarlune's Geog. Collect. See above. u Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxx. 110. 206. Reg. Sec. Sig.,
h Old and New Stat. Ace. vol. xxiv. fol. 15.

5 Book of Assumptions. See DORNOCH, p. C26. 12 Ibid. 13 Sutherland Charters.

LAIEG.] PAKOCHIALES. 699

in the barony of Skelbo then granted by John earl of Sutherland in heritage to Alexander
Sutherland of Duffous.1 In 1563 the same barony, granted to the same Alexander by Queen
Mary, included the lands of Astraydaill in Brachat.2 In the same year the earldom of
Sutherland, as granted by the queen to her brother Kobert Stewart, included Larg (or Lairgis),
Schennynes, Cragie, Grudy, Plaide, Petfuire, Clynall, Pittarkessie with the mill, Auchannye,
Torrobull, and Kynmowie.3 The same lands were included in the new grant of the earldom
to Earl John in 1566.*

Of the islands granted in 1386 by King Kobert II. to Ferchard Leche those of Calwa and
Sanda lie on the coast of Edderachylis in this parish.5 In 1515 Andrew Kynnard of that
ilk and of Skelbo, for faithful service to be done to himself and his heirs, granted in heritage
to John M'Ky, the son and heir of Odo M'Ky of Stranavern, the lands of Eddiraquhelis in
the barony of Skelbo and sheriffdom of Innernes.6 In 1525 the lands were included in the
same barony, then held by John Kynnard the son and heir of the deceased Andrew.7 In
1551 Queen Mary granted in heritage to Robert bishop of Orkney the lands and barony
of Far, including the lands of Edderdaquhelis, forfeited by Donald M'Ky of Far, who lived
and died illegitimate without lawful heirs or a lawful disposition of the lands.8 The same
lands were included in the grant of the earldom by Queen Mary to Earl John in 1566, and
along with Skuribeg, Skurimoir, Calstrome, and the isle of Handa in a grant of the barony
of Far by George earl of Huntlie to Y Macky in 1570.9 In 1589 Houcheon Macky the son
of Y is said to have given the lands of Edderachilis and others to Alexander earl of Suther
land ' as a particular pledge of his heretable good service to the house of Southerland.' 10 In
1601 the same lands were included in a new grant of the earldom by King James VI. to
Earl John.11 In 1613 the Lords of Council declared that the lands and barony of Far,
including Edderdilquhillis, were in the king's hands by reason of nonentry since the decease of
Robert bishop of Orkney, who died about the month of February 1558 (1559), or about 23
years before 29 December 1612 (the date of the summons), and that the king by a letter under
his privy seal dated 2 November 1612 had granted the nonentry and other dues of the lands

1 Sutherland Charters. See DORNOCH, p. 632. now living there are descended, was slain. . . .

3 Ibid. Keg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxi. fol. 122. In the Among the numerous islands on this coast is one called

other grants of the same barony we find the lands of Elan-a-bhriu.or the Island of the Judge, from the above

Askadale or Astell in Dornoch. Their place is here mentioned Judge Morison.' The same writer informs

supplied by those of Astraydaill ' in Brachat,' which by us that ' all these islands and many more, some of them

the term used to designate them seem to lie in Lairg. inhabited and others affording excellent pasture and

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxii. fol. 5. of considerable extent, from Roe-a-Stoir in Assint to

4 Sutherland Charters. Stroma in Orkney, are said to have been granted in

5 See ASSTNT, p. 695. Sanda is the same as Handa. property and iucluded in a charter to one Ferchard
' Here,' says a writer in 1793, ' once lived Little John Beton, a native of Isla and a famous physician, at his
M'Dhoil-nihich-Huishdan, a gentleman of the Assint own request, by one of the Stewarts kings of Scotland.
M'Leods, who were a branch of the M'Leods of Lewis whom he had cured of some distemper.' Old Stat. Ace.
or Shiol Torquil. He was low of stature, but of match- 6 Sutherland Charters. ' Ibid,
less strength and skill in arms, and kept always a bierlin 8 Ibid. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiv. if. 97, 98.

or galley in this place with 12 or 20 armed men ready 9 Sutherland Charters. See FARnpost
for any enterprise. . . . By him it was that Judge 10 Genealogy of the Earls, p. 201.
Morison of Lewis, of whom several respectable families n Sutherland Charters.

700 ORIG1NES [LAIBG.

to Sir Robert Gordoun of Kynmounwy till the entry of the lawful heir — those having or
pretending interest in the matter as heritable possessors of the lands, namely, George marquis
of Huntlie and earl of Enzie, Hucheon Macky of Far, Donald Macky his son, William Suth
erland of Duffus, George Murray of Spanzedaill, and David Eeid of Aickinheid, having been
lawfully summoned and not having appeared.1 At the same time the Lords declared that
the lands of Adderaquhillis in the barony of Far were in the king's hands by reason of nonentry
since the decease of I Macky in November 1536, the decease of his lawful son John Macky
in August 1542, the decease of his natural son Donald Macky in December 1549, and the
decease of Robert bishop of Orkney in or about February 1558 (1559), or about 64 years
before 29 December 1612, and that the king had granted them as above, the same parties
having been summoned and not appearing.2

In 1030 there was yearly a fair at Lairg named Saint Murie's (Malrube's) fair.3

Two battles recorded to have been fought in the tenth century, one between Liot a Norwegian
chief and Magbrad a Scottish earl, and another between Sigurd the Gross earl of Orkney and
the Scottish earl Finnleic, in the Scidensian marshes, styled a tract of Catanes, are supposed
to have been fought in the neighbourhood of Locli Shin.4

At Scourie and Kylestrome in Edderachylis, and in various parts of Lairg, are the remains
of circular buildings, locally known as Danish forts, or cairns raised by the Fingalians.5 Between
1519 and 1522 occurred the battles of the Gruids and of Lairg, in both of which Alexander
Master of Sutherland defeated John M'Ky of Strathnaver, who after the second took refuge
in Island Mulruy, but afterwards submitted to his conqueror.6 Either of those battles seems
to have been fought at Cnock-a-chath (the hill of the fight) a place marked by tumuli.7

In 1640 Hugh Mackay, afterwards Lieutenant-General of the forces of King William III.
was born at Scourie.8

1 Sutherland Charters. - Ibid. 5 New Stat. Ace.

:i Genealogy of the Earls, p. 7. 6 Genealogy of the Earls, pp. 01, 98.

1 Torfaeus, lib. i. cc. 9, 10. M'Pherson's Geograplii- " New Stat. Ace.

eal Illustrations. " Ibid.

DURXESS.] PAEOCHIALES. 701

BURN ESS.

Dyrnes1 — Ardurnes2 — Ardwirnes3 — Ardurines4 — Durines5 — Durenish15
— Durness.7 (Map, No. 6.)

THIS parish included the district of West Moin between Loch Hope and Strathmelness, the
davach of Eriboll between Loch Hope and Loch Eriboll, Durness proper (Dyrnes, Ardurnes),
and the district of Parf, together forming the modern parish — and the districts of Ashir or
Astlair (corruptly Old Shores) and Kerrugarbh (corruptly Kinlochbervie), attached to the modern
parish of Edderachillis.8 The whole parish is mountainous, and in Ben Hope on its eastern
border attains the height of 3150 feet above the sea.9 It is watered by the river Hope and
a loch of the same name, and by the Dinart and numerous smaller streams, and its rocky coast
is deeply indented by the Kyle of Durness and Loch Eriboll forming the peninsula of Durness,10
and less deeply by Loch Laxford, Loch Inchard, and Sandwat bay. Of the district of Parf,
styled in 1636 the ' Extream Wilderness,' Gordon of Straloch and Pont remark, ' Verie great
plentie of wolfes doo hant in thir desert places.'11 Its north west extremity, now known as Cape
Wrath, is the Hvarf of Norse writers, of which Parf is apparently a corruption.12 Fordun
describes the peninsula of Durness as the ' Isle Dureneys, where at the summer solstice the
sun is seen during the night, not shining, but as it were passing through the darkness.' 13 ' The
dayes,' says Sir Robert Gordon, ' are of great lenth in Durines in summer, and there is no
dark night at all ; the dayes in winter be verie short, and the night exceeding long. I do
verelie think that there is no land dircctlie north from the poynt of the nesse of Durines called
Ardurines.'1* On the coast of Ardurines is the remarkable cave of Smoo or the Uaigh More.

1 A. D. 1223-1245. Sutherland Charters. from the Dirimore tlier is ane excellent and delectable

- A. D. 1541. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xv. fol. 24. A. D. place for hunting called the Par we, wher they hunt the

1544. Sutherland Charters. A. D. 1551. Reg. Sec. reid deir in abundance, and somtymes they dryve them

Sig., vol. xxiv. fol. 98. Circa A. D. 1567. Register of into the ocean sea at the Pharo-head, \vlier they doe

Ministers. A. U. 1574. Book of Assignations. tak them in boats as they list.' Genealogy of the Earls

3 A. D. 1559. Sutherland Charters. of Sutherland, pp. 3, 4.

I A. D. 1561-1566. Book of Assumptions. « Scoticlironicon, lib. ii. c. 10.

6 Circa A. D. 1630. Genealogy of the Earls of » Genealogy of the Earls, p. 10. Blaeu, like Sir

Sutherland, pp. 3, 10. Robert Gordon, styles Cape Wrath Pharo Head, and

6 Circa A. D. 1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu. the point of Durness Row - na - Farrift'. The names

7 Circa A. D. 1726. Macfarlane's Geog. Collect. should be exchanged. Farriff is evidently Parf or

8 Sutherland Charters. Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. Hvarf, and Pharo Head, as -well as the modern term
Ace. Far -out -head, seem to be corruptions of the word

9 Old and New Stat. Ace. Farard, applied in the seventeenth and eighteenth
10 New Stat. Ace. and Maps. century to the point of Durness. Blaeu gives Farril

II MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. as the name of a place near the point. See Macfar-
12 Worsaae, p. 259. ' In Durines and north-west lane's Geog. Collection.

VOL. II. 4 U

702 OKIGINES [DURNESS.

200 feet long, 110 wide, and 53 feet high at the entrance.1 Around the coast are the islands
Choarie, Hoan, Garvellan, Roan, and others.2

The church of Dyrnes, as we have seen, was between 1223 and 1245 assigned by Bishop
Gilbert to find light and incense for the cathedral church.3 In 1541 King James V. during
the vacancy of the see of Cathanes presented Master John Jaksoun to the vicarage of Ardurnes,
vacant by the decease of Sir Gilbert Dynnocht or of any other the last vicar, or in any other
way whatsoever.4 In 1544 the same Master John Jaksoun was vicar.5 In 1551 on a letter
from Queen Mary Robert bishop elect of Cathnes received Robert bishop of Orknay as his
tenant of the lands of Ardurnes and of the teinds of the parish.6 In 1559 the same bishop of
Cathanes granted the same lands and teinds in heritage to John carl of Sutherland and his wife
Helen Stewart countess of Arroll.7 Between 1561 and 15G6 the teinds of the parish continued
to bo leased together with the lands of the barony of Ardurines.8 In 1567 John Reid was
exhorter at Ardurnes.9

The church has always stood at Balnakiel (Kirktown) on Durness or Balnakiel bay near
the south end of the promontory from which it derives its name.10 The present church was built
in 1619, and had an aisle added in 1692.11 About the year 1726 its situation is thus described
— ' Within a bowshot of the house (of Balnakiel) stands the parish church very near the sea,
a burn running between it and the house. The house and church are founded on marble
rocks, and most of the stones are of that kind.'1'-'

' The other bay,' says a writer in the early part of last century, ' formed betwixt Farard
point and Cape Wrath is called the bay of Durness, and is formed into two inlets of unequal
depth into the land. The more easterly of the two is but a large half mile into the land
south east, at the bottom whereof stands upon a marble rock another mannour house of the
Right Honourable Lord Reay called Balnacille. This mannour having been churchlands of old,
there was to be seen (till this last year that it was thrown down for building a new house)
the ruincs of an old wall about eight or nine foot thick and in some places thirty foot high
without any window thereon. It seemed to extend on one side one hundred foot long and
in breadth fourty foot. There is no tradition by whom it was built or for what purpose.
It seems to have been some old monastery.'13

At Balnakiel is a hollow stone or basin, known as the ' clach na sagart ruadh' or stone of the
red priest.14

1 Macfarlane's Geographical Collection. Pennant, 'J Register of Ministers.

vol. iii. p. 344. Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace. An- '» Genealogy of the Earls, p. 10. MS. Maps in Adv.

derson's Guide. The cave is minutely described by Lib. Blaeu. Old Stat. Ace. New Stat Ace.

Anderson. " New Stat. Ace.

2 MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu. Old and New 12 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect.
Stat. Ace. " Ibid.

J Sutherland Charters. See DOBNOCH, p. 602. 14 Letter of E. M'lver to James Loch Esquire. The

4 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xv. fol. 24. red priest is believed to have been the last incumbent

5 Sutherland Charters. of Farr or of Durness previously to the Reformation,
8 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiv. fol. 98. See post. and withal a worker of miracles. Ibid., and Letter
7 Sutherland Charters. See post. by Rev. David M'Kenzie. See APPLECKOSS, p. 404.
* Book of Assumptions. note 3.

DURNESS.] PAROCHIALES. 703

The red priest is believed to have built a chapel at Bealoch Mhor between Durness and
Eriboll, at which the inhabitants of Eriboll occasionally worshipped.1

On the islands of Hoan and Choarie are cemeteries locally said to have been used to protect
the remains of the dead from wolves.2

At the Keformation the exhorter at Ardurnes had for his stipend 50 marks yearly, and in
1574 the reader had £20 and the kirklands.3

In 1263, before Haco King of Norway set sail for the Hebrides, three of his captains, Erling
Ivarson, Andrew Nicolson, and Halvard the Red, sailed into Scotland under Dyrnes, from
which they went up into the country, destroyed a castle, and burned more than 20 hamlets.4
In the same year King Haco on his return from the west passed Cape Wrath and Dyrnes, and
was becalmed in Giaford or Goafiord (apparently Loch Eriboll).5 Some of his men having
landed to procure a supply of water were attacked and slain by the Scots.6

' Among the bishop of Catteynes his evidents and writs,' says Sir Eobert Gordon, ' their is
ane aggriement and arbitrall decreet past long agoe betueen the erle of Southerland and the
bishop of Catteynes, whereby the merches of Dunnes and of the erle of Southerland his pro-
pertie ar by way of perambulation soiled and agreid upon.'7 In 1551 Queen Mary addressed a
letter to Robert bishop elect of Cathnes or to his vicar general in his absence, presenting to him
Robert bishop of Orknay as his tenant in the lands of Galdewell, Kaudowll, Crannegy, Barolle,
Slaynis, Aslarmoir, Aslarbeg, Sandwet, Carrogarif, Carromanache, the island of Hoa, the water
of Awingarron with the salmon fishings, the water of Sandwet with the salmon fishings, the half
of the water of Laxfurde with the salmon fishings, with the teindsheaves of those towns and
of the whole parish of Ardurnes, lying in the sheriffdom of Innernes, and forfeited by Donald
M'Ky of Far.8 In 1559 the same Robert, elect and confirmed of Cathanes, for certain sums of
money and other favours granted to John earl of Sutherland and his wife Helen Stewart
countess of Arroll, and to the heirs got between them, with remainder to the earl's heirs whom
soever, the same lands of Gauldwale, Kauldale, Crannega, Borrole, Slanys, Astlairmoir, Astlair-
beg, Sandwat, Carragawyfe alias Carragawow, Carramannycht, with the waters of Awmagarront1
and Sandwat and the fishings of the same, the island and lands of Hoa, the half of the water
and fishing of Laxfurd, the whole water and fishing of Ardwirnes, with the mills, alehouses,
teindsheaves, and other pertinents, together with the teindsheaves of the whole parish of Ard
wirnes, which were never separated from the body (a trunco) of those towns and lands and their
principal fruits — • which lands with their grassums, fermes, and other dues and services, then
extended in the bishop's rental to the sum of £81, 6s. 8d. Scots old ferme — seisin to be taken
at Gauldwale in Ardwirnes for all those lands and others in Strathnavern included in the same
grant.9 In 1564 the same bishop on the narrative that those lands had been forfeited by John

1 Letter of E. M'lver. 7 Genealogy of the Earls, p. 10. This deed of per-

2 New Stat. Ace. ambulation is not at Dunrobin. Sir Robert elsewhere

3 Register of Ministers. Book of Assignations. affirms that the lands of Durines were granted to

4 Haco's Expedition, pp. 30-33. Bishop Gilbert by King Alexander II. Ibid., p. 32.

5 Ibid., pp. 114, 115. Torf., lib. ii. 8 Reg. Sec. Sig., voL xxiv. fol. 98.

6 Haco's Expedition, pp. 110, 117. Torf.. lib. ii. 9 Sutherland Charters.

704 ORIGINES [DUENESS.

late earl of Sutherland on 28 May 1563, and that Queen Mary, considering that Alexander
Gordoun the earl's son was an infant and had not partaken in his father's crime, had by a letter
dated 6 March 1564 presented him to the bishop as feufermar of the lands — granted them in
heritage to Alexander Gordoun for the same yearly payment, reserving the liferent to his mother
the lady Helen Stewart countess of Errol and Sutherland — seisin to be taken either at Gauld-
wale in Ardurnes or at Dorare in Cathanes.1 Between the years 1561 and 1566 we have the
following in the rental of assumptions given in to the collectors of thirds — ' The baronie of
Ardurines callit xv dawochland, with the salmond fishing of the samyne, pendicles and pertinentis
thairof, with the teindshawis of the samin, sett in few and payis yeirlie in all dewtie iiiixx i li.
vis. viiid.'2 In 1570 George earl of Huntlie, Lord Gordoune and Badenocht, baron of the
barony of Farr, in implement of a contract between him and Y Macky dated at Aberdeen in the
same year, and for certain sums of money therein contained to be paid to the earl and his heirs,
sold to Y M'Ky and his heirs certain lands in the diocese of Cathanes, barony of Strathnaver,
and sheriffdom of Innernes, including Keanlochbervie, Nahardin, Fenzedallis, Laxford with the
salmon fishings, Sandwat, the island of Hall, Alsnerbeg, and Alsnermoir, with the nonentry when
it should occur, and the office of hereditary bailie of the lands, for service of ward and relief —
the grantee relieving the earl and his heirs from all royal taxations and from the yearly payment
of the feuferme due for part of the lands, including Sandwatt, the isle of Hall, Alsnerbeg, and
Alsnermoir, if justly due, giving the oath of fidelity to the superior at entry, and giving per
sonally three suits at his three head courts held yearly in the burgh of Innernes.3 In 1577
Alexander Gordoun, then earl of Sutherland, was seised in the same lands as in 1564 as heir
to Earl John his father.4 In 1580 he resigned them to Bishop Robert, who granted them
anew to the earl and his heirs male, with remainder to the eldest of his female heirs without
division and to his heirs male whomsoever.5 In 1601 the lands and towns of Galdwell,
Caldell, Crannage, Barolye, Slanys, Astlermoir, Astlerbeg, Sandewatt, Tarriagavis, Crannaman-
nycht, Carnagarraw, with the mills and fishings of the same, the fishings of Laxfurde, the waters
of Ardurines and the ' cruvis' of the same, and the island of Hoa with the other islands there
and their fishings, were included in a new grant of the earldom then made to Earl .John by
King James VI.6

In 1379 King Robert II. confirmed a charter of his son Sir Alexander Stewart lord of Bade-
nach, granting to Farchard the king's physician the lands of Hellenes and two parts of Hope,
to be held freely according to Sir Alexander's charter, saving the king's service.7 Of the islands
granted in 1386 by King Robert II. to the same Ferchard those of Elangawne, Elanwillighe, Elane-
rone, Elanehoga, and Elanequochra, appear to have belonged to the ancient parish of Durness.8

1 Sutherland Charters. named in the grant of 1386) a piece of ground near

- Book 01' Assumptions. Tongue called Melness, where lie* lived himself and

3 Sutherland Charters. See post, and FAKU. some of his offspring after him ; but the M'Kays found

4 Ibid. 5 Ibid. 6 Ibid. means to recover possession of Melness long since, and
' From copy in the Gen. Reg. House. Mellenes is yet it is said Ferchard's posterity remain still in the

in Farr. A writer in 1793 says, ' This Ferchard was country under the name of M'Kay.' Old Stat. Ace.
physician to the M'Kays of Far, and received from See LAIRG, p. 699.
them in exchange for his right to these islands (those 8 See ASSYNT, p. 69a.

DCRNESS.] PAROCHIALES. 705

In 1499 King James IV., for the good service of Odo or Y Makky in Straithnauern granted
to him in heritage certain lands, including Davach Erribull, which had been forfeited by Alex
ander Sutherland for treason.1 In 1511, by a deed dated at Inverane, Donald M'Donachy
M'Corrochie resigned the lands of Melness, Mossell, and Hoipe, in favour of Y M'Kay and
his son John.'2 In 1530 King James V. granted to William Sutherland of Duffous the nonentry
and other dues of various lands, including Hop with the fishing of the same, Arnobill, Wnlem,
Ireboll, Strathwradell, and Moswell, lying in the sheriffdom of Innernes and in the country
of Strathnavern ' be the auld name callit Kintale and West Movne,' from the time since they
were in the king's hands till the entry of the lawful heir.3 In 1539 King James V. granted
in heritage to Donald M'Ky in Strathnaver the free barony of Farr created anew, and including
Davach Ereboll, the island of Sanda extending to 3 pennylands, the island of Hoae extending
to two pennylands, and the lands of Hoip with the mills and other pertinents, formerly belonging
to Odo or Y M'Ky the father of Donald, and in the king's hands by reason of nonentry or
otherwise.4 In 1542 James earl of Murray — -as arbiter between William Sutherland of Duffous,
the son and heir of the deceased William Sutherland of Duffous, and Donald M'Ky of Farr,
concerning the wrongous occupation of certain lands in Strathnaver and the nonentry of others,
the latter including Hop with the fishings, Arnobill, Vnlem, Erebole, Stratliquardill, and Moswell,
claimed by William Sutherland as heir to his father, and alleged by him to be wrongfully
intromitted with by Donald — decided that William Sutherland should make Donald or any
other he might please his assignee to the said nonentry, for which Donald should pay to him
450 marks.5 In 1546 Queen Mary granted to Elizabeth Sinclar the wife of Donald M'Ky
of Farr her liferent of certain lands, including the water of Hoip from the lake to the sea
with the salmon fishing, which Donald had resigned.6 In 1551 the same queen granted in
heritage to Robert bishop of Orkney the lands and barony of Far, including the isle of Sunday
extending to 3 pennylands, the isle of Howga extending to 2 pennylands, the lands of Hoi|.
with the salmon fishing in the water of Hoip, Handlemet, Ardeboll, Strathurydale, Moswell,
and the island of Quothra, forfeited by the deceased Donald M'Ky of Far.7 At the same time
the queen granted to the same bishop the deceased Donald M'Ky's part of the decree arbitral
pronounced by James earl of Murray (in 1542) between him and the deceased William
Sutherland of Duffus.8 In 1555 the same queen granted to John earl of Suthirland the
bailiary of the lands granted in 1551 to the bishop of Orkney.9 In 1567 she granted to George

1 Sutherland Charters. Reg. Wag. Sig., lib. xiii. Moin, the three names being la-re erroneously made
no. 519. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. i. fol. 95. interchangeable.

2 Note of original charter or transumpt by James * Sutherland Charters. Reg. Mag. Sig., lili. \xvi.
Loch Esquire. This deed is endorsed in a handwriting no. 338. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xiii. fol. H8.

of about 1660 as follows — ' This is Donald Our 5 Sutherland Charters. For the whole of this decree

M'Conochy's letter of procuratory as descendit fra arbitral see F ARK post.

Farquhar Leiche to resiug all his landis of Strathnawer 6 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xix. fol. 80.

within written in our Souerane Lordis handis.' 7 Sutherland Charters. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. x.\iv.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. viii. ff. 168, 169. The lands con- tf. 97, 98.

tained in this grant, besides some lands in Caithness, " Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiv. ff. 98, 99.

are those of Strathnaver, Tongue (or Kintail), and West 9 Ibid., vol. xxvii. fol. 127.

70fi ORIGINES LDURNESS-

earl of Huntlie the same lands, which had belonged to Donald Makkye of Far, who died
illegitimate and intestate.1 The grant of the barony of Far by that carl to Y Macky in 1570, a
grant by Y Macky to Alexander earl of Sutherland in 1589, and the new grant of the earldom of
Sutherland by King James VI. to Earl John in 1601, included the lands of Hoipe with the
salmon fishing, Arnobill, Hunleam, Ereboll, and Strathuridaill, and the island of Choarie, and the
last also the islands of Sanda and Haga.2 In 1613 the Lords of Council decreed that the
lands and barony of Far, including the isle of Sandy, the isle of Houga, the lands of Houp with
the salmon fishing on the water of Houp, and the lands of Handlemet, Ardboll, Strathuridell,
and Moswell, were in the sovereign's hands by reason of nonentry since the death of Robert
bishop of Orknay, and that the king had granted the nonentry and other dues to Sir Robert
Gordoun of Kinmounwy till the entry of the lawful heir.3

There was a castle at Balnakiel, apparently removed before the year 1630.*

' A mile above Mussall (in Strathuridalc) stands an old building made in the form of a
sugar loaff, and which has a double wall and winding stairs in the midle of the wall round
about, and litle places for men to ly in as is thought, and all built of dry stone without any
mortar. Its called by tradition Dundornigil.'5 An old poem, of which a fragment was
extant in 1777, described this building as ' the Dun of Dornghiall the son of Duff built on
the side of the strath next to Reay seven miles from the ocean and on the road by which
the warriors or ' cearn' travel to Caithncs.'6 At that time the building was 25 feet high,
but it has since been gradually reduced to 20 or 16.7 Its interior diameter is 27 feet.8
Strathuridalc is now Strathmore, and the Dun of Dornghiall the son of Duff has in modern
times been fancied a hunting seat of Dornadilla the son of Mainus, one of the supposed early
Scottish kings.9 In the parish are the remains of other nine duns.w It contains also sub
terranean buildings locally named Cabidh fholaich (hiding places), and numerous tumuli.11

In 17C9 there was on the side of the hill Ben Spionnadh a square building called earn nri
(the king's earn).12

A rock in Loch Eribol named Lech-vuaies has been supposed to be that on which King
Haco slaughtered the cattle he took from the Caithness men in 1263.13

In a vault under the church is the tomb of Donald M'Leod the Rob Roy of the north,
and the Gaelic poet Robert Doun (or Don) was a native of the parish.14

1 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. ii. p. 558. 5 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect.

- See above, p. 704; Genealogy of the Earls, p. 201. 6 Archfeologia, vol. v. pp. 216, 217.

3 Sutherland Charters. See LAIBG, pp. 69!), 700, and ~ Ibid. New Stat. Ace. Anderson's Guide.

FARK post. Sir Robert Gordon says, 'At this time also 8 Anderson's Guide.

the earle of Southerland yielded to give Dunnes to 9 Pennant, vol. iii. p. 343. Note by James Loch

Macky as a particular fie i'or his service to the house of Esquire.

Southerland, and that the lands of Uurincs should 10 New Stat. Ace.

alwise remain witli the chieffof the family of Macky, " Ibid.

a.nd not to be given to any brother of that house.' Ge- n Pennant, vol. iii. p. 343.

nealogy, p. 296. 13 Ibid. See CANNISBAY post.

1 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, pp. 8. 10. u Old and New Stat. Ace.

FABB.] PAKOCHIALES. 707

FARE.
Far1 — Fard2— Farr.3 (Map, No. 7.)

THIS parish originally included the present parishes of Tongue and Farr, and the part of
the parish of Eeay called Strathalladale which lies within the county of Sutherland.* Strath-
alladale having been attached to Reay before the year 1245, the parish of Farr thenceforward
included only the districts of Tongue (or Kintail) and Farr, or Strathnaver properly so called,
being the country watered by the Melness, the Borgie, the Naver, and the Strathy.5

This extensive parish is entirely mountainous, its southern portion being part of the great
forest called the Dirimore, and containing its highest eminence Ben Chlibrig, 3200 feet above
the level of the sea.6 It has numerous lakes, of which the two largest are Lochnaver and
Lochlaoghal.7 The coast is deeply indented by the Kyle of Tongue, and slightly by the
bays of Torrisdale, Farr, Strathy, and others.8 Off the Kyle are the Rabbit Isles (anciently
Ylen Gald, Ellen Gild, Ealan-a-ghail), Island Roan (the isle of seals), and Island Comb or
Eilean-na-naomh (the isle of Columba or Holy Island).9 ' In the Dirimore ther is a hill called
Arkill ; all the deir that are bred therin or hant within the bounds of that hill have forked
taills thrie inches long, whereby they are easaillie knowne and decerned from all other
deir.' 10

Between the years 1223 and 1245, when Bishop Gilbert erected the chapter of Caithness,
he assigned the church of Far with all its fruits as a common church to the canons, with tin-
exception of the teinds of Helgedall (Halladale) which he had previously assigned to the
church of Ra on account of the nearness of that church to Helgedall and the great distance
of the church of Far, reserving also the power of dividing the parish of Far into several on
account of its great extent (diffusioneiji).11 From 1529 to 1559 Sir Alexander Gray appears
in record as vicar of Far.12 Between 1561 and 1566 he seems to have held both parsonage
and vicarage.13 About 1567 Donald Reid was reader at Far, and in 1574 Ferquhard Reid

1 A. D. 1223-1245. Sutherland Charters. A. D. 1529. 6 Genealogy of the Earls, pp. 3, 11. Old and New
Ibid. A. D. 1551. Ibid. A. D. 1557. Ibid. A. D. Stat Ace.

1559. Ibid. A. D. 1567. Register of Ministers. A. D. 7 Old and New Stat. Ace. Genealogy of the Earls,

1574. Book of Assignations. A. D. 1630. Genealogy p. 11. County Maps.

of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 3. A. D. 1662. Acta 8 New Stat. Ace. County Maps.

Parl. Scot., vol. vii. p. 390. 9 MS. Maps. Blaeu. Genealogy of the Earls, p. 1 1 .

2 A. D. 1561-1566. Book of Assumptions. Macfarlane's Geog. Collect. Old and New Stat. Ace.

3 A. D. 1630. Genealogy of tlie Earls of Sutherland, 10 Genealogy of the Earls, p. 3.

p. 11. Circa A. D. 1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. " Sutherland Charters. The parish does not appear
Blaeu. A. D. 1726. Macfarlane's Geog. Collect. to have been farther divided till long after the Re-

4 Sutherland Charters. Genealogy of the Earls, formation.

p. 11. 12 Sutherland Charters.

5 Ibid. Blaeu and Modern Maps. Macfarlane. 13 Book of Assumptions.

708 ORIGINES OAHH.

was minister.1 ' There is,' says Sir Eobert Gordon in 1630, ' one parish in Strathnaver
called Farr.'2

The church appears to have always stood a little eastward from the mouth of the Naver
on the right bank of a small stream falling into the bay of Farr.3 The present church was
built iu 1774.4

There was a chapel at Kirkboll or Kirkiboll, the burialplace of the family of Macky,
which was standing and was repaired about the year 1630. 5 The parish church of Tongue
was built in 1680 about half a mile farther north, was nearly rebuilt in 1731, was repaired
in 1778, and seems to be still in use.6 The cemetery of the chapel, still used, lies at the
village of Kirkiboll on the burn of Clachan (the Avon Kerkiboll of Blaeu), between which
and the present churchyard is a portion of the glebe locally known as ' Eilean-tigh-an-tsagairt'
(the island of the priest's house).7

There was a chapel at Skail in the middle of the parish on the left bank of the Naver,
on a flat between it and a hill locally known as Cnoc-an-tsagairt (the priest's hill), where the
cemetery may still be seen.8 At the east end of the cemetery is an erect stone, marked
with a cross, and supposed to mark the grave of the last Popish incumbent of Farr called
the red priest.9 In the immediate neighbourhood is a piece of ground named Dalacsarv
(Dal-an-tsagairt, the priest's field ?), and believed to have been the glebe land attached to
the chapel.10

At Clibrig near the head of Loclmaver is a ruin said to have been a chapel.11

There were chapels also at Moudale in Strathmoudale, at Langdale or Langwall on the
Naver, and at Strathy at the mouth of the river of that name.12

Lochnaver in the immediate neighbourhood of several of those chapels was of old believed
to possess healing virtues on the first Monday of February, May, August, and November.1"
The visitor dipped three times in the water, drank of it, threw in a piece of money, and
departed before sunrise.14

On Island Comb (latterly a 'grassing' belonging to the farm of Skerry) was a chapel, evi
dently dedicated to Saint Columba, traces of which remained in the end of the last century.16

In the rental of assumptions between 1561 and 1566 we find ' the rentall of the personage
and vicarage of Fard pertening to Schir Alexander Gray sett in assedatioun for yeirlie payment
of Ixxx merkis.'16 About the year 1567 the reader at Far had for his stipend 40 marks, and
in 1574 the minister had £40 and the kirklands.17

: Register of Ministers. Book of Assignations. 9 Letter of Rev. D. M'Kenzie. The stone here

2 Genealogy of the Earls, p. 11. described may have been a ' girth cross.' See APPLE-
1 MS. Maps. Blaeu. Macfarlane. Old and New CROSS, p. 404, and DUKNESS, pp. 703, 704.

Stat. Ace. Anderson's Guide. 10 Ibid. n Ibid.

I Old and New Stat. Ace. I2 Pennant vol. iii. p. 347. The MS. Maps in Adv.

3 Genealogy of the Earls, p. 11. Lib. mark at a point near Strathy ' a chapel heir.'

II Old and New Stat. Ace. 13 New Stat. Ace. » Ibid.
7 Letter of Rev. D. M'Kenzie to James Loch >5 Macfarlane. Pennant, vol. iii. pp. 345, 346. Old

Esquire, 1854. Stat. Ace. 16 Book of Assumptions.

^ Ibid. Pennant, vol. iii. p. 347. '" Register of Ministers. Book of Assignations.

FARR.] PAEOCHIALES. 709

The earliest holder of lands in Strathnaver of whom we have authentic notice is the ladv
Johanna the wife of Friskyn of Moray, who appears in record in 1269, but whose descent and
tenure of the lands are unknown.1 One of her daughters was Mary the wife of Reginald le
Chen, to whom with her husband the bishop of Moray granted the land of Langewal and others
in 1269.2 Another of her daughters was the Cristian of the following grant.3 In 1287 in
the cathedral church of Elgyn William de Fedreth portioner of Duft'hus and Cristian his wife
granted in heritage to Sir Reginald le Cliene the son the four davachs of land which they then
had in Strathnavyr, and also all other lands which by whatever title or grant they might in
future have in the tenement of Strathnavyr, to be held from them with all the rights freely as
the original charter of the land of Strathnavyr more at length bore.4 It was agreed between the
parties that Sir Reginald and his heirs should do for William and Cristian and their heirs the third
part of the free service of one soldier for the tenement which the latter then had in the barony
of Duflfhus and in the barony of Strathbrok, or which by any title or succession they might in
future have in those baronies — that they should give suit at the court of the king's justiciar and
sheriff as far as related to the part then belonging or that might in future belong to William
and Cristian and their heirs in the tenement of Duft'hus and of Strathbrok, so, namely, that
the men of William and Cristian and their heirs should attend the said courts and bear witness
of the said suit for the third part belonging to them in that tenement — and that their men and
tenants should do Scottish service as often as it should happen ; saving also to them and their
heirs all the rights and liberties belonging to the baronies of Duffhus and Strathbrok for their
actual or possible contingent of the same.5 The parties swore in presence of Bishop Archibald
and the chapter of Moray and others to observe the premises, it being understood that the
penalty of 100 shillings to be paid to the fabrick of the church of Moray by the party wishing
to resile from the agreement, and the agreement itself, should notwithstanding remain in force/'

Probably from an early period of the fourteenth century down to the end of the fifteenth
the lands of Strathnaver were held by the Mackys as tenants.7 In 1379, as we have seen, King
Robert II. confirmed the lands of Mellenes to Farchard his physician.8 Of the islands granted
in 1386 by King Robert II. to Ferchard Leche those of Elangelye (now Ellengild or the Rabbit
Island) and Elanenyefe (or Ellen Comb) are on the coast of this parish a few miles west from Armi-
dale Head, the Rowearmedale of King Robert's charter and the terminating point of his grant.11
From a marriage contract between Angus the son of Goffred of the Isles and Margaret the
daughter of the lady Margaret of Ard, dated 8 January 1401, it would hppear that the davach
of Brebach, Carynnes, and Innvyrnavyr in Strathnavyr was the property of that lady, the half
of certain lands in Strathglass according to the contract reverting to her on the death of Angus
for the recovery of that davach.10 Among the persons arrested at a parliament held at Innernes

1 See post, and Reg. Morav., preface, p. xxxvi. ' Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, pp. 58-80,

- See post, and Reg. Morav., pp. xxxvi, xxxvii. 302-305. 8 See DURNESS, p. 704.

3 Ibid. 9 See ASSYNT, p. 695, LAIRO, p. 699, and DURNESS,

4 Regist. Moraviense, p. 341. p. 704.

5 Ibid. 10 Lib. Insule Missarum, pp. 1, li. See KILMORACK,
Ibid., pp. 341, 342. pp. 515, 516.

VOL. II. 4: X

710 OEIGINES [FABB.

t>y King James I. in 1427 were Angus Duf or Makgyo of Straithnawarne and his four sons.1
Towards the end of the fifteenth century the lands of Strathnaver were held in heritage by
Alexander Sutherland of Dilrid, a descendant of one of the earls of Sutherland.2 In 1499
King James IV., for the good service of Odo or Y Makky in Straithnauern both in peace and
in war, and specially in the taking and bringing of the deceased Alexander Suthirland of Dilrid
and other ten persons his accomplices, the king's rebels and at his horn, granted to Odo in
heritage the lands of Fer, Armidill, Strae, Rynevee, Kynnald, Gollesby, Dilrid, Cattak, Bronych,
Kilchallumkill in Strabroray, Davach Lochnaver, Davach Erribull, and the two pennylands of
Stromay, with the mill of Kynnald, lying in Caithnes and Sutherland in the sheriffdom of
Innernes, and formerly belonging in heritage to Alexander Sutherland and forfeited by him for
treason, for the yearly payment of a red rose on the feast of the Nativity of Saint John the
baptist upon the soil of Dilrid in name of blench ferme if asked.3 In 1508 the same Odo for
his service in resisting and attacking the king's rebels had from the same king a grant of the
lands of Assent forfeited by Torquell Makcloid of Lewis.* In 1515 Andrew Kynnard of that
ilk granted the lands of Eddiraquhelis in the barony of Skelbo to John M'Ky the son and heir
of Odo M'Ky of Stranavern.5 Both Odo and his son John were dead in 1529, the latter leaving
no male issue.6 In 1530 King James V. granted to William Suthirland of Duffois the nonentry
and other dues of the lands of Galvell and Bellinaglis, with the fishing in the water of HaUadall,
the lands of Strathy with the fishing of the same, the lands of Armadall and Far with the fishing,
the lands of Rennewe, Skelpik, Rewigill, Syre, Skale, Skarray, Alannye, Dilrit, Catak, and the
lands of Towng, Kirkkeboll, Scrabustir, Regeboll, Kennesett, Elyngiell, Kinloch, Mellenis,
Latirlioll, Hop with the fishing of the same, Arnobill, Wnlem, Ireboll, Strathwradell, and
Moswell, lying in the sherifFdom of Innernys ' and in the cuntre of Stratlmavern be the auld
name callit Kintale and West Movne' — from the time since they had been in the king's hands
till the entry of the lawful heir.7 In 1539 the same king granted in heritage to Donald M'Ky
in Strathnauern the lands of Fer, Armidill, Straye, Rynewe, Kynnald, Golesby, Dilrid, Cattak,
Bronych, Kilchalumkill in Strabroray, Davach Lochnaver, Davach Erebull, the 2 pennylands
of Stromay, the mill of Kynnald, the island of Sanday extending to 3 pennylands, the island of
Hoga extending to 2 pennylands, and the lands of Millines and Hope, with the mills, mill-lands,
manors, demesne lands, and other pertinents, formerly belonging in heritage to Odo or Y M'Ky
the father of Donald, and in the king's hands by reason of nonentry or otherwise, and now

1 Ext. e Var. Cron. Scocie, p. 231. ander the brother of Sir James Dunbar of Cumnock,

- Sutherland Charters. Keg. Map;. Sig., lib. xiii. for which he was forfeited and put to death by

no. 519. Keg. Sec. Sig., vol. i. fol. 95. Genealogy of King James. Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland,

the Earls, pp. 55, 80, 305. p. 80.

3 Sutherland Charters. Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xiii. ' Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xiv. no. 464. Reg. Sec. Sip.,

no. 519. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. i. fol. 95. See vol. iii. fol. 157. See ASSYNT, p. 694.

DORNOCH, GOLSPIE, DuiiNKSS, CLYNE, HAWICK, 5 Sutherland Charters.

THUHSO, and CANNISBAY. Dilrid, now Dirlet, the ° Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, pp. 305;

chief messuage of the lands, is in HAWICK. Alexander 306.

Sutherland, taken, as above mentioned, by Y Makky, 7 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. viii. fF. 168, 169. See DI'UNKSS.

was his nephew, and had in a quarrel slain Alex- RKAY, and HAWICK.

FARR.] PAROCHIALES. 711

erected into the free barony of Fer, seisin to be taken at the principal messuage of Fer.1 In
1542 James earl of Murray — arbiter between William Sutherland of Duflbus, the son and heir
of the deceased William Sutherland of Duftbus, and Donald M'Ky of Farr, anent the wrongous
occupation of certain lands in Strathnavare alleged by William Sutherland to be held by him
in heritage of the church of Murray, namely, Langewall, Rossewall, Toftis, Dowyn, Achenedesse,
Clybry, Ardouyr, and Carnferne, lying in the diocese of Cathanes and sheriflfdom of Innernes ;
anent the nonentry of Galwall, Bellenaglis, the fishing on the water of Halladall, the lands of
Strathy with the fishing, the lands of Armadale and Farr with the fishing, and the lands of
Renuwy, Skelpik, Eevegill, Syre, Skale, Skarry, Alannye, Dilrit, Cattak, Toung, Kirkebole,
Scrabustir, Rigebole, Kennesett, Elingeell, Kinloch, Malenys, Latirleole, Hop with the fishing,
Arnobill, Vnlem, Erebole, Strathquhardill, and Moswell, lying in the same sheriftdom, claimed
by William Sutherland as heir to his father, and alleged by him to be wrongfully intromitted
with by Donald ; anent the nonentry and dues of those lands and fishings for several years past ;
and anent all other matters of debate between the parties — in presence of the parties gave
as his decree that, understanding the great slaughters and injuries committed on each other
bv the ancestors of the parties in consequence of their disputes about the above subjects, and
for the purpose of avoiding such injuries in future, he ordained that William Sutherland should
alienate to Donald and his heirs the lands which he held of the church of Murray, to be held
by Donald of that church for the yearly payment of 12 marks Scots to the chaplains of Saint
Michael's altar in the cathedral church of Murray, the grantee giving three suits at the three
head courts of the bishop, and taking the oath of fidelity to him ; that William Sutherland should
make Donald or any parties he chose his assignees to the said nonentry, and discharge him and
his heirs of all the past dues both of the lands held of the church of Murray and of the lands
of which he had the nonentry ; that for the lands held of the church and their dues Donald
should pay to William the sum of 250 marks, and for the nonentry and dues of the other lands
450 marks, in all 700 marks, namely 100 marks at the date of the decree, 200 marks at the
feast of Martymes immediately following, 200 at the following Whitsunday, and 200 at the
Martymes thereafter ; that William Sutherland should be bound for the warrandice of only the
half of the lands held of the church of Murray ; that both parties should mutually forgive past
injuries, and should thenceforth live as friends ; and that the decree should be registered in
the books of the Lords of Council, Donald M'Ky finding sufficient surety ' actit' therein for
payment of the said sum.2 In 1546 Queen Mary granted in liferent to Elizabeth Sinclar the
wife of Donald M'Ky of Far the lands of Balliheglis with the mill and multures, Gallowell with
the mill and multures, Stray with the mill and multures, Armidale with the mill and multures,
Ranowy with the mill and multures, Mellenea with the mill and multures, Dillart with the
mill and multures, Cattoch and Broynoch with their mills and multures, the water of Far from
the broad ford to the sea with the usual salmon fishing, the water of Hallowdale from the

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxvi. no. 338. Reg. Sec. Odo or Y. Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland,
Sig., vol. xiii. fol. 38. Sutherland Charters. See p. 306.
p. 710, note 3. Donald M'Ky was a natural son of 2 Sutherland Charters.

712 OKIGINES [PAKR.

Beghous to the sea with the salmon fishing, the water of Stray with the salmon fishing, and the
water of Hoip from the loch to the sea with the salmon fishing, all lying in the sheriffdom
of Innernes and resigned by Donald M'Ky.1 In 1549 the same Donald, after an unsuccessful
feud with the men of Sutherland and an imprisonment in the castle of Fowlis in Boss, escaped
to Strathnaver and gave his ' band of service' to John earl of Sutherland.'- In 1551
(5 October) Queen Mary granted in heritage to Robert bishop of Orkney the lands and
barony of Far with the salmon fishing in the water of Far ; the lands of Armydill, Strathy,
Kanewv, Kynnault, Golspitour, Dilride, Cattak, Broynache, Kyllecalumkill in Strabrora,
Daache Lochnavare, and Daache Irrebole ; two pennylands in Stromay ; the mill of Kynnault
with the multures, sukkin, and astricted multures ; the isle of Sanday extending to three
pennylands ; the isle of Howga extending to two pennylands ; the ands of Myllines and Hoip
with the salmon fishing on the water of Hoip ; the lands of Galdwell, Balnaheglis, Skelpik,
Kebegill, Mowdell, Mekle Gnowb, Litle Gnowb, Syre, Carnoche, Innernaver, and Thorisdale
with the salmon fishings ; the lands of Litill Borg, Mekle Borg, Kirkeboill, Towng, Scrabuster,
Keneside, Candloche, Ellengild, Handlcmet, Ardeboll, Strathurydale, Moswell, and Letter-
lowell ; the island of Qwothra ; the lands of Edderdaquhelis ; the water of Hallowdaill witli
the salmon fishing ; and the water of Strathy with the salmon fishing ; in the sheriffdom of
Innernes — extending from the west side of Edderdaquhelis inclusive to Mowdell, which lies for
the most part towards the south east (versus subsolanum rulgo sui/th eist), and to Drumalestane
towards the east, and as the ocean (mare occeanum) flows — all forfeited by Donald M'Ky of
Far, who lived and died bastard without lawful heirs or a lawful disposition of the lands ; erect
ing the whole of new into the barony of Far, seisin to be taken at the principal messuage of Far,
the grantee giving three suits at the three head courts of the sheriffdom of Innernes, and the
services of ward, relief, and marriage.3 At the same time the queen granted to the same
bishop the lands of Golspitour, Kynnald, Killecaliunkill in Strabrora, and the mill of Kynnald,
in the earldom of Sutherland, forfeited by Donald and to be held of the earl ; and the half
of Donald M'Ky's share of the decreet arbitral pronounced (in 1542) by James earl of Murray
between him and William Sutherland of Duffus.* In 1553 she granted to the same bishop
the escheat of all the goods that belonged to Y M'Ky of Far, forfeited to the queen for his

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xix. fol. 80. of Strathnaver ; which supurioritie this marquis of

2 Genealogy of the Earls, p. 300. ' This Donald Huntley that now liveth gave to Alexander earle of
Macky,' adds Sir R. Gordon, ' wes a politick and \vyse Southrrland, who gave a new infeftmcnt of Strathnaver
gentleman. When as he perceaved that there wes no to Houcheon Macky the sone of Y Macky, to be held
lawful! or legittemat succession descended from his of the carle of Southerland as his immediate lord and
father Y Roy Macky, he caused Robert Reid bishop of superior thereof; which int'eftment was renued by John
Orknay tak a gift of bastardrie of the lands of Strath- carle of Southerland the sone of Earle Alexander to
navcr to the said Donald's vse in Bishop Reid his Houcheon Macky and to his sone Donald the ytir of
name, which gift wes granted in Quein Marie's mi- God 1006, reserveing alwayes the superioritie of Strath-
noritie. Therefter George earle of Huntley in the naver to the earle of Southerland as being annexed to
quern's majorities and perfect aige took another gift of that carldome.' Ibid., pp. 306, 307. See the following
the saiil bastardrie, which gift the earle of Huntlie did notices.

afterward alienat to Y Macky the sone of Donald, ru- 3 Sutherland Charters. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiv.
serveing still vnto himselffthe superioritie of the lands if. 97, 98. 4 Ibid., ff. 98, 99. See jxift.

FABR.] PAROCHIALES. 71 a

being art and part in the slaughter of some person or persons not named.1 In 1554 tin-
same Y M'Ky and other 19 persons had a remission for their treasonable coming against the
regent (Arran) on Glasgow Green (super moro de Glasgw)? In 1555 Queen Mary granted to
John earl of Suthirland the bailiary of the lands of Far as specified in the grant of 1551 .3
In 1562 (2 May) William Sutherland or Hectorson in Langwell married Margaret, the daughter
of John Williamson in Auchness and ' umquhilc Donald M'Ky's dochtir of Far,' receiving as
her ' tocher thrie skoir of greit ky.'* In the same year (5 October) Y Makky of Far had
from Queen Mary a remission for assistance given to the English, especially at Haddington
in April 1548. 5 In 1567 that queen granted to George earl of Huntlie the lands in Caithness
and Sutherland which belonged to Donald Makkye of Far, who died illegitimate and intestate."
In 1570 (31 July) that earl, styled also Lord Gordoune and Badenocht, baron of the barony
of Farr, and proprietor of the following lands, in fulfilment of a contract between him and
Y Mucky dated at Aberdeen on 29 July, and for certain sums of money therein contained to
be paid to the earl and his heirs, sold to Y M'Ky and his heirs the lands of Bronache, Dilrit,
Cattack, and 2 pennylands in the island of Stroma, lying in the diocese of Cathenes and
sheriffdom of Innernes ; the lands of Galdwall, Balnahoglishe with the salmon fishings, Strathie
with the salmon fishings, Armidall, Farr with the salmon fishings, Invernaver, Rineuie, Skelpick,
Carnachie, Eavigill, Shyre, Grubeg, Grubmoir, Mowdaill, Torisdaill with the salmon fishings,
Skerri, Burgiebeg, Burgiemoir, Tung, Kirkiboll, Skrabister, Kinset, Letterlyvall, Keanloche,
Melnes, Hoipe with the salmon fishing, Arnabill, Hunleam, Ereboll, Strathuridaill, Keanloch-
Iwrvie, Nahardin, Fenzedallis, Laxford with the salmon fishing, Skuribeg, Skurimoir, Calstrome,
Edirachillis, the isles of Handa, Choarie, Gyld, Rone, and Colme, and the lands of Langwall,
Rosswall, Achnis, Clibrig with the forest of Ririmoir or Rerimoir, Skaill, Rigibald, Sanclwat,
the island of Hall, Alsncrbeg, and Alsnermoir, lying in the diocese of Cathanes, barony of
Strathnaver, and sheriffdom of Invernes ; and also Kinald, Golspietour, and Killicalmekill,
with the mill and other pertinents, lying in the earldom of Sutherland and in the same diocese
and sheriffdom — for the yearly service of ward and relief — the grantee also relieving the earl
and his heirs from the yearly payment of the feuferme of the lands of Skaill, Rigabold, Sand-
watt, the isle of Hall, Alsnerbeg, Alsnermoir, and also of the lands of Langwall, Rosswall,
Achnes, and Clibrig, if justly due ; giving the oath of fidelity to the superior at entry ; giving
yearly three personal suits at the earl's three head courts held in the burgh of Invernes ; and
relieving the earl and his heirs from all royal taxations.7 The earl moreover — on the narrative
that Y M'Ky had formerly held the lands immediately of the kings of Scotland, and had now
become his (the earl's) vassal for the same — granted to him and his heirs and successors of the
nearest succession the nonentry of the lands during the minority of the heir when it should
occur ; the grantee paying yearly for the term of nonentry 10 marks Scots or the yearly fruits

1 Reg Sec. Sig., vol. xxv. fol. 54. of the lands of Langewell and others in 1548.

2 Ibid., vol. xxvii. fol. 24. See post. 6 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxi. fol. 100.
:l Ibid., vol. xxvii. fol. 127. See post. 6 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. ii. p. 558. A grant almost
4 Protocol Book of William Gray at Dunrobin. the same as that of 1551. Seepo«(.

John Willemson in Auchindes witnesses a seisin ' Sutherland Charters.

714 OEIGINES [*ARH.

contained in the old retour of the lands at the option of the earl and his heirs, provided that
the nonentry should not be in defect of Y M'Ky, his heirs, and successors.1 The earl granted
to him also the office of hereditary bailie of the lands, with all the escheats belonging to it,
and appointed seisin for the whole lands and other privileges then granted to be taken at
the town of Farr.2 In 1589 Houcheon Macky on a precept by Alexander earl of Sutherland
was served heir to his father Y Macky in the lands of Strathnaver except the Dirimoir.s
The lands and barony of Far with the waters and salmon fishings, as annexed in 1601
to the earldom of Sutherland, included the lands of Armedaill, Straith with the waters
and salmon fishings, Eenew, Kynnald, Golspetor, Delreid, Cattak, Broniche, Killicalumkill,
Dawach Lochnaver, Dawach Ereboill, 2 pennylands in Strone, the island of Sanda, namely,
3 pennylands there, the island of Haga extending to 2 pennylands, the lands of Millines and
Hoip with the waters and salmon fishings, Galdwell, Balnahaclis, Skelpik, Mowadell, Mekill
Grub, Litill Grub, Syre, Carnoch, Innernaver, Thorisdaill with the waters and salmon fishings,
Mekill Borge, Litill Borge, Kirkboyll, Tung, Skrabister, Kennysyde, Candloch, Edderda-
wachellis, the water of Torrisclaill with [its fishings, Awchynes, Clybrek. Langoill, Kosuall,
Eaygill, Ardnedell, Skarre, Lettirlyoll, Lettirwyndeschoir, Ardnaboill, Houndland, Strathoridaill,

the island of , and the mills of Tung, Far. and Kynnald, with the multures and

suckin.4 In 1613 the Lords of Council decreed that the lands and barony of Far with the
fishings on the water of Far, the lands of Ardmydill, Strathie, Kanwy, Kenalt, Golspetour,
Dilredde, Cattak, Broinak, Killecalmikell in Strabrora, Daach Lochnaver, Daachjereboll, 2
pennylands in Stroma, the mill of Kynnalt with the multures, suckin, and astricted multures,
the isle of Sandy extending to 3 pennylands, the isle of Houga extending to 2 pennylands ;
the lands of Myllines and Houp with the salmon fishing on the water of Houp ; the lands
of Galdwall, Belnaheglis, Skelpik, Eebegall, Mowdell, Mekill Grub, Litill Grub, Syra, Carnok,
Innernaver, Thorisdaill with the salmon fishing, Litill Borg, Mekill Borg, Kirkboll, Toung,
Scrabuster, Kennesyd, Keandloch, Ellengild, Handlemet, Ardboll, Strathuridell, Moswell,
Littirluell, Euchra (or Euthra), and Edderdilquhillis ; the water of Alludell with the salmon
fishing ; and the water of Strathie with the salmon fishing — all lying in the sheriffdom of
Innernes, and extending from the west point of Eddirquheillis inclusive to Mowdell, which
lies chiefly towards the south east, and to Drumalesten at the east, and as the ocean flows —
had been in the sovereign's hands by reason of nonentry since the decease of Eobert bishop
of Orkney, who died about the month of February 1558 (1559) about 53 years before
29 December 1612 (the date of the summons in the present case) ; and that the king by a
letter under his privy seal dated 2 November 1612 had granted the nonentry and other dues
of the lands to Sir Eobert Gordoun of Kynmounwy till the entry of the lawful heir ; those
having or pretending interest in the matter as heritable possessors of the lands, namely,
George marquis of Huntlie and earl of Enzie, Hucheoun Macky of Far, Donald Macky his

1 Sutherland Charters. 3 Genealogy of the Earls, pp. 200, 201.

- Ibid. 4 Sutherland Charters.

FARR.] PAROCHIALES. 715

son, William Sutherland of Duffus, George Murray of Spanzedaill, and David Reid of Aickin-
heid, having been lawfully summoned and not having appeared.1 In 1616 an assise held at
Innernes regarding the earldom of Sutherland declared that the lands and barony of Far
were then worth yearly £50 Scots, and in time of peace £36. 2 In 1617 a seisin of the earl
dom of Sutherland is witnessed by Andrew Gordoun the servitor of Sir Donald Macky of
Strathnaver.3 In 1628 Sir Donald was created Lord Eeay by King Charles I.4

In the year 1269 Archebald bishop of Moray with the consent of the dean and chapter
granted to Sir Reginald le Chen the younger lord of Duffus, and to his wife Mary the daughter
of the deceased Friskyn of Moray, and to the heirs of their body, his land of Strathnauir in
the diocese of Cattenes, which the noble lady Johanna the deceased wife of Sir Friskyn of
Moray granted to the church of Moray for the maintenance of two chaplains to minister per
petually in that church, namely, the lands of Langeval and Rossewal, Tofftys, Dovyr, Achenedes,
Clibry, Ardovyr, and Cornefern, to be held according to the charter of the lady Johanna for
the yearly payment of 12 marks sterling at the canonry of Elgyn to the dean and chapter for
the maintenance of the said chaplains.5 For the faithful payment of the 12 marks yearly
Reginald and his wife pledged themselves, their heirs, and their goods movable, immovable, and
self-moving, and became bound to defend the lands with all their might in unison with the
bishop and chapter against all ; renouncing for themselves and heirs all aid of law canon and
civil, the privilege of market and especially of those who have taken cross, every custom and
statute, all letters of indulgence with privileges procured or to be procured from the apostolic-
see or the king's court, also every prohibition, the constitution de duabus dietis published by a
general council, and every plea and defence personal and real which might be objected against
the present deed or which might injure the bishop and his church or profit themselves and
theirs (et suis) ; and subjecting themselves and heirs in this matter to the jurisdiction of the
bishop, dean, and archdeacon of Moray, to whom or one of whom it should be lawful on
simply giving the legal warnings at the castle of [Duffus] to compel them wheresoever they
might be found by sentences of suspension from church privilege (ab ingressu ecclesie) and of
the greater excommunication and of interdict against their lands to make full and due payment
of the said sum, if they should have failed in payment of the same.6 In 1525 Robert bishop of
Moray — on the narrative that the lands of Strathnevir in the diocese of Cathanes had been
granted by a noble lady Johanna the wife of the deceased Friskin of Moray for the maintenance
of two chaplains in the cathedral church of Moray ; that from the intromission with and laying
waste of those lands by wild (sihiestriwn) and wicked men who inhabited them the chaplains
were like to perish and must cease from their service for want of the payment of the yearly
ferine ; and that the lands, after the rentallers (cenrueurii) had for a long time failed in payment,
had been recognosced by the deceased James Hepburn the bishop's predecessor — desiring to
aid that pious foundation and to counteract the wickedness of the occupants of the lands, with

1 Sutherland Charters. 4 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 40fi.

'2 Ibid. Douglas's Peerage, citing crown charter.

J Ibid. s Reg. Morav., p. 139. 6 Ibid., pp. 139. HI I.

71fi OEIGINES [FARR.

the consent of the dean and canons, and for the favours bestowed on them by William Sutherland
of Duftbus, and to be bestowed by him and his heirs, granted to him in heritage the lands of
Strathnaver, namely, Langewall and Rosewall, Toftys, Dowyn, Achenedesse, Clibry, Ardouyr,
and Carnefern, in the diocese of Cathanes and sheriffdom of Innernes; the grantee paying
yearly 12 marks Scots to the chaplains of the chaplainry of Saint Michael the archangel at the
altar of the same, and giving suit at each of the three capital pleas of Moray once in his life
if required, with the oath of fidelity to the bishop ; the grant to be null if the rent remained
unpaid for two years, notwithstanding that William Sutherland had given the bishop a charter
of 12 marks yearly from his lands of Duffous.1 In 1535 Ronald Hectorson and others, the
bailies of Alexander bishop of Moray in that part, gave seisin of the same lands to William
Sutherland of Duffous the son of the former.2 In 1542 James earl of Murray, arbiter between
Donald M'Ky of Farr and William Sutherland the son and heir of the deceased William of
Duffus anent the wrongous occupation of the same lands of Strathnavare, which William Suther
land alleged that he held in heritage of the church of Murray, and anent the nonentry and dues
of certain other lands, gave as his decree that William Sutherland should alienate to Donald
M'Ky and his heirs the lands which he held of the church of Murray, to be held of that church
by Donald for the yearly payment of 12 marks Scots to the chaplains of Saint Michael's altar
and the other services stated above — that he should discharge Donald and his heirs of all tin-
past dues of the lands — that for those lands and their dues Donald should pay to William
Sutherland the sum of 250 marks — and that the latter should be bound for the warrandice of
only one half of the lands.3 In 1547, on a precept of Patrick bishop of Moray, Alexander
Sutherland of Duffus the son and heir of the deceased William was seised in the same lands.4
In 1549 he again took seisin of the lands.5 In 1551 Queen Mary granted to Robert bishop
of Orknay the deceased Donald M'Ky's part of the decree arbitral pronounced by James Earl
of Murray between him and William Sutherland of Duffus, by which, as we have seen, the lands
of Langewall and the others were to be resigned to Donald.6 In 1570 the lands of Langwall,
Rosswall, Achnis, and Clibrig, were with others sold by George earl of Huntlie to Y M'Ky
in implement of a contract between them and for certain sums of money to be paid, Macky
being bound to relieve the earl of the yearly payment of the feuferme if justly due." In 1601
the same lands were included in a new grant of the earldom of Sutherland by King James VI.
in favour of Earl John.s In 1656 Alexander Sutherland of Torboll was served heir to his
brother german John Sutherland in Skelbo in the town and lands of Auchnes in Straithnaver,
of old called Kerrownaschein or Carrunassheine, Achnellie or Auchsheullie, with the pendicles,
namely, Clibrig, Lochinshyre, Carnamadie, Bellach, Unshean, Cochtorma, Fearne, Aldnaba.
Mellollan, Carrifurraice, and Richalwaith, with the salmon fishing of the water of Naver, oi'
the extent of £4 of feu duties."

1 Sutherland Charters. 2 Ibid. « Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiv. ff. 98, 99.

1 Ibid. For remainder of this decree arbitral see " Sutherland Charters. See p. 713.

P- "11. » Ibid. SeeGoLSPiE, p.670.

4 Ihid- 'J Ibid. 1J Kctours.

FARR.] PAROCHIALES. 717

In 1530, as we have seen, the lands of Skale and Regeboll were included in a grant of
the nonentry of lands in Strathnaver by King James V. to William Sutherland of Duffois.1
They were subsequently included in the decree arbitral between Donald M'Ky of Farr and
William Sutherland the son and heir of the deceased William of Duffous, pronounced by
James earl of Murray in 1542.2 In 1551 Queen Mary, as we have seen, granted Donald
M'Ky's part of that decree to Eobert bishop of Orknay.3 In 1559 Robert bishop elect and
confirmed of Cathanes, for certain sums of money and other favours, granted to John earl
of Sutherland and to his wife Helen Stewart countess of Arroll, and to the heirs lawfully
got between them, with remainder to the earl's heirs whomsoever, certain lands in Caithness
and Sutherland, including those of Skaile and Regeboile, which in the bishop's rental extended
yearly to £6 Scots.4 In 1564, after the forfeiture of Earl John, the same bishop on a letter
from Queen Mary admitted as hereditary tenant of the same lands the earl's son Alexander
Gordoun, who had not partaken in his father's crime.5 About the same date the towns of
Skaill and Regeboll are entered in the rental of the bishoprick at the former yearly value of
£6.6 In 1570 they were included among the lands sold by George earl of Huntlie to
Y Macky, and among that portion of the same lands from the payment of the feuferme of
which Y Macky was bound by the contract to relieve the earl and his heirs.7 In 1577
Alexander Gordoun, then earl of Sutherland, was on a precept of Bishop Robert seised in
the same lauds.8 In 1580 he resigned them to the bishop, and received a new grant of
them.9 In 1601 they were included in the new grant of the earldom to his son Earl John.10

On an eminence near Kirkiboll on the east shore of the Kyle of Tongue are the ruins of
an old square tower named Doun Vorrich, Castle Varrich, Barr Castle, or Caistal a Bharruich.11
It is probably the- Beruvik of the Sagas, described as a place in Suthrland at which Earl
Rognvald in 1157 celebrated the marriage of his daughter Ingiride with Eric Slagbrell, and
from which on learning that Earl Haralld was at Thorsa he rode thither with a great mul
titude.12

On Farr Head a small peninsula near the church are the remains of another square tower
named the castle of Borve or Farr, said to have been built by Torquill a Norwegian and
subsequently to have been a residence of the M'Kys of Farr.13 In 1555 or 1556, Y Macky
refusing to appear before Queen Mary at Inverness, John earl of Sutherland besieged ' the
strong castle and fort called Borwe, the principall strenth of that cuntrey, not two myles
distant from Far,' took it, hanged the captain Rorie Mack-ean-voyre, and demolished the fort.14

In 1630 Sir Robert Gordon, after enumerating Borwe and Toung among the castles of
Sutherland, observes, ' Macky his speciall residence is at Toung, one myle from the place

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. viii. ff. 168, 169. See p. 710. 10 Ibid. See GOLSPIE, p. 670.

2 Sutherland Charters. See p. 711. " Blaeu. Pennant, vol. iii. p. 345. Old Stat. Ace.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiv. ff. 98, 99. See p. 716. New Stat. Ace. Anderson's Guide. County Maps.
» Sutherland Charters. See DOKNOCH, pp. 611, 612, « Orkneyinga Saga, p. 349. Torfaeus, lib. i. c. 33.

and DURNESS, p. 703. 5 Ibid. 13 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, pp. 8, 11.

" Book of Assumptions. See DORNOCH, p. 614. Macfarlane's Geog. Collect. Pennant, vol. iii. p. 348.

7 Sutherland Charters. See above, p. 713. Old and New Stat. Ace.

9 Ibid. » Ibid. » Genealogy, pp. 134, 135.

VOL. II. 4 Y

718 OKIGINES [ROGART.

where the castle doth stand.'1 About a century later we have Tongue described as a manor
lying on the bay of Kintaile, and the principal seat of the Right Honourable Lord Eeay,
' whose house lys closs upon the bay at a place where the land stretches itself out westerly
into the bay in form of a toung, from whence the seat hath its denomination.''2 About the
year 1790 we are informed that ' on the east side of the bay lies Tongue, one of the seats of
Lord Eeay, a beautiful spot laid out into gardens surrounded with beautiful trees.'3 In 1834
Tongue is described as a fine old baronial residence, the work of many successive generations,
situated at the foot of a lofty mountain on a point projecting into the Kyle on its eastern
shore.4 It is now the property of the Duke of Sutherland.5

Among the other antiquities of the parish are mentioned in 1769 and 1790 a building called
Grianan situated on an island in Loch Hacon and supposed to have been a hunting seat of
Haco King of Norway ; a field full of cairns called Harald's field and said to have been the
place where Eognvald or Eeginald of the Isles defeated Earl Harald ; the remains of a
building at Melness called Dun Bhuidh (the yellow heap), and near it the remains of various
circular buildings ; a circle of stones and a circular building at Langdale, the former 100 feet
in diameter ; a sculptured stone in the churchyard supposed to mark the grave of a Dane ;
and an erect stone at Strathy marked with a cross.6

About the year 1429 the battle of Drum-ne-Coub, a place near Tongue, was fought be
tween the Mackays of Strathnaver and the men of Sutherland headed by Angus Murray the
son of Alexander Murray of Culbin.7

ROGART.

Eothegorth8 — Rogart0 — Regard.10 (Map, No. 8.)

THIS parish includes the greater part of the valleys of Strathbrora and Strathfleet, which are
separated by a range of rocky hills averaging from 500 to 900 feet in height above the level
of the sea.11 The Brora and the Fleet are the only rivers, and in the north east of the parish
are two small lochs both known by the same name Loch Beannach (the lake of blessing).12

At the erection of the chapter of Cathanes by Bishop Gilbert between 1223 and 1245 the
church of Eothegorth and part of the teinds of Dornoch were, as we have seen, assigned to

1 Genealogy, pp. 8, 11. 8 A. D. 1223-1245. Sutherland Charters.

2 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect. 3 Old Stat. Ace. 9 A.D. 1546. Sutherland Charters. A. D. 1553. Reg.
4 Anderson's Guide. 5 Ibid. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi.no. 193. Circa A.D. 1569. Register

6 Pennant, vol. iii. pp. 345-348. Old Stat. Ace. of Ministers, A.D. 1574. Book of Assignations, A.D.

7 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, pp. 64-67, 1630. Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, pp. 3, 9.
The Ext. e Var. Cron. Scocie dates this battle in 1431, Circa A.D. 1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu.
styling it the battle of Straithnawarne between Angus 10 A.D. 1602. Sutherland Charters.

Duf and Angus Murray, where of 1300 scarcely nine u Old and New Stat. Ace.
remained alive. I2 New Stat. Ace.

ROGART.] PAKOCHIALES. 719

the chancellor.1 The subsequent history of the chancellory, including partly that of the
church, is given above.2 In 1546 a charter is witnessed by Sir Donald Neilson curate of
Rogart, and in 1553 another is witnessed by William Murray parish clerk of Rogart.3 In 1569
William Gray elder was exhorter at Rogart, and in 1574 he was minister.4 In 1602 Thomas
Pape chancellor of Cathnes, with the consent of Bishop George Glaidstanes and the chapter,
and for certain supplies granted for the ' repair, plenishing, and theking' of the church of
Rogard, leased for three years from the following Lambes to Alexander Gordoun of Syidray
and Margaret Keith his wife, and to the heirs of their body, with remainder to the heirs of
Alexander, the teindsheaves of the towns and lands of Achovelie and Roswell in the parish
of Rogard, for the yearly payment of 10 marks and a mutton for each town, in all 20 marks
and 2 muttons.5

The church, dedicated apparently to a saint locally known as Saint Callen, was accordingly
repaired between the years 1602 and 1619, the repair being latterly effected by Sir Robert
Gordon.6 It appears to have stood at all times at the village of Rogart in Strathfleet, where
the present building was erected in 1777.7

Between 1561 and 1566 the yearly value of the parsonage and vicarage appears to have
been 100 marks Scots.8 About 1569 the exhorter at Rogart had for his stipend 50 marks
for Rogart and 20 marks ' mair for supporting of Larg.'9 In 1574 the minister had £53,
11s. IJd.10

In 1363 King David II. confirmed a charter of William earl of Suthirland granting in
heritage to John of Tarale 6 davachs of Ruchy (or Ruthy) in Straflete in the sheriffdom of
Inncrnyss (including according to Sir Robert Gordon the lands of Rouiecraigtoun, Rouie-
kirktoun, Kintrayed, Daueghbeg, Inchchepp, Acheyeweley, Rossell, and Pettintrayle, and sub
sequently known as Terrell's lands), saving the king's service.11 In 1494 John earl of Suth-
irlande, on the narrative that the lands of Strathfleit had been in his hands for seven years
in defect of the relaxation of the relief, and that they belonged in heritage to Jonet Terrell
by the decease of Hugh Terrell her grandfather, granted in her favour his precept of dare
constat, on which she was then seised in the lands on the soil of the town of Rawe in Strath-
fleyth.12 In 1515 and 1518 the lands of Petintraill were apparently included in the barony
of Skelbo then held in tenandry of the earl of Suthirland by Andrew Kynnard of that ilk.13
In 1525, as we have seen, John Kynnard, the son and heir of the deceased Andrew Kynnard
of that ilk the last tenant of that barony (which then certainly included Petintraill), was
seised in the same as tenant and heir on a precept of the earl.14 In 1529 (1 April), as before
noticed, the heritage of the barony of Skelbo was sold by John Kynnard of that ilk to

1 Sutherland Charters. See DORNOCH, p. 601. 7 MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu. Old and New

8 See DOBNOCH, p. 619. Stat. Ace.

3 Sutherland Charters. Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. 8 Book of Assumptions. See DORNOCH, p. 626.

no. 193. • Register of Ministers.

* Register of Ministers. Book of Assignations. 10 Book of Assignations.

3 Sutherland Charters. " Sutherland Charters.

8 Ibid. Genealogy of the Earls, pp. 7,361. "Ibid. "Ibid. ;» Ibid. See DOBNOCH, p. 628.

720 ORIGINES [KOGAHT.

William Sutherland of Duffus.1 In the same year (31 July) by a charter dated at Innerbreky
Jonet Terrell of Innerbreky resigned in the hands of her superior Alexander Suderland lord
of Skelbo her lands of Petintreill in the barony or earldom of Suderlaud in favour of Walter
Innes of Touchis and the children to be got between herself and Walter, with remainder to
his heirs whomsoever, and reserving the liferent to herself.2 On 2 August Alexander Gorcloun
master of Suderland and fear of the earldom granted to the same Walter and Jonet, then
married, and the heirs of their body, with remainder to Walter and his heirs whomsoever,
the lands of Revecragtoun, Kintraid, Davauchbege, Inehezep, Kossoll, and Achhele, in the
lordship of Suderland and sheriffdom of Innernes, which belonged in heritage to the said
Jonet Terrall of Innerbreky and were resigned by her, reserving to her the liferent.3 In
1550 (16 April) John earl of Sutherland for certain services confirmed to James Innes of
Towquhis the son and heir of the deceased Walter the lands of Reueldrktoun, Reuecragtoun,
Kyntraet, Dawachtbeig, Rosswell with the mill, multures, and sequels, Inchact, and Auchegile
with its tofts and crofts, in the earldom of Sutherland, for service of ward and relief as
formerly, reserving to the earl the ' bludewetes' and the punishment of theft.4 On the same
day the earl as superior after a due examination of the retours declared that the lands of
Auchweily, Rosuell with the mill and mill-lands, Inchechuip, Ruycragtoun, Ruykirktoun,
Dawachbeg, Kintraith, and Pettintraill with the mill and mill-lands, forming part of the
earldom, were worth yearly in time of peace £3 Scots old extent, and were then worth yearly
£12 Scots.5 On 18 June James Innes was seised in the lands confirmed to him on 16 April/'
In 1562, as we have seen, John earl of Sutherland granted in heritage to his kinsman Alex
ander Sutherland the baronies of Skelbo and Pronsie which he had resigned, the latter being
described in the grant as the lands of Pentraell called the lands and barony of Pronsie."
In 1563 (15 May or June) Queen Mary granted anew to James Lines of Touchis the lands
granted to him in 1550 by Earl John, by whom they were forfeited for treason and lese-
majesty.8 The same lands were included in the grant of the earldom of Sutherland (22 Sep
tember 1563) to Robert Stewart younger the brother of Queen Mary on the forfeiture of
Earl John, and in the new grant of the same to that earl in 1566.9 In 1598 they were
purchased by the Gordouns from the Inneses, reserving the right of redemption to the earl
of Sutherland.10 In 1616 William Sutherland of Dufius was served heir to his father William
in the barony of Skelbo, including the lands of Pentraill.11

In 1525 on a precept by Adam Gordon earl of Sudirland, with the consent of his wife
Elisabeth Sudirland lady of the lands of Sudirland and superior of the lands of Skelbo in the
lordship of Sudirland, John Kynnard the son and heir of the deceased Andrew Kynnard of that
ilk was seised in the barony of Skelbo, including the lands of Litill Roart and Knokcartnoll.12

1 Sutherland Charters. See DORNOCH, pp. (129, 030. ' Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxii. fol. 5. Sutherland Cliar-

-' Ibid. 3 Ibid. tors. See OOLSPIK, pp. 667, 668. The seisin of 1566

1 Ibid. •' Ibid. " Ibid. is witnessed by John Innes in Koykirktoun.

" Ibid. See DOKNOCII, p. 632. J" Genealogy of the Earls, pp. 236, 237.

•Ibid. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxi. fol. 114. " Retours. " Sutherland Cliarters.

ROGART.] PAROCHIALES. 721

A transaction dated in 1534 or 1535 relating to the lands of Petfuir and Knokarwall, formerly
held by the deceased William Sutherland of Duffous and Skailbo, and at that time by William
his son and heir, and another dated 1536 relating to the same lands, have been noticed above.1
In 1548 Queen Mary confirmed a charter by John earl of Suthirland, in which he granted
or sold to Helen Stewart the widow of the earl of Errol the liferent of certain lands in the
sheriffdom of Innernes, including Mowy, Reyne, and Cragy.3 In 1562 the same earl, witli
the consent of his wife Helen countess of Errol and Suthirland, granted anew in heritage to
his kinsman Alexander Sutherland of Duffous on his resignation the barony of Skelbo and
other lands, including Roartbeig (or Litill Rewart), Morines, Cragie, Ladie, and Blaricht.3 The
grant of the earldom to Robert Stewart in 1563 included the lands of Moy, Rine, Cragie,
Litil Rod (or Litill Reorde), Morines, Dola, Blaroquhy, Lady, Pitfwir, and Knokartoll, and
the new grant of 1566 the same lands with the exception of Dola.4 In 1578 Alexander earl
of Sutherland sold the lands of Pitfuir and Knokartholl to Hugh Moray of Aberscors.5 In
1616 the lands of Morines, Litill Rogart, Cragie, Lady, and Blerich, were included in a re-
tour of the barony of Skelbo in favour of William Sutherland of Duffus as heir to his father
William.6

In 1544 Robert bishop of Cathnes granted to John Gray of Kilmalye, Jonet Mathesoun
liis wife, and the male heirs of their body, with remainder to certain of the relatives of John
Gray, and to the eldest female heir of the several parties without division, the lands of Kil-
malikyrk and Rogertkyrk in the barony of Skebo, the grantee paying yearly for Roarertkyrk
with the mill and alehouse, including money fermes, victual formes, gressums, astrieted multures,
custom oats, poultry, and other dues and services, the sum of 23 marks Scots old ferme, and
6s. 8d. in augmentation.7

There was of old a village at Knockartoll, which in 1542 was burned by Donald M'Ky of
Strathnaver, and at which in 1555 or 1556 Y M'Ky had a skirmish with a party of Mackenzies."
In 1630 a yearly fair named Saint Gallon's was held at Rogart.9
The parish abounds with the remains of the buildings usually known as Pictish.10
In 1427 the Isle of Dolay in Breachat was the refuge of two brothers named Angus and
Paul Mackncill, who drove thither cattle taken from the inhabitants of Sutherland, and whom
the inhabitants at last killed on a neighbouring hill named from the circumstance Knock -
wick-Neill.11

In 1517 was fought the battle of Torrandow or Knockendow beside Rogart, in which the
Sutherland men under Alexander the Bastard defeated the Strathnaver men under John Macky.1'-'

1 Sutherland Charters. See DORNOCH, pp. 630, 631. 6 Retours. See DORNOCH, p. 634.

'' Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxx. no. 206. Reg. Sec. Sig., 7 Sutherland Charters. For the rest of the history

vol. xxiv. fol. 15. of Rogertkyrk see GOLSPIE, pp. 676, 677.

3 Sutherland Charters. See DORNOCH, p. 632. " Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, pp. 107, 135.

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxii. fol. 5. Sutherland Char- 9 Ibid., p. 7. '" Old Stat. Ace.

ters. See GOLSPIE, pp. 666-668. " Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 66.

5 Sutherland Charters. See DORNOCH, p. 634, and 12 Ibid., p. 91. For a notice of Alexander the Bastard

GOLSPIE, p. 680. see GOLSPIE, pp. 661, 663, and Genealogy, p. 96.

722 OKIGINES [CLYNE.

In tlie same year John Moray of Aberscors defeated a party of Mackys at Lochsalchie near
Torrandow, and immediately afterwards lie defeated a second party at the town of Petfure,
which they had burned in revenge of their former defeat.1

The hills that separate Strathbrora from Strathfleet are covered with tumuli, in one of which
were found the skeleton of a man and the blade of a dagger ornamented with gold.2

At Rhin in Strathfleet the marquis of Montrose encamped for a night after his return to
Scotland in 1650, having landed in Caithness about four days before.3

CLYNE.

Clun4 — Clyne5 — Clynne6 — Glyn 7 — Cline. 8 (Map, No. 9.)

THIS parish extends north west from the coast towards the hills, and includes the valleys of
Strathbegg and Strathskinsdale, and the lower portion of Strathbrora with the Loch of Brora,
from which the water of Brora continues its course, falling into the sea about the middle of the
coast line.9 These straths are bordered by hills of a considerable height, the highest of which
is Ben Ormin, 2306 feet above the sea, and another Ben Horn attains the height of 1712 feet.10
The coast is low and skirted by sandhills.11

Between the years 1223 and 1245 Bishop Gilbert assigned to the dean of Cathanes as his
prebend the church of Clun and certain other emoluments.12 In 1512 a seisin of the earldom of
Suderland, and in 1518 a seisin of the barony of Skelbo, are witnessed by Sir Angus Murray
vicar of Clyne.13 In 1541 and 1545 the vicar of Clynne was Robert Urquhard.14 In 1547 a
seisin of the lands in Stratlmaver belonging to the bishop of Moray is witnessed by Alexander
Buchanan clerk substitute of Clyne.15 In 1562 (10 August) at the castle of Dornoch Master
William Hepburne dean of Cathanes declared that he had granted in heritage to John earl of
Suthirland the ecclesiastical lands of Auchindean and Clynekirk with the teindsheaves, but had
kept the charter in his own hands till the earl should pay him certain moneys as gressum of those
lands.16 Unwilling however to injure the earl's interests in the matter, he appointed Alexander

1 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherlaud, p. 93. 6 A. D. 1541, 1545. Regist. Moraviense, pp. 394, 404.

2 New Stat. Ace. ' Circa A. D. 1569. Register of Ministers. A. D.

3 Genealogy of the Earls, p. 553. 1630. Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 9
1 A. D. 1223-1245. Sutherland Charters. Circa A. D. 1640. Blaeu.

5 A. D. 1512. Sutherland Charters, A. D. 1518. Ibid., 8A.D.1576. Book of Assignations.

A. D. 1547. Ibid. A. D. 1501 -1566. Book of Assunip- s Old and New Stat. Ace. and County Maps,

tions. A. D. 1566. Sutherland Charters. Circa A. D. 10 Ibid. » New Stat. Ace.

1569. Register of Ministers. A. D. 1574, 1576. Books 12 Sutherland Charters. See DORNOCH, pp. 601, 616,

of Assignations. A. D. 1580. Sutherland Charters. 617, where the subsequent history of the deanery is

A. D. 1610. Ibid. A. D. 1030. Genealogy of the Earls given.

of Sutherland, pp. 3, 96, 399, 400. Circa A. D. 1640. 13 Ibid. « Regist. Moraviense, pp. 394, 404.

MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. 15 Sutherland Charters. 16 Ibid.

CLYNE.] PAKOCHIALES. 723

Tarrell of Doill his bailie to give seisin of the lands to the earl or his procurator.1 On 11
August accordingly Alexander Tarrell gave seisin of the lands to the earl's procurator James
Fraser, the seisin being witnessed by John Forsyth and John M'Donald Glas in Clinkirk.*
In 1566 (21 July), on a presentation by Henrie and Mary king and queen of Scots dated 30
November 1565, and collation by Bishop Eobert dated at Scrabuster 1 June 1566, Master
Thomas Brady vicar pensionary of Wattin, as executor appointed by the bishop, gave seisin
of the parish church and teinds of Clyne, which belonged to the dean, to John Kennetye living
in Clynekirktown as procurator for Gawine Boirthuik presented to the deanery on the decease
of Master William Hepburne, the seisin being witnessed by Henry Golliche and Donald Boy
parishioners of Clyne.3 In 1569 Kobert Feme exhorter at Culmalze served also the church
of Clyn, and in 1574 and 1576 Andrew Andersoun was minister and Walter Andersoun was
reader at Clyne.4 In 1580 Master Gawin Borthuik dean of Caithnes, witli the consent of the
bishop and chapter, leased for 19 years to John Kennedy portioner of Doill and his heirs the
teindsheaves of his half of Doill then occupied by himself and his subtenants, belonging to
the deanery and lying in the parish of Clyne and sheriffdom of Innernes, the lessee paying
yearly the sum of 10 marks Scots ' at the twentie fyve day of September callit Sanct Barris
day.'5 In 1585 the same dean leased for 19 years from Beltane 1586 to Alexander earl of
Sutherland and his heirs the teindsheaves of the half of Doill then occupied by Alexander
Tarrell, the lessee paying yearly ten bolls of victual between Yuill and Candilmes.6 In 1610
(6 November) Master John Gray dean of Caithnes, with the consent of the bishop and chapter,
leased for life to John master of Sutherland, and for twice nineteen years to his heirs and
assignees, the teindsheaves of the towns and lands of Killein in Strathbrora, the two West
Kelles, Carreill, Kilnabrora, Dallfollie, Killecallumkeill, Killepeddermoir, Shiberscage, the Doill,
the burgh and lands of Innerbrora bewest the bridge, the whole teind fishing of the water of
Brora fresh and salt, ClynesmOl, the half of Clynekirktoun belonging to the laird of Duffus,
Clyneleish, Dallihallenis, and Easter Brora, with the teind vicarage and small teind of the whole
parish of Clyne, belonging to the deanery as part of its patrimony.7 In 1610 (1 December)
the same dean gave his precept of seisin in the lands of Achindeane and of the half of the town
and lands of Clynekirktoune in favour of John earl of Sutherland as son and heir to the deceased
Earl Alexander.8

The church, built in 1770, stands at Clyne on the old site of one dedicated to a saint locally
styled Saint Aloyne on a declivity near the coast about a mile and a half eastward from the
water of Brora.9 Between 1625 and 1627 Sir Robert Gordon undertook the repair of the
parish church of Clyne and several other churches ; ' in advancing of the which work Mr. John
Gray dean of Catteynes and Mr. James Gray thesaurer of Catteynes were good instruments,

1 Sutherland Charters. 6 Ibid.

2 Ibid. ~ Ibid. See DOHNOCH, p. 617. s Ibid.
1 Ibid. See DORNOCH, p. 617. 9 MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu. Old Stat. Ace.
* Register of Ministers. Books of Assignations. New Stat. Ace. County Maps. Genealogy of the
5 Sutherland Charters. Earls of Sutherland, pp. 3, 7, 9.

724 OEIGINES [CLYNE.

and chieflie Mr. John Gray, who repaired the church of Clyne vpon his owne proper cost
and charges.'1

There was a chapel at Kilcalmkill on the east shore of Loch Brora, dedicated to Saint
Columba.2 There was another at the Doll dedicated to Saint Mahon (perhaps Machan the
bishop).3 There appear to have been chapels also at Killean and Kilpedder, dedicated respec
tively to Saint John and Saint Peter.4

Between 1561 and 1566, as we have seen, the deanery of Caithnes, then belonging to Mr.
William Hepburne, was valued at 10 chalders of bear, with 40 marks ' for the vicarage of Kirk-
toun of Clyne and Denesfeild heirof.'5 In 1569 Robert Feme exhorter at Culmalze had 20
marks in addition to his stipend ' for supporting the kirk of Clyn/ to be paid by the collector.11
In 1574 the minister of Clyne and Loth had as his stipend £73, 6s. 8d. with the kirkland
(apparently of Loth), and the reader at Clyne and Lothe had £20 and the kirkland (apparently
of Clyne).7 In 1576 the minister had £84, 8s. lOd. with the kirkland of Loth, and the reader
his stipend with the kirkland of Cline.8

In the year 1275, on the settlement of a controversy between William earl of Sutherland
and Archebald bishop of Cathanes, the earl yielded to the bishop certain lands, including two
davachs of Mouimor.9

Between the years 1350 and 1370 several charters are witnessed by William of Clyne.10 In
1375 William of Clyn, apparently the same person, again appears in record.11 In 1456 William
of Clyne of that ilk and several others gave seisin of the earldom to John the son and apparent
heir of John earl of Sutherland.12 In 1471 he was one of an assise named for holding inquest
respecting the lands of Drummoy, Bakys, and Torrois.13 In 1512 William of Clyne of that ilk
witnessed a seisin of the earldom of Suthirland in favour of John the son and heir of the deceased
Earl John.14 In 1518 Adam earl of Sutherland 'gave vnto John Morray of Aberscors for his
tuo sonnes Hutcheon and Thomas the warcle and mariag of Jonet Clyne and of her sister
Elizabeth, the daughters and airs of William Clyne of Clyne ; all which and more John Morray
and his children hade deserved at Earle Adam his hands for ther good service in defence of his
earldome and cuntrec.'15 'John Morray took not the benefite of this warde ; whether it wes
that his sonnes did not fancie to marie these women, thinking to better ther fortunes another
way, I know not ; bot John disponed the same to one of the Southerlands, who mareid the heyre
of Clyne.'16 In 1546, 1548, and 1556 appears in record Andrew Sutherland, styled younger,
lord of Clyne, and son and apparent heir of Alexander Sutherland of Clyne.17 In 1556 the

1 Genealogy of the Earls, pp. 399, 400. 10 Balnagown Charters. Not apparently of Clynr in

- Ibid., p. 3. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Old Stat. Ace. Ross, as stated p. 482.
New Stat. Ace. " Regist. Moraviense, pp. 180, 181. See p. 482.

1 Pennant, vol. iii. p. 359. ' Old Stat. Ace. 12 Sutherland Charters.

' Book of Assumptions. l3 Fors Charters. See GOLSPIK, p. 673.

'•' Register of Ministers. '» Sutherland Charters.

7 Book of Assignations. s Ibid. 15 Genealogy of the Earls, p. 94.

' Sutherland Charters. See DoiiNOCH, p. 603. There 1G Ibid.

.•.eems to be no farther history of those two davachs '" Sutherland Charters. Pitcairn's Crim. Trials, vol.

recorded. i. p. 395*.

CLYNE.] PAKOCHIALES. 725

lady of Clyne, styled ' Rore Huchonsonis dochtir,' assigned her ' gudis and geir ' to her nephew
(nepos) Alexander Sutherland.1 In 1564 appears in record John Sowthirland the son of
Alexander Sowthirland of Clyne.2 In 1564 William Sutherland of Clyne witnessed a seisin
of the earldom of Sutherland and a seisin of the church of Clyne.8 Towards the end of the
sixteenth century or in the beginning of the seventeenth the successors of the first Sutherland
of Clyne ' gave these lands agane with a daughter to John Southerland the third sone of William
Southerland of Duffus ; which John is at this day (1630) laird of Clyne.'4

In 1360 William Earl of Sothyrland granted in free barony to his brother Nicolas of Sothyr-
land and the heirs of his body, for his faithful homage and service, 16 davachs of land in the
earldom of Sothyrland called Thorbol, including among others a davach of Grodybrorak, a
davach of Sibyrsoc, and two davachs of Kylpodre Mekill and Litill, with a quarter of Meyng-
ferri (afterwards apparently styled Karoumenche), to be held for the service of one soldier
yearly.5 In 1362 King David II. confirmed the grant.6 Between 1399 and 1408 Nicolas of
Suthirland lord of the castle of Duffhus resigned the same lands, which Eobert earl of
Suthirland then granted to Henry of Suthirland the son of Nicholas and to the male heirs of
his body for certain services before specified.7 In 1408 John of Suthirland, the son and heir
of Nicholas of Suthirland lord of the castle of Duffous, confirmed the resignation of the same
lands by his father, and also Earl Robert's grant to his brother Henry, with reversion to
himself failing heirs of Henry's body.8 In 1444 John earl of Suthirland, after inspecting the
resignation by Nicolas and the grant to his son Henry, declared that the latter had died vest
and seised in the same lands, and had male issue the earl's kinsman Alexander of Suthirland
lord of Thorboll, to whom Earl John then confirmed the lands.9 In 1472 John earl of
Sutherland (the son of the former) granted in heritage to his kinsman Nicolas of Suthirland,
the son and apparent heir of his kinsman Angus of Suthirland of Thureboll, with remainder
to Angus and his heirs, the same lands, which Angus had resigned, with reservation of the
liferent to Angus, the terce to his wife Cristina, and the ward and relief to the earl if Angus
should die before his son.10 In 1492 Hugh Angussone Suthirland lord of Thurboll on a
precept of Earl John was seised in the lands held of the earl by his father Angus and his
brothers Nicolas and Donald.11 In 1525 Adam Gordon earl of Suthirland and Elezabeth his
wife, having considered the right of succession of William Sutherland lord of Duffous to the
lands and lordship of Pronse by the decease of Hugh Sutherland without male heirs, and by
reason of entail and ancient infeftment, granted to William in heritage the same lands and lord
ship, including Gruclebroray, Schebriskeig, Kilpeddirmoir, and Kilpedirbeg.12 In 1535 William
Sutherland of Duffous, the son and heir of the former, was seised in the same lands.13 In
1555 Alexander Sutherland of Duffous had seisin of the same as heir to his father William.14
In 1560 John earl of Sutherland, with the consent of Elenour countess of Erroll and Sothir-

1 Protocol Book of William Gray. 6 Ibid. ' Ibid. * Ibid. 9 Ibid. 10 Ibid.

2 Sutherland Charters. 3 Ibid. » Charter in Geu. Reg. House.

4 Genealogy of the Earls, pp. 94, 95. 12 Sutherland Charters. See DOBNOCH, p. 629.

5 Sutherland Charters. See DORNOCH, p. 628. 13 Ibid. " Ibid.
VOL. II. 4 Z

726 ORIGINES [CLTNE.

land, gave seisin in the same lands to Christina the daughter and heiress of the deceased
Hugh Sutherland of Thureboll.1 In the same year or in 1562 the same earl with the same
consent granted in heritage to his kinsman Alexander Sothirland of Duffous the same lands,
resigned at Dunrobbin by Adam Keid, the husband and procurator of Christina Sutherland to
whom they belonged in heritage.2 In 1563 Queen Mary granted anew to the same Alexan
der and his heirs the lands of Skelbo and others, including Kylpeddermoir, Sybarskaig, and
Grudebrora in Strathbrora, which he had formerly held of John earl of Suthirland, forfeited
on 28 May of the same year.3 The lands of Grudebrora, Scheborskaik, Kilpeddermoir, and
Kilpedderbeg, were included in the grant of the earldom made in that year by Queen Mary
to her brother Robert Stewart.4 In 1564 Alexander Sutherland of Duffos ' purlie simplie and
frelie ourgeff fyve meris with ane Stallone being at the making of thir presentis on the grownd
of Schebursgag within the earldom of Sutherland and schirefdom of Innernes, pertening to
him as propir gudis and geir, and that to James Suthirland sone lauchful to the said lard,

being now in fostering with ane discreit man Angus Svthirland Hectorsone in and of

thrie years auld or thairby, sua that the saidis gudis may be furth cumand with all profitis
thairof to the use and profit of the said James Sutherland sonne to the said lard of Duffos
awner of the samyn ; and the said Angus Sutherland Hectorsone foster father to the said
James hes siclyk purlie simplie and frelie ourgiffin to the said James four meris pertening to
the said Angus Hectorsone, sua that the samyn may be furth cumand with profits thairof to
the use and profit of the said James his foster.'0 In 1566 the lands of Kilpeddirmoir, Kil-
peddirbeg with the mill, Sevirscraig, Grudebrora, and Carnameyne (the quarter of Meyngferry),
were included in the grant of Queen Mary restoring the earldom to Earl John.6 In 1616
William Sutherland of Duffus was served heir to his father William in the lands of Skelbo
and Pronsy, including Mcikill Kilpeddir, Lytill Kilpeddir, Groudbrora, and Scheberskeg, in
Strathbrora.7

In 1456 Alexander Sutherland of Dunbcath bequeathed to his son Edward certain lands,
including Gillycallumgill in Strabrora, until he should be paid the sum named in the letters
of reversion.8 In 1499 the same lands of Kilchallumkill were included in a grant of the lands
of Fair by King James IV. to Y Makky in Straithnauern.9 In 1524 James Dunbar of Conzie
granted the same lands to John Terrell in Doill, and the grant was confirmed by Adam earl
of Sutherland.10 In 1540 King James V. granted in heritage to Donald M'Ky in Strathnaver
the same lands, which had belonged in heritage to his father Y M'Ky, and were in the king's
hands by reason of nonentry or otherwise.11 In 1551 Queen Mary granted in heritage to Robert

1 Sutherland Charters. 7 Retours.

2 Ibid. See DORNOCH, p. 632. s Misc. of Ban. Club, vol. iii.

3 Ibid. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxi. fol. 122. For the 9 Sutherland Charters. Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xiii.
composition paid for the lands see DORNOCH, p. 033. no. 519. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. i. fol. 95. See FABR,

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxii. fol. 5. See GOLSPIE, p. 710.

pp. 066, 667. 10 Genealogy of the Earls, p. 99.

5 Protocol Book of William Gray. " Sutherland Charters. Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxvi.

6 Sutherland Charters. See GOLSPIE, p. 667. no. 238. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xiii. fol. 38.

CLYNE.] PAKOCHIALES. 727

bishop of Orkney the lands of Kyllecalumkill and others forfeited by Donald M'Ky of Far.1
In 1563 (20 June) the same queen granted in heritage to Alexander Dunbar of Cunze the half
davach (or 3 half davachs) of Colmekill in Strabruraich in the earldom of Sutherland and
sheriffdom of Innernes, formerly held by him of John earl of Sutherland, by whom they were
forfeited for treason and lesemajesty — the grantee paying yearly at Martinmas one penny
blench ferme at the castle of Dunrobin.2 In the same year (22 September) the same lands
were included in a grant of the earldom by Queen Mary to her brother Robert Stewart.3 In
1564 that queen confirmed a charter by Alexander Dunbar of Conze, granting the lands of
Killecallumkillye with the mill to his son and apparent heir Alexander Dunbar and Grissell
Dunbar his future spouse.4 The same lands were included in a new grant of the earldom to
Earl John in 1566, and in a grant of Farr in 1570 by the earl of Huntly to Y Macky.5
Between 1588 and 1598 appear in record John Gordoun and Alexander Gordoun of Kilcal-
mekill.6 The lands of Killicalumkill formed part of the earldom and sheriffdom of Sutherland
erected in 1601, and of the barony of Far as decreed to be in the sovereign's hands in 1613.7
In 1613 and 1618 appears in record Adam Gordoun the eldest son of John Gordoun of
Kilcalmkill and fear of the lands.8

In 1515 a presentation to the chaplainry of Saint Andrew of Golspy is witnessed by Andrew
Stewart of the Doll.9 In 1518 Alexander Terrell of the Doill assisted Alexander the bastard
in besieging the castle of Dunrobin, and was taken and put to death ; but Earl Adam in 1519
restored to Alexander's son John Terrell the half of the lands of Doill and Carrell.10 The
same lands were held by John Terrell in 1524 and 1527.11 In 1529 (22 April) Alexander
Gordone master and fear of Suthirland, and lord of the lands of the towns of Doyll and
Carrell, for a certain sum of money paid to him beforehand sold to John Terrel and his
heirs by his wife Cristina Murray, with remainder to John himself and his heirs whomsoever,
his lands of the half of the towns of Doyll and Carrell in the earldom of Suthirland and
sheriffdom of Innernes, to be held for service done and to be done, reserving to the earl and
his heirs the salmon fishings of the water of Broray, the sea coal found and to be found, and
the 'blwidwitis.'12 In the same year (2 August) a seisin is witnessed by Donald Terrel in Doyll
and William Burgcs in Doyll.13 In 1546 John Gordoun constable of Dunrobin and Hugh
Murray, bailies of John earl of Sutherland in that part, gave seisin in half the lands of Doill
and Carrell to Alexander Terrell the son and heir of the deceased John Terrell of Doill.14 In
1548 (2 January) Alexander Terrell as portioner of Doill, in terms of a contract made the
previous day at Golspetour between him and his future wife Margaret Murray, gave her seisin

1 Sutherland Charters. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiv. « Genealogy of the Earls, pp. 196-199, 201-203,

ff. 97, 98. 237.

" Sutherland Charters. Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxii. ~ Sutherland Charters,

no. 395. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxii. fol. 13. 8 Genealogy of the Earls, pp. 296, 352.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxii. fol. 5. 9 Sutherland Charters.

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxii. fol. 129. 10 Genealogy of the Earls, pp. 95, 96.

5 Sutherland Charters. The seisin of 1566 is wit- " Ibid., p. 99. Sutherland Charters,

nessedby John Williamson in KilliecallumkilL 12 Sutherland Charters. 13 Ibid. "Ibid.

728 OKIGINES [CLYNE.

at his house and toft of the two arable pennylands of Carrell in the liferent of those two
pennylands.1 In 1563 Queen Mary granted anew to Alexander Tarrell of Doill the half of
the towns of Doill and Carrell, formerly held of John earl of Sutherland, and to be held for
the services formerly due.2 In 1564 Alexander Tarrell and his wife Margaret Murray had
seisin in the lands on a precept of Robert Stewart earl of Sutherland.3 In 1566 a seisin
of the church of Clyne is witnessed by Alexander Tarrell of Doill.* Sir Robert Gordon
in 1630, writing of the poisoning of Earl John in 1567, observes, ' The Terrell of Doill his
posteritie is decayed and run headlong to miserie, whos wyff wes ane actrix in this doleful
tragedie.' 5

In 1548 Queen Mary confirmed a charter of John earl of Sutherland, granting in liferent
to Helen Stewart the widow of the earl of Errol certain lands, including the half of Doill,
the half of Carrall, the lands of Kilnabraar, Dalpolze, Weskelmoir, Weskelbeg, Killan, and
the fishing of Browray.6 In 1555 a seisin of Skelbo is witnessed by Hugh Sudirland in
Strathbrora.7 The grant of the earldom to Robert Stewart in 1563 included Brora with the
fishings, the half of Doill, Strathbrora, Dalpoldie, Weskelziebeg, Weskelziemoir with the mill,
Kilnabrair, Kyllane, the half of Carrell, Clyneles, Clynemylne with the mill, the half of the Kirk-
toun of Clyne, Dalcallum, and the lands of East Side of Brora lying on the east side of the
bridge.8 The same lands, as enumerated in the new grant of 1566, are given as Clynemullin
with the mill there, the half of Clynekirktoun, Clynelys, Dalgallum, Brora Eist and Vest syde
with the salmon fishing, and the lands of Doill, Carrell, Culnabrayr, Delfoldyn, Vest Kelziebeg,
Vest Kelziemoir with the mill, and Kyllin.9 The seisin of 1566 is witnessed by Thomas
Sutherland in Doill, and William Sutherland or Roreson there.10

In 1527, as we have seen, on the resignation of the earldom of Sutherland by the countess
Elisabeth in favour of her son Alexander Gordoun, certain persons became bound for the
latter to pay yearly to the earl and countess 23 chalders of victual, £22 Scots, 240 (or 280)
' viddeis of irn,' and 20 marts, at the port of Helmisdaill, of Dunrobin, or of Broray.11 It
would appear that coal had been found in the neighbourhood of Broray as early as 1529,
as in that year on the sale of the half of Doyll and Carrell to John Terrell the coal found
and to be found was reserved to the superior.12 ' This cole-hugh,' says Sir Robert Gordon,
' wes first found by John the fifth (fourth) of that name earl of Sutherland (before 1567) ; bot
he, being taken away by suddent death, had no leasurc nor tyme to interpryso that work.'13 ' This
year of God 1598,' Sir Robert further informs us, 'the cole-hugh was found besyd Broray,
and some salt pans were erected a litle by-west the entrie of that river by Jane countes of
Southerland, vnto whom her son Earle John had committed the government of his eflairs dureing
liis absence in France. Ther wes good salt maid then at Broray, which served not onlie

1 Sutherland Charters. - Sutherland Charters.

2 Ibid. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxii. ibl. 23. » Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxii. fol. 5.

' Sutherland Charters. ° Sutherland Charters. "'Ibid.

' ll>iil- 5 Genealogy, p. 148. » Ibid. See GOLSPIE, p. 664.

c Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. .xxx. no. 206. Reg. Sec. Sig., " Ibid. See above, p. 727.

vol. xxiv. fol. 15. 13 Genealogy of the Earls, p. 237.

CLTNE.] PAROCHIALES. 729

Sowtherland and the neighbouring provinces, bot also wes transported into Ingland and
elswher.'1 On the new erection of the earldom of Sutherland in 1601 King James VI., as we
have seen, understanding that the earl had undergone great expense in the construction of houses
and for policy (pro policia) upon the Inver of Bruray in the earldom of Sutherland to the great
advantage of the king's lieges and others, erected the Inver of Bruray, its lands, tofts, crofts,
outsettis, and pertinents, in favour of the earl and his heirs male and of entail, into a free burgh
of barony and regality to be called the burgh of Innerbroray ; with power to create bailies,
councillors, burgesses, sergeants, and other officers, and to remove the same ; with power to the
burgesses ad lie pak et peill — of buying and selling in the burgh wine and wax, cloth woollen
and linen, broad and narrow, and all other articles of merchandise and staple goods (stapvle
bona) — and of admitting into the burgh, fishers, brewers, laniatores, sellers of fish, sartores, shoe
makers, weavers, allutarii, scissores, carpenters, smiths, and all other necessary tradesmen ; and with
power to build a tolbooth, and to have a market cross with a weekly market on Saturday, with
four yearly fairs on the feasts of the Conception (8 December), of Saint Peter the Apostle (29
June), of Saint Peter ad vincula (1 August), and of Saint Michael (29 September) — and to hold
a market at those fairs for the space of two days — and to collect the entire customs and
apply them for the good of the burgh — with all other privileges.2 In 1614 Earl John 'after
some few yeirs intermission' repaired the ' cole-hugh,' and erected a greater number of salt-pans.11
In 1619 'the bridge of Broray, being altogether decayed, wes reedified and repaired by Sir
Robert Gordoun and his brother Sir Alexander with the rest of the gentlemen of the countrey
of Southerland ; and vpon the north syd of the brige the earle of Southerland his armes wer
carved in a fyn ston.'4 At Brora there seems to be now but one yearly fair in the month of
October.5 Its population is about 300.6

In 1630 there was a yearly fair at Clyne styled Saint Aloyne's."

On the Black Water are the remains of a round building called Castle Cole, 12 feet high,
1 1 thick, and 22 in diameter inside.8

On the south (south west) side of Loch Brora lies Craig Bar, a steep rocky hill surrounded
by a ditch, having on the top a platform of 8 acres, and inaccessible except by a narrow ridge
leading from a neighbouring hill.9

Pennant in 1769 mentions Castle Uain, a hunting-seat of the earl of Sutherland, then
demolished.10

There was a castle at Clyne in 1630.11

In Lochbrora is an island apparently artificial, surrounded by stone walls rising from the
water, and divided into two oblongs or squares of 70 feet diameter, and accessible only by
two stairs, one on the south and the other on the east.12 It is said that on the occasion of a

1 Genealogy of the Earls, p. 237. 6 Ibid. ~ Genealogy, p. 7. e New Stat. Ace.

2 Sutherland Charters. See GOLSPIE, pp. 670, 671. 9 Old and New Stat. Ace. Pennant, vol. iii. p. 360.
n Genealogy of the Earls, p. 237. For the modern 10 Vol. iii. p. 359.

history of the coal and salt works at Brora see the Old " Genealogy of the Earls, p. 8.

Stat. Ace. and Anderson's Guide. 12 Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace. Pennant, vol. iii.

1 Genealogy, pp. 360, 361. 5 New Stat. Ace. p. 360.

730 ORIGLNES [LOTH.

sudden invasion of the neighbourhood by the Caithness men the inhabitants fled to the island- —
that the Caithness men by damming up the outlet of the loch had nearly succeeded in laying
the island under water, when the Sutherland men were relieved by the Clangun inhabitants of
Strathulie — that the Caithness men were defeated — and that the scene of their attempt to
dam back the waters of Lochbrora retains the name Daman or Davan (dam.)1 In 1592 a con
tract regarding certain lands between Alexander earl of Sutherland, John Murray of Auchloych,
and Adam Gordoun of Golspiekirktoun was made at the Isle of Broray.2 ' In Lochbroray,'
says Sir Robert Gordon, 'ther is ane ileand where the erle of Southerland lies a delectable
habitation, and pleasant for hunting of reed deir and roes in the woods on both sides of
the laik.'3

Pennant mentions a battle at Kilcalmkil between the natives and Danes, but gives no date.4
In 1589 there was a skirmish at Crissaligh in Strathbrora between Sinclair of Murkle the
brother of the earl of Caithness and Macky of Far on behalf of the earl of Sutherland, in
which the latter was victorious.5

In 1590 was fought a skirmish at Clyne, in which the Gordons of Sutherland defeated the
Caithness men under Donald Ballogh Macky of Skowrie.6

LOTH.

Lotlie7 — Loth8 — Lothkirk.9 (Map, No. 10.)

THE ancient parish of Loth extended only from the borders of Clyne to the river Hclmsdale —
the present extends to the Hill of Ord, thus including a part of the old parish of Kildonan.10
The district is composed of an undulating sea border from one to three miles in breadth, backed
by a range of hills parallel to the coast, and is watered by a few small rivers.11

Loth, though not named, appears to have been one of the churches reserved to himself by
Bishop Gilbert at the constitution of his chapter between 1223 and 1245.12 In 1555 or 1556,
when John earl of Sutherland was besieging the castle of Borve or Farr, Y Macky came with
a party and burned the church of Loth.13 In 1581 (4 February) Robert earl of Marche, com-
mendator of the priory of Saint Andrews, and bishop of Cathnes, with the consent of the dean
and chapter, for the sum of £2000 Scots paid by Alexander earl of Suthirland, leased to the

1 Old Stat. Ace. 2 Sutherland Charters. Sutherland Charters. A. D. 1630. Genealogy of the

3 Genealogy, p. 5. 4 Tour, vol. iii. p. 359. Earls of Sutherland, pp. 3, 9, 96, 135, 399.

6 Genealogy, pp. 198, 199. 6 Ibid., pp. 202, 203. » Circa A. D. 1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu.

; A.D. 1561-1566. Book of Assumptions. A. D. 10 Sutherland Charters. Old and New Stat. Ace.

1574. Book of Assignations. " New Stat. Ace.

s A.D. 1567. Register of Ministers. A.D. 1574. 12 Sutherland Charters. Book of Assumptions.

Book of Assignations. A.D. 1576. Ibid. A.D. 1580. « Genealogy of the Earls, p. 135.

LOTH.] PAEOCHIALES. 731

earl, his lady Dame Jean Gordoun, and their son and apparent heir John master of Sutliirland,
for life — and after their decease to the master's heirs and assignees for 19 years — the teind-
sheaves of certain parishes in the earldom of Sutherland, sheriffdom of Innernes, and bishoprick
of Cathness, including the teindsheaves of the towns and lands of Marll, Sanct Johnnes Croft,
Aucheadelie and Langrig, Eistir Garthie, Myd Garthie, Westir Garthie, Culgour, Lothmoir,
Cracok, Litill Loth, and the Glen of Loth, all lying in the parish of Loth, with entry at Lambes
(1 August) 1581.1

The church, apparently dedicated to a saint known as Saint Garden, has always stood on the
present site near the shore between the burn of Loth and a smaller stream.2 It was burned,
as we have seen, by Y Macky in 1555 or 1556. 3 Between 1625 and 1627 it was repaired by
Sir Robert Gordon.4

In 1471 an inquest on the lands of Drummoy, Bakys, and Torrois, was witnessed by Sir
Donald Cormokeson master of the hospital of Saint John of Helmesdaile.5 This hospital was
subsequently a chaplainry and prebend in the cathedral church.6 The patronage of the chap-
lainry of Saint John of Helmisdaill was part of the earldom of Sutherland, and was included
in inquests of the same in 1509, 1512, and 1514.7 In 1558 Master Thomas Brady prebendary
of Helmisdaill, with the consent of John earl of Southirland patron of the prebend, of Robert
bishop of Cathanes, and of the dean and chapter, for certain sums of money and other favours
granted in heritage to Alexander master of Southirland his prebend of Helmisdaill with its
pertinents and sequels, namely, the lands of Marie with the crofts of the same, together with
the salmon fishing of the pool called ' Sant Johne Puile' witli the ' crwuis' towards the lands of
Marll belonging to the prebend, lying in the earklom of Sutliirland and sheriffdom of Innernes ;
the grantee paying yearly £20 Scots as the ferine specified in the rental, and 6s. 8d. in augmen
tation — and also maintaining or causing to be maintained the services and duties used and wont
in the chapel of Saint John of Helmisdaill.8 In 1566 the advowson of the prebend was included
in the earldom as restored to Earl John.9 In 1578 Master Thomas Brady, chaplain of the
chaplainry of Saint John the baptist of Helmisdell, granted to Jonet Gordon countess of Suther
land in liferent, and to her son and apparent heir John Gordon master of Sutherland in heritage,
his lands of Marie and the salmon fishings of the ' crewis' and the pool called ' Sanct Johnis
Poill ' and the crofts of Helmisdell, all belonging to the chaplainry, resigned by Alexander earl
of Sutherland, fear of the lands and the father of John Gordon, the grantee paying yearly
as before £20, 6s. 8d.10 In 1580 a charter is witnessed by the same Master Thomas Brady.11
The chapel stood at Wester Hclmsdale (on the Loth side of the river), where its cemetery is
still to be seen.12

At Easter Garty was a chapel built by Lady Margaret Baillie countess of Sutherland towards
the close of the fifteenth century.13 Her son Earl John destroyed a castle which she had built

1 Sutherland Charters. 6 See DORNOCH, p. 622, and following notices.

2 MS. Maps. Blaeu. County Maps. Genealogy of 7 Sutherland Charters.

the Earls, p. 7. " Ibid. 9 Ibid. lu Ibid. >' Ibid.

3 See above. 12 Genealogy of the Earls, p. 3. New Stat Ace.
« Genealogy, p. 399. 5 Fors Charters. 13 Genealogy of the Earls, pp. 3, 79.

732 OKiaiNES

at Helmsdale, on which she retired to Easter Garty and lived for some time ' besyd a chappell
which shoe had built ther for her devotion.'1 Pennant says the chapel was dedicated to Saint
Inan.3

There was a chapel at Kintradwell (formerly Clyntraddel, and still more anciently Clyntred-
wane, its proper form) dedicated, as the name implies, to Saint Triduan.3

In Glen Loth is Tobcr Massan, a well believed to effect cures when a piece of gold or silver
was left for the priest.4

At the Eeformation the teinds of Lothe within Suthirland were leased yearly for £75, 17s. 4d.5
In 1567 Andro Anderson as exhorter at Loth had for his stipend £20, and other £20 payable
by the bishop.6 In 1574 as minister at Clyne, Loth, and Kildonand, he had £73, 6s. 8d. and
the kirklands (of Loth), and Walter Anderson reader at Clyne and Lothe had £20 and the
kirkland (of Clyne).7 In 1576 the minister's stipend was £84, 8s. 10d.8

The rental of the chaplainry of Helmisdaill between 1561 and 156G, as leased by Master
Thomas Braidy, was £20, corresponding with the valuations given above.9

In 1376 or 1377 King Eobert II. granted to Alexander Stewart lord of Badenache three
<Iavachs of the lands of Garthyes (probably East, Middle, and West) in the earldom of Sothyr-
land, resigned by Alexander of Aird, and to be held blench.10 In 1401 the lands of the two
Gartyis were the subject of an arrangement between the lady Margaret of the Ard of that ilk
and Angus the son of Goffred of the Isles.11 In 1449, we are informed by Sir Bobert Gordon,
Earl John took an infeftment of the lands of Cracok from the king.12 In 1451 King James II.
granted to that earl and his countess Margaret the lands of the town of Cracok and of the town
of Estirloth, and of Cawnagoure, Vuyrglen of Loth, and Westirloth, in the sheriffdom of Innernes.
which the earl had resigned.13 In 1456, as we have seen, the same king granted to John the son
of that earl the earldom of Suthirland in heritage, reserving to the earl the liferent, and to his
wife Margaret for life her conjunct infeftment in the two towns of Lothis, the lands of Cracok,
Culnagoure, and Vfirglen, and her reasonable terce of the whole earldom — and, should the earl
die before his son, the ward and relief should be the king's notwithstanding the above grant.14
In 1524 an arrangement between the earls of Suthirland and Caithnes included the lands of
Helmysdaill contained in the charter granted to the latter earl both on the west and on the east
side of the water of Helmysdaill, a grant apparently comprehending lands in Loth.15 In 1528
King James V. granted to Alexander Gordoun master of Suthirland, the son and apparent heir
of Adam earl of Suthirland, and to Jonet Stewart his wife, certain lands, including Estir Garthe:

: Genealogy of the Earls, p. 79. c Register of Ministers.

- Tour, vol. iii. p. 358. " Book of Assignations. ' Ibid.

1 MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Pennant, vol. iii. p. 358. 9 Book of Assumptions.

The saint is locally styled Trullen, a form which cor- 10 Robertson's Index, p. 120, no. 46.

responds with the Trollhaena of the Norse writers, n Lib. Ins. Miss. pp. 1, li. See KILMORACK, pp. 515,

from whose account of the mutilation of Bishop John 516.

by Earl Harald and his restoration by Saint Troll- 12 Genealogy, p. 72.

haena it is manifest the saint was worshipped in the I3 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. iv. no. 202.

district. See DOENOCII, p. 599. » Sutherland Charters.

1 New Stat. Ace. 5 Book of Assumptions. 15 Ibid. See K.ILT>OH AK post .

LOTH.] PAKOCHIALES. 733

Westir Garthe, Mid Garthe, Culgour, Glennaloth, Garland, and Lothmor, with fishing in the
water of Elmisdale, lying in the earldom of Suthirland and sheriffdom of Innernes, and resigned
by the earl, reserving to him and to his wife the franktenement of Lothmore and the fishing.1
In 1542 Gilbert Gordoun of Gartay took part in the skirmish of Aldi-ne-beth.2 In 1548 Queen
Mary confirmed a charter of John earl of Suthirland, granting in liferent to Helen Stewart
the widow of the earl of Errol certain lands, including the lands of Clynetreduane with the mill
and alehouse, the lands of Lothbeg with the mill, and the lands of Crakok.3 The grant of the
earldom to Robert Stewart in 1563 included the lands of Eister Garthe, Myd Garthe, Westir
Garthe, Cowlegowre, Mekle Lothe, Craigok, Litil Lothe with the mill, Clyntredwane, and the
Glen of Loth.4 The new grant to Earl John in 156G included Auchadill, the water of Helmis-
daill with the salmon fishings, Eistir Garthe, Myd Garthe with the mill, Vastir Garthe, Culgour,
Mekle Lotht, Crakok, Litill Lotht with the mill, the Glen of Lotht, and Clynetredwane with the
mill.5 In 1567 appear in record Gilbert Gordon of Gartay, his wife Isobell Sinclair, and their
eldest son John Gordon.6 In 1583 seisin of the earldom of Suthirland was given at Dunrobin
to Adam Gordone of Culgowyr the procurator of John master of Suthirland.7 In 1589 appears
in record John Gordoun in Midgarty, and in 1590 and 1601 Patrick Gordoun of Gartay.8
The new grant of the earldom in 1601 included a davach of Helmisdaill with the pendicles
called Achaadaleyis with other lands alienated by the predecessors of Earl John to the earls
of Caithnes, and resigned to the king by George then earl of Caithnes.9 The same lands were
included in a retour of the earldom in 1616 in favour of Earl John the son of the former.10

There were a village and port at Helmsdale in the year 1527, apparently on the Loth side
of the stream.11 It is subsequently styled Innerilye.12 The modern village is built on both
sides, and lies wholly within the modern parish of Loth.13

There is another village at Port Gower.14

In 1630 there was a yearly fair held at Loth called Saint Garden's fair.15

There was a castle at Helmsdale in the end of the fifteenth century, built by Margaret Baillie
countess of Sutherland, and destroyed by Earl John her son.16 It seems to have been rebuilt,
and in 1567 to have been the scene of the murder of another Earl John and his countess.17 It
was again rebuilt in 1615 or 1616.18 Its ruins still exist on the west bank of the river close
to the sea.19

There was a castle at Crakaig built in the end of the sixteenth century by Lady Jane Gordon
countess of Bothwell, and afterwards of Sutherland, the mother of Sir Robert the historian of
the family.20

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxii. no. 76. » Sutherland Charters. 10 Ibid.

2 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 107. ' Sutherland Charters. MS. Maps. Blaeu.

3 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxx. no. 206. Reg. Sec. Sig., 2 MS. Maps. See KILDONAN pott.

vol. xxiv. fol. 15. ' See Stat. Ace. and Maps. " New Stat. Ace.

* Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxii. fol. 5. See GOLSPIE, 4 Genealogy of the Earls, p. 7-

pp. 666, 667. * Sutherland Charters. 6 Ibid., p. 79. " Ibid., pp. 146-149.

• Genealogy of the Earls, pp. 146, 147. 8 Ibid., pp. 8, 79. I9 New Stat. Ace.

7 Sutherland Charters. *> Genealogy of the Earls, pp. 8, 169. Pennant, vol. iii.

8 Genealogy of the Earls, pp. 198, 199, 202, 242. p. 358.

VOL. II. 5 A

734 ORIGINES [IULDONAN.

There was a castle also at Kintradwell.1

The parish contains the sites of several of the round buildings known as Picts' houses,
one of which is named Castle or Cairn Bran.2

Other objects of interest as antiquities are a cave roofed with stone on Kintradwell burn,
named Coshgeavag— barrows and cairns, some of which contain stone battle axes — a hill in
Glenloth called Drumderg, said to be the scene of a battle between the men of Loth and
Strathnaver in the sixteenth century — an ancient hunting-house at Cairn-in-uag — an erect
cylindrical stone styled Clach Macmeas — and four stone pillars on a barrow named Carriken-
cligh.8

About the year 1519 Alexander Gordon styled the Bastard was taken in a skirmish at
Aldquhillin near Kintradwell, and put to death by Leslie of Kinninvy.4

In 1587 George earl of Caithness came by night to the house of Marie and attacked and
slew George Gordoun a dependent of Alexander earl of Sutherland.5 This led to a battle
between the earls, which took place at Helmsdale, but their differences shortly afterwards
terminated in a truce.6

Two battles are traditionally said to have been fought in the neighbourhood of Garty, where
there are numerous tumuli — one named Stronrunkie, the other Lourihomast.7

About the year 1605 ' the old course of the water of Loth wes stayed and diverted by Earle
John, and wes maid to run in a direct passage from the hill to the sea.'8

KILDONAN.

Kelduninach9 — Kyldonach10 — Kyldonane11 — Kyldonan12 — Kildonane13 —
Kyldonein14— Kildonand15— Kildonan16— Kildonnand.17 (Map, No. 11.)

THIS parish includes two districts, an upper and a lower, respectively named the Dirrichat and
Strathully, Strathiligh, or the strath of Helmsdale or Kildonan.18 The upper is an old hunting
forest, and with the upper part of Strathully includes twenty-four lakes which form the

1 Genealogy, p. 8. « A. D. 1527. Sutherland Charters. A. D. 1530.

2 Pennant, vol. iii. p. 358. New Stat. Ace. Reg. Sec. Sig.,vol. viii.fol.223. A. D. 1561 -66. Book
J Old and New Stat. Ace. of Assumptions. Circa A. D. 1567. Register of Mi-
» Genealogy of the Earls, p. 96. nisters. » A. D. 1551. Sutherland Charters.
1 Ibid., p. 193. ° Ibid., p. 194. '' A.D. 1574. Book of Assignations. A. D. 1602.
7 OH Stat. Ace. Sutherland Charters. A. D. 1610. Ibid.

* Genealogy of the Earls, p. 252. The Old Stat. Ace. '6 Circa A. D. 1630. Genealogy of the Earls of

says that this was done by Lady Jane Gordon above Sutherland, pp. 3, 7. Circa A.D. 1640. MS. Maps in

mentioned. Adv. Lib. Blaeu. Acta Par]. Scot., vol. vii. p. 390.

3 A.D. 1223-1245. Sutherland Charters. " Circa A. D. 1630. Genealogy of the Earls, pp. 9,
!u A. D. 1226. Lib. Eccles. de Scon, p. 67. 399.

"A.D. 1332. Ibid., p. 120. >8 Genealogy of the Earls, p. 3-5. Old and New Stat.

11 A.D. 1371. Ibid., p. 139. Ace.

KILDONAN.] PAROCHIALES. 735

sources of the river High, said to be the Ilea of Ptolemy and the Ha of Richard of
Cirencester, and the undoubted Hialmundul or Hialmdal of the Norse Sagas.1 The river is
named in Celtic Abhin High ; the strath Strathiligh ; Helmsdale Bun High (the mouth of the
water) ; and the parish occasionally Scir High.2 The whole ancient parish is mountainous,
with the small exception of the sea-board lying between the mouth of the Helmsdale and
the Hill of Ord (by some supposed the Bembium Promontorium), which is now part of the
parish of Loth.3

The connexion of the church of Kildouan with the abbey of Scone has already been noticed.4
Between 1107 and 1147 appears in record Madath, Maddad, or Malcolm, earl of Atjoklis.
Ethocl, or Athole, said to be the nephew of King Malcolm Cantnore, and a benefactor of the
monks of Scone, whose church of Login Mathed the gift of the earl was probably named from
him.5 That carl through the instrumentality of a noble lady named Frakark, who lived on
the water of Hialmdal, married Margaret the daughter of Haco earl of Orkney, and the issue
of the marriage was Harald, subsequently styled Maddadson.6 Harald at the age of five years
(after Earl Paul of Orkney had been kidnapped) was at the intercession of a person styled
Bishop John from Atjoklis admitted by Earl Eognvald his colleague in the rule of Orkney."
A meeting appears to have been afterwards held in Caithness, at which peace was concluded,
and the appointment of Harald as earl ratified by the oaths of the nobility of Orkney and Scot
land.8 Harald held the earldom of Orkney and Caithness for 20 years conjointly with Earl
llognvald, and was afterwards sole earl for 48 years.9 About the year 1165, as we have seen,
the same Harald, styling himself earl of Orkney, Hetland, and Catanes, granted to the
canons of Scone a mark of silver to be paid yearly by himself, his son Turphin, and their
heirs.10 It is probable that on some other occasion he granted to the same canons the church
of Kildonan.11 That they had not the church in 1164 when Pope Alexander III. confirmed t<>
them their possessions, and that they had it about the year 1223 is certain.12 Between 1214
and 1249 King Alexander II., as we have seen, granted his safe conduct and protection to the
ship of the abbot of Scone when visiting Moray and Catanes, a fact which seems to indicate
the possession of Kildonan by the abbot before that period.13 Between 1223 and 1245 Bishop
Gilbert erected the chapter of Cathanes, and we have seen that on that occasion the church of
Kelduninach was assigned as the prebend of the abbot, who was bound by the constitution to
serve in the cathedral church of Cathanes by a vicar, but bound neither to residence nor to find
a vicar for his prebendal church, which was to be served by a competent priest.14 In 1226

1 Genealogy of the Earls, pp. 3-5. Old and New ' Ork. Saga, p. 231. Torf., lib. i. c. 26. "Ibid.
Stat. Ace. Ork. Saga. Torfaeus. 9 Ork. Saga, p. 419. Torf., lib. i. c. 38.

2 Pennant, vol. iii. p. 363. Old Stat. Ace. 10 Lib. Eccles. de Scon, p. 37.

3 Old and New Stat. Ace. Sutherland Charters. n This is probable from Harald's connexion with the
Camden. earl Maddad, and also with the canons themselves.

4 See DORNOCH, pp. 602. 621, 622. Other donors might be conjectured, but Harald seems

5 Lib. Eccles. de Scon, pp. 3, 8, 21, 67. Lib. de Dun- the most probable,
fermelyn, pp. 4, 16. Ork. Saga, pp. 177, 217, 219, 231. 12 Sutherland Charters.
Torf. lib. i. cc. 22, 23. " Lib. Eccles. de Scon, p. 45.

6 Ork. Saga, pp. 177, 231. Torf., lib. i. cc. 22, 26. '* Sutherland Charters.

736 ORIGINES [KILDONAN.

Pope Honorius III. confirmed to the canons of Scon the church of Kyldonach with its chapels
and lands.1 In 1332, on the Saturday following the feast of Saint Barnabas the Apostle
ill June), an agreement made between Symon abbot of Scon and Eobert called Lytil (of
Sothirland) and David of Sothirland his brother, bore, that the canons of Scon had leased to
Eobert and David their church of Kyldonane with the land of Borubol and all its pertinents
for the space of two years for the sum of £14, 13s. 4d. paid beforehand and appropriated to
the uses of the monastery — that the lessees should sufficiently build the church with stone and
lime for 4 marks allowed them of that sum, and bear all the ordinary burdens touching that
church for those two years, together with the auxilium of the bishop and the papale for the
present year — that they or the survivor of them should have the church for 8 years after the
expiration of the two years, if they should find cautioners sufficient and agreeable to the abbot
— paying yearly within the abbey of Scon the sum of £10 sterling on the feast of Saint
Michael the archangel — that, failing payment in whole or in part within 15 days of the term
of payment, the lessees should pay a penalty of 100s. to the fabrick of the church of Scon, and
it should be lawful to the canons to intromit with the church and all its fruits, the present
agreement being null and void — and that the lessees should bear all the burdens ordinary and
i>xtraordinary, except the papalia and the royal contributions occurring anew.2 Apparently
in the year 1371 William abbot of Scone granted the church of Kyldonan with the land of
Borowbull and all pertinents to his fellow-canon Andrew of Kynros priest and monk of the
order of Saint Augustin and canonically promoted to all his orders, a man of good conversation
and honourable, not suspended, not excommunicated, and not, so far as the abbot knew,
stained with any vice or blemish, and licensed him to celebrate divine service for ten years, the
term of his entry beginning on the feast of the apostles Philip and James (1 May) 1371 ; on
condition that after the expiration of the first three years he should during the following
three pay to the monastery of Scone yearly on the feast of Saint Michael the archangel (29
September) the sum of 40s. — that he should pay also the sum of £6 which the abbot had
caused to be paid in Flemish money to the bishop of Cathanes as subsidy — and that he should
meantime bear all the burdens ordinary and extraordinary from the time of his entry to the
said church till his exit from the same howsoever it should happen.3 In 1527 and 1530 Sir
Donald Reid appears as vicar of Kildonane.4 In 1551 Sir Eobert Vrquhard was rector.5
Between 1561 and 15C6 the parsonage and vicarage belonged to Dene Henrie Abircrumby.6
About the year 1567 Andro Bane was reader at Kildonane, and is said to have ' left the
office.'7 In 1574 the reader was Philip Anderson.8 In 1602 Walter Andersone was parson,
and in 1610, for certain sums of money in name of gressum paid for the use of the parson
and for repairing and decorating the parish church, with the consent of the bishop, dean, and

1 Lib. Ecclcs. dc Scon, p. 67. At the same time he 5 Sutherland Charters.

confirmed to them the church of Login Matlied. 6 Book of Assumptions. Dean Henry was prior of

2 Ibid., pp. 120, 121. 3 Ibid., p. 139. Scone. Lib. Eccles. de Scon, p. 210.
* Sutherland Charters. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. viii. 7 Register of Ministers.

t'ol. 223. 8 Book of Assignations.

KILDOXAS.] PAKOCHIALES. 737

chapter, he leased to John master of Sutherland for life, and to his male heirs being earls for
19 years, the teindsheaves and teindvicarage of the towns and lauds of Nauidaile, Halmisdaile,
Cayen with the Corinsche, Kilpedder, Torris, Balnavaileache, Duibill, Kildonand, Suiskill,
Borrobill, Lirieboll, Gylziboll, Wlbister, Waster Killernan, Eister Killernan, Eltriboll, Eskak,
and the Dawache of Diriechate on both sides of the water of Lendloche, all lying in the
parish of Kildonand and earldom of Sutherland — paying yearly 80 marks old ferine with 16
bolls of bear and half charity, and 20 marks money as augmentation.1 In 1662 Parliament
found that the church of Kildonan had not been vacant, and that the stipend had been paid
to the minister, and therefore declared that Lord Stratlmaver and his father the earl of
Sutherland were free of the stipend previously to the year 1661. a

The church, said to be dedicated to Saint Donan, seems to have always stood on its present
site at Kildonan on the left bank of the Helmsdale about six miles from the coast.3 It appears,
as we have seen, to have been repaired and ornamented about the year 1610 from certain
sums of money paid to the parson by the master of Sutherland.* It was again repaired by
Sir Robert Gordon between the years 1625 and 1627. 5 The present church appears to
have been built in 1786.6

There was a chapel at Navidale dedicated to Saint Ninian, ' wher in old tymes ther wes a
sanctuarie.' 7 About the year 1556 it was burned by the men of Stratlmaver.8 Its cemetery
still exists.9

There were probably chapels at Kilearnan, Kilpheder, and Kilmuir, dedicated to Saint Mary,
Saint Peter, and to some unknown saint.10

A large hollow stone, which was destroyed during the last century, stood half way between
Kildonan and Helmsdale, and was known as Cathair Donan or Suigh Donan, Donan's Chair
or Seat.11

At the Reformation the parsonage and vicarage of Kildonane were leased for the yearly
payment of 80 marks.12 In 1567 the reader at Kildonane had for his stipend £20, and in
1574 £17, 15s. 6§d. and the kirkland.13

In 1360 William earl of Sothyrland granted in heritage to his brother Nicolas of Sothyr-
land for his homage and service 16 davachs of land in the earldom of Sothyrland, including
a davach of Caven lying on the east side of the water of Strathulli, and a davach of Kylpedre
lying on the east side of the same water.14 In 1362 King David II. confirmed the grant, saving
his own service.15 Between 1399 and 1408 Nicholas of Sutherland (apparently the grantee of
1360) lord of the castle of Dufl'hus resigned the same lands with an acre lying on the south

1 Sutherland Charters. 7 Genealogy of the Earls, pp. 3, 135. Pennant,

2 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. vii. p. 390. vol. iii. p. 358.

3 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, pp. 3, 7. 8 Genealogy, p. 135.
MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Old Stat. Ace. Anderson's 9 New Stat. Ace.

Guide. 10 Old Stat. Ace. » Ibid.

4 Sutherland Charters. See above. 12 Book of Assumptions.

5 Genealogy, p. 399. I3 Kegister of Ministers. Book of Assignations.

6 Old Stat Ace. u Sutherland Charters. ls Ibid.

738 OEIGINES [KILDONAX.

side of Helmesdale to Robert earl of Suthirland, who then granted them to Henry the son
of Nicholas and the male heirs of his body.1 In 1408 John of Suthirland, the son and heir
of Nicholas of Suthirland lord of the castle of Duftbus, confirmed the resignation of his father
and the grant of Earl Eobert to his brother Henry.2 In 1444 at Pomfret in England John
earl of Suthirland, on the narrative that he had seen the above resignation and grant, and
that Henry of Suthirland had died last vest and seised in the lands, granted them of new to
his kinsman Alexander of Sutherland lord of Thurboll the son of Henry.3 In 1472 John earl
of Sutherland granted in heritage to his kinsman Nicolas of Suthirland, the son and apparent
heir of his kinsman Angus of Suthirland of Thureboll, the same lands, resigned by Angus,
with liferent to him, remainder to him and his heirs, the terce to his wife Cristina, and the
ward and relief to the earl should Angus die before his son.4 In 1492 on a precept of the
same earl Hugh the son of Angus Suthirland lord of Thurboll was seised in the lands held by
Angus his father and by Nicholas and Donald his brothers.5 In 1525 Earl Adam and the
Countess Elizabeth his wife, on the narrative that William Sutherland lord of Duffous was
rightful heir of the lands and lordship of Pronse by the decease of Hugh Sutherland without
male heirs and by reason of entail, granted to him in heritage for his service those lands,
including Cawen and Kilpedder in Strathulze and the mill of the same, for payment of ward,
relief, and marriage, when they should occur, and giving his counsel and assistance in all
their causes.6 In 1535 William Sutherland of Duft'us was seised in the same lands as heir to
his father William.7 In 1555 Alexander Sutherland of Duffous was seised in the same lands
as heir to his father William.8 In 1560 Christina Sutherland was seised in the same lands
as heiress to her deceased father Hugh Sutherland of Thureboll.9 In 1562 the same lands
were resigned at Dunrobbin by Adam Reid the husband and procurator of Christina Suthir
land, and granted by Earl John in heritage to his kinsman Alexander Sothirland of Duffous.10
In 1563 Queen Mary granted in heritage to Alexander Suthirlande of Duffois the same lands,
formerly held by him of John earl of Suthirland forfeited on 28 May.11 They were after
wards included in the grant of that year by Queen Mary to her brother Robert Stewart,
and in the new grant of 1566 by that queen to Earl John.12 In 1616 William Sutherland of
Duffus was served heir to his father William in the barony of Skelbo, including the lands of
Cayane and Kilpedder in Strathulzie with the fishings in fresh and salt water.13

In the year 1401, as we have seen, Robert earl of Suthirland granted to his brother
Kenneth and heirs male, the lands of Drommoy, Torowys, and Bakys, with common pasture
in the Glen of Dunrobyn.1*

In 1494 (30 June) Sir Gilbert Keth of Innerugie raised an action against John earl of
Suthirland for the reduction of a letter of reversion given by Sir Gilbert to the earl to £40

1 Sutherland Charters. See DOKNOCH, p. 628. " Ibid. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxi. fol. 122. For coni-

'•' Ibid. 3 Ibid. 4 Ibid. position paid for the lands see DOBNOCH, p. 633.

5 Charter in Gen. Reg. House. 12 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxii. fol. 5. Sutherland Char-

6 Sutherland Charters. ters. u Retours.
Ibid. s Ibid. u Fors Charters. For subsequent history of Torrish

9 Ibid. ' Ibid. see GOLSPIE, pp. 673, 674.

KH.DONAX.J PAROCHIALES. 739

worth of his lands within Suthirland called Strathuleze on the lands lying next thereto and
claimed by Sir Gilbert in heritage, and also for the reduction of a charter of the £40 lands
of Subister and others in Cathnes granted by Sir Gilbert to the earl.1 The Lords of Council
continued the case till the ninth of October following, with certification to the earl that,
whether he then produced his titles or not, they would give judgement in the case.2

In 1,516 Adam earl of Sutherland granted to John earl of Caithness the 10 davachs of
land that lie on the east side of the water of Ylly, under reversion on his giving the earl
of Caithness a £20 land within Caithness.3 The charter seems to have been destroyed, and
the parties were about to litigate the matter when it was amicably settled as follows by the
arbitration of Gawin bishop of Aberdene and Alexander commendator of Scone and Inchaftray

— namely — that the earl and countess of Suthirland had full right to the salmon fishing of
the water of Helmysdale, and should freely enjoy the same, especially ' in schutting of the nettis
and drawing to land of the sarnyn with the fischis tharin and landing of the cobillis and fischeris,'
which fishing was reserved to the earl and countess in the principal contract between the parties

— that the earl of Caithness should renounce all right to the same — that he should have the
lands of Helmysdaill contained in his charter both on the west and on the east side of the water
of Helmysdaill — that the earl and countess of Suthirland should infeft him in a £10 land
within the earldom of Suthirland, to be held in blench ferme under reversion on payment of 300
marks, on condition that it should not prejudice the old reversion given by the earl of Caithness,
and that, as soon as the earl and countess of Suthirland should infeft him in a £20 land within
Caithness, he should resign to them all the lands contained in his first charter, and also the £10
land then to be given him ' in wed' of the 300 marks, unless previously ' quit out' — and finally
that all the parties should thenceforth ' stand in hertlie kyndnes to vtheris.'4 In 1527 King
James V. granted in heritage to William Sinclare, the son and apparent heir of John earl of
Caithnes, the lands of Helmysdale, Balnavaleich, Seyisgill, Doypull, Kildonane, Kynbraische,
Knocldyn, and Free, with their mills and fishings, lying in the earldom of Suthirland and sheriflf-
dom of Innernes, resigned by the earl with the consent of his wife Elizabeth Suthirland, reserving
the liferent to the earl and the terce to his wife.5 In 1545 Queen Mary granted in heritage to
John Sinclare, the son and apparent heir of George earl of Caitnes, with remainder to the earl's
heirs whomsoever, the lands and baronies of Helmisdale, Balnavalneauch, Swisgill, Dwebull,
Kildonan, Kinbras, Knokfyn, and Fre, resigned by the earl — granting to John for his good
service also all the fermes, profits, and dues of those and other lands (including the earldom
of Caithnes) in the queen's hands by reason of nonentry since the decease of William earl of
Caithnes the grandfather of George, or of John earl of Caithnes his father, or of William Sinclar
his brother the fear of the lands — to be held of the queen in freedom, earldom, and lordship,
and with free forests, vert, and venison, reserving the liferent to Earl George and the terce
to Elizabeth Grahame his wife.6 On the new erection of the earldom of Sutherland by King

1 Acta Dora. Cone., pp. 345, 346. * Ibid., p. 99. Sutherland Charters.

• Ibid. 5 Reg. Mag. Sig. lib. xxi. no. 42.

3 Genealogy of the Earls, p. 89. 6 Ibid., lib. xxix. no. 272.

740 OKIGINES [KILDONAN.

James VI. in 1601 he annexed to it the davach of Knokfyn, the davach of Fre, the davach of
Swyisgill, the davach of Kynbrasche, the two davachs of Kyldonan, the two davachs of Dwyboill,
the davach of Balnavaleach, and the davach of Helmisdale with the pendicles called Achaadaleyis,
alienated by the earls of Sutherland to the earls of Caithnes, and then resigned by George earl
of Caithnes in favour of John earl of Sutherland.1 In 1616 an assize served John earl of
Sutherland heir to his father John, and declared the above lands to be worth yearly £06 Scots,
and in time of peace worth £36.2

In 1528 King James V. granted to Alexander Gordoun master of Suthirland, the son and
apparent heir of Earl Adam, and to Jonet Stewart his wife, certain lands in Suthirland, including
the lands of Neveyndale, with the fishing in the water of Elmisdale, resigned by the earl,
reserving to him and his wife the liferent of the fishing.3 In 1548 Queen Mary confirmed a
charter of John earl of Suthirland, granting in liferent to Helen Stewart the widow of the
earl of Errol certain lands, and among them the lands of Altreboll, Ulbister, Galleboll, Estir
Killernane, Westir Killernane with the mill, and Leryboll.* The grants of the earldom by Queen
Mary in 1563 and 1566 included Nauadaill, Borroboll, Estir Killernan, Westir Killernan with
the mill, Vlbister, Galzeboll, Lereboll, Askeaig, Altreboll, and the water of Helmisdaill with the
salmon fishing of the same.5

Early in the sixteenth century a portion of the Clangun, whose captain or ' crowner' was
at that time William Jameson or William Mackames-Wick-Cruner, settled in Strathully as
dependents of the earl of Sutherland, and had part or whole of the lands of Killernan.6
William Jameson captain of Clangwn is witness to a seisin of Pronse in 1525, and Alexander
Jameson in Westir Killernane witnesses a seisin of Doill and Carrell in 1564.7 About 1601 the
captain of the clan was William Gun Mack-wick-Kames of Killeirnan, and in 1618 the Guns of
Strathully were joined by John Kobson the captain of the Clangun of Caithness and Strathnaver,
who had disputed with his superiors the earl of Caithness and Macky.8

There were villages in the sixteenth century at Easter Helmsdale and Liriboll.9 The former
is now much enlarged.10

In the seventeenth century a fair called Saint Donan's was held at Kildonan.11
There was a castle at Torrish, built in 1621 by Sir Alexander Gordon of Navidale.1-
A plain near the mountain Bein Ghrim, named of old Leayd Eeayfe, and more recently Inis
Chomhraig (the field of contest), with a cairn called Cairn-an-teichigh (the cairn of retreat),
was the scene of a hostile meeting between the men of Sutherland and Caithnes under their
respective earls, from which the latter retreated without fighting.13

1 Sutherland Charters. Sir Robert Gordon informs 6 Genealogy of the Earls, pp. 91, 92. Sutherland
us that Earl Alexander in 1591 exchanged certain Charters. See also Genealogy, pp. 107, 135, 181. 182.
church lands for those enumerated above with John 242.

earl of Caithness. Genealogy, p. 89. 7 Sutherland Charters.

2 Sutherland Charters. » Genealogy of the Earls, pp. 182, 242.

3 Reg. Mag. Sip;., lib. xxii. no. 76. » Ibid., pp. 194, 198.
* Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. XJEX. no. 206. Reg. Sec. Sig., "> See County Maps.

vol. xxiv. fol. 15. " Genealogy, p. 7. 1! Ibid., p. 8.

5 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxii. fol.fi. Sutherland Charters. 13 Ibid., pp. 241, 242. Old Stat. Ace.

KILDOXA.V.] PAROCHIALES. 741

In 1617 Sir Robert Gordon erected a gibbet on the Hill of Ord, on which he hanged some
rubbers who had for some time infested Ross, Sutherland, and Caithness.1

The foundations of a house called Tea'n-abb (the abbot's house) are still to be seen in the
neighbourhood of the present manse.2

In the parish are the sites of upwards of nine round buildings known as Plots' houses, ami
under the bed of the Helmsdale are said to be three subterraneous passages composed of
Hags and connected with a cairn on each side.3

Early in the twelfth century Frakark the daughter of a Katanes nobleman named Mocldan
married a man in Sudrland named Liot Nidingr.4 Their daughter was Steinvor Digra (the
Gross), who married Thorliot of Rekavik and had a son named Aulfer Rosta, a man above
the middle height, robust, seditious, and very skilful in war.3 At the same period lived Olaus
Rolfi of Gareksey, a descendant of the Norwegian earls, a violent man, who held the farm
(villicatid) of Dungulsbae in Katanes.6 By a woman named Asleif he had three sons, Valthiof,
Gunn, and Sveinn.7 Harald king of Norway having granted Earl Rognvald the half of the
Orkneys, which Earl Paul refused to deliver to him, Kolus the father of Rognvald in 113;">
requested the assistance of Frakark and Aulfer Rosta to wrest the Orkneys from Earl Paul,
promising that if successful Aulfer should be made earl.8 They joined Rognvald with an army
in 1136, and the whole were defeated by Earl Paul.9 Olaus Rolfi, who commanded one of Earl
Paul's ships, returned after the battle to Dungulsbae, where he had a large following.10 Three
days before Christmas 1136, while Sveinn was absent with some friends on a fishing excursion,
and Asleif and her son Gunn were feasting with their friends not far from Dungulsbae, Aulfer
Rosta came with a body of men to Dungulsbae, set fire to it, and burned Olaus to death,
allowing his men to escape.11 In 1137 Sveinn, who was thenceforth surnamed Asleifson, after
visiting Orkney, the Sudereys, and Earl Maddad of Joklis, returned to Orkney and seizing
Earl Paul carried him to Atjoklis, whence he never returned.12 In 1139, after Harald
Maddadson, as -we have seen, was admitted to a share in the earldom of Orkney and Caithness,
Sveinn, having received two fully equipped ships from Earl Rognvald, sailed to Dufeyras an
emporium of Scotland, and thence along the coast of Merhaefi (Moray) to Eckialdsbacka (the
Oikel), and thence went to Earl Maddad to Atjoklis.13 Thence he travelled with guides through
the hills to Hialnmndal near the middle of Sudrland (the Helmsdale, on which Frakark and her
grandson dwelt), from which quarter they apprehended no danger, and before they were
aware he appeared with an army on a declivity above their house.14 Aulfer Rosta engaging
Svein with 60 men was defeated with great slaughter, betook himself into the town, and thence
escaped up the river Hialmdal into the mountains, thence to the Sinus Scoticus, and thence

1 Genealogy, p. 346. 8 Ork. Saga, p. 175. Torf., lib. i. c. 22.

1 New Stat. Ace. 9 Ork. Saga, p. 177. Torf., lib. i. c. 22.

3 Old Stat. Ace. 10 Ork. Saga, p. 187. Torf., lib. i. c. 23.

4 Ork. Saga, p. 139. Torf., lib. i. c. 18. " Ibid.

5 Ork. Saga, pp. 139, 141, 147. Torf., lib. i. c. 18, 19. 12 Ork. Saga, pp. 217, 219. Torf., lib. i. cc. 23, 25.

6 Ork. Saga, p. 147. Torf., lib. i. c. 20. >3 Ork. Saga, p. 233. Torf., lib. i. c. 26.

7 Ibid. '« Ibid.

VOL. II. o B

742

ORIGINES

[HEAY.

to the Hebrides.1 Sveinn immediately laid waste the ground (praediwn), and setting fire to
the house burned the lady Frakark along with it.2 At Kinbrace on the Helmsdale about 4
miles above the church of Kildonan is a place called Suinachugh or Cairn Suin (the old field or
old cairns), -which has been supposed to be the locality of the residence of the lady Frakark.
and to have been named Cairn Suin from the savage by whom she was murdered/1

EE AY.

Ra4 — Ray5— Rhae6— Rae7— Reay.8 (Map, No. 12.)

BEFORE the thirteenth century this parish lay wholly within Caithness, being included between
the water of Forss and the northern termination of the range which separates Caithness and
Sutherland known as Drumalestane or Drumhallesdell.9 About the beginning of that century
the district then styled Helgedall, now Strathalladale, was, as we have seen, disjoined from the
parish of Far and united to Ra.10 Besides the range above named the parish has numerous
detached hills ; and it. is watered by the Forss and the Halladale, and by many small streams
and lakes.11 A small stream called Faehallistill between the range Drumhallesdell and the sea
is the boundary at that part between Caithness and Sutherland.12 On the coast are the bays
of Sandside and Bighouso.13

From the period of the annexation of Strathalladale to Ea till the sixteenth century we
have no recorded notice of the church.14 In 1550 Sir Gilbert Dunnat vicar of Ea was deceased.15
Ra was one of the six churches reserved to the bishop by the charter of Bishop Gilbert, and
appears in the rental of assumptions between 1561 and 1566, at which time the vicar was
Sir William Eeid.10 In 1574 and 1576 Ea was served by a reader.17

The church was dedicated to Saint Colman (apparently the abbot, commemorated on 12
December).18 In 1726 it stood at the town or village of Old Rcay close to the sea on the
left bank of the burn of Eeay.19 The present church, built in 1739, stands on a green
knoll near the same place a little farther from the sea.20

1 Ork. Saga, pp. 233, 235. Torf.,lib.i. C.2G. 2 Ibid.

3 Pennant, vol. iii. p. 364. Old Stat. Ace.

1 A. D. 1223-1245. Sutherland Charters. A. D.
1550. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiv. fol. 25. A.D. 1574,
1576. Books of Assignations.

5 A. D. 1561 -1566. Book of Assumptions.

0 A. D. 1640. Retours. A. D. 1726. Macfarlane's
Geog. Collect.

? A. D. 1642. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu. A. D.
1726. Macfarlane's Geog. Collect.

8 A. D. 1726. Macfarlano's Geog. Collect.

9 Sutherland Charters. Genealogy of the Earls of
Sutherland. County Maps.

10 Sutherland Charters. See DORNOCH, pp. 601, 602.

11 New Stat. Ace. and Maps.

2 Genealogy of the Earls. Macfarlane.

3 New Stat. Ace. and Maps.

4 Sutherland Charters and following notices.
J Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiv. fol. 25.

6 Sutherland Charters. Book of Assumptions.

7 Book of Assignations.

3 Pennant, vol. iii. p. 351. Macfarlane's Geog.
Collect.

" Macfarlane. New Stat. Ace.

20 Old and New Stat. Ace. Anderson's Guide.
Maps.

UEAY.] PAROCHIALES. 743

At Balnaheglish or Kirktown on the left bank of the Halladale there was a chapel with a
cemetery, remaining in 1726, but not mentioned in more modern accounts.1 It seems to have
been used as a place of worship in 157-4 and 1576, and in 1726 the minister of Reay was
bound to preach in it eight times in the year.2

' At Lybster,' says a writer in 1726, ' there is also a chapell called St. Peter's, and in
Shurerey another called Rheanauchan, which seems to be St. Benedict's ; and it's observ
able about that place that the Highland people have a great many expressions which seem
to be Latin, as bonadistie, i. e. benedicite, and they call the Lord's prayer Paidir i. e. Pater
Noster.'*

There were chapels also at Skail, Baillie, and Shebster, the last dedicated to Saint Magnus.4

At the Reformation the teindsheaves of Ray were leased yearly for the sum of £79, 6s. 8d.,
and the vicarage was stated to be worth yearly £20.5 In 1574 and 1576 the reader at Ra
had for his stipend £16 and the kirklands.6

In the year 1439 Alexander earl of Ross became bound to warrant to Alexander of Suthir-
land and his wife Maryoun of the Ilys the earl's sister the castle and lands of Dunbeth and
the lands of Ra.7 In 1464 William of Caldore, the son and heir of Sir William of Caldore,
had a transumpt made of the charter of the earl of Ross 8 In 1507 King James IV. granted
to Alexander Innes, the son and heir of Alexander Innos of that ilk, the lands of Dunbeith,
Raa, and Sandsid, in the sheriffdom of Innerncs, resigned by Malcom Culquhone of Dunbeith.9
In 1529 King James V. granted to Alexander Sinclair of Stamster and Elizabeth Innes his
wife the same lands with tower, fortalice, manor, mills, and fishings, and right of patronage,
if any, resigned by the same Alexander Innes, erecting them also into the barony of Dun
beith.10 In 1530 he renewed the grant.11 In 1541 the same king granted to the same
Alexander Innes, assignee of the deceased William earl of Erol, certain lands in the sheriffdom
of Innernes which belonged to the heiresses of the deceased Andrew Oliphant of Beridaill, and
had been apprised to Alexander Innes for the marriage of one of them, including two thirds of
the lands of Sowre (now Shurery), of the yearly interest of 52s. 10d., with reversion to the
heiresses on payment of the sum for which they were apprised.12 In 1558 Queen Mary-
granted to William Sinclare of Dunbeith the nonentry and other dues of the lands of Dun
beith, Ra, Sanctsyde, and Showrarne, in the barony of Dunbeith and sheriffdom of Innernys,
in the queen's hands by the decease of Elizabeth Innes his mother and conjunct fear of the
lands.13 In 16-40 Master James Innes was served heir to his father William Innes of Sandsyde
in the lands and town of Rhae of new erected into a burgh of barony, the lands of Sandsyde,
Dathow, Borlum, Mylntoun of Rae with the mills and rabbit warrens, the lands of Acherasker,

1 MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu. Macfarlane. 6 Books of Assignations.

J Books of Assignations. Macfarlane. 7 Cawdor Charters. 8 Ibid.

3 Macfarlaue's Geog. Collect. Pennant says that 9 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. iii. fol. 120.

the chapel at Lybster was dedicated to Saint Mary, 10 Reg Mag. Sig., lib. xxiii. no. 99.

but gives no dedication for that at Shurerie. Some " Ibid., no. 115. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. viii. fol. 135.

modern maps mark ' St. Mary's Chapel ' at Lybster. 12 Reg. Mag Sig., lib. xxviii. no. 91. Keg. Sec. Sig.

* Pennant, vol. iii. p. 351. vol. xv. ff. 39, 40.

5 Book of Assumptions. u Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxix. fol. 49.

744

OKIGINES

[HEAY.

and the lands of Sehurarie, with the mills and the fishings in fresh water and salt both of
salmon and of other fish within the bounds of those lands, with the fishing-boats, ports,
anchorages, forests, and other privileges within the same bounds, all lying in the parish
and barony of Rhae, of old in the sheriffdom of Inverness, and of the extent of 20
shillings.1

In 1527 King James V. granted anew to Gavin Murray the son of Roderic Murray of
Spayngdale the lands of Bighous, the two Trountalis, and the two Fursyis, in Straithalladale
in the sheriftclom of Innernys, which he had resigned.2 In 1529 the same king granted to
Alexander Murray the son of Rore Murray of Spangdale the formes and dues of the same lands,
which had been in the king's hands since 22 July 1527 by reason of the nonentry of his brother
Gavin Murray.3 In 1626 Angus M'Kie was served heir to his father William M'Kie of Beghous
in the lands of Beghous and the two Trontaillis, namely, Trontaillmoir and Trontaillbeg, and
the two Forseyis, namely, Forsienaine and Forseynaircl, in Strathaladill in the diocese of Cathanes
and sherifRlom of Innerness, of the old extent of £6, 13s. 8d.4 ' Four miles west from the church
of Rae,' says a writer in 1726, ' is the house of Kirktoun standing closs on the west side of the
river of Ilalladale, upon which is Strathalladale, which is the dwelling-house of the laird of
Bighouse proprietor of the said strath.' 5

In 1530 King James V. granted to William Suthirland of DuUbis the nonentry and other duos
of the lands of Galvell and Bellinaglis with the fishing in the water of Halladall, and certain
other lands, from the time since they had been in the king's hands till the entry of the lawful
heir.6 In 1542 the same lands and fishings were included in the decreet arbitral pronounced by
James earl of Murray between \Villiam Sutherland of Duftbus, the son and heir of the deceased
William, and Donald Mackay of Farr, the earl deciding that William Sutherland should make
Donald or any other his assignee to the nonentry of the lands, and discharge him of all their
dues, and that Donald should for that pay him 450 marks.7 In 1546 Queen Mary granted
in liferent to Elizabeth Sinclar the wife of Donald M'Ky of Far the lands of Balliheglis with
the mill and multures, the lands of Gallowell with the mill and multures, and the water of
Hallowdale from the Beghous to the sea with the salmon fishing of the same.8 In 1551 the
same queen granted in heritage to Robert bishop of Orkney the same lands and fishings, included
in the barony of Far and forfeited by Donald M'Ky, the boundary of the barony on the east
being the range Drumalestane.9 At the same time the queen granted to that bishop Donald
M'Ky's part of the decreet arbitral pronounced by the earl of Murray in 1542.10 In 1570 the
lands and salmon fishings of G aid wall and Balnaheglishe were sold by George earl of Huntlie to
Y M'Ky and his heirs.11 In 1613 the Lords of Council decreed that those lands and others in
the barony of Far were in the king's hands by reason of nonentry since the decease of Robert

Retours.

Reg. Mag. Sip;., lib. xxi. no. 41.
Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. viii. fol. 41.
Retours.

1 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect.
Reg. Sec. Sig. vol. viii. ft'. NJ8, Itj'J.

• Sutherland Charters. See FARH, p. 711.

* Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xix. fol. 80.

9 Sutherland Charters. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol.
'.97,98. See FARR, p. 712.
1(1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiv. ff. 98, 99. See above
11 Sutherland Charters. See FARR, p. 713.

BEAT.] PAROCHIALES. 74f,

bishop of Orkney, and that the nonentry had been granted to Robert Gordoun of Kynmounwy
till the entry of the lawful heir.1

In 1538 King James V. granted in heritage to William Earl Marischal and his wife Ladv
Margaret Keith, with remainder to the earl's heirs whomsoever, the half of certain lands and
baronies in the earldom of Cathanes and sheriffdom of Innernys, including the half of the half
of Borroustoun, the half of the half of Libister with the mill, the half of the 4-£ pennylands
of Forsysur (or Forsequhar), and the half of 31£ pennylands in the town of Skail, resigned by
Elizabeth Keith the sister of Margaret and the niece and one of the heirs of the deceased Sir
William Keith of Innerugy, and with lands in Moray and Banf united into the barony of
Innerugy.-' In 1549 Queen Mary granted to Lawrence the son and apparent heir of Lawrence
Lord Oliphant the ward and nonentry of certain lands in the earldom of Cathnes, in the queen's
hands since the decease of Rannald Lord Schen or other possessor, and including Sovre, Bravlbyn
(or Brawynd), Skaill, Burrostoun, and Lybuster with the mill.3 In 1552 the same lands,
described as being in the hands of the queen and her predecessors by reason of nonentry for 120
years, were apprised in favour of the same Lawrence Oliphant for certain sums as part payment
of those contained in a decree of the Lords of Council.4 In 1604 Laurence Lord Oliphant was
served heir to his grandfather Lord Laurence in Sewra, Skaillye. Borrowstoun, and Lybuster
with the mill, and in 1C05 in the same lands and those of Brawilbyn.5 In 1624 William
Sutherland, the lawful son of Cristina Allistersoun or Alexandersoun, was served heir portioner
to his grandfather William Alistersoun or Alexandersoun in the lands of Lybuster commonly
called the Fourpennyland and Halfpennyland of Lybuster, extending to the half of the lands of
Lybuster with half the mill — and also in the lands of Borrowstoun commonly called the Four
pennyland and Halfpennyland of Borrowstoun with the fishing in the sea and on land — formerly
in the sheriffdom of Innernes, then in the sheriffdom of Caithness.6 In the same year Robert
John Robsoun, the lawful son of Anne Allistersoun or Alexandersoun, was served heir portioner
to his grandfather William Allistersoun or Alexanderson in the same lands.7 In 1630 James
Forbes was served heir to his father Arthur Forbes portioner of Lybuster in the half of the
town and lands of Lybuster with the fourth of the mill, and certain lands in Far, together
of the extent of one penny.8

In 1539 Robert bishop of Orkney and Zetland, with the consent of his chapter and for the
sum of £200, granted to his servitor and kinsman John Maxwell the lands of Dunra with the
mill, multures, and sequels, the lands of Schabuster and Broubustardaill with the fishing, and
other lands lying in the earldom of Cathnes and sheriffdora of Innernys, formerly leased to
Andrew bishop of Caithnes and to his predecessors for the yearly payment of £38, and now
leased for the same.9 In 1543 Queen Mary confirmed the grant.10 Between the years 15G-'<
and 1565 John earl of Sutherland ' befor his going into Flanders had purchased from the bishop

1 Sutherland Charters. See FARR, p. 714. b Retours.

2 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxvi. no. 146. « Ibid. 7 Ibid. 8 Ibid.
:1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiii. fol. 22. 9 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxviii. no. 455.

4 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 177. 10 Ibid. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xvii. fo). 40.

746 ORIGINES [BEAY.

of Orknay the fue and inheritance of the lands of Dounrey in Catteynes. At his departure from
Scotland he gave the writs and charters apperteyning to these lands in custodie to William
Sincler laird of Dumbaith, who had mareid his sister Beatrix, and whom he had maid his tennent
of these lands, thinking that he might saiflie repose his trust and confidence in him. Bot the
laird of Dumbaith during Earlo John his banishment took a new gift of these lands to. his owne
use and suppressed Earle John his writs.'1 In 1620 Richard Sinclair of Brumes was served heir
to his father Henry Sinclair in the town and lands of Brouster, Toftmichie, and Tofthorso,
with the mill, in the lordship of Cathanes, of the extent of £4.2

The grant of the church lands in 1557 by Robert bishop of Cathanes to John earl of
Sutherland included the lands of Ballze and Stambuster — the former extending yearly to 20s.
ferine, 20s. grassum, 4s. pleuch siluir, a boll of horse corn at 4s. 2d., 32 sheaves of oats at
Id., 32 hallows of straw at l^d., 4 halkhennis at 2d., and 16d. huik siluer, in all 56s. lOd. —
and the latter to 40s. forme, 8 rams at 3s., 16 poultry and 4 halkhennis at 2d., 4 bolls of
horse corn at 4s. 2d., 64 sheaves of oats at Id., 64 hallows of straw at l^d , 8s. pleuch siluer,
3 grassum marts at 30s., and 16d. huik silucr, in all £9, 16s. 8d.3 In 1560 the same bishop
granted the same lands to the same earl and his countess, and in 1564 he admitted their son
and heir Alexander Gordoun as hereditary tenant of the same.* At the same period the lands
of Bailzie and Stambusteir are entered in the bishop's rental at the respective yearly values of
56s. and £9, 16s. 8d.5 In 1580 they were resigned to the bishop by Alexander earl of Suther
land, and granted anew to him and his heirs male, with remainder to the eldest of his female
heirs without division, and to his heirs whomsoever.6 In 1601 by a new grant of King
James VI. they were annexed to the earldom of Sutherland and to the sheriffdom then first
erected.7

' The church of Reay,' says a writer in 1726, ' is 8 miles west from the town of Thurso, built
in a litle village called the toun of Reay closs by the sea side, which seems to be a place of
considerable antiquity, and in which there arc some vestiges thereof yet to be seen, but is now
almost covered with sand. The privileges of this town, tho' ancient, are very few, having only
two mercats in the year, one in the latter end of August called Marymes, and the other about
the midle of December called St. Keulames faro.'8 In 1751 a waterspout laid bare the foun
dations of a town on the west side of the burn of Reay between tho village called Old Reay
and the sea.9 The old village had a market cross, now removed to New Reay, a village built
to the westward of the former, at which are now held two yearly fairs, one in the beginning
of September and the other in the end of December (evidently the old fairs still held on
the old style).1"

1 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 148. Sir
Kobert Gordon informs us further that these circum
stances induced the laird of Dunbeatli to plot the earl's
death, which, as \ve have seen, was accomplished by
poison in 1567. See GOISPIE, pp. 607, 668.

2 Retours.

1 Sutherland Charters. See DOBNOCH, pp. 610,

'ill. 10 New Stat. Ace.

Ibid. Protocol Book of William Gray.

Book of Assumptions.

Sutherland Charters.

Ibid.

Macfarlane's Geog. Collect. St. Keulames fair

odently St. Colman's.

Archa;ologia, vol. v. pp. 216, 217. New Stat. Ace.

THURSO.] PAROCHIALES. 747

Strathalladale, said to mean the strath of Halladha, an earl of Orkney supposed to be buried
there, has numerous cairns and standing stones, the latter abounding also in other parts of the
parish.1

The parish contains a number of circular buildings said to be Picts' houses, especially one in
Strathalladale, one at Shurery, and one at Shebster.2

Near the shore are the ruins of Dunreay, latterly a seat of the Mackays of Keay.3

A place in the parish is named Tout Horsa (Horsa's grave), probably the Tofthorso of the
retour of 1620.*

' Betwixt Eeay and the sea is a litle hill called the Wild Cat's Hill or Tor-na-cat-fiaghick,
which of late being broken up by the wind, and the sand blown from it, there were found in
it severall stone coffins, and in each corner of these coffins an earthin pig (jar) with some ashes
in it ; but it is to be observed that the bottom of the pig and what was under it of the stone
was rotten to that degree that a man could pierce them with his finger, and there are some
to be seen to this day.'5 It appears to be this hill of which Worsaae says, ' Near Barrowstoun
in the parish of Keay is a large barrow, perhaps a Viking one, so near the Pentland Firth
that it is washed by the spray.'6

About the year 1426 there was a battle at Sandside between the Mackays of Strathnaver
under Neill Wasse and the men of Caithness.7

THURSO.
Thorso8— Thursow" — Thurso10— Thursoch, Thursoche.11 (Map, No. 13.)

THIS parish extends along the north coast of Caithness, which is chiefly rocky in that part,
from the mouth of the water of Forss to the bay of Murkle, having the water of Forss as its
western boundary, and as its south and east boundaries a very irregular line, forming a sort of
angle with its vertex at a point on the water of Thurso near Halkirk, whence that stream turns
northward and nearly divides the parish into equal parts.12 The surface is irregular, and rises
gently from the shore, but at no part attains a great elevation.13 Off Holburnhead its northern
extremity is an insulated rock named the Clett 400 feet above the level of the sea.14 Detached

1 Macfarlane. Pennant 10 A.D. 1560. Protocol Book of William Gray.

3 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect. New Stat Ace. A.D. 1561-1566. Book of Assumptions. Circa A.D.

3 MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Pennant, vol. iii. p. 351. 1567. Register of Ministers. A. D. 1574. Book ot
Anderson's Guide. Assignations, A. D. 1641. Acta Parl. Scot., vol. v.

4 Pennant ut supra. See p. 746. pp. 599, 600. A.D. 1642. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib.

5 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect. Blaeu.

8 Worsaae's Danes, p. 255. " A.D. 1561 - 1566. Book of Assumptions.

7 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 304. 12 Map in Old Stat. Ace. and County Maps.

s A.D. 1547. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxi. fol. 27. 13 New Stat. Ace.

'•> A. D. 1560. Sutherland Charters. '« Ibid.

748 ORIGINES [THURSO.

from the rest of the parish by a distance of several miles lies Dorery, a small property formerly
churchland included between the parishes of Halkirk and Eeay.1

The church of Thurso, though unnamed in the charter of Bishop Gilbert, was one of the six
reserved by him to the bishop.2 Early in the sixteenth century the vicarage of Thorso was
held by Sir John Mathesoun chancellor of Cathnes, on whose demission or otherwise Queen
Marv in 1547 presented Master John Craig to the benefice.3 Master Walter Innes, who appears
in record in 1554, was vicar of Thurso in 15GO, and continued to hold the vicarage between
1561 and 1566.4 About 1567 John Rag was minister, and in 1574 Alexander Urquhart was
minister of Olrik and Thurso, and John Davidsoun was reader at Thurso.5 In 1641, as we
have seen, Alexander Monro minister at Durnoch had from King Charles I. a grant of 800
marks Scots or of 8 chalders victual in augmentation of his stipend from the rents of the
bishoprick in the parisli of Thurso and elsewhere.6

The church, dedicated to Saint Peter, though disused since 1832, is still standing on the left
bank of the Thurso water close to the sea.7 It is cruciform and in the pointed style, and is
supposed to be 500 years old.8 A writer in 1726 says, ' Above a vault looking into the east
end of the church is a sessionhouse, but by the permission of the kirk session it is used by
the sheriff and magistrates of Thurso for a court house and prison ; and above a dungeon
likewise allowed them is a steeple and common clock.'9 A new church was built for the parish
in 1832.10

At Dorarie was a chapel named Gavin's kirk or Temple Gavin, and ' thought to have been
an exempted chaplainry' — at Pennyland on a rock above the sea was a chapel the burial-place of
Murray of Clarden — and at Brims in 1726 were 'two chapells and aboundance of rabbits.'11
There were chapels also at Crosskirk, at Gwic, and at Thurso East (apparently the church
mentioned in the Orkneyinga Saga and Torfaeus, and existing when the former was written) :
and at Murkil in a spot locally known as Glosters was supposed to have been a nunnery, of
which in 1769 nothing remained but a garden wall enclosing a ricli piece of ground.12

Between 1561 and 1566 the teindsheaves of the parish of Thurso were leased yearly at
£126, 16s. 8d., and the vicarage was leased for £16. 13 About 1567 the minister had for his
stipend 100 marks, and in 1574 £133, 6s. 8d., out of which he had to pay his reader at
Olrik."

The town or farm of Myrkol occurs in history in the end of the tenth century.15 The river
of Thorsa is mentioned in 1152.1(i At Murcle on 5 August 1297 John earl of Caithness swore

1 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect. Pennant, vol. iii. 9 Macfarlanc's Geog. Collect. w New Stat. Ace.
1>. 353. Old Stat. Ace. " Pennant, vol. iii. pp. 352, 353. Macfarlane.

2 See DOKNOCH, p. 001, and Book of Assumptions. 12 Pennant, vol. iii. p. 352. Ork. Saga, p. 411. Tori'.
1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxi. fol. 27. lib. i. c. 38. See post.

1 Book of Assumptions. 13 Book of Assumptions.

3 Register of Ministers. Book of Assignations. I4 Register of Ministers. Book of Assignations.

6 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. v., p. 599, 600. See DOKNOCH, 13 Torfaeus, lib. i. c. 9. See post,

P- 616- 16 Ork. Saga, p. 325. Torf., lib. i. c. 32. The town,

7 MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu. Macfarlane. Old though frequently mentioned in the same works, does
and New Stat. Ace. ! Old and New Stat. Ace.- not seem to include the lands.

THCRSO.] PAKOCHIALES. 749

fealty to King Edward I.1 The lands of Murkle and Thurso and others adjacent were a part
of the ancient earldom of Caithness, which in 1527 was granted by King James V. to William
Sinclair the son and apparent heir of John earl of Caithness and his wife Elizabeth Suthirland,
the earl having resigned the lands of the earldom, and a reasonable terce being reserved to his
wife, who had conjunct infeftment in the lands of Furso with the fishings in the water of the
same, the lands of Muirkill, the lands of Bordland, and the Sixpennyland.2 In 1538 the same
king granted in heritage to William Earl Marischal and his wife Lady Margaret Keith, with
remainder to the earl's heirs whomsoever, the half of certain lands and baronies, including the
half of the half of Sordell, the half of the fourth of Claradene, the half of the half quarter of
Mirekill, and the half of the third of the lands of Thurso with the half of the fourth of the
water and fishings — also the half of the fourth of Ormellee, the half of the fourth of Brodland-
Myrkill, and the half of the fourth of Subamster — all lying in the earldom of Cathanes and
sheriffdom of Innernes, and resigned by Elizabeth Keith the sister of Margaret and the niece
and one of the heirs of the deceased Sir AVilliam Keith of Innerugy, and with lands in Moray
and Banff united into the barony of Innerugy.3 In 1539 King James V. granted to Elizabeth
Suthirland countess of Cathnes, for her good service and for certain sums of money paid to
his treasurer, certain lands in the earldom of Cathness formerly belonging to Earl William and
apprised in the hands of King James IV. for £400, including the lands of Murkill.4 In 1541
the same king granted to Alexander Innes, the son of the deceased Alexander Innes of that
ilk, assignee of the deceased William earl of Errol, certain lands and fishings, including two
thirds of the fishing of the water of Thurso of the yearly value of £11, 2s. 3d., which belonged
to the daughters of Andrew Oliphant of Beridaill, and -were apprised for the marriage of one
of them Cristina in favour of Alexander Innes.5 In 1549 (6 April) Queen Mary granted to
Henry Keir the ward and nonentry and other dues of certain lands in the earldom of Cathnes,
in her hands since the decease of Rannald lord Schen or other lawful possessor, including
4^ pennylands in Estir Murkill with the mills, multures, and fishings.6 In the same year (6
July) the Queen granted to Lawrence Oliphant, the son and apparent heir of Lawrence Lord
Oliphant, the ward and nonentry of certain lands, including Clardene, Borland-Murkill, Sor-
dayle, Ambuster, Ormelie, the water of Thuresoch and its salmon fishings, Thurdistoft, and
Subambuster, in the queen's hands since the decease of Rannald lord Schen or other possessor.7
In 1552 the same lands, which had been in the hands of the queen and her predecessors by
reason of nonentry for 120 years, were apprised in favour of the same Laurence Oliphant. s
In 1556 the queen granted to George earl of Caithness a remission for various crimes, in
cluding his having violently seized in the years 1553, 1554, 1555, and 1556, on the fourth
of the salmon fishing of the water of Thurso belonging to Laurence master of Oliphant, and

1 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 37. 5 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxviii. no. 91. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

2 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxi. no. 42. vol. xv. ff. 39, 40.

3 Ibid., lib. ixvi. no. 146. 6 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiii. fol. 8.

4 Ibid., lib. xxvi. no. 328. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xiii. 7 Ibid., vol. xxiii. fol. 22.

fol. 35. 8 Rt-g. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 177.

750 ORIGINES [THURSO.

having withheld from him the whole fishing amounting to 3 lasts yearly at £100 per last.1
In 1564 the same queen granted to George earl of Caithness the nonentry of the lands
granted in 1549 to Henry Keir, including those of Murkill, all which belonged to the earl's
deceased mother Elizabeth countess of Sutherland, and were in the queen's hands by reason
of nonentry.2 In 1574 George Sinclair was served heir of entail to William Sinclair the
lawful son of George earl of Cathanes his brother in the superiority of the lands of Murkill
with the mills.3 In 1589 and 1594 the lands of Murkle were held by James Sinclair the
brother of the earl of Caithnes.4 In 1604 Laurence Lord Oliphant was served heir to Lord
Laurence his grandfather in the lands of Clareden, Borland, Murkle, Soirdaill, Ormelie, the
water and salmon fishing of Thursoch, and the lands of Thurdestaff and Subamister.5 In
1644 George earl of Caithness, Lord Sinclair and Berriedaill, was served heir male to his
father John master of Berriedaill in the earldom of Cathanes, including the above lands, and
also the half of Sordaill, the fourth of Clairden, the solar fourth of Murkle, the fourth of
the lands of Thurso, the fourth of the water and fishings of Thurso, with the mills and
fishings of all the lands, lying of old in the sheriffdom of Innernes and by annexation in
the sheriffdom of Banff, with the fourth of the lands of Ormlie, the fourth of Borland-Murkle,
and the fourth of Subamster.6

In 1455, when William bishop of Caithness granted to his brother Gilbert Mudy the keeping
of the castle of Scrabestoun and of the surrounding lands, he attached to the office 10 mark-
lands in Caithness, including 10 shillinglands of Dorrary.7 In 1478 the grant was confirmed
by King James III.8 In 1527 King James V. granted to Andrew bishop of Caithness the town,
lands, and harbour of Scrabuster in Caithness in a free burgh of barony, with power to lease
the burgh roods in heritage.9 In 1557 Robert bishop of Cathanes, with the consent of the dean
and chapter, granted in heritage to John earl of Suthirland and to his wife Elenour Stewart
countess of Errol certain lands of the bishoprick, including the lands of Force with the
mill and salmon fishing, the mill of Lythe with its multures, the 9^ pennylands of Scrabustar
with the fortalice or castle, the lands not named of John M'Ewin and William Eandelstoun,
except the crofts of Scrabustar, with the fourth part of the salmon fishing of the water of
Thurso — the grantee paying yearly for Force 4 chalders 8 bolls ferme at 8s. 4d. per boll,
6 bolls of horse oats at 4s. 2d., 96 sheaves of oats at Id., 96 hallowis of stray at l|d.,
18s. grassum, .3 grassum marts at 30s., two dozen poultry with 3 halkhennis at 2d., 6s. plewch
siluir, and 12d. huik siluir, in all £38, 4s. 6d. ; for the mill of Lythmoir 15 bolls victual at
8s. 4d., or £6, 5s. ; for the 9^ pennylands of Scrabustar with the castle, £6, 6s. 8d. ferme,
£12, 13s. 4d. grassum, 76 poultry and 8 hens at 2d., 9^ bolls horse corn at 4s. 2d., 152 sheaves
of oats at Id., 152 hallows of straw at l£d., 20s. pleuch siluer, 2s. 2d. huik siluer, and 3 vnset
marts at 16s. 8d., in all £26, 17s. 6d. ; for the crofts of Scrabustar 10s. ; and for the fourth

1 Pitcairn's Crim. Trials, vol. i. p. 395*. » Retours. 6 Ibid.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxii. ff. 110, 111. " Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. viii. no. 123.

3 Retours. » Ibid.

4 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, pp. 198, 19S. 'J Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. vi. fol. 51 ; vol. vii. ff. 54, 55.

THURSO.] PAROCHIALES. 751

of the fishings of Thurso £13, 6s. Sd.1 In 1559 the same bishop granted in heritage to the same
earl and countess the lands of Dorarie extending yearly in his rental to 20s. ferme and 20s. gras-
sum, in all 40s. old ferme.2 In 1560 he renewed the grant of Fors, the mill of Lythmoir, the
9£ pennylands of Scrabister and castle and crofts of the same, with the fourth of the fishings of
Thurso, and granted in addition the lands of half Brymmes and Owst.3 In 1564 he admitted
Alexander Gordoun master of Sutherland hereditary tenant of all the above lands — the lands
of Brymmis, except those formerly leased to Master Walter Innes, extending yearly to 40 bolls

2 firlots of ferme victual at 8s. 4d., 18 shillings grassum, 6 bolls horse corn at 4s. 2d., 96 sheaves
of oats at Id., 96 hallows of straw at l^d., 36 poultry with 6 halkhenneis at 2d., 2s. hwik siluer,
6s. plewch siluer, and 3 grassum marts at 30s., in all £25, 5s. 6d. ; and the two thirds of Lyth
moir and Owest, with two pennylands of the third part of Lythmoir, 2 chalders 6 bolls 2 firlots

3 pecks of ferme victual at 8s. 4d., 22 rams at 3s., 3 bolls 3 firlots 1J peck of horse corn at
4s. 2d., 58§ sheaves of oats at Id., 58| hallows of straw at l^d., 7s. 4d. plewch syluer, 16d.
hwik siluer, and 22 poultry and 4 halkhenneis at 2d., in all £21, 8s. 4^d.4 In the rental of
assumptions at the same period the same lands are entered as follows — Dorare, £15, 18s. 5d, ;
Brymis £46 ; Forss with the mill and fishing £28, 4s. 6d. ; Lythmoir and Awist £21, 8s. 4d. ;
Scrabuster £34, 15s. ; the crofts of Scrabuster 10s. ; the fourth of the water of Thurseth
£13, 6s. 8d. ; the mill of Lythmoir £6, 5s. ; and the lands of Thurso £13, 5s. and 6 dozen of
geese.5 In 1578 the earl of Sutherland granted to Clement Cor (or Tor) burgess of Edinburgh
the fourth of the salmon fishings of the water of Thurso.6 In 1581 the whole of the above
lands and fishings were resigned by Alexander earl of Sutherland, and granted to him anew by
Bishop Robert, and in 1601 the whole, with the addition of Langag of Skrabister and the fishings
of the same, with the Sklaitheuch and Halkes in Hoburneheid, were included in the new grant of
the earldom of Sutherland made by King James VI. to Earl John." In 1726 the fishing of the
water of Thurso was valued at 900 marks in time of war and 1000 marks in time of peace.8

In 1456 Alexander Sutherland of Duubeath bequeathed to his son Edward the lands of
Broenach, until he should be paid the sum named in the letters of reversion.9 The subsequent
history of the lands is included in that of the barony of Farr.10

In 1545 (1 October) Queen Mary granted to Elizabeth Grame the wife of George earl of
Cathnes the liferent of certain lands in the earldom resigned by the earl, including Weddell
(or Weddelland) and Carsko (or Carske).11 In a grant to John Sinclair the earl's son dated
2 October the liferent of the same lands was reserved to the countess.12

Thurso (Thorsaa, the river of Thor, and in Gaelic styled Inveraorsa or Inverthorsa) appears
in record early in the eleventh century, when Thorfin earl of Orkney and Katanes, learning

1 Sutherland Charters. See DORNOCH, p. 610. 6 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect.

a Ibid. See DORNOCH, pp. 611, 612. 9 Misc. of Bann. Club, vol. iii.

3 Ibid. Protocol Book of William Gray. 10 See FARR, pp. 710-715.

* Sutherland Charters. » Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxix. no. 271. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

5 Book of Assumptions. vol. xix. fol. 40.

6 Protocol Book of William Gray. 12 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxix. no. 272. Reg. Sec. Sig.,
' Sutherland Charters. See GOLSPIE, pp. 6G9-671. vol. xix. ff. 33, 34.

752 ORIGINES [THURSO.

that Moddan on whom the king of Scotland had bestowed Katanes was at Thorsa with an army,
despatched thither his adherent Thorkill Fostri, who coming on Moddan by night set fire to
the house in which he slept and slew him as he was about to leave it.1 Early in the following
century Thorsa seems to have been the residence of Ottar the brother of the lady Frakark.2
In 1137 Sveinn Asleifson met Earl Ottar at Thorsa, and obtained from him a promise of redress
for what his sister had done.3 In 1152 Eysteinn king of Norway came suddenly on Earl Harald
Maddadson, who lay on the river of Thorsaa, and having captured him made him engage thence
forth to hold the Orkneys of Norway.4 Between 1153 and 1156 Erlend the son of Slettmal,
to whom King Malcolm IV. granted Katanes with the title of earl, dwelt most frequently
in Thorsa.5 About the same period the town or castle of Tliorsa is frequently mentioned in the
history of the earls.6 In 1159, when Earl Rognvald of Orkney was slain in the neighbouring
parish of Halkirk, some of his adherents, having apparently embalmed his body at Fors, carried
it thence to Thorsa.7 In 1196 or between that year and 1202 Earl Harald landed with an army
at Thorsa before his barbarous treatment of Bishop John.8 In 1230 or 1231 John earl of
Orkney and Hanef the qurestor of the king of Norway, a friend of Aulver Illteitt, from whom
the earl withheld some land to which he was entitled as an heir of Earl Rognvald, passed at the
same time into Catanes and took up their residence in different houses in the town of Thorsa,
each with a body guard.9 During their residence there Hanef with his brothers Snaekol, Rafn,
and others, having heard that Earl John intended to attack them secretly, anticipated him, set
fire to his house, dragged him from an underground apartment in which he had taken refuge,
and put him to death with nine wounds.10 In 1529 ' Andrew Stuart bishop of Catteynes vpon
some conceavecl displeasure which he had receaved moved the Clangun to kill the laird of Duffus
in the toun of Thurso in Catteynes.'11 In 1530 Master Thomas Stewart treasurer of Caithness,
Master Andrew Petre vicar of Wick ; Master John Irland, Sir John Symsone, William Murray
the elder, and Hugh Grot, chaplains; Master John Thomson rector of Olrik; and Sir David
Rede and Sir William Irwin chaplains — found caution for their appearing in court to answer
for being art and part in the slaughter of William Sutherland of Dufhouse, who was slain along
with others in Thurso at the instigation of Andrew Stuart bishop of Caithness.12 About the
year 1589 Houcheon Macky (of Farr) entered Caithness and laid it waste ' evin to the gates of
Thurso.'13 In 1612 Donald Macky and others apprehended in the town of Thurso one Arthur
Smith a coiner of false money, and carried him away on horseback.14 This led to a tumult
among the inhabitants, some of whom under John Sinclair of Stirkage a nephew of the earl of
Caithnes pursued and attacked the party, by whom in the end they were defeated.15 In 1632

1 Ork. Saga, pp. 31-37. Torf., lib. i.e. 13. Pennant, 7 Ork. Saga, p. 395. Torf., lib. i. c. 36.
vol.iii.p.351. Worsaae's Danes, p.253. Old Stat. Ace. " Ork. Saga, p. 415. Torf., lib. i. c. 38. See DOR -

2 Ork. Saga, pp. 147, 217. Torf., lib. i. cc. 19, 23. NOCH, p. 599. s Torf., lib. ii. "« Ibid.
See KILDONAN, p. 741. " Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 102.

3 Ork. Saga, p. 217. Torf., lib. i. c. 23. See KIL- '2 Pitcairn's Crim. Trials, vol. i. p. 149*.

DONAN, p. 741. 13 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 2W.

4 Ork. Saga, p. 325. Torf., lib. i. c. 32. From this it would appear that Thurso was then a

5 Ork. Saga, p. 327. Torf., lib. i. c. 32. fortified town.

6 Ork. Saga, pp. 339-387. Torf., lib. i. cc. 32-36. l4 Ibid., p. 282. 13 Ibid., pp. 282, 283.

THUBSO.] PAROCHIALES. 753

Master William Davidsoun, the lawful son of the deceased John Davidsoun commissary of Caith
ness, was served heir to Samuel Davidsoun dwelling in France, the son of the deceased Master
Archibald Davidsoun in Caithnes his paternal uncle's son, in a piece of land called the Fischill in
Thurso, containing in length 44 ells, lying in the town of Thurso and of old in the sheriffdom of
Inverness, of the extent of 1-J- Ib. of tallow (sevi).1 In 1633 King Charles I. erected Thurso
into a burgh of barony in favour of John Sinclair master of Berrydale, with a weekly market on
Saturday, and four yearly fairs, namely, on the feast of the Blessed Virgin (25 March), the feast
of Saint Peter (29 June), the feast of Saint Michael (29 September), and on another day not
named.2 In 1644 George earl of Caithnes, Lord Sinclair of Berriedaill, was served heir male
to his father John master of Berriedaill in certain lands and other subjects, including tenements,
gardens, and other ' roumes ' and possessions in the town of Thurso, and also in the burgh of
Thurso erected into a burgh of barony and of the extent of 10 marks.3 In 1650 the marquis
of Montrose is said to have been in Thurso on his landing from Orkney, and in 1798 a ruin
was shown as that of the house where he lodged.4 In 1654 Thomas Robson was served heir
to Thomas Robson his ' gudser ' in certain tenements in Thurso of the extent of a stone of
tallow.5 In 1655 John Murray of Clairden was served heir to his father William Murray of
Clarden in a tenement and booth in Thurso called William Eonaldsoue's tenement of the extent
of ' ane pund of whyt wax ' or 13s. 4d., and in John Orknayes tenement, Babie's tenement, and
John Breyme's tenement, in the same town of Thurso, of the extent of one penny.6 A writer
in 1726 observes — ' Thurso, a barony burgh, lies about and bewest the church, consisting wholly
of lanes save one big street for a market place. Petermass fare holds June 29th, and Marymass
August the 15th. Besides they have a weekly Friday's market. John Sinclair of Ulbster is
baron, and almost the whole inhabitants hold of him for a reddendo of tallow, which with the
customs of the markets and other casualties amounts to 500 marks Scots per annum.'7 Sir John
Sinclair in 1798 says, ' The weekly markets are held on Friday instead of Saturday the day
appointed by the charter of erection ; and of the stated yearly fairs that on Peter's Day is the
only one which is kept ; but the want of the other three is fully compensated by a great fair
called Marymaa market, which begins about the latter end of August, and continues for ten
days.'8 The fairs are now three, Petermas held in the end of June, Georgemas held in July,
and Marymas held in the beginning of September.9

Murkle (in Norse Myrkholl) had probably a castle in the end of the tenth century, when, as
we have seen, it appears in record.10 At that period Ragnhild the wife of the earl Arnfinn
caused her husband to be murdered at Myrkol, and married his brother Havard.11 In 1769
there appears to have remained no vestige of the castle.12

There was a castle at Thurso East, a residence of the old earls of Orkney and Caithness, and
very probably that which is noticed in 1157 as a certain castle at Thorsa, in which the earls

1 Retours. 2 Old Stat. Ace. 8 Old Stat. Ace. written by Sir John.

3 Retours. ' Old Stat. Ace. 9 New Stat. Ace.

5 Retours. « Ibid. ]" Tort'., lib. i. c. 9. Worsaae, p. 253. See above, p. 748.

7 Mact'arlane's Geog. Collect. " Ibid. a Pennant, vol. iii. p. 352.

754 OKIGINES [THURSO.

Harald and Rognvald were reconciled.1 During the expedition of King William the Lion
(1196-1202) against the earl Harald it is said that he sent his troops to Turschem the residence
of that earl, and destroyed his castle.2 ' Thurso East, ^ mile E. of Thurso, closs by the sea
and in the top of a rock several fathoms high, the largest fabrick in repair in Cathness, has
a very fine though antique entry betwixt two gardens. It was built by one of the earls of
Caithness, and quite ruined by them before it and the estate of Caithness came into Glen-
orchie's hands, who again rebuilt it, and his heirs sold it and some of the estate and supe
riorities and heritable offices of Cathness to John Sinclair of Ulbster, whose residence it now
is.'3 At Thurso East, says Pennant in 1769, the earls of Caithness had a castle now demo
lished.4 ' The arch at Thurso East, or Thurso Castle as it is sometimes called, was built in the
year 1665, and perhaps is the most ornamental piece of architecture in the north. The contract
between George earl of Caithness and Donald Koss master mason for the building of that arch
is still on record, from which it appears that the agreed price was 600 merks.'5 There is still a
castle at Thurso East.6

Thurso had a castle called the castle of Thorsa, no vestige of which remains."
There was probably a castle at Forss in 1159, when Hosui, Liotolf of Thorsdale, and Hall-
vard or Hoskuld Dufson, are said to have dwelt in Kalfadal in the promontory which juts out
from Thorsdale, or at Fors a town of the Kalfadalians, or Forsnes a promontory of Thorsdale.8
In that year, as we have seen, the body of Earl Rognvald was brought to Fors to be prepared
for burial.9 Forss afterwards belonged to the bishops of Caithness, and subsequently to the
earls of Sutherland and Caithness.10 ' Fors Sinclair,' says a writer in 1726, ' lies 4 miles
W. of Thurso and on the east bank of the water of Fors, which divides this parish from the
parish of Reay.'11

Between 1196 and 1202 John bishop of Katanes was living in the town of Skarabolstad
(now Scrabster) when Earl Harald seized and mutilated him.12 In 1328 Sir Robert of Peblis
chamberlain claims in his account the sum of £3, 2s. 4d. as paid for keeping the castle of
Scraboster during the vacancy of the see.13 In 1455, as we have seen, William bishop of Caith
ness granted to his brother german Gilbert Mudy and two lawful heirs the keeping of his castles
of Scrabestoun and Skelbole and the surrounding lands, granting him as his fee 10 marklands in
Caithness, namely, 9 pennylands in the territory and lordship of Weke, a markland of Alterwelle,
20 shillinglands of Stroma, and 10 shillinglands of Dorrary.u In 1478 King James III. con
firmed the grant.15 About the year 1544, during the banishment of Bishop Robert and the
temporary appointment of Alexander Gordoun to the bishoprick, George earl of Caithness seized

1 Ork. Saga, p. 351. Torf., lib. i. p. 33. Macfarlaue. 8 Ork. Saga, p. 385. Torf., lib. i. c. 36.
1'ennant. » See p. 752.

2 Antiquitates Celto-Scandicae, p. 49. 10 Sutherland Charters. Eetours.

3 Macfarlane, 1726. 4 Tour, vol. iii. p. 351. " Macfarlane's Geog. Collect.

5 Old Stat. Ace. 1798 by Sir John Sinclair, who >2 See DOHNOCH, p. 599.

gives a drawing of the arch. I3 Compota Camerar, vol. i. pp. 25, 26.

6 Anderson's Guide. » Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. viii. no. 123. See DOBNOCU,

7 Pennant, vol. iii. p. 351. Perhaps this was the p. 607.
castle at Thurso East. ^ Ibid.

THURSO.] PAROCHIALES. 755

the castle of Scrabbister.1 In 1548 Robert, styled bishop elect of Caithness, Sir John Mathe-
soune chancellor, Hercules Barculay rector of Cannisby, and others, found surety for their
appearance to answer for taking and withholding from Master Alexander Gordoune postulate of
Caithness the house and place of Scrabister, and for seizing on the fruits of the bishoprick."
In 1557 Bishop Eobert, as we have seen, appointed John earl of Sutherland and his heirs
hereditary constables of the castle of Scrabuster and the palace of Dornoch, situate among the
wild Scots in a wintry region, granting them also the 9^ pennylands of Scrabustar and other
perquisites.3 In 1564 Alexander Gordoun master of Sutherland was admitted hereditary
tenant of the same office and lands.4 In 1566 Bishop Robert dates a letter of collation to the
deanery at the palace of Scrabuster.5 In 1601 the 9| pennylands of Skrabister with the ' castell
wairdis' and Langag of Skrabister and the fishings of the same, with the Sklaitheuch and
Halkes in Hoburneheid, and the office of hereditary constable of the castles and palaces of
Skrabister, Skebo, and Dornoch, were annexed to the earldom and sheriffdom of Sutherland
then granted by King James VI. to Earl John.8 ' The old castle of Scrabster belonging to
the crown lies ^ mile N. W. of Thurso, and almost within the floodmark. It is wholly in
ruins. John Sinclair of Ulbster is heritable constable of it and bailie of the bishoprick. Has
£100 Scots per annum.'7 The ruins of the castle and of a house near it inhabited by the
bishops of Caithness after the Reformation were remaining in 1769. 8 Of one or the other
of those buildings the foundations still remain.9

' Brims lyes 2 miles W. S.W. of Howburnhead, and 3^ miles N.W. of Thurso. It is situat
on a rock above the sea, a pretty large old fabrick.'10 It was standing in 1769. n

'Very near Thurso to the west lies the ruinous house of Ormley, and beyond the place designed
for the minister of Thurso's manse, { mile W. of Thurso, lyes Pennyland a small house and
estate which belongs to Murray of Clardon.'12

' At Hoy 4 miles S. from Thurso severall urns were found, and many are found in different
places in this shire. It seems the Picts were so buried, for there were never any Romans
so far north.'13

Near Thurso East is a spot known as Harold's Tomb, marked at one time apparently by ;i
cairn, and latterly by a monument erected by Sir John Sinclair.14 In the end of the twelfth
century Harald the younger, the son of Eric Slagbrell, received from King William the Lion
the half of Katanes, formerly held by Earl Rognvald.15 He demanded of Earl Harald Maddad-
son that he should resign to him that half, and, the latter refusing, they met each at the head of
a considerable force, and there followed a battle in which Harald the younger and many of his

1 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 111. 8 Pennant, vol. iii. p. 353.

2 Pitcairn's Crim. Trials, vol. i. p. 337.* See DOR- 9 New Stat. Ace. Anderson's Guide.
NOCH, p. 610. " Macfarlane's Geog. Coll.

3 Sutherland Charters. See DoilNOCH,p. 610. ' Pennant, vol. iii. p. 352.

4 See DORNOCH, p. 611. 2 Macfarlane, 1726.
» Sutherland Charters. 3 Ibid.

6 See GOLSPIE, p. 670. * Old Stat. Ace.

' Macfarlane, 1726. 15 Ork. Saga, p. 407. Torf., lib. i. c. 38.

756 ORIGINES [HALKIRK.

friends were slain.1 Harald fell in a moss, and he was buried there in lingula (apparently a
bank running into the moss), and a chapel was built on the spot where he fell.2 The place is
believed to be that now known as Harold's Tomb.3

HALKIEK.

THIS parish, stretching from the borders of Sutherland to the centre of Caithness, includes
by far the larger portion of the valley of the river Halkirk or Thurso, divided in its upper part
into two converging valleys Strathmore and Strathbeg.4 Its extensive but not much diversified
surface is studded with numerous lakes, and has but one hill of any height, Spittalhill on its
north east border.5

The original name of the parish was Scynend or Skenand (now Skinnet).0 At some period
subsequent to the beginning of the thirteenth century it was divided into the parishes of Sken
and, Halkirk, and the Hospital of Saint Magnus or Spittal, whose boundaries seem to have
become unknown from their reunion into one parish under the modern name Halkirk.7

SKINNET.
Scynend8— Skenand9— Skenane10— Skynand11— Skinenn.12 (Map, No. 14.)

BETWEEN 3223 and 1245, when Bishop Gilbert erected the chapter of Caithness, he assigned
the churches of Olrich, Donotf, and Cananesbi, to three of the prebendaries, and the church of
Scynend (then the only parish church of the place) as a common church to those three, ordaining
that each prebendary, while resident, should receive an equal portion of its fruits ; but in case
of the non-residence of the prebendaries those fruits were to be given for the work and ornament
of the cathedral church ; saving in either case 100 shillings formerly granted to William of Eos
the bishop's clerk for life, and three marks assigned yearly in like manner to Eudo his chaplain.13
The church does not again appear in any known record till the year 1500, in which King James
IV. during the vacancy of the see of Cathnes presented Sir Henry Patersoun (or Petersoun)

1 Ork. Saga, pp. 407, 409, 411. Torf. ut supra. " A. D. 1223-1245. Sutherland Charters.

- Ork. Saga, p. 411. Torf. ut supra. 9 A. D. 1500. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. ii. fol. 23. A. D.

3 Pennant, vol. iii. p. 353. Old Stat. Ace. New 1501-1566. Book of Assumptions. A. D. 1574. Book

Stat. Ace. Worsaae, p. 253. of Assignations. A. D. 1576. Ibid.

1 County Maps. I0 Circa A. D. 1567. Register of Ministers.

5 Old and New Stat. Ace. " A. D. 1620. Retonrs.

6 See the following notices. I2A.D. 1642. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu.

7 Ibid. '" Sutherland Charters. See DOHNOCH, p. 602.

HALKIRK.] PAKOCHIALES. 757

chaplain to the vicarage of Halkirk and Skenand, vacant by the demission of Sir Andrew
Rettre.1 In the rental of assumptions between 1561 and 1566 we have that of ' the kirkis
of Halkirk and Skenand callit the commoun kirkis of Cathnes diocy.'2 In 1567 James Scott,
and in 1574 and 1576 John Scott, were readers at Halkirk and Skenand.3 In 1620
llichard Sincler of Browmes was served heir to his brother David Sincler in certain lands
with the teinds in the parish of Halkrig and Skynand.*

HALKIRK.
Halkirk5 — Haikrik6 — Haikrik7 — Halkrig8 — Hakrig.9 (Map, No. 14.)

IN the year 1500, as we have seen, King James IV. presented Sir Henry Patersoun chaplain
to the vicarage of Halkirk and Skenand, vacant by the demission of Sir Andrew Rettre.10 In
1504 however a charter is witnessed by Sir Andrew as vicar of Haikrik.11 In 1537 Sir Henry
Persone (apparently the same as Sir Henry Patersoun) appears as vicar.12 In 1538 occurs
the legitimation of Master Malcom Rotter the natural son of the deceased Sir Andrew Rotar
vicar of Halkirk.13 The subsequent notices of the vicarage are the same as those of Skenand.14

SPITTAL.

Hospital of Saint Magnus in (or of) Caithness15 — Rectory of the Church
of [Spittal] called the Hospital of Saint Magnus in Caithness10 — Spit-
tall17 — Spitell 18 — Spittel 19 — Hospital or Hospice of Saint Magnus in
Cathanes.20 (Map, No. 14.)

IN 1476 King James III. granted to William Sinclare, the son of William earl of Caithness
and Lord de Saint Glair by his countess Merjory, the lands of the earldom with the advowson
of the hospital of Saint Magnus in Caithness in the sheriffdom of Innernes, resigned by the

! Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. ii. fol. 23. 13 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xii. fol. 14.

2 Book of Assumptions. I4 See above.

3 Register of Ministers. Book of Assignations. 15 A. D. 1476. Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. vii. no. 393.

4 Retours. A. D. 1527. Ibid., lib. xxi. no. 42. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

5 A. D. 1500. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. ii. fol. 23. A. D. vol. vi. fol. 72; vol. vii. fol. 81. A. D. 1543. Reg. Sec.
1537. Sutherland Charters. A. D. 1538. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xvii. fol. 40. A.D. 1545. Reg. Mag. Sig.,
Sig., vol. xii. fol. 14. A. D. 1 501 -1506. Book of As- lib. xxix. no. 272. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xix. ff. 33, 34.
sumptions. A. D. 1574, 1576. Book of Assignations. A. D. 1548. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxi. fol. 84. A. D.

6 A. D. 1504. Sutherland Charters. 1633. Acta Parl. Scot., vol. v. p. 154.

7 Circa A. D. 1567. Register of Ministers. 16 A. D. 1547. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xx. fol. 93.

8 A. D. 1620. Retours. " A.D. 1561-1566. Book of Assumptions.

9 A. D. 1642. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. 18 A. D. 1642. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib.

10 See above. ™ Circa A. D. 1642. Blaeu.

11 Sutherland Charters. 12 Ibid. ^ A. D. 1644. Retours.

VOL. II. 5 D

758 ORIGINES [HALKIRK.

earl and reserving the terce to his wife.1 In 1527 King James V. granted the same to William
Sinclare the son and apparent heir of John earl of Caithness and his wife Elizabeth Suthirland.2
In 1543 Queen Mary granted to George earl of Caithnes the nonentry and other dues of the
earldom and of the hospital of Sanct Mawnis in Caithnes, in the queen's hands or in those
of her predecessors since the death of William earl of Caithnes.3 In 1545 the same queen
granted to John Sinclare the son and apparent heir of Earl George the advowson of the same
hospital of Saint Magnus, resigned by the earl.* In 1547 she presented Master William Gor-
doun rector of Duthell (in Moray) to the rectory of the church of [Spittal] called the hospital of
Saint Magnus in Caithness, vacant or when vacant by resignation or decease of Master Thomas
Stewart treasurer of Caithness.5 In 1548 she presented John Eobesoun to the same hospital,
then vacant by the decease of Master Thomas Stewart.6 At the Reformation Master William
Gordoun (treasurer of Caithness) was parson of Spittall.7 In 1633 William Lord Sinclar of
Berridaill granted the patronage of the hospital of Saint Magnus to Sir George Hamiltoun of
Blaikbourne, and King Charles I. confirmed the grant.8 In 1644 George earl of Caithnes,
Lord Sinclair of Berriedaill, was served heir male to John master of Berriedaill his father
in the earldom of Caithnes and the advowson of the hospital or hospice of Saint Magnus.9

The church of Skinnet, dedicated to Saint Thomas, ' a large, coarse, massy building,' of which
the walls and cemetery still remain, stood in the north end of the parish on the left bank
of the water of Thurso.10 An erect stone about 9 feet high, known as Saint Thomas's chair,
was broken to pieces in the last century, and seems to have been since used in building a
fence.11

The church of Halkirk, originally only a chapel attached to the bishop's residence there,
and dedicated to Saint Catharine, or according to some to Saint Fergus, stood not far from
Skinnet, but on the right bank of the water on a small round hill in the middle of an
extensive plain.12 The present church was built in 1753 upon the same site.13

The church of Saint Magnus, either founded by that saint or dedicated to him, and
originally attached to an hospital of which the nature is unknown, stood a few miles south
from Halkirk near the foot of the hill named from it Spittalhill.1* Its foundations 60 feet
by 20, part of its walls, and its cemetery the burial place of the Clangunn, still remain.15
Around it and at some distance were numerous buildings apparently connected with the

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. vii. no. 393. 9 Retours.

2 Ibid., lib. xxi. no. 42. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. vi. fol. 72 ; '» MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu. Old Stat. Ace.
vol. vii. fol. 81. New Stat. Ace.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xvii. fol. 40. " Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace.

4 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxix. no. 272. Reg. Sec. Sig., >2 MS. Maps. Blaeu. Pennant, vol. iii. p. 365. Old
vol. xix. ff. 33, 34. Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace.

* Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xx. fol. 95. « Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace.

6 Ibid., vol. xxi. fol. 84. 1J MS. Maps. Blaeu. Pennant, vol. iii. p. 365. Old

" Book of Assumptions. and New Stat. Ace. County Maps.

6 Acta ParL, Scot., vol. v. p. 154. 15 New Stat. Ace.

HALKIRK.] PAROCHIALES. 759

hospital, and among these one larger than the rest at a place named Auchinarras (the field
of the altar.) 1

Near the church of Skinnet stood a building called the Abbey, part of which remained in
the end of last century, but the history of which was unknown.2

There was a chapel at Olgrim or Olgany dedicated to Saint Peter ; one at Westfield
dedicated to Saint Trostan (probably Drostan) ; one at Strathmore dedicated to Saint Queran ;
one at Dirlet dedicated to Saint Columba ; and there were chapels at Dale, Libster, Bannis-
kirk, Gerston, and Achardale.3

Between 1561 and 1566 the yearly value of the common churches of Halkirk and Skenand
was 8 chalders of bear.4 In 1567 the reader at Halkirk and Skenand had for his stipend
£20 ; in 1574 he had that sum and the kirkland ; and in 1576 £13, 6s. 8d. with the
kirkland.5

Between 1561 and 1566 the parsonage of Spittal was leased yearly for the sum of £80.6

In the year 1361, by an indenture dated at Carynbulg in Buchan, James Prat of Kerdale
the son of the deceased John Prat lord of Estir Glenarundy sold to Hugh of Eoss lord of
Philorth an annual rent of 6 marks sterling due to him from the lands of Fraswiln, Okyngil,
and Harpsdol, for the sum of 35 marks sterling to be paid by Hugh Eoss on recovering the
same by law.7 In 1565 Patrick Mowat of Balchollie was served heir to his father Patrick
in the lands of Freschewick and Harpistell in the earldom of Cathanes and sheriffdom of
Innernes, of the old extent of £10.8

In 1375 or 1376 King Eobert II. granted to his son David earl of Stratherne the castle
of Brathwell and all the lands thereof, inherited by Alexander of Ard in right of his mother
Matilda of Stratherne, and resigned by him.9 In 1452 King James II. granted in heritage
to Admiral Sir George Crechtoun of Garni* the lands of Brathwele and others in the earldom
of Catnes, resigned by Sir James Crechtoun of Frendraucht the king's chamberlain and his
wife.10 In 1494 (30 June) Sir Gilbert Keth of Innerugy raised an action before the Lords of
Council against John earl of Suthirland, summoning him among other things to hear declared
null a charter given him by Sir Gilbert of the lands of Subister and the rest of his lands in
Cathnes.11 The case was continued till 9 October, in order that the earl might produce his
writs.12 In 1538 King James V. confirmed to William Earl Marischal and Lady Margaret Keith
his wife, with remainder to the earl's heirs whomsoever, the half of certain lands and baronies
in the earldom of Cathnes, resigned by Elizabeth Keith the sister of Margaret, and the niece
and one of the heirs of the deceased Sir William Keith of Innerugy, and including the half
of the half of Subister, the half of Lurare, the half of the half and a pennyland of Greynstane

1 Old Stat. Ace. 2 Ibid. those of Harpsdol are in this parish, have been erro-

3 Pennant, vol. iii. p. 365. Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. neously placed in Ross, p. 469.
Ace. 8 Retours.

4 Book of Assumptions. 9 Rob. Index, p. 120. no. 59 ; p. 129, no. 27. See

5 Register of Ministers. Book of A ssignations. CANNISBAY post.

6 Book of Assumptions. 10 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. iv. un. 274, 275.

7 Balnagown Charters. These lands, of which only '•' Acta Dom. Cone., pp. 345, 346. 12 Ibid.

760 ORIGINES [HALKIRK.

with the half of the crofts called Boilecaik, the half of the lands of Scottis-Caldar and the
mill, the half of Norne-Caldar, and the half of the half of Banniskirk.1 In 1549 Queen
Mary granted to Lawrence Oliphant, the son and heir apparent of Lawrence Lord Olipliant,
the ward and noncntry of the lands of Subister, Braule, Greistane, and Askary, with other
lands, in the queen's hands since the decease of Kannald Lord Schen or any other.2 In
1552 she granted to the same Laurence the lands themselves, in her hands and in those of
her predecessors by reason of nonentry for 120 years, and apprised in his favour.3 In 1604
Laurence Lord Oliphant was served heir to his grandfather Lord Laurence in Subister, Braule.
and Askary, and in 1G05 in the same lands and Griston.4 In 1644 George earl of Caithness
was served heir male to his father John master of Berriedaill in the earldom of Caithnes,
including Griestoun, Askarie, Lourarie, the half and 2 pennylands of Grestaine with the croft
of land called Bolcalie, the lands of Scottis-Calder with the mill, the lands of Northincalder,
and half the lands of Bannasker.5

In 1456 Alexander Sutherland of Dunbeath bequeathed to his son Edward the lands of
Catouch, to be held by him till paid the sum named in a letter of reversion.6 In 1499 King
James IV. granted the lands of Dilrid and Cattak to Y Makky in Straithnavern, who had
captured Alexander Sutherland of Dilrid, to whom they had formerly belonged in heritage.7
The subsequent history of the lands is included in that of the barony of Farr.8

In 1559 Robert bishop of Cathanes, as we have seen, granted certain lands in Cathanes and
Sutherland to John earl of Sutherland and his wife Helen Stewart countess of Arroll, including
the lands of Mekle Wlgrame, extending yearly to 24 bolls of victual at 8s. 4d., 3 grassum marts
at 30s., 3 bolls of horse corn at 4s. 2d., 48 sheaves of oats at 1 penny, 48 hallowis of stray at
l^d., 4s. pleuch siluer, 9d. hwik siluer, 4 poultry and 3 hens at 2d., in all £15, 8s. 5cl. ;
Wlgrame Beig, extending yearly to 40s. ferme, 20 bolls of ferme victual at 8s. 4d., in all £7 of
old ferme ; Halkyrk with the mill, alehouse, and fishing of the ' crwis,' extending yearly to 2
chalders of ferme victual at 8s. 4d. Scots, 2 grassum marts at 30s., 12 capons at 4d., 12 poultry
and 12 halkhennis at 2d., 4s. plewch siluer, 9d. hwik siluer, in all £16, 17s. lid. Scots old
ferme ; Westerdaill, 6 bolls ferme victual at 8s. 4d., and 30s. ferme, in all £4 Scots old ferme ;
Esterdaill, £3 Scots old ferme ; and Thormeskeyth or Thormesdaill, 20s. Scots old ferme.9 In
1564 the same bishop admitted as hereditary tenant of the same lands Alexander master of
Sutherland the son of Earl John.10 With the exception of Mekle Wlgrame the same lands are
given in the rental of assumptions of the same period at the same yearly value.11 They were
in 1601 annexed to the earldom of Sutherland then granted anew by King James VI. to Earl
John, and the sheriftclom of Sutherland then erected by that king.la

In 1620 Richard Sincler of Brownies was served heir to his brother David Sincler in the
'2 pennylands of Spittell, the pennyland called Boltcayand on the east side of the same, and a

I Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxvi. no. 146. " Sutherland Charters. Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xiii.no. 619.

- Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiii. fol. 22. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. i. fol. 95. 8 See FARU, pp. 710-715.

:l Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 177. 9 Sutherland Charters. See DORNOCH, p. 612. 10 Ibid.

4 Retours. •> Ibid. " Book of Assumptions. See DORNOCH, p. 614.

II Misc. of Banii. Club, vol. iii. '2 Sutherland Charters. See GOLSTIK, p. 071.

HALKIRK.] PAEOCHIALES. 761

croft of land called Gilbertseroft, with the teinds, in the parish of Halkrig and Skynand, of the
extent of £8.1

A fair called Saint Magnus fair is held at the village of Halkirk on the Tuesday before 26
December — and another styled Jamesmas, formerly held on Spittalhill, is now held on the hill
of Euggy partly lying in Bower and Thurso.2

At Halkirk near the present manse stood one of the residences of the bishop of Caithness.1'
It was here that in 1222 Bishop Adam was attacked and cruelly put to death by the populace.4
No vestige of the episcopal palace of Halkirk now remains.5

On the left bank of the river opposite Halkirk stands the castle of Braal (anciently Brath-
well), apparently a very old erection.6 It occurs in record, as we have seen, in the year 1375 or
1376. 7 In 1547 George earl of Cathnes and various others had a remission from Queen Mary
for taking the castle of Akirgill, and for forcibly confining Alexander Keith the captain and John
Skarlet his servitor in the place of Girnigo, Brawall, and other places.8 The castle of Braal
consists of a rectangular tower 35 feet in height, and an outer court or castle 100 feet long
and 50 broad.9 The apartments are contained in the wall, and communicate by passages and
staircases similarly situated.10 Near it in 1797 stood the remains of another and apparently
an older building, then only a heap of rubbish.11

At Dirlet on the top of a steep and narrow rock are the ruins of the castle of Dirlet, once
the seat of the Sutherlands of Dirlet descendants of one of the family of Sutherland, the last
of whom, locally known as the Ruder Derg (red knight) was Alexander who forfeited his
possessions in 1499.12

Above Dirlet at the outlet of Lochmore stood a castle, at one time the residence or hunting-
seat of a person traditionally known as the Morrar-na-shean, a term translated ' the lord of the
venison," but evidently signifying the Lord Chen, and applicable to Ranald Lord Chen, once
famous and still remembered in those parts.13

Sites of cairns, and circular houses, and scenes of battles are numerous.14

In 1159 the Earls Harald and Rognvald left Thorsa in company, having with them a
number of men, and proceeded up the valley of the Thorsa, and then up the Kalfadal water to
the town of that name (since Caldel, Cathel, Calder), and, Earl Rognvald being latterly rather
in advance and attended only by two individuals, was there attacked and slain by Thorbiorn
Klerk and his confederates.15 The place at which he was killed, and at which are the ruins of a
castle, is traditionally that which is variously styled ' Tullochhoogie,' ' Achnavarn,' and ' a castle

1 Retours. The Old Stat. Ace. speaks of lands in 7 See above, p. 759.

this neighbourhood as held by the Murrays of Penny- 8 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxi. fol. '27. See \Vicx pcft.

land, and as descending to them from Bishop Gilbert. 9 Old and New Stat. Ace.

J New Stat. Ace. 1(l Old Stat. Ace. Anderson's Guide.

3 Pennant, vol. iii. p. 366. Old Stat. Ace. See also » Old Stat. Ace.

the following notices. 12 Pennant, vol. iii. p. 366. Old Stat. Ace. New

» See DOUNOCH, p. 600. Stat. Ace. See FARB, p. 710.

5 New Stat. Ace. 13 Pennant, ut supra. Old Stat. Ace. See pp. 760. 704.

6 Blaeu. Pennant, vol. iii. p. 366. Old Stat. Ace. 14 Ibid.

New Stat. Ace. Anderson's Guide. l= Ork. Saga, p. 387. Torf. lib. i. c. 36.

762 ORIGINES [LATIIEKOK.

at the east end of Loch Calder.'1 Thorbiorn Klerk fled to some deserted cottages called
Asgrims Aergin (probably the modern Assary), where he was overtaken and killed by the men
of Magnus an adherent of Earl Rognvald.2

About the middle of the fourteenth century a son of Paul Mactyre, either named Murthow
Eeoohe or in company with a person of that name, being sent into Caithness with an army
' to tak up custom kyne,' was attacked by the Caithness men at the Spittalhill, and killed
near some neighbouring loch.8 Spittalhill is said to have been the usual place of rendezvous
for the men of Caithness.4 They were assembled there by the earl in 1589 to oppose the earl
of Sutherland and his men, but peace was secured without having recourse to arms through
the mediation of Sir Patrick Gordoun of Auchindoun.5

In 1426 there was a fierce conflict at Harpsdell between the men of Strathnaver under Angus
Dow Macky and his son Neill and the men of Caithness, ' wher ther wes great slaughter on
either syd' — an event which drew King James I. to Inverness, where he received the sub
mission of Angus Dow, and as a hostage his son Neill, who being sent prisoner to the Bass
was afterwards known as Neill-Wasse-Macky.6

LATHERON.

Latheroun T — Lathrin 8 — Latherin 9 — Lethrin 10 — Ladroun 1 J — Lathroun 12 —
Lathron13— Lathern.1* (Map, No. 15.)

THIS parish, said to include two old parishes Dunbeath and Latheron, stretches from the hill
of the Ord on the borders of Sutherland, along a much indented coast of about 30 miles in
length and composed of perpendicular rocks from 100 to 300 feet in height, to the point called
Harril Head near Easter Clyth.15 It extends inland to an average distance of 10 miles, being
in figure an irregular quadrangle.16 It is watered by the rivers of Langwell, Berriedale, and
Dunbeath, and by numerous smaller streams, all running into little bays in its rocky coast.17
Among its many hills the chief are the Ord, Braenaheglish, Benachielt, Morven, Scaraben, and
the Maiden Pap.18 An old authority says, ' South and west of the said house (Brae) is the hill

1 Pennant, vol. iii. p. 366. Old Stat. Ace. New 9 A. D. 1560. Protocol Book of William Gray.

Stat. Ace. A. D. 1567. Register of Ministers.

3 Ork. Saga, p. 395. Torf., lib. i. c. 36. See CANNIS- '" A. D. 1561-1566. Book of Assumptions.

BAY post. i' A. D. 1561-1566. Ibid.

' Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 37. Cro- 12 A. D. 1574. Book of Assignations,

nicle of the Earlis of Ross. « Circa A. D. 1630. Genealogy of the Earls of

' Old Stat. Ace. Sutherland, p. 196. A. D. 1726. Macfarlane.

* Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 200. 14 Circa A.D. 1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu.

6 Ibid., pp. 63, 64. « Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace. County Maps.

7 A.D. 1515. Sutherland Charters. A. D. 1640. Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 196.
Retours. 16 Ibid. '" Ibid.

* A. D. 1551. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiv. fol. 65. ls New Stat. Ace.

LATHERON.] PAKOCHIALES. 763

called Maiden Pape, so called from its figure. A litle to the west is the hill called Morvin.
This hill is oft remarked by seamen when sailing this coast, and by it they take their meeths
and by mistake call it the Pape.'1 On the coast are numerous caves haunted by seals, whenw
is said to be derived the name Latheron, 'the resort of seals.'2

In the year 1515 Master Malcolm Rattir vicar of Latheroun witnessed the collation of Sir
Robert M'Raith to the chaplainry of Golspy, which himself had resigned.3 He appears to have
been the natural son of Sir Andrew Rotar (or Rattir) vicar of Halkirk, and to have been legi
timised in 1538.* In 1551 he was dead.5 In 1560 (10 September) at the garden of Master
William Sinclair rector of Olrik it was deponed by witnesses, that George earl of Cathnes
passed with John Mowat, Gilbert Mowat, Andrew Sutherland, and John Sinclair fear of Cathnes,
' in feir of wyir' to the parson of Olrik's house and manse of the kirkland of Kirklatherin, ' and
intrornittit thairwith and all insycht gudis and geir thair at his awin hand violentlie without
order of law, puttand and removand the said persone thairfra aganis his will, as the said persone
allegit.'6 On 16 September James Higgis the procurator of Master William Sinclair, in pro
testing for redress, declared the damage done to be the seizure of ' ane stak of beir in the uver
yaird of Kirklatherin ;' the breaking up of ' the lokkis and durris' of the parson's great barn,
and taking thence ' the meill, malt, and other graithe thairin ;' the breaking of the ' sellar dur,
lednar dur,' and other doors in his house of Latherin ; the intromitting with his ' cornis in the
nedder corne yaird of Kirklatherin,' and with ' the cornis instantlie lyand on the said grownd,
scherand the tane rig and levand the tuther rig ;' and meddling also with the parson's sheep:7
Between 1561 and 1566 Master William Sinclair continued to be vicar of Ladroun.8 In 1567
Richard Thomson was reader at Latherin, and in 1574- the reader was William Sinclair, probably
the former vicar.9

The church, built about 1734, seems to occupy the old site on the burn of Latheron
about two furlongs from the sea and about halfway between the harbours of Forse and
Latheronwheel.10 It lies 17 miles from the west, 11 from the east, and 10 from the north of
the parish.11

' Within a mile to the sea,' says a writer of the last century, ' upon the brink of this water
(Dunbeath) is the chapel of Balclay. It's certain it was built in the time of Poperie, and I
can give no further account of it.'12

' About 20 paces to the west of the house (Braemore on the water of Beridale) there is a
chappel. The natives say that one Eyardan was the last priest in that chappel.'13 ' The greatest
part of the image of the sanct worshiped in the chapell of Braemore stands yet in timber
there.'"

1 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect The same is the case 6 Protocol Book of William Gray.

still. 7 Ibid. 8 Book of Assumptions.

2 New Stat. Ace. 9 Register of Ministers. Book of Assignations.

3 Sutherland Charters. Latheron was one of the six 10 MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu. Macfarlane.
churches reserved to the bishop by the charter 1223- County Maps. Old Stat. Ace.

1245. See DORNOCH, pp. 601, 615. " New Stat. Ace.

4 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xii. fol. 14. 12 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect., 1726.

5 Ibid., vol. xxiv. fol. 65. '3 Ibid. " Ibid.

7G4 ORIGINES [LATHEROX.

' Opposite to this chappel, which lies upon the south side of the water of Berridale, stands
the chapel of Braenaheglish, i. e. the brae of the church, on the north side of the water of
Lang wall.'1

' Between these two chappels there is a road which crosseth in the midle the great hill of

Scarbine, which rod is called by the natives la cois nine i. e. the rod where the travel.

It's said that one priest served these two chapels per vices, and it's supposed that the cross rod
formerly mentioned was the rod by which the people went and came when attending divine
service.' 2

' It is moreover observed by the natives that when the priests were discharged their office in
this country, that either this Eyerdan or some other priest came to the Glutt of Berridale, a
secrett and remote place, and built a chappell there, which lyes on the north side of the water of
Berridale. This chappel stands about 2 miles from the chapel on the south side of the river.'3

' About a half mile or less to the east of the house of Clyth there is a chapell. At the end
of it there is a large broad stone erected on the end, with many unintelligible cuttings and
carvings on both sides.'4

Of these chapels Pennant in 17C9 mentions only two, those at Clyth and the water of
Dunbeath, and we have no farther notice of any of them.5

Between 15G1 and 1566 the teindsheaves of the parish of Lethrin were leased yearly for
£81, 11s. 8d., and the vicarage was given at the yearly value of £40.6 The reader at Latherin
in 1567 had for his stipend £20, and the reader in 1574 £40, the amount of the vicarage.7

In 1337 King David II. allowed to his chamberlain Eeginald More for his lands of Byridale
in Caithness granted to William of Creychton, the sum of £40 reckoned at the king's pleasure
for the two years ending at the previous Martinmas, on condition that he was able to let the
lands at the same yearly rate for the future.8 In 1340 the same sum was allowed for two years
to the same Eeginald for his lands of Beridale, in which he alleged he was heritably infeft
by the earl of Stratherne and confirmed by the king.9 In the same reign the lands of Beri
dale seem to have been held by Reginald Chen, the third of that name, who became a
noted man in Caithness, and whose daughter appears to have carried the lands to the
Sutherlands.10 In 1456 Alexander Sutherland of Dunbeath bequeathed to his son
Nicolace the lands of Dallzanze and Berridaill until he should be paid the sum of 18
marks and the rent of 3 years which was then due.11 In 1497 King James IV. granted in
heritage to George Oliphant the son and apparent heir of William Oliphant and his wife Cris-
tina Suthirland lady of Duffous, with remainder to Charles Oliphant the brother of George,
and to the heirs whomsoever of William and Cristina, the lands of Beredaill and Aldwik in the
earldom of Cathnes and sheriffdom of Innernes.12 In 1526 Andrew Oliphant of Berredale —

1 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect., 1726. 9 Ibid., vol. i. p. 265.

'* Ibid. 3 Ibid. 4 Ibid. '" See Rot). Index passim. Genealogy of the Earls

5 Tour, vol. iii. p. 356. of Sutherland, p. 54. Chalmers, vol. i. pp. 594-596.

6 Book of Assumptions. Old Stat. Ace.

" Register of Ministers. Book of Assignations. u Misc. of Ban. Club, vol. iii.

* Compota Camerar., vol. i. p. 258. 12 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xiii. no. 282.

LATHERON.] PAROCHIALES. 765

on the narrative that long ago the marriage of Christina Sutliirland being in the king's hands
through the death of her father Alexander Suthirland of Duffhous, whose heir she -was, the
deceased Laurence Lord Oliphant the grandfather of Andrew, desiring to promote his sons to
heritages and honours that thus his descendants of the surname of Oliphant should be advanced
and continued in honour and dignity, had purchased the marriage of Christina from the king for
a large sum of money, and had given her in marriage to William Oliphant his second son the
father of Andrew ; and that, after the celebration of the marriage, when the deceased William
Suthirland of Querrelwod at the time of the serving of the briefs of inquest in favour of the
said Christina the mother of Andrew Oliphant had taken the exception of illegitimacy against
her before the sheriff, and the case, having been remitted to the judgement of the spiritual court,
had been begun within the kingdom of Scotland, and had for several years been litigated at the
court of Rome, the same Laurence Lord Oliphant the grandfather of Andrew had sustained the
heaviest expenses in defending the case, and pendente lite had maintained in his own house the
said Christina, her husband William, and her servitors, and had alone borne the expenses of the
trial, by which means through the heritable alienation of his lands he had injured his family
and heirs to an enormous extent — and considering also the grievous injuries inflicted by the
deceased William Suthirland and his friends and successors on the said William and Christina
his (Andrew's) father and mother, and on his brother Charles whom they cruelly put to death,
attempting right or wrong to recover from the successors of William and Christina that portion
of land in Caithness which had been peaceably assigned to William and Christina — and knowing
that he could not peaceably enjoy those lands or reside in those parts without the danger of death
from the insults and plots of his enemies — by the advice of his friends, considering especially
that he had or was likely to have no male heirs, out of sympathy for the losses and expenses
incurred by his deceased grandfather in behalf of his (Andrew's) heritage, for the benefits be
stowed on his father and mother by the said deceased Lord Oliphant, and for certain sums of
money to be paid towards the marriages of his daughters and other assistances rendered according
to certain contracts, sold to his uncle Laurence then Lord Oliphant the lands of Berredale and
Auldwik in Caithness, and the lands of Strabrok in Linlithgw, with the advowson of their
churches and chapels.1 In the same year King James granted to Lord Laurence a crown charter
of the lands.2 In 1529 that king granted to Henry Kempt of Thomastoun the ward, relief, and
marriage of the heir of the lands and pertinents belonging to the deceased Andrew Oliphant
of Beridaill.3 In 1540 the same king granted to the same Henry Kempt the dues of the lands
of Auldwik and Beridale, in his hands since the decease of the same Andrew.4 In 1541 he
granted to Alexander Innes the son of the deceased Alexander Innes of that ilk, assignee of the
deceased William earl of Erol, two thirds of the 6 pennylands of Hoistildaill (or Hoistisdale),
of the yearly value of 42s. 8d., two thirds of 4 muttons (lie wedderis) or 8s., and 2 bolls of oats
or 8s. 4d. ; two thirds of Balnehaggelis, paying yearly 3Gs. 8d., two thirds of 4 muttons or 8s.,
and 2 bolls of oats or 8s. 4d. ; two thirds of Langwell, of the same yearly value as Hoistildaill ;

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxiii. no. 34. 3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. viii. fol. 56 ; vol. xi. fol. 9.

2 Ibid. « Ibid., vol. xiii. fol. 54.

VOL. II. 5 E

766 OEIGINES [LATHEROX.

two thirds of Mellere, the same ; two thirds of Ballegay, the same ; two thirds of Ladroun,
£6, 8s. lO^d. ; two thirds of Kosbister, 21s. 2£d. and 1 boll of oats ; and two thirds of the
fishing of the water of Beridaill, £32 ; with other lands, all lying in the sheriffdom of Innernes ;
which belonged to Margaret, Katherine, and Helen, daughters and heiresses of the deceased
Andrew Oliphant of Beridaill, the heir and successor of the deceased Cristina Suthirland lady
Beridaill, the heiress and successor of the deceased Sir Alexander Suthirland of Duftbus her
great-grandfather — which were held of the king in chief by service of ward and relief — and
which were apprised to satisfy for the marriage of Cristina for 3500 (or 4500) marks Scots in
favour of Alexander Innes ; the king also willing that Margaret, Katherine, and Helen Oliphant
should have regress to the lands on paying the above sum within seven years.1 In 1542 King
James aa;ain granted to Henry Kempt of Thomastoun the ward, nonentry, and relief of the lands
of Aldwik and Beridale belonging to the deceased Andrew Oliphant of Berydaill.2 In 1549
Queen Mary granted to Lawrence Oliphant, the son and apparent heir of Lawrence Lord
Oliphant, the ward and nonentry of the same lands, apparently including Latheroun and Eos-
buster, in the queen's or her predecessors' hands since the decease of Rannald Lord Schen or
other possessor.3 In 1552 or 1553 the same queen granted to the same Laurence Oliphant the
lands of Beridaill with the water and fishing of the same, the lands of Laderoune, Rosbuster,
Ambustcr, and the Sixpennylands, together with those of Anldweik and others in the queen's
hands or those of her predecessors for 120 years by reason of nonentry, and apprised in favour
of the said Laurence Oliphant for certain sums as the dues for that period.4 In 1604 and 1605
Lawrence Lord Oliphant was served heir to Lord Laurence his grandfather in the same lands,
of the old extent of £30. 5 In 1640 Patrick Sinclair was served heir to his father Master John
Sinclair of Wolbuster in the town and lands of Rospuster extending to 4 pennylands, with the
pendicles and sheilling-places of the same called Polybwyak, Tornessan, Tomreoch, Auchineule,
Craiginharie, and Dorinlie, in the parish of Latheroun, of the extent of 9 shillings, and in the
town and lands of Harland in the same parish and of the same extent.6 In 1644 George earl
of Caithncs, Lord Sinclair of Berriedaill, was served heir male to his father John master of
Berriedaill in the earldom, including the lands of Berriedaill, the water and salmon fishing of
the same, with the hawks and hawknests, the Hill of the Ord and forests of the same, and
the lands of Lathrouno and Rosbuster.7

In 1377 or 1378, or previously, David Stewart earl Palatine of Stratherne and earl of Caithness
granted to William of Ross the lands in the earldom of Caithness which were Walter Murray's, ex
cept Thomas Scarlat's lands of Wester Clith and Nether Greneland.8 The grant was confirmed
by King Robert II.9 In 1468 King James III. granted anew to William Scarlet and to his heirs
by his wife Agnes Keith, with remainder to Sir Gilbert of Keith of Innerrugy and his heirs,
the 24 pennylands of Westerclith and the 18 pennylands of Westirgreneland, which William had

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxviii. no. 91. Reg. Sec. Sig., 4 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 177. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

vol. xv. ft'. 39, 40. vol. xxv. fol. 45. 5 Retours. « Ibid. 1 Ibid.

- Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xv. fol. 73. 8 Rob. Index, p. 122, no. 111. Greneland is in the

3 Ibid., vol. xxiii. fol. 22. parish of Duunet. * Ibid.

LATHERON-.] PAEOCHIALES. 767

resigned.1 In 1477 he confirmed the grant.2 In 1526 King James V. granted to John Berclay
burgess of Edinburgh the dues of the same lands as long as they should be in the king's hands
by reason of nonentry, with power to sublet.3 In 1527 the same king granted to John earl of
Caithness, the assignee of the same John Berclay, a crown charter of the lands of Greneland
and Westir Clyth, which formerly belonged to William Scarlat, and were in the king's hands by
reason of the nonentry of the heir at William's death, and were sold to the earl for £80 as
part payment of the nonentry, with reversion to the heirs of William Scarlat on payment of
that sum and expenses.4 In 1545 Queen Mary granted in heritage to John Siuclar the son
and heir of George earl of Caitnes, with remainder to the earl's heirs whomsoever, the lands
and baronies of Cleith and Greneland, with other lands, all resigned by the earl, and also the
fermes, profits, and dues of the lands, which were in the queen's hands by reason of nonentrv
since the decease of William earl of Caitnes the grandfather of Earl George, or of Earl John
his father, or of William Sinclar his brother fear of the lands.5 In 1624 John M'Morane was
served heir to his father James M'Morane merchant burgess of Edinburgh in a yearly revenue
of £411, 6s. from the lands, baronies, and yearly revenues of the earldom of Caithness and of
the lands and baronies of Clyth and Greenland.6

Henry of Nottingham, who, as we have seen, was a canon of Caithness in 1272, was probably
named from the lands of Nottingham in this parish.7 In 1408 Mariot Cheyne, lady of the third
part of Duffous and of the fourth part of Catenes, with the consent of Andrew of Keth her son
and apparent heir, granted to Kenneth of Sothirland the son of the deceased William earl of
Sothirland her lands of the 3 davachs of Nothigane in the earldom of Catanes and sherifldoiu of
Innernes.8 In 1726 the lands appear to have been held by Sutherland of Forse.9

In 1439 Alexander earl of Ross became bound to warrant to Alexander of Sutliirland and
his wife Maryoun of the llys the earl's sister the castle and lands of Dunbeth and the lands of
Ra, and, if these lands should be lawfully obtained from them, to give them in heritage land
of yearly value equal to that of Dunbeth between the bridge of Alnes and the gyrth of Tayne
in Ross.10 In 1452 King James II. granted to Admiral Sir George Crechtoun of Carnis tin-
lands of Brathwele, Dunbeyth, Lathrynful, and Watyn in the earldom of Catncs, resigned by
Sir James Crechtoun of Fendraucht the king's chamberlain and his wife.11 In 1456 Alexander
Sutherland of Dunbeath bequeathed to the canons of Feme for a dailv mass with a note of the
Requiem 6 marks from the lands of Multayth and Drumnern, failing which, from the lands of
Dumbeth.12 In 1464 William of Caldore, the son and heir of Sir William of Caldore, caused a

.
Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. iv. nn. 274, 275. Brathwele is

7 See DOENOCH, p. 623. mass for him, 2 shillings to each of those priests who

8 Fors Charters. should come from a distance, and 6 pence to every one

9 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect. that should read the Psalter for him.

768 OEIGINES [LATHEKON.

transcript to be made of the charter of the earl of Eoss, for what purpose does not appear.1 In
1494 the Lords of Council ordained that William and Andrew Keth (frequently summoned
hut failing to appear) did wrong in occupying the lands of Dunbeth with the house and strengtli
of the same lying in the sheriffdom of Cathnes ; that they should resign the same to Alexander
Dunbar, to be held by him for the term contained in his lease granted by the king ; and that
they should pay to Alexander £20 for the damage he had been proved to have sustained in the
matter.2 In 1507 King James IV. granted to Alexander Innes, the son and apparent heir of
Alexander Innes of that ilk, the lands of Dunbeith, Baa, and Sandsid, resigned by Malcom
Culquhone of Dunbeith.3 In 1529 King James V. granted to Alexander Sinclair of Stamster
and Elizabeth Innes his wife the same lands, with the tower, fortalice, manor, mills, and fishings,
all resigned by Alexander Innes, the grantee of 1507, and erected into the barony of Dunbeith.4
In 1530 he renewed the grant.5 In 1541 the same king granted to Oliver Sinclare of Pitcarnis
the marriage of William Sinclare the son and heir of the deceased Alexander Sinclare of
Dunbeth.6 In 1554 a charter is witnessed by William Sinclare of Dunbaith.7 In 1558 Queen
Mary granted to the same William the nonentry and other dues of the lands of Dunbeith, Ha,
Sanctsyde, and Showrarne, in the barony of Dunbeith, in the queen's hands by the decease of
Elizabeth Innes the mother of William and conjunct fear of the lands.8 In 1583 a seisin of the
earldom of Sutherland is witnessed by William Sinclar of Dunbetht and his servitors Alexander
Sinclar and Archebald Max vail.9 William Sinclair was succeeded by his grandson George, who
about the year 1614 made over his entail of the lands of Dunbeath to Lord Forbes, whose sister
lie married.10 In 1624 they were purchased from Lord Forbes and his son by John Sinclair
the son of George Sinclair of May.11 In 1657 Sir William Sinclair of Canesbie baronet was
served heir male and of conquest to his ' gudser brother' Sir John Sinclar of Dunbeath, imme
diate younger brother of Sir William Sinclar of Canesbie, in the lands and barony of Dunbeath,
including the Maynes of Dunbeath, the town and lands of Ramscraigis, Ballinbroach with the
mill, Auchachorne, Winackise, Auchiennachley, Brackathie, Lodubist, Houstre, Ballintanick,
Auchabraill, Ballachcly, and Innvrie, with the fishings, lying in the sheriffdom of Inverness and
the lately erected sheriffdom of Caithness, and the town of Innurie with its lands and tenements
erected into a burgh of barony to be called the burgh of Magnusburgh, with a weekly market
and fairs — all united into the barony of Dunbeath, of the old extent of £10.12

In 1451 there appears in record Robert of Suthirland the son and heir of John of Suthir-
land of Fors.13 In 1471 an inquest made in presence of John earl of Suthirland declared that
the deceased Richard of Suthirland of Forss the father of the deceased John of Suthirland died
last vest and seised in certain lands in the earldom of Suthirland.1* In 1538 King James V.

1 Cawdor Charters. ; Sutherland Charters.

- Acta Dom. Cone., p. 329. * Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxix. fol. 49.

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. iii. fol. 120. » Sutherland Charters.

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxiii. no. 99. '» Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, pp. 299,
' Ibid., lib. xxiii. no. 115. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. viii. 330.

I »1. 135. " Ibid., p. 389. >2 Retours.

u Reg. Sec, Sig., vol. xv. fol. 21. « Sutherland Charters. " Fors Charters.

LATHERON.]

PAKOCHIALES.

769

granted in heritage to William Earl Marischal and Lady Margaret Keith his wife various lands
in the earldom of Cathnes, including the half of the lands of Force and its castle.1 In 1546
John earl of Sutherland gave seisin in certain lands in the lordship and earldom of Suthirland
to Kichard Suthirland of Fors as grandson and heir of the deceased John Suthirland of Fors.'-'
On the forfeiture of Earl John in 1563 Queen Mary granted the same lands anew to William
Suthirland of Fors and Jonet Sinclare his wife.3

There is a village at Lybster with a population of 400, and there are two yearly fairs held
at Lybster, and two at Dunbeath.4

Before 1726 there was a strong bridge with an inn on the east end a little below the junction
of the Langwell and the Berriedale, and at that period the banks of those streams had the best
wood in the district.5

' Upon a rock at the mouth of the water stands the castle of Berridale, to which they entered
when in repair by a drawbridge, and the only entry to the bridge was so sloping from the top
of a high brae that only two could go abreast. The entry was very dangerous, the sea being
to the right hand and the water to the left, and the rock very high upon both sides, especiallv
to the north.'6

' Upon a rising ground a little above the place where the two waters (Langwell and Berrie
dale) joyn there is an antient fabrick, a part whereof stands yet. It was strongly built, and a
deep ditch cast round it.'7 This appears to be the castle noticed by Pennant in 1769 as that
of Ronald Chen.8 It seems identical also with Achaistal, a building ascribed to one John Beg
a son of one of the earls of Sutherland.9

The castle of Dunbeath, we have seen, appears in record in the years 1439, 1464, 1494, and
1529. 10 In 1650 it was surrendered to Montrosa, but soon afterwards retaken by General
Leslie.11 A map of that period represents it as surrounded by a moat filled from the sea.12
A writer in 1726 says, ' The castle of Dunbeath, the residence of Sir James Sinclair of
Dunbeath, stands upon a rock ; the south point of it is always washen with the sea, and some
parts of the east and west sides of it are also washen therewith.'13 It is still inhabited.14

There was a castle at Knockinnan or Knockgrienen near Dunbeath.15

' South west of the church upon the brinck of this burn (Latheron) opposit to the house of
Easter Latheron, i. e. on the west side, there stands a ruinous fabrick. Within it's four square,
but without the corners are round and the stones handsomly sett, tho' there be no freestone in
the whole fabrick. The east side stands directly upon a rock 10 fathom high.'16 Pennant says
this building was called Harold's Tower, and ascribed to one of the earls of that name.17

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxvi. no. 146. See REAY,
p. 745, and THURSO, p. 749.

- Sutherland Charters.

3 Ibid. Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxii. no. 393. Reg.
Sec. Sig., vol. xxxii. fol. 2.

1 New Stat. Ace.

5 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect.

6 Ibid. See also Pennant, vol. iii. p. 195, 1769.

7 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect.

s Tour, vol. iii. p. 357.

9 Ibid., p. 205. Old Stat. Ace.

10 See above, pp. 767, 768.

11 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, pp. .552, 55(i.

2 Blaeu's Map.

3 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect.

4 New Stat. Ace.

5 Blaeu. Old and New Stat. Ace.

Macfarlane. 1: Tour, vol. iii. p. 357.

770 OEIGINES [LATHERON.

Forso castle, we have seen, is noticed in 1538. l ' The house of Forse, from which the land
of Forse is designed, and standing on a rock closs to the sea, is ruinous.'2 ' The house of
Nothingham, the residence of Sutherland laird of Forse stands a mile to the north and by
«'ast of the church.'3

There were castles also at Easter Clyth, Myd Clyth, and Swiney.4

In the parish were at one time numerous circular buildings, the most conspicuous of which
appears to have been the Borge or Bourgh of Dunbeath, situated about a mile and a half
from the castle.5

' A litle to the east of the burn of the Ord, which is the march (between Caithness and
Sutherland), there is a pleasant green mot called the Dunglass as high as the top of the rock.
Since the heath has been burnt passengers who observe may see the vestige of a ditch digged up
from the said Dun all along the top of the rock untill it come to a burn near the top of the Ord
called Altnudir, a small rivolet riseing from the morasses about a mile above the top of the
forsaid rock.'6 This seems to be Blaeu's ' Burgh of the Ord.'7

' Two miles to the east of the Ord coastways there is a very high rock called Craignaboth.
At the foot of this rock stands the small high rock called the Man of the Ord.'8

' About 3 furlongs to the south of the house of Lathronwheel upon a rising ground there
stands the beginning of a great fabrick. It is certain that it came never a much greater length
than what is now seen of it. At the place designed for the entry to this great building there was
a large broad casway begun, and it's reported that that causway was to be carryed on to the
town of Thurso, which will be about 17 miles from it.'9 This causeway is evidently the same
that is marked in maps of the seventeenth century as the Myre Causay, and as extending from
the loch of Rannack or Rangag in this parish to Sordal Hill in Thurso.10 The Causaymire is
mentioned as a line of road in use in the year 1796. u

' On the face of a brae above the inlett of this burn (Risgil) there is a stone to which, as the
natives tell, many frequented in the time of superstition. It's hollow where they sate, and on
the back there is the figure of a cross tripled cutt out. Ther are some hollow places on both
sides of it as if designed for the elbows.'12

' Betwixt midle Clyth and Easter Clyth, 5 miles to the E. N. E. of the church, there are a
great many stones erected in a rank and order. The most remarkable of this kind are near the
loch of Achkeanloch in a circular figure ; 32 of them are yet standing ; many are fallen and
overgrown with earth.'13 The circle here noticed, which from the descri ption would seem to lie
on the coast, is noticed by Pennant in 1769 as situated at the loch of Stemster, some miles
inland, and may still be seen at Achkenloch on its banks.14

1 Sec above, p. 769. ~ See Blaeu's Map.

"* Macfarlane, 1726. » Macfarlane, 1726. 9 Ibid.

1 Ibid. 10 MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu.

1 Pennant, vol. iii. p. 356. Old and New Stat. Ace. " Old Stat. Ace.

5 Blaeu. Macfarlane. Pennant. » Macfarlane, 1726. 13 Ibid.

B Macfarlane's Geog. Coll., 1726. u Pennant, vol. iii. p. 356. Modern Maps.

WICK.] PAKOCHIALES. 771

WICK.
Wik1 — Weik2 — Wick.3 (Map, No. 16.)

THIS parish has a coast line about 30 miles in length, extending from Harril Head to Nibster,
with an average breadth inland of 5 or 6 miles.* Its rocky coast is indented by numerous
creeks, locally named goes, such as Whalegoe, Eedgoe, Eavengoe, Heathegoe, and Todgoe.5
Wick Bay and Broad Haven in the southern half of the coast are of rather larger dimensions,
and the north half forms a large semicircular basin named Sinclair Bay.6 The surface is generally
flat, the only elevations being those of Yarrows (or Yerous) and Camster in the south of the
parish, to the north of which lies the strath of Stirkoke about 12 miles long and not more than
60 feet above the sea level.7 ' From Bruen to Thrumster,' says a writer in 1726, ' lies a tract
of litle mountains, commonly called the hills of Warsdill or Yarrow, which about ane hundred
years agoe were all covered with wood.'8 There is a number of small lakes and streams, and
the parish is nearly equally divided by the water of Wick flowing eastward and falling into
Wick Bay.9

Wick appears to have been one of the six parishes reserved to the bishop by the charter of
1223- 1245. 10 In the year 1530 Master Andrew Petre vicar of Wik was one of those who, as
we have seen, were concerned in the slaughter of William Sutherland of Dufhouse.11 Between
1561 and 1566 the vicar of Weik was Master Andrew Grahame.12 In 1567 and 1574 Andrew
Philp was minister at Weik, and in 1576 the minister was Master Thomas Keir.13

The church, dedicated to Saint Fergus, is supposed to have stood originally at the east end
of the town of Wick at a place styled Mount Halie.14 In 1726 it stood at the west end of the
town, and had a steeple at its west end, and on the north two aisles named Sinclair's aisle and
Dunbar's aisle, the respective burying-places of the earls of Caithness and of the Dunbars of
Hempriggs.15 In 1588 or 1589 during an expedition of Alexander earl of Sutherland into
Caithness John Mac-Gilcholin of Easay who accompanied him found on entering the church a
lead case enclosing the heart of George earl of Caithness who died in 1583, and according to
Sir Eobert Gordon ' threw the ashes with the wind.'10 In 1794 the church is described as a

1 A. D. 1530. Pitcairn's Grim. Trials, vol. i. p. 149*. " New Stat. Ace. County Maps.

2 A. D. 1561-1566. Book of Assumptions. A. D. 8 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect.

1567. Register of Ministers. A. D. 1574. Book of 3 Maps. 10 See DORNOCH, pp. 601, 615.

Assignations. A. D. 157G. Ibid. A. D. 1630. Ge- " See THURSO, p. 752.

nealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 171. 12 Book of Assumptions.

3 A. D. 1630. Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, I3 Register of Ministers. Book of Assignations,
p. 196. A. D. 1642. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu. " New Stat. Ace.

1 New Stat. Ace. County Maps. 15 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect.

5 Old Stat. Ace. 16 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, pp. 177,

6 County Maps. 196.

772

OBIQINES

[WICK.

' very old, long, dark, and ill constructed building, perhaps the worst in Caithness.'1 The two
aisles are all that now remain of the old church of Saint Fergus.2 A stone effigy, erroneously
supposed to be that of the saint, and which in 1726 occupied a small recess in the north side
near the east end of the church, has since been placed in the town jail.8 A new church was
built in the end of the last century, and another in 1830, both apparently on a new site at
the same end of the town.4

' To the west of the town of Wick at a mile's distance on the north side of the water
stands ane old chappie called Marykirk, which the commons did superstitiously frequent on
the first sabbath after the new moon.5 This is the chapel of Saint Mary at Sibster.6

' One mile to the south west of the town of Wick stands the chappel of Hauster called
St. Cuthbert's church. The common people bury their dead about it.'7

' At the head of Wick is the chapel of St. Ninian.'8

North from Wick on the southern shore of Sinclair Bay stood a chapel locally known as the
chapel of Tears, Saint Tears, Saint Tayre, Saint Tay, or Saint Ere.9 It was ' thought to be in
remembrance of Innocent Day, the commons frequenting that chappell having their recreation
and pastime on the third day of Christmass.'10 About the end of the fifteenth or the beginning
of the sixteenth century, ' after some dissention betueen the Kaithes and the Clangun, ther wes
a meitting appoynted for ther reconciliation at the chappell of St. Tayr in Catteynes not farr
from Girnego, wher they should meitt with tuelve hors on either syd. The Cruner, then cheif-
tane of the Clangun, with the most pairt of his sones and principall kinsmen, came at the
appoynted tyme to this chappell to the number of tuelve ; and, as they were within the cheappell
at ther prayers, the laird of Innervgie and Ackrigill arryved ther with tuelve hors and tuo men
vpon everie hors. So these tuentie-four men rushed in at the door of the chappell and invaded
the Cruner and his company at vnawars, who nevertheless made great resistance. In the end
the Clangun wer slain, and the most pairt of the Kaithos also.'11 On Innocents' Day it was
customary with the inhabitants even in very recent times to visit the chapel, and to leave there
some bread and cheese and a silver coin, which they believed to disappear in a mysterious way.1-

' From the town of Wick to the north west stands Kilminster at tuo miles distance, where
of old stood the mansion house of the bishops of Cathnesse.' *3 ' It stands upon the east side
of a great flow moss two miles large in breadth, and in the miclle of it there is a chappell called

1 Old Stat Ace. 2 New Stat. Ace.

! Maefarlane. New Stat. Ace. 4 New Stat. Ace.

5 Maefarlane, 1726. 6 New Stat. Ace.

7 Maefarlane. See also the New Stat. Ace.

' Ibid.

9 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 92. Mae
farlane 's Geog. Collect. Pennant, vol. iii. pp. 201, 355.
Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace.

'" Maefarlane's Geog. Collect. Innocents' Day (28th
December.) was also the day of Saint Theodore abbot
of Tabenna. Saint Tears may be a corruption either
of Saint Theodore or of the last two syllables of the
Latin word Itmocentes.

11 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 92. See
also Pennant, vol. iii. p. 201, and the Old Stat. Ace.

12 Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace.

13 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect. The writer in Mae
farlane further informs us, that ' that there is one
remarkable story taken notice of by some of our his
torians, that the last bishop who resided there was
boiled to death iii a cauldron by the orders of the then
earle of Cathnesse.' This seems to be but a corrupt
version of the story of Bishop Adam. See DORNOCH.
p. 600, and HALKIRK, p. 761. Kilminster however
belonged to the bishop of Caithness, and may have
had a mansion-house. See post.

WICK.] PAEOCHIALES. 773

St. Dudoch's Kirk by the commons, of very difficult access any time of the year by reason of
the flow.' J The ruins of this chapel, now known as the Kirk of Moss, and believed to have been
dedicated to Saint Duthace, stands in the middle of the moss of Kilminister (or Kilmister) on a
piece of ground of 12 acres in extent, formerly cultivated, and approached by a causeway, of
which traces are still visible.2 Till recently the inhabitants of Mirelandorm in its neighbour
hood were in the habit of visiting it before sunrise on Christmas, and leaving an offering similar
to that left at the chapel of Saint Tears.3

Between the house of Ulbster and the sea is a chapel dedicated to Saint Martin, still
entire, and in 1726 used as the burial place of the family of Ulbster, as it still continues
to be.*

There were chapels also at Thrumster, at Keiss, and at Strubster, the dedication of which
seems to be unknown.5

At the Keformation the teindsheaves of the parish of Weik were leased yearly for the sum
of £196, 13s. 4d.6 The vicarage was at that time leased to John Keith captain of Akergill,
for the payment of £40 yearly, and of £20 every third year as grassum.7 In 1567 the
minister at Weik had for his stipend £80.8 In 1574 the minister at Weik and Lathroun
had £80 and the kirkland, and the reader at Weik 20 marks.8 In 1576 the minister at Weik
had £86, 13s. and apparently other perquisites, and the reader had ' the haill vicarage of
Weik vacand,' £40.10

Between the years 1390 and 1406 King Robert III. granted in heritage to Neill Sutherland
the town of Auldwick in Caithness with a burgh of barony.11 In 1497 King James IV., as we
have seen, granted the lands of Beredaill and Aldwik in heritage to George Oliphant the son
and apparent heir of William Oliphant and his wife Cristina Suthirland lady of Duffous, with
remainder to Charles Oliphant the brother of George, and to the heirs whomsoever of William
and Cristina.12 In 1526 Andrew Oliphant of Berredale sold the same lands with the advowson
of their churches and chapels to his uncle Laurence Lord Oliphant, to whom King James V. then
granted a crown charter of the lands.13 In 1538 that king granted in heritage to William Earl
Marischal and Lady Margaret Keith his wife, with remainder to the earl's heirs whomsoever, the
half of certain lands and baronies in the earldom of Cathnes, including the half of the half of
the lands of Akergill with the tower and other pertinents, the half of the half of Reise, the half
of the half of Subister, the half of the fourth of Myrelandnorne, the half of the half of West-
lister, the half of the half of Harland and the mill of Auldwik, with the half of the fourth of the
water of Wik and fishings of the same, and the half of the half of the lands of Vlbister, all
resigned by Elizabeth Keith the sister of Margaret and the niece and one of the heirs of the
deceased Sir William Keith of Innerugy, and with lands in Moray and Banf united into the

1 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect. 9 Book of Assignations.

3 New Stat Ace. 3 Ibid. 10 Ibid.
1 Macfarlane. New Stat. Ace. u Rob. Index, p. 137, no. 2.

' Ibid. 12 Reg. Slag. Sig., lib. xiii. no. 282. See LATHEKON,

6 Book of Assumptions. ' Ibid. p. 764.

•* Register of Ministers. " See LATHERON, pp. 764, 765.

VOL. II. 5 F

774 OEIGINES [WICK.

barony of Innerugy.1 In 1540 the same king granted to Henry Kempt of Thomastoun the
dues of the lands of Auldwik and Beridale which belonged to the deceased Andrew Oliphant of
Beridale and in the king's hands since his decease.2 In 1541 he granted in heritage to Alexander
Innes, the son of the deceased Alexander Innes of that ilk, assignee of the deceased William earl
of Erol, two thirds of the, lands of Vlbister, paying yearly 44s., two thirds of 4 muttons or 8s.,
12 poultry or 2s., two thirds of 4 auce or 2s. ; two thirds of Canister, paying 8s. lO^d., and
2 firlots of oats or 2s. Id. ; two thirds of Thrumbister, paying £5, 2s. 6d. ; two thirds of Sarclet,
paying £3, 15s. ; two thirds of Hunibister, 8s. lOd. ; two thirds of the Newtoun of Auldweik,
47s. Id., two thirds of the Mylntoun of Auldweik, 34s. lOd. ; two thirds of Stemmistar,
£3, 4s. 4d. ; two thirds of the mill of Mylntoun, £5 ; two thirds of Furesetter, 48s. 4d. ; two
thirds of Ouir Bulbistar, £3, 10s. 4d. ; and two thirds of Nethir Bulbistar, £9, 19s. — which
with certain lands in Latheron and elsewhere belonged to Margaret, Katherine, and Helen, the
daughters and heiresses of the deceased Andrew Oliphant of Beridaill, the heir and successor of
the deceased Cristina Suthirland Lady Beridaill, the heiress and successor of the deceased Sir
Alexander Suthirland of Duffous her great grandfather ; which were held of the king in chief by
service of ward and relief ; and which in order to satisfy for the marriage of the said Cristina had
been apprised to Alexander Innes for 3500 (or 4500) marks, and for the sum of £116 as the fee
of the apprising sheriff James Johnstoun, for which latter sum the persons holding the lands ap
prised to the sheriff two thirds of the mill of Thericie yielding yearly £5, 16s. from the lands of
Mylntoun of Auldweik — with reversion to Margaret, Katherine, and Helen Oliphant on paying
the above sums within seven years.3 In 1542 King James again granted to Henry Kempt of
Thomastoun the ward, nonentry, and relief of the lands of Aldwik and Beridale which belonged
to the deceased Andrew Oliphant.4 In 1549 Queen Mary granted to Lawrence the son and
apparent heir of Lawrence Lord Oliphant the ward and nonentry of the lands of Auldweik and
Berydaill, Campbuster, Sarcleith, Vlbuster, Thrumbuster, Stambuster, Hasbuster, Thuresetter,
Nethir Bulbuster, Ovir Bulbuster, Aikirgyll, Eeis, Harland, Wesbuster, Myrellandnorne, and
the town of Wik with the fourth of the salmon fishings, and other lands, all in the earldom of
Cathnes and sheriffdom of Innernes, and in the queen's hands or in those of her predecessors
since the decease of Rannald Lord Schen or any other possessor.5 In 1552 or 1553 the lands
of Auldweik with the two mills, Cambustar, Sarclcytht, Wlbuster, Thrumbustar, Stambustar,
Hasbustar, Thuresetter, Nethir Bulbustar, Ovir Bulbustar, and others, which were in the hands
of Queen Mary or her predecessors for 120 years by reason of nonentry, were apprised to the
same Laurence Oliphant for the sums of £7157, 6s. 8d. and £3000, respectively paid in lieu of
certain sums as part payment of those contained in a decree of the Lords of Council (being
apparently the dues of the lands for the above 120 years).6 In 1555 Queen Mary granted to
William Oliphant of Neutoun the escheat of all the goods that belonged to Gormak Ferquher-

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxvi. no. 146. 4 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xv. fol. 73.

2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xiii. fol. 54. 5 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiii. fol. 22.

;i Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxviii. no. 91. Reg. Sec. Sig., ° Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 177. Reg. Sec. Sig..
vol. xv. ff. 39, 40. vol. xxv. fol. 45.

WICK.] PAEOCHIALES. 775

soun in Thrumbuster, Alexander Gormaksoun or Jamesoun there, and Johne Gormoksoun or
Jamesoun in Humbuster, fugitives from law.1 In 1604 and 1605 Laurence Lord Oliphant was
served heir to Lord Laurence his grandfather in the lands of Auldweik, Berydaill, and others in
the earldom of Caithnes and sheriffdom of Innernes, of the old extent of £30.2 In 1614 James
Williamsoun or Johnsoune was served heir to his father James Johnsone in 3 fourths or farthing-
lands (quadrantis) of the lands of Ulbuster in the barony of Hasbuster in Cathanes, of old in
Inverness, of the old extent of 3s. 4d.3 In 1640 Patrick Sinclair was served heir to Master
John Sinclair of Wolbuster his father in the town and lands of Ulbuster of old extending to
6 pennylands, with the pendicles, namely, the fields of Watnen, Borroustoun, Quhalogw, with the
fishing of the port and the corfhous of the same, the lake of Watnen, the mill-loch and fishings
of the same lands, the mill of Ulbuster, and certain tenements in Weik, together of the extent
of 18 shillings.4 In 1644 George earl of Caithnes, Lord Sinclair of Berriedaill, was served
heir male to his father John master of Berriedaill in the earldom of Caithnes, including the
lands of Auldweik, the two mills of Auldweik, the lands of Cambuster, Sarclaithe, Ulbester,
Thurisetter, Thrumbuster, Stambuster, Halbester, and Nethir Balbester — the 6 pennylands
of Knappo (Papigo ?), namely, the half of Aikergill, the half of Beis, the half of Wester, the
half of Harland, with 2 pennylands in Weik and the fourth of the water and salmon fishing of
the same, the mill of Gillak, and 2 pennylands in Myrelandnorne, with the mills and fishings,
formerly in the sheriffdom of Inverness — and the half of the lands of Aikergill with the ad-
vowson of the parish church of Dunatt, the half of the lands of Reis, the lands of Subuster,
the fourth of Myrelandnorne with the half of Wastbuster, the half of the lands of Harland and
the mill of Auldweick, 2 pennylands in the town of Weik with part of the water of Weick and
fishing of the same, and the half of the lands of Ulbuster, all within the diocese of Caithnes.5
In 1455, as we have seen, Bishop William granted to his brother Gilbert Mudy with the
castles of Scrabster and Skelbo certain lands in Caithness, including 9 pennylands in the
territory and lordship of Weke.6 In 1557 Bishop Robert, with the consent of the dean and
chapter, for certain sums paid and favours granted by John earl of Suthirland, granted in
heritage to him and his wife Elenour countess of Errol certain lands in Suthirland and Cathanes,
including the 10 pennylands of Weik, Canzeouchquyis, Bischopisquyis, North Killummister,
South Killummister, and the mill of Wyndeles with 3 lie ottummis in Myrelandnorne then in
the hands of Master Thomas Brody (or Brady) pensionary of Wattin — the grantee paying
yearly for the 10 pennylands of Weik £6, 13s. 4d. ferme, £3, 6s. 8d. grassum, 2 'vnset martis'
(martas emptas) at 16s. 8d., 20 capons at 6d., 20 poultry and 5 halkhens at 2d., 5 bolls of horse
corn at 4s. 2d., 80 sheaves of oats at Id., 80 hallows of straw at l^d., 16d. huik siluir, and
10s. pleuch siluir, in all £14, 16s. 4d. ; Kennochquyis 20s.; Bishopisquyis 20s.; Northkil-
mister £6 ferme, £6 grassum, 9 bolls of horse corn at 4s. 2d., 144 sheaves of oats at Id.,
144 hallows of straw at l|d., 36 capons at 6d., 36 poultry and 6 halkhens at 2d., 12s. pleuch

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxvii. no. 135. earlier date, given above, erroneously mention the

a Retours. About this period Caithness was made a sheriffdom of Caithness. 3 Retours. 4 Ibid.

separate sheriffdom. Certain notices therefore of an 5 Ibid. 6 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. viii. no. 123.

776 OEIGINES [WICK.

slluer, 2s. huik siluer, and 3 vnset martis at 16s. 8d., in all £19, 16s. 6d. ; Southkilmister £6 ferme,
£6 grassum, 9 bolls of horse corn at 4s. 2d., 36 capons at Cd., 36 poultry and 6 hens at 2d.,
144 sheaves of oats at Id., 144 hallows of straw at l^d., 15s. 9d. pleuch siluer, 2s. huik
siluer, and 3 vnset martis at 16s. 8d., in all £20, Os. 3d. ; the mill of Wyndelcs 12 bolls victual
at 8s. 4d., in all £5 Scots ; and for the lie ottummis 6d.1 In 1560 the bishop renewed the
grant.'2 In 1564 the same bishop admitted Alexander Gordoun master of Suthirland hereditary
tenant of the same lands.3 At the same period some of the above lands are given in the bishop's
rental as follows — Tenpennyland in Weik with Bischopisqwyis and Canisqwyis, £16, 6s. 4d. ;
North Kilmister, £19, 16s. 8d. ; the mill of Vindleis, £5 ; the three ottomis in Nethirlandnorne,
5 shillings.4 In 1601 the 10 pennylands of Weik and Papigo with the crofts called the Bischopis
Quoyis and Kenzeochis Quoyis, with the other crofts there and the tenements in the town of
Weik and the superiority of the same, and the lands of Southkilmister and Northkilmister
with the mill of Wyndles and the three ' ottonnyrlandis' in Myrelandmoir, with the teindsheaves
of all those lands, were annexed to the earldom of Sutherland then granted anew to Earl
John by King James VI.5

In 1456 Alexander Sutherland of Dunbeath bequeathed to the children of the earl of
Caithness and Orkney by Marjory Sutherland his daughter the wadset which he had of the
lands of Noss and Turbuster.6 In 1527 King James V. granted to John earl of Caithness and
his wife Elizabeth Suthirland the liferent of the lands of Keisstane and Rowdale (or Keis, Stane,
and Rowdale) in the earldom of Caithnes and sherififdom of Innernys, which with the other
lands of the earldom had been resigned by the carl and granted to William Sinclare his son
and apparent heir.7 In 1539 the same king granted to Elizabeth Suthirland countess of
Cathnes, for her good service and for certain sums of money paid to his treasurer, certain
lands in the earldom formerly belonging to William earl of Cathnes, and apprised in the hands of
King James IV. for £400, including the lands of Nos.8 In 1546 Queen Mary granted to the
same countess regress to the lands of Noss and Qwiestoun in the lordship and sheriffdom of
Cathancs, alienated under reversion to Hugh Kennedy of Girvanmanis.9 In 1548 the same
Hugh sold the lands of Noss and Quyestane to Master James Makgill burgess of Edinburgh and
his wife Jonet Adamsoun, to whom in the same year Queen Mary granted a crown charter of
the lands.10

In 1545 (1 October) Queen Mary granted to Elizabeth Grahame the wife of George earl
of Cathnes the liferent of certain lands in that earldom, including the lands of Telstane with the
mill, and the lands of Thrombuster Litill, resigned by the earl.11 On 2 October the queen

1 Sutherland Charters. See DORNOCH, p. 610. wes quoyland, bot now enclosed within the dykis/

1 Ibid. Protocol Book of William Gray. Ibid. 6 Misc. of Bann. Club, vol. iii.

3 Ibid. See DOUNOCH, p. G13. ' Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxi. no. 42. Keg. Sec. Sig.,

4 Book of Assumptions. See DORNOCH, pp. 614, 615. vol. vi. fol. 72; vol. vii. fol. 81.

5 Ibid. ' Ane quoyland or outbrek is ane peece of 8 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxvi. no. 328.
land newly win without the dykis, and payis no scatt.' 9 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xx. fol. 70.
Pcterkin's Rentals of Orkney, no. ii. p. 2. An ' ottom ' 10 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxx. no. 437.

may possibly be the same with a ' tumall,' which is n Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxix. no. 271. Reg. Sec. Sig.,
thus defined — ' Ane tumall is ane peece land whiche vol. xix. fol. 40.

WICK.] PAROCHIALES. 777

granted the earldom to John Sinclair, the son and apparent heir of Earl George, reserving to the
earl the liferent of the whole, and to his countess Elizabeth Grahatne the liferent of the lands
granted to her on 1 October.1

Between the years 1142 and 1149 Rognvald earl of Orkney went into Katanes, and was
there entertained at Vik by a husbandman named Sveinn the son of Hroald a very brave man."
When Sveinn Asleifson was in the Hebrides, he committed the keeping of Dungulsbae, which he
had received from Earl Rognvald, to Margad Grimson, whose oppressions caused many to take-
refuge with Hroald in Wik.3 This occasioned a dispute between Hroald and Margad, and the
latter soon afterwards went to Wik with nineteen men and slew Hroald.* Between the years
1153 and 1156 Harald Maddadson, then joint earl of Katanes and Orkney with Earl Rognvald,
passed into Katanes and wintered at Wik.5 The town of Auldwick, as we have seen, was made
a burgh of barony by King Robert III. between 1390 and 1406.6 There seems to be no farther
notice of the town of Wick in history till the year 1503, in which the Scottish parliament
ordained that a sheriff should be appointed and called the sheriff of Catnes, to have jurisdiction
in the whole diocese, and to sit in Dornok or in Wik as the case might require.7 In 1509 King
James IV. appointed Alexander earl of Huntlie sheriff of the whole sheriffdom of Innernys, and
courts to be held in Weik or Dorno for the district of Catlmes.8 The town of Weik, as we
have seen, appears in record in 1538 and 1549.9 In 1575 Alexander Sutherland vicar of Spynie
in Moray had seisin on a charter of the bishop of Caithness in the bishop's waste tenement on
the east of the town of Wik.10 In 1589 Alexander earl of Sutherland in an expedition against
George earl of Caithness burned the town of Wick.11 In the same year King James VI. erected
the town into a royal burgh in favour of the same earl of Caithness.12 ' About this tyme Gilbert
Gray of Skibo wes arreisted and warded at Edinburgh the yeir of God 1589 at the instance
of one Andrew Wardlaw a merchant, who had his ship spoilled and his goods taken from him
in the toun of Weik, when the earl of Southerland went into Catteynes with his army ; bot after
tryell and examination Gilbert Gray wes fred and cleired from his clame, and so had libertie to
retume home into Southerland.'13 In 1623 Sir Robert Gordon, after visiting Castle Sinclair
with his army, ' returned in battell aray to the toun of Weik, wher the commissioners did consult
together, and ther did lay doun a setled course with instructions and warrands to the Lord
Berridell, how that the province might in tym coming be peceablie governed in obedience to
his Majestie's lawes.'14 In 1640 Patrick Sinclair was served heir to his father Master John
Sinclair of Wolbuster in a tenement in Weik called Swansones tenement, and a tenement in Weik

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxix. no. 272. Reg. Sec. Sig., 6 See above, p. T73.

vol. xxix. ff. 33, 34. 7 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. ii. pp. 242, 249, 250. This

2 Ork. Saga, p. 241. Torf., lib. i. c. 27. Vik or Viig act was never carried into effect.

signifies a large bay. The name may indicate the farm 8 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xv. no. 63. Reg. Sec. Sig..

or lands of Wick, the town of Wick, or the castle of vol. iii. fol. 204.

Old Wick. In the text it is used as applicable to the 9 See above, pp. 773, 774.

town.

3 Ork. Saga, p. 249. Torf., lib. i. c. 29.

4 Ibid. For the sequel of these events see CANNIS-
BAY post.

* Ork. Saga, p. 329. Torf., lib. i. c. 32.

0 Protocol Book of William Gray.

1 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 1%.

2 Old Stat. Ace.

Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 200.
Ibid., p. 380.

778 OEIGINES [WICK.

called Greives tenement, of old in the sherift'dom of Invernes.1 A writer in 1726 observes,
; The burgh of Wick, a small toun of little trade, lyes on the east end of the church and north
side of the water where it runs into the sea, and before it is a bay formed more than a mile in
breadth between the Head of Wick on the north and the Head of Old Wick on the south, with
a harbour at the end of the toun to which ships of between 20 and 30 last burden can come in
safely.' 2 ' There is,' says the same authority, ' a bridge at the toun of Wick for the convenience
of the parish of eleven pillars built with loose stones, and only timber laid over them. They
are maintained by the south side of the parish for carrying them to the church, the water being
broad there by the swelling of the tide.'3 In modern times Wick has become a place of some
importance from its extensive trade in herrings.4

Fairs are held at Kilminster on the first Tuesday of March, at Wick (Wick Market) on the
first Tuesday after Palm Sunday, at Wick (Wick Fair) in June, at Hill of Wick (Margaretmass)
on Tuesday after 20 July, and at Wick (Fergusmas) in the end of November.5

Other terms used in the parish are Colmsmas (20 June), Petermas (29 June old style),
Georgemas (15 July old style), Marymas (15 August old style), Lukesmas (first Tuesday of
October old style), Magnusmas (first Tuesday of December old style), and Tustimas (perhaps
Drostanmas, fourth Tuesday of November old style).0

The tower or castle of Akergill, as we have seen, was in 1538 granted with the half of the
lands to William Earl Marischal and Lady Margaret Keith his wife.7 In 1547 Queen Mary
granted a remission to George earl of Cathnes, David Sinclare in Thursow, Master William
Sinclare, Thomas Sinclare the son of David, James Sinclare, Patrick Sinclare, William Hay,
Berrald Hay, John Grot, William Crukschank elder, William Crukschank younger, William Innes,
George Suthirland, Master Thomas Bradde, Mwrquhow Patersoun, William Mansoun, Henry
Mansoun, Thomas Mansoun, Donald Malcumsoun, Edward Ollasoun, Thomas Donaldsoun,
Thomas Gillis, Alexander Mowat, Andrew Smyth, John M'Callane, Thomas Lesk, Alexander
Suthirland in Cannast, Eobert Williamsoun there, Ferquhard Warris there, William Suthirland
in Bulbuster, William Suthirland his son there, Donald Suthirland there, William Poilsoun there,
Donald Fowllar there, Alexander Fowllar there, William Suthirland in Myltoun of Weik,
Andrew Suthirland in Wedderclet, Ferquhard Alexandersoun there, William Ferquharsoun
there, Alexander Ferquharsoun there, Robert Ferquharsoun there, Alexander Guld in Eistir
Clyitht, Ailleis Neclasson and Kenzacht Poilsoun there, Cormac Ferquharsoun in Thruwamster
(or Thrulbamster), William Johnnsoun there, Thomas Tailzeour there, Thomas Suthirland in
Wlbuster, Henry Suthirland there, Magnus Ferquharsoun there, Ferquhard Kenzeachtsoun
there, James Patersoun there, William Bwnache, Alexander Neilson in Papygo, Hugh Grot
there, Hugh Pypar in Weik, Andrew Bayne in Bylbustir, Alexander Bayne there, John
Suthirland there, David Suthirland there, and Adam Fraser in Noss, for their treasonable
taking and holding of the castle, house, and place of Akirgill, belonging to William Earl

1 Retours. 2 Macfarlane's Gcog. Collect. 5 New Stat. Ace.

3 Ibid. 6 Ibid. Saint Drostau's day is 14 December.

* Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace. Anderson's Guide. 7 See above, p. 773.

WICK.] PAROCHIALES. 779

Marischal and Elizabeth Keith his wife, and for their treasonable taking of Alexander Keith
captain of the castle, and of John Skarlet his servitor, and detaining of them against their
will in the place of Girnigo, in Brawall, and in other places.1 In 1556 the same earl had
a remission from Queen Mary for various crimes, including the besieging of the house and
fortalice of Akirgill belonging to William earl of Marcheall, and the expelling of John Scarlet
the keeper and placing his own servants therein.2 Between 1561 and 1566 John Keith was
captain of Akergill.3 In the expedition of Sir Robert Gordon in 1623 against George earl
of Caithness the castle of Acrigill, which had been strengthened and provisioned by the earl,
was at once surrendered to Sir Robert.4 A writer in 1726 says that Akergill was then 'a
strong house and yet in repair,' and that ' betwixt that and the sea is a good new house
lately built, both now belonging to the family of Hempriggs.'5 The tower, a rectangle 82
feet high with walls 13 feet in thickness, is in repair and inhabited.6

The castle of Girnigo, we have seen, is noticed in 1547 as one of the places in which
George earl of Caithness confined the captain of Akergill.7 In 1556 Queen Mary granted to that
earl a remission far being art and part in the murder of certain persons by his servants in
a boat loaded with victual opposite the place of Girnego ; for carrying the victual to Girnego
and sinking the boat ; for the murder of Sir John Symsoun by a servant of the earl ; for
the slaughter of Hugh Neilsoun in Strathvlze through his counsel ; for besieging the house
of Akerkill (as noticed above) ; for imprisoning in Girnego Alexander Keith the queen's
free liege ; for imprisoning there also his brother David Sinclair the bailie of the bishop of
Caithness ; for joining with Andrew Sutherland younger of Clyne, Andrew Sutherland the son
of William Sutherland of Bulbister, and others, in the slaughter of William Murray captain
of the queen's house of Barrow ; for the slaughter of William Auld in Scarmclet ; and for
violently seizing on the fourth of the salmon fishing of the water of Thurso, belonging to
Laurence Lord Oliphant, in 1553, 1554, 1555, and 1556, and withholding from him tht
whole of the fish amounting to 3 lasts yearly at £100 per last.8 In 1571 George earl of
Caithness, on a suspicion that his son John the master was plotting his death, imprisoned
him in Girnigo, ' wher he wes keiped in miserable captivitie for the space of seaveu yeirs, and
died at last in prissone by famine and vermine as a disasterous subject of a cruell fortune.'9
About the year 1578 the same earl imprisoned in Girnigo Houcheon and William Macky the
sons of Y Macky of Strathnaver.10 In 1589 Earl George, the son of John the master who
died in Girnigo, and the successor of his grandfather Earl George, shut himself up in that
castle which he had prepared for a long siege, but through the mediation of some friends
Alexander earl of Sutherland, then in Caithness with an army, withdrew his forces from the
country.11 In 1595, while Earl George hospitably entertained Earl Alexander at Girnigo, he
treacherously despatched men into Sutherland to kill a servant of the latter.12 In 1611 Houcheon

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., voL xxi. fol. 27. 6 Old and New Stat. Ace. 7 See above.

- Pitcairn's Crim. Trials, vol. i. p. 394«. See post. » Pitcairn, vol. i. pp. 394 «, 395 ».

1 Book of Assumptions. 9 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, pp. 168.

4 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 379. 164.

5 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect. lu Ibid., p. 179. " Ibid., p. 197. 1! Ibid., p. 238.

780 ORIGINES [WICK.

and William Macky, formerly prisoners in Girnigo, spent Christmas there with Earl George
as his guests.1 In 1612 William Mack-Angus Rory, a Strathnaver man and servant to Earl
George, after committing various injuries on the inhabitants at the earl's desire, thought fit to
steal from the earl himself.3 Being apprehended in Tayn for some theft committed there,
and lodged in Fowlis castle, he escaped ; but being again apprehended he was delivered to
Earl George, who imprisoned him in Girnigo.3 He escaped from that by leaping into the sea,
and the earl's son William Lord Berridell, being sent in pursuit, failed to find him, but
apprehended a servant of Macky of Strathnaver named Angus Herriagh, who he supposed had
helped the other to escape, and carried him prisoner to Girnigo.4 This man was released
after an appeal to the Lords of Council.5 In 1623 the castle of Girnigo was surrendered to
Sir Ilobert Gordon on his expedition against the earl of Caithness.6 About that period the
castle began to be known as Castle Sinclair.7 Subsequently another castle was built almost
close to the former on the land side, which came to be designated Castle Sinclair, the older
one retaining the old name Girnigo.8 Blaeu about 1640 marks the castle as ' Girnigho or
Groengho, now called Castell Sincleer.'9 A writer in 1726 says, ' To the north east of the
town two miles stand the houses of Castle Sinclair and Girnegoe, both now in ruines, but were
of old the mansion houses of the earle of Cathnesse. They are situate on two rocks washen
below by the sea and joyned to the land by a narrow passe above. The communication between
them hath been by a drawbridge.'10 The ruins are still known as castles Sinclair and Girnegoe.11

The castle of Old Wick, once the seat of the Oliphants, and whose ruins are now known to
sailors as the Old Man of Wick, is a tower of three stories with remains of other buildings,
built on a high peninsular rock at the south head of the bay of Wick, and defended on the
land side by a deep ditch.12

There were castles or mansion-houses also at Keiss, Hempriggs, Thrumpster, Hempster,
Blister, Thurster, and Ulbster.13

In the south of the parish are several of those circular buildings known as Picts' houses.14

There are cairns in the parish, one of which between Wick and Papigoe is known as Elsher's
cairn or Earl Alexander's Hillock.15

At Hempriggs is a place called the Burgh of Hempriggs, probably an old hill fort.10

A ruin called Toftferry is traditionally said to be the remains of the first stone house built in
Keiss, and one of the first three built in the parish, the other two being at Harland and Hauster.17

On the links of Keiss are two ruins covered with sand called the Birkle Hills, of a conical
form and 35 feet in height, and said to be the remains of two castles named Linglass, to
have had a village connected with them, and to have been destroyed by fire.18

1 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 267. n Blaeu. Macfarlane. Pennant. Old Stat Ace.

- Ibid., p. 280. 3 Ibid. New Stat. Ace.

4 Ibid., p. 281. 6 Ibid. 6 Ibid., p. 379. " Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 379. Mac-

" Ibid. See also the above references. farlane. Pennant. Old and New Stat. Ace.

" See the following references. s Blaeu's Map. 14 New Stat. Ace. I5 Ibid. Old Stat. Ace.

10 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect. 16 New Stat. Ace. " Ibid.

:l Old and New Stat. Ace. 1B Ibid. Were these glass-houses?

WATTES.] PAEOCHIALES. 781

Near Thrumster is a standing stone, which is locally fancied to mark the grave of the Maiden
of Norway, who died in Orkney.1

A stone in the burying-ground at Ulbster, indistinctly sculptured, is said to mark the grave
of a Danish princess who was married to a progenitor of the Clangun, and who having reached
the coast of Caithness with her husband was drowned near a rock named the Lechan Ore.2

In 1680 a skirmish took place at Aultnamarlich near Wick between Lord Glenorchy and
George Sinclair, the latter either earl of Caithness or claiming that title.3

WATTEN.
Watne4 — Wattin8 — Vattin G — Wattine.7 (Map, No. 1 7.)

THIS is an inland parish, forming the valley of the upper part of the river Wick.8 Its surface
is either level or gently undulating, and it is watered by Loch Watten and Loch Toftingall and
numerous tributaries of the Wick.9 In 1726 there was no wood in the parish, ' except some
shrubs on a small hill at Skowthell.' 10

The church of Watne, as we have seen, was one of two assigned by Bishop Gilbert between
1223 and 1245 to the archdeacon of Cathanes.11 In the sixteenth century it was served by
a vicar pensionary, who from the year 1554 till the Reformation was Master Thomas Brydy,
Brady, or Brody, also prebendary of Helmisdaill.1- In 1569 the same Master Thomas was
exhorter at Wattine ; in 1574 he was minister at Halkirk, Skenand, and Wattin ; and in 1580
he again appears as prebendary of Helmisdaill.13 In 1633 William Lord Sinclar of Berridaill
granted to Sir George Hamiltoun of Blaikburne the patronage of the church of Wattine and
others, and the grant was confirmed by King Charles I.1* In 1644 George earl of Caithnes,
Lord Sinclair of Berriedaill, was served heir male to his father John master of Berriedaill in
the patronage of the same churches.15

The church appears always to have stood on the site of the present, which is somewhat old,
on the north side of Loch Watten ' on the king's high way betwixt Wick and Thurso.'16

1 New Stat. Ace. 2 Old and New Stat. Ace. 9 New Stat. Ace.

3 Pennant, vol. iii. p. 356. Old Stat. Ace. 10 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect.

4 A. D. 1223-1245. Sutherland Charters. " See DORNOCH, p. 602.

5 A. D. 1554. Sutherland Charters. A. D. 1557. 12 Sutherland Charters. Register of Ministers. Book
Ibid. A. D. 1560. Protocol Book of William Gray. of Assignations. See DORNOCH, p. 024, and LOTH,
A. D. 1562. Sutherland Charters. A. D. 1566. Ibid. p. 731.

A. D. 1574. Book of Assignations. Circa A. D. 1640. 13 Register of Ministers. Book of Assignations.

MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu. Retours. Sutherland Charters.

6 A. D. 1561 - 1566. Book of Assumptions. « Acta Parl. Scot., vol. v. fol. 154. 15 Retours.
"A.D. 1569. Register of Ministers. A. D. 1633. l6 MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu. Macfarlane. Old

Acta Parl. Scot., vol. v. p. 154. and New Stat. Ace. County Maps. The present high

8 County Maps. road runs on the south of Loch \Vatten.

VOL. II. 5 G

782 ORIGINES [WATTEN-.

There was a cliapel with a cemetery at North Dun, in 1726 the burial-place of Sinclair of
Dun and other parishioners of Wattin.1

' There is another chappell that is ruinous before our time (1726) in Skowthell called the
Clea, belonging to David Sinclair of South Dun. They only bury strangers and unbaptized
children there.'2

At the Keformation the following account of the teinds of Watten for the crop 1561 was given
in to the collector of thirds — ' The paroshin of Vattin. Vattin xxviii bollis in the pensionaris
hands for serving of the cuire ; Cogill and Gers xi bollis ; Lynekirk xii bollis ; Bilbuster
xx bollis ; Nedderscuddaill xviii bollis ; Oversculdaill with the pendicles xvi bollis ; Monsarie,
Kansarie, and the Rowcnes, vi bollis ; Toftingaill viii bollis ; Waistbustar xx bollis ; Dwne xl
bollis.'' The vicarages of Bower and Watten at the same period were together valued at £40.4
About 1569 Master Thomas Brodie as exhorter had for his stipend 40 marks, the third of his
' peusionrie' extending to 9 bolls 1 firlot 1 peck of bear, and the third of the chaplainry of
Helmysdaill extending to 10 marks.5 In 1574, as minister of Halkirk, Skenand, and Wattin,
he had £64, lls. Ijd. with other perquisites ; and Mathew Murray reader at Wattin had
£17, 6s. 8d. and the kirkland.6

In 1452, as we have seen, King James II. granted in heritage to Admiral Sir George
Crechtoun of Carnis certain lands in the earldom of Catnes resigned by Sir James Crechtoun
of Frcndraucht the king's chamberlain, and his wife, including the lands of Watyn.7 In 1527
King James V. granted in liferent to John earl of Caithnes and Elizabeth Suthirland his
wife, and in heritage to William Sinclar the earl's son and apparent heir, the lands of the
earldom, including certain lands of which the countess had conjunct infeftnient with her
husband, and among these the lands of Wattyn and Bylebyster and the mill of Skowdale.8

In 1538 King James V. granted in heritage to William Earl Marischal and his wife Lady
Margaret Keith, with remainder to the earl's heirs whomsoever, certain lands in the earldom
of Catlmes and sheriffdom of Innernys, resigned by Elizabeth Keith the sister of the countess
Marischal, and including the half of the lands of Lynaker, the half of Congilfute, and the half
of 7 pennylands in the town of Dune.9 In 1549 Queen Mary granted to Lawrence Olipham
the son and apparent heir of Lawrence Lord Oliphant the ward and nonentry of certain lands in
the earldom of Cathnes, including the lands of Dune.10 In 1552 or 1553 the same lands were
apprised in favour of the same Laurence Oliphant.11 Between 1561 and 1566 David Sinclar of
Dune appears in record.1- In 1604 Laurence Lord Oliphant was served heir to his grand
father Lord Laurence in the same lands.13 In 1644 George earl of Caithnes, Lord Sinclair of

1 Macfarlanc's Geog. Collect. Pennant, vol. iii. ' Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. iv. nn. 274, 275. See LATHE-
p. 368. BON, p. 767.

2 Macfarlanc. s Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. x.\i. no. 42. See CANNISBAY
•! Book of Assumptions. post.

4 Ibid. For the whole rental of the archdeaconry 9 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxvi. no. 146.

see DORNOCH, p. 626. 10 Reg. Sec. Sig. vol. xxiii. fol. 22. See LATHERON.

•' Register of Ministers. p. 76(5. " See LATHERON, p. 766.

11 Book of Assignations. '2 Book of Assumptions. li Rctonrs.

BOWEll,]

PAEOCHIALES.

783

Berriedaill, was served heir male to his father John master of Berriedaill in the lands of tin-
earldom of Caithnes, including the lands of Doune, Lynaiker, and Congillfoot.1

In the parish are held the fair of Roodsmas on the first Tuesday of May old style ; another
fair of the same name on the third Tuesday of September old style ; Wester Market on thf
last Tuesday of October ; Magnusmas on the last Tuesday of December ; and cattle trysts on
the first Monday of July, August, and September.2

At Stenhouse near the church is said to be the grave of Liot earl of Orkney.3

In the parish are numerous remains of the circular buildings known as Picts' houses.4

BOWER.

Bouer5 — Boware6 — • Bowar7 — Bauar8 — Bowair9 — Boward10

(Map, No. 18.)

Boor.

THIS parish is entirely inland, and is in shape an irregular oblong of about 10 miles in length
and 3 or 4 in breadth, having near its west end the loch of Scarmclet, and in its east end the
loch of Alterwall.12 It is in general flat, rising a little towards both the north and the south,
and is crossed about the middle by a ridge of green hills, which afterwards taking an easterly
direction form a part of its southern boundary.13

Bouer, as we have seen, was one of the two churches assigned to the archdeacon of Cathanes
on the institution of the chapter between 1223 and 1245. u In the year 1542 King James V.
granted to Malcolme Mowat of Brabistennyre the escheat of all the property belonging to the
deceased Sir William Angussoun vicar pensionary of Boware, who died illegitimate.15 In 1570
and 1574 the church was served by a reader.16 In 1G33 William Lord Sinclar of Berridaill
granted the patronage of Boward and Wattine and others to Sir George Hamiltoun of Blaik-
burne, and King Charles I. confirmed the grant.17 In 1644 George earl of Caithnes was served
heir male to his father John master of Berriedaill in the advowson of the same churches,
included in the earldom.18

1 Retours.

2 New Stat. Ace. The fairs of Roodsmas evidently
correspond with the feast of the Invention of the Holy
Cross (3 May) and the feast of the Exaltation (14 Sep
tember). The others are not readily identified with
any of the usual festivals.

3 Pennant, vol. iii. p. 368. See CANNISBAY post.
1 New Stat. Ace.

5 A. D. 1223-1245. Sutherland Charters.

6 A. D. 1542. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xv. fol. 89.

7 A. D. 1561-1566. Book of Assumptions. A. D.
1570. Register of Ministers. A. D. 1574. Book of

Assignations. A. D. 1620. Retours. A. D. 1644.
Ibid.

8 A. D. 1561-1566. Book of Assumptions.

9 A.D. 1561-1566. Ibid.

10 A. D. 1G33. Acta Parl. Scot., vol. v. p. 154.

11 Circa A. D. 1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaen.

2 County Maps.

3 Old Stat. Ace.

4 See DORNOCH, p. 602.

Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xv. fol. 89.

Acta Parl. Scot., vol. v. p. 154. "> Retours.

784 OKIGINES [BOWER.

The church seems to have always stood as at present about the centre of the parish.1 About
2 miles eastward on the border of the parish is a place marked by Blaeu as Kirck, and still
apparently bearing that name.2

There was a chapel at Scarmclet, ruinous in 1726, and at that time tradition assigned Lyth
as the site of another of which no vestige remained.3

The valuation of the teinds of Bowar for the year 1561 was as follows — Claok 6 bolls,
Scarmalat 2 chalders, Guilshfeild and Laroll 3 bolls, Stampstar 22 bolls, Tusbustar with the
pertinents 20 bolls, Brabustar 2 chalders, Bowartour 18 bolls, Hawcro 7 bolls, the Lwnd and
Bowar ' in the curatis fie of Bowar ' 12 bolls, Bowarmadin 24 bolls, Altervaill 9 bolls, Lyth
with the pendicles 37 bolls, Stanestall 18 bolls.4 The vicarages of Bower and Watten, as
we have seen, together amounted to £40.5 In 1570 John Andersone reader at Bowar had for
his stipend £20, and in 1574 he had £16, the kirkland, and other perquisites.6

In 1455 the markland of Alterwell was included in the 10 marklands in Caithness granted
by William bishop of Caithness to- his brother Gilbert Mudy with the keeping of the castles of
Scrabestoun and Skelbole.7 In 1559 the lands of Alterwall and the 3^ pennylands of Stanthestell
were, as we have seen, granted by Bishop Robert with the other lands of the bishoprick to John
earl of Sutherland and his wife Helen Stewart countess of Arroll, and extended yearly as follows
— Alterwall to £5, 6s. 8d. Scots in fcrme and grassum and 2s. pleuch siluer, in all £5, 8s. 8d. ;
and Stanstill, otherwise granted in feuferme to William Dauidsoun, 46s. Scots, 7 capons at 4d.
each, 7 poultry and 1 halkhen at 2d., 7 firlots of horse corn at 4s. 2d., 28 sheaves of oats at a
penny, 8 hallows of straw at l^d., 3s. 6d. plcwch siluer, 3d. hwik siluer, Ifd. ' lie gersum mart' at
30s., in all £6, 9s. O^d. old forme.8 Between 1561 and 1566 the lands of Stansall were given
in to the collector of thirds at £9 ; Lyth at £9 ; and Atterdaill (Alterwaill) at £5, 8s. 8d.'J In
1577 David Bruce of Standsell had seisin on a charter by the earl of Sutherland (Alexander)
in the 3£ pennylands of Standsell, and in the hereditary office of keeper of the island and lake
of Alterwall with the freshwater fishing of that lake.10 In 1583 William Bruce of Stancetell
witnesses a seisin of the earldom of Sutherland in favour of John master of Sutherland the son
and heir of Earl Alexander.11 The lands and loch of Alterwell and the 3^ pennylands of Stans-
tell were included in those annexed to the earldom of Sutherland by the new grant of 1601. 1-

In 1500 King James IV. granted to John Cromaty, the son and heir of the deceased Huchon
Cromaty of Brabistardorane, the dues of the lands of Brabistardorane lying in Cathnes in the
sheriffdom of Innernes, and in the king's hands by reason of nonentry for five years since the
decease of Huchon.13 In 1538 King James Y. granted in heritage to William Earl Marischal and
to his wife Lady Margaret Keith certain lands in Cathnes resigned by Elizabeth Keith the sister

1 MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu. Macfarlane. 7 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. viii. no. 123.

County Maps. 2 Blaeu. County Maps. s Sutherland Charters. See DORNOCH, pp. 611, 612.

3 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect. 9 Book of Assumptions.

4 Book of Assumptions. I0 Protocol Book of William Gray.
J Ibid. For the whole archdeaconry see DORNOCH, " Sutherland Charters.

p. 626. 12 sec GOLSPIE, p. 671.

6 Register of Ministers. Book of Assignations. 13 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. i. fol. 125.

BOWER.] PAROCHIALES. 785

of Margaret, including a half of the third of Brabisterdorane.1 In 1541 the same king granted
to Alexander Innes of Innes the heir and executor of the deceased Alexander Innes of Innes
certain lands in the sheriffdom of Innernes, including two thirds of Tusbistare extending yearly
to £9, 5s.2 In 1549 Queen Mary granted to Lawrence Oliphant the son and heir of Lawrence
Lord Oliphant the ward and nonentry of various lands, including those of Tusbister and
Brabisterdorane.3 In 1552 or 1553 the same lands were apprised in favour of the same
Lawrence.4 In 1604 Laurence Lord Oliphant was served heir to his grandfather Lord Laurence
in the lands of Tusbister with the mill.5 In 1630 Donald Rany in Stronsay, the lawful son
of the deceased David Rany and of Issobell Groit the sister of the deceased Hugh Groit of
Brabusterdoran, was served heir to his uncle the said Hugh Groit in the 6 penny-lands of
Brabusterdoran with the mill, of the extent of unum collare canum cum habena vulgo ane doggis
collar with ane leische.6 In 1644 the lands of Thusbuster with the mill, and the lands of
Brabusterdorane with the mill, were included in a service of the earldom of Caithnes in favour
of Earl George as heir of his father John master of Berriedaill.7

In 1539 Robert bishop of Orkney and Zetland, with consent of his chapter and for the sum
of £200, granted to his servitor and kinsman John Maxwell certain lands in the earldom of
Cathnes, including Bowartour, Aero, Thuro, and Lvne, with all the dues commonly called skat
silver extending yearly to £4, 16s. formerly leased to Andrew bishop of Caithnes and his pre
decessors for the yearly payment of £38, and now leased for the same.8 In 1543 Queen Mary
confirmed the grant.9 In 1620 Richard Sincler of Brownies was served heir to his brother
David Sincler in the lands of Thuray and Boirlwne and the croft of Halcro, lying in the lordship
of Cathanes, the parish of Bowar, and regality of Orkney, of the extent of £8.10 In 1624 John
Hutchesone was served heir to his brother's son Hugh or Hutcheoun Alisterson, the son of
Alexander Hutchesone in Bowerstour, in 7 penny-lands in the town of Bowerstour and in the
lands of Ockorne called Outseat, formerly in the sherifldom of Innerness, of the extent of one
penny.11

In the rental of assumptions between the years 1561 and 1566 we have the following — ' The
dewties and rentall of the said archdene his corporall landis efter followis ; In primis Starneclati
with the pertinentis videlicet Larill, Galchiefeild, Cloak, and Canister, extending to xviii d. land ;
ilk pennyland xiiii s. money alanerlie, inde summa xii lib. xii s. ; item the mylne of Scarmlat
yeirlie xvi lib.'12

Blaeu about 1640 marks a tower in the loch of Altarwel.13 ' Two miles east from the church,'
says a writer of the following century, ' lys the loch of Flairwill (Alterwell) being £ mile long,
£ mile broad. In this loch there is a little island, in which there is the ruins of an old house

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxvi. no. 146. See WICK, 4 See LATHERON, p. 766. 6 Retours.
p. 773. 6 Ibid. r Ibid.

2 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxviii. no. 91. Reg. Sec. Sig., 6 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxviii. no. 455. Reg. Sec. Sig.,
vol. xv. ff. 39, 40. Sec LATHERON, pp. 765, 766, and vol. xvii. fol. 40. See REAY, p. 745.

WICK, p. 774. 3 Ibid. 10 Retours. "Ibid.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiii. fol. 22. See LATHERON, I2 Book of Assumptions. See DORNOCH, p. 626.
p. 766. ' ! Blaeu's Map.

786 OEIGINES [OLRICK.

to which there is no access but by boat.'1 This is doubtless the island of which David Bruce
of Standsell was in 1577 appointed hereditary keeper.2

' There is ane high erected stone one mile west from the church in the moor of Bowertoun
called Stone Ludd. There is no certain tradition of the occasion of its being erected.'3

The Cairn of Heather Cow, situated on the highest ground in the parish, is in 1793 described
as a circular building 9 feet in diameter and 4 or 5 feet in height.* It may perhaps be identical
with one of two such buildings mentioned in the beginning of the same century as situated
about the same place and named respectively the Castlehill and the Hill of Wirks.5 The parish
seems to contain the sites of many more of the same kind.6

OLRICK.

Olricli7— Ollrik8— Olrek9— Oliyk10— Olrik"— Olreik"— Olrig13— Olrick.14

(Map, No. 19.)

Tms parish lies on the southern shore of Dunnet Bay, its coast line of 3 or 4 miles including
the smaller bays of Murkle and Castlehill, and extends inland to the distance of 4 or 5 miles.15
The surface is generally low, and is diversified only by a few small hills, including those of
Duran and Olrick, and by the loch of Duran and the small stream that issues from it and
falls into Castlehill Bay.16

At the erection of the chapter of Cathanes between 1223 and 1245 the parish church of
Olrich was made a prebend in the cathedral church.17 In 1455 Magnus Buge appears to have
been rector of Olrick.18 In the year 1504 a charter is witnessed by Master Walter Fenton
prebendary of Ollrik.19 In 1517 King James V. presented Master James Forester to the rectory

1 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect. Gray. Sutherland Charters. A. D. 1570. Register of

2 See above, p. 784. Ministers. A. D. 1574. Book of Assignations. A. D.

3 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect. More modern autho- 1580. Sutherland Charters. A. D. 1002. Ibid,
rities have given fanciful interpretations of the name 12 A. D. 1557-1559. Sutherland Charters, A. D.
Stone Ludd. 1562. Ibid. A. D. 1564. Ibid. A. D. 1577. Ibid.

* Old Stat. Ace. 5 Macfarlane. A.D. 1581. Ibid.

6 Old Stat. Ace. >3 A.D. 1561-1566. Book of Assumptions. A.D.

' A.D. 1223-1245. Sutherland Charters. Circa 1593. Acta Par]. Scot., vol. iv. p. 20.

A. D. 1535. Libellus Taxationum. « Circa A. D. 1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu.

- A. D. 1504. Sutherland Charters. » Old and New Stat. Ace. County Maps.
3 A. D. 1517. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. v. ff. 116, 117. 16 Ibid.

111 A.D. 1527. Sutherland Charters. A.D. 1544. " See DORNOCH, p. 602.

Ibid. 18 Bishop William's charter of that date is witnessed

"A.D. 1527. Sutherland Charters. A.D. 1530. by Magnus Buge rector — the name of the prebend being

Pitcairn's Crim. Trials, vol. i. p. 149*. A. D. 1540. of course unintentionally omitted — but, as the other

Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xv. fol. 13. A. D. 1544. Suther- prebendaries are named as witnesses, Olrick alone can

land Charters. A. D. 1547. Reg. Sec. Sig. vol. xxi. be the omitted prebend,

fol. 14. A. D. 1560-1562. Protocol Book of William 19 Sutherland Charters.

OLRICK.] PAEOCHIALES. 787

or prebend of Olrek, when it should be vacant by the resignation of Master William Gibsone, in
exchange for the vicarage of Logymurdoch in the diocese of Saint Andrews belonging to Master
James.1 In 1527 Master Thomas Stewart was rector of Olryk.2 In 1530 Master John
Thomson rector of Olrik was one of a number who found caution for their appearing to answer
for being art and part in the slaughter of William Sutherland of Dufhouse and others.3 In 1540
is recorded the legitimation of Master William Sinclare chaplain rector of Olrik, the son of Henry-
Lord Sinclare.* In 1544 he appears again in record as rector of Olryk.5 In 1547 Queen Mary
presented Master William Gordoun rector of Duthell (in Moray) to the prebend of Olrik in the
cathedral church of Caithnes, when it should be vacant by the decease of Master William Sinclare
last rector or in any other way.6 The latter however continued to be rector down to at least
the year 1564." About 1570 Francis Wrycht was exhorter, and in 1574 Alexander Urquhart
was minister and Alexander Patrik Grahameson was reader at Olrik.8 From 1577 to 1581
Master Thomas Keir was parson.9 In 1593 among the exceptions in an act recalling certain
infeftments was the patronage of the kirk of Olrig granted to George Sincler of May.10 In
1602 the parson of Olrik was Paul Bruce.11

The church, built in 1633, occupies apparently the old site a little south from the coast and
not far from the centre of the parish.12

On the eastern boundary is the site of a chapel still known' as Saint Coomb's Kirk, tradi
tionally said to have been destroyed by sand.13

In 1726 a moss within the parish was known as the moss of Halyclay.1*

In the Libellus Taxationum about 1535 Olrich is valued at £26, 13s. 4d.15 Between 1561
and 1566 the parsonage and vicarage are given at £134, 9s.16 In 1570 the exhorter at Olrik
had for his stipend the sum of £40, and in 1574 the minister had £133, 6s. 8d., out of which
he paid his reader £20. n

In 1538 King James V. granted in heritage to William Earl Marischal and his wife Lady
Margaret Keith certain lands in the earldom of Cathnes, resigned by Elizabeth Keith the sister
of Margaret, and including the half of the fourth of the lands of Tayne, the half of the half
of Stangirgill with the half of the fourth of the mill, and the half of two thirds of Nedder-
sidolrik.18 In 1549 (6 April) Queen Mary granted to Henry Keir the ward and nonentry of
certain lands, including 9 pennylands in Stangergeryll and 4ri pcnnylands in Estir Murkill, with
the mills, multures, and fishings, in the earldom of Cathnes and sheriffdom of Innernes, in the

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. v. if. 116, 117. lu Acta Parl. Scot., vol. iv. p. 20.

2 Sutherland Charters. " Sutherland Charters.

3 Pitcairn's Crim. Trials, vol. i.p. 149*. SeeTflURSO, 12 MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu. Maclarlane. Old
p. 752. and New Stat. Ace.

* Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xv. fol. 13. 13 New Stat. Ace.

5 Sutherland Charters. " Macfarlane's Geog. Collect.

6 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxi. fol. 14. I5 MS. in Adv. Lib.

7 Sutherland Charters. Protocol Book of William 16 Book of Assumptions.

Gray. Book of Assumptions. See LATHF.RON, p. 763. 17 Register of Ministers. Book of Assignations.

* Register of Ministers. Book of Assignations. ls Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxvi. no. 146. See WICK.
9 Sutherland Charters. p. 773.

788 OKIG-INES [DUNNET.

hands of the queen or her predecessors since the death of Rannald Lord Schen or other lawful
possessor.1 In the same year (6 July) she granted the ward and nonentry of the same lands to
Lawrence Oliphant the son and apparent heir of Lawrence Lord Oliphant, and in 1552 or 1553
the lands were apprised in favour of the same Lawrence.2 In 1604 Laurence Lord Oliphant
was served heir in the same lands to his grandfather Laurence Lord Oliphant.3 In 1644 George
earl of Caithnes, Lord Sinclair of Berriedaill, was served heir male in the same lands to his
father John master of Berriedaill.4

In 1559 Robert bishop of Cathanes granted in heritage to John earl of Sutherland and his
wife Helen Stewart countess of Arroll the bishoprick lands, including the lands of Deren,
extending yearly to 3 chalders victual at 8s. 4d., 4 gersum marts at 30s., 4 bolls of horse corn at
4s. 2d., 64 sheaves of oats at Id., 64 hallows of straw at l^d., 8s. of pleuch siluer, and 12s. of
hwik siluer, in all £28, 5s. Scots old ferme.5 The same lands, given in to the collector of thirds
between 1561 and 1566 at the same value, were granted by the bishop in 1564 to Alexander
master of Sutherland, and in 1601 were included in the new grant of the earldom by King
James VI. to Earl John.6

There is a village at Castletown, and in the parish are held three yearly fairs in the months
of March, June, and November."

At Castlehill was a castle, of which in 1794 scarce a vestige remained.8

At the same date were to be seen in the parish the vestiges of about 6 or 7 of those buildings
known as Picts' houses.9 The remains of a supposed watchtower on the hill of Olrick appears
to have been one of those.10

DUNNET.

Donotf'1J — Dunneth12 — Kyntorris Prebend of Dunat13 — Dunnet14 —
Dunnat10 — Donat16— Dunnett17— Dunett18— Dunatt.19 (Map, No. 20.)

THIS parish includes a somewhat low lying district 8 miles by 4, and an irregular hilly pro
montory from 4 to 6 miles long running into the Pentland Firth and terminating in Dunnet

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiii. fol. 8. 12 A. D. 1455. Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. viii. no. 123.

2 See LATHERON, p. 7GG. 13 Circa A. D. 1535. Libellus Taxationum.

:l Retours. « Taxatio Sec. xvi. A. D. 1539. Reg. Mag. Sig.,

4 Ibid. For a full history of the lands of Murkle, lib. xxviii. no. 455. A. D. 1542. Rec. Sec. Sig., vol. xvi.

lying partly in Thurso, see THURSO, pp. 748-750. ff. 60, 70. A. D. 1574, 1576. Book of Assignations.

'•> See DOKNOCH, p. 612. Circa A.D. 1640. MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu.

6 Book of Assumptions. Sutherland Charters. 15 A. D. 1537. Sutherland Charters.

7 New Stat. Ace. 16 A.D. 1569. Register of Ministers.

" Old Stat. Ace. " A. D. 1574. Book of Assignations. A. D. 1610.

0 Ibid. I0 Ibid. New Stat. Ace. Sutherland Charters.

11 A.D. 1223-1224. Sutherland Charters. ls A. D. 1644. Retours. 19 A . D. 1044. Ibid.

DUNNET.] PAROCHIALES. 789

Head (anciently Whindiknop Head, and probably the Varvedrum or Orcas of an earlier date),
the most northern point of Scotland.1 The surface, generally level, is diversified by a few small
lakes, especially towards the north.2 Part of the coast is low and has been overblown with
sand ; the promontory has generally a bold rocky coast, in some places 400 or 500 feet in
height.3

Between 1223 and 1245 Bishop Gilbert, as we have seen, constituted the church of Donotf
one of the prebends of the cathedral church of Cathanes.* In 1455 a charter of Bishop William
Mudy is witnessed by Robert Rettir or Rettre rector of Dunneth.5 In 1537 a charter is

witnessed by Sir Thomas vicar of Dunnat.0 In 1539 Robert bishop of Orkney and

Zetland granted to his kinsman John Maxwell certain lands in the parish of Bowar, among the
pertinents of which were apparently included 27 bolls skat malt of the parishes of Dunnet and
Cannesbie.7 In 1542 (23 October) King James V. during the vacancy of the see presented
Master Robert Keith to the prebend in the cathedral church of Cathnes called the rectory of
Dunnet, vacant by the decease of Master John Menzies.8 In the same year (7 November) he
presented Thomas Menzeis the lawful son of Thomas Menzeis of Petfodellis to the same rectorv
vacant by decease of the same Master John.9 In 1543 Queen Mary confirmed the grant of
1539. 10 In 1569 John Pronthocht was exhorter, in 1574 Thomas Dunnet was reader, and in
1576 John Dunnet was minister and Thomas Dunnet was reader at Dunnet.11 In 1610 the
parson of Dunnett was Mr. Timothy Pont the geographer.12 In 1644 George earl of Caithnes
was served heir to his father John master of Berriedaill in the patronage of the parish church
of Dunett.13

The church, an old building, supposed to have been built before the Reformation, and repaired
and enlarged in 1837, stands on Dunnet Bay on the west coast of the parish on a small stream
which flows from Dunnet Loch.1* In 1794 a small steeple adjoining it, built of the hard freestone
of D.unnet Head, still bore the marks of the chisel, though at that time believed to be at least
200 years old.15

There are in the parish the vestiges of three chapels.16 One of these stood on Dunnet Head,
where, says Pennant in 1769, in ancient times lived a hermit, the ruins of whose cell were then
in existence.17 Another stood at the east end of Saint John's Loch, which is still frequented by
invalids on the first Monday of May, August, November, and February, old style, when they
walk round the loch, throw into it a piece of money, and are out of sight of it by sunrise.18

In the Libellus Taxationum the prebend of Dunat is valued at £26, 13s. 4d., and in the
Taxatio Seculi xvi. it is rated at £8, 15s. 3d.19 In 1569 the exhorter at Donat had for

Blaeu and Modern Maps. Old and New Stat. Ace. u Register of Ministers. Book of Assignations.

New Stat. Ace. and Maps. 12 Sutherland Charters.

Pennant, vol. iii. p. 353. 13 Retours.

See DOENOCH, p. 602. " MS. Maps in Adv. Lib. Blaeu. Old and New

Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. viii. no. 123. Stat. Ace.

Sutherland Charters. " Old Stat. Ace.

Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxviii. no. 455. 16 Old and New Stat Ace.

9 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xvi. fol. 60. " Ibid. Pennant, vol. iii. p. 353.

» Ibid., fol. 70. lo See above. I8 New Stat. Ace. " MSS. in Adv. Lib.

VOL. II. 5 H

790 ORIGINES [DUXNET.

his stipend 50 marks; in 1574 the reader had £16, 8s. 10§d., the kirkland, and other per
quisites ; and in 1576 the minister had £61, 2s. with the parson's glebe and kirkland, and
the reader £16, 8s. lOd. with the vicar's glebe and kirkland, both having some additional
allowance.1

The history of the lands of Greneland has been already given in connexion with that of the
lands of Clyth from the year 1377 down to the year 1624.2 In the year 1549 (6 April) Queen
Mary granted to Henry Keir the ward and nonentry of the lands of Ester Greneland and other
lands with the mills, multures, and fishings.3 In the same year (6 July) that queen granted the
ward and nonentry of the lands of Greneland and others to Lawrence Oliphant the son and
apparent heir of Lawrence Lord Oliphant, and in 1552 or 1553 the same lands were apprised
in favour of the same Lawrence.4

In 1538 King James V. granted in heritage to William Earl Marischal and Lady Margaret
Keith his wife, with remainder to the earl's heirs whomsoever, certain lands, including a penny-
land of Eatar, the half of the 65 pennylands of Dunnet, 2 pennylands of Haland, the half of the
half of Eessister, the half of the half of Hollandmaik, the half of £ pennyland (le ferdingworthe)
in the town of Eatter, the half of one sixth of Corsbaddir with the half of the fourth of the mill,
the half of the half of Holme, and the half of Swynne with the mill, in the earldom of Cathanes,
resigned by Elizabeth the sister of Margaret, and the niece and one of the heirs of the deceased
Sir William Keith of Innerugy, and with lands in Moray and Banf united into the barony of
Innerugy.5 In 1539 the lands of Donet, formerly belonging to William earl of Cathnes, were
with other lands apprised in favour of Elizabeth Suthirland countess of Cathnes for her good
service done to King James V., and for certain sums of money paid to his treasurer.6 In 1549
Queen Mary granted to Lawrence Oliphant the son and apparent heir of Lawrence Lord Oliphant
the ward and nonentry of various lands, including Dunate, Wesbuster, Barrak, Eattar, Corsbak,
Easister, and Haland, in the queen's hands since the death of Eannald Lord Schen or other
possessor.7 In 1552 or 1553 the same lands were apprised in favour of the same Lawrence
Oliphant.8 In 1564 Queen Mary granted to George earl of Caithnes the nonentry of the lands
of Donet and others (as in 1539), which belonged to his deceased mother Elizabeth countess
of Caithnes and were in the queen's hands by reason of nonentry.9 In 1574 George Sinclair
was served heir of entail to his brother William Sinclair the lawful son of George earl of Cathanes
in the superiority of the lands of Dwnat and others.10 In 1604 Laurence Lord Oliphant was
served heir to his grandfather Lord Laurence in the lands of Dwnnat, Westbuster, Baroke,
Eattare, Corsbak, a pennyland of Easseter, Grenland, and Haland, with other lands in the earl
dom of Caithnes and sheriffdom of Innernes.11

1 Register of Ministers. Book of Assignations. 6 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxvi. no. 328. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

3 See LATHERON, pp. 766, 767. vol. xiii. fol. 35.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiii. fol. 8. See OLRICK, 7 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiii. fol. 22.

p. 787. s Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 177. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

* Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiii. ff. 8, 22. See LATHEEON, vol. xxv. fol. 45.

p. 766, and WICK, p. 774. • Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxii. ff. 110, 111.

5 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxvi. no. 146. 10 Retours. " Ibid.

CANKISBAT.] PAROCHIALES. 791

Fairs are held in the parish on the first Tuesday of April, Tuesday after 15 August old style,
the first Tuesday of October, and the third Tuesday of October old style, the last being styled
the Reaster Market.1

In 1769 the seat of the earl of Caithness was at Ratter.2

In the parish are the remains of several Picts' houses ; and Dunnet Head, the Hill of Barrack,
and the Hill of Greenland are supposed to be the sites of ancient beacons.3

CANNISBAY.

Cananesbi* — Cannasby 5 — Canasbie6 — Cannesbie7 — Canisby » — Cannisby9 —
Canesby 10 — Cannesby11 — Cannesbye1" — Cannisbie13 — Cannesbe14 —
Conansbay.15 (Map, No. 21.)

THIS parish is of a triangular shape, its longest side stretching in an irregular line from
Nibster on the east coast to the burn of Ratter on the north.16 The surface is generally level
and destitute of wood, the only eminence of any size being the Warth or Ward Hil], 300 feet
above the sea level.17 The eastern coast on the Moray Firth is rocky and precipitous ; the
northern on the Pentland Firth is lower and sandy.18 The point at which they meet is the steep
rocky promontory named Duncansbay or Dungsby Head, by some supposed the Berubium, by
others the Virvedrum of Ptolemy, and the undoubted Dungulsbae of the Norse writers.19 Off the
east coast are the rocks known as the Stacks of Duncansbay, and off St. John's Head on the north
are those named the Men of May and the island of Stroma (Straumsey), while north east from
Duncansbay Head lie the rocks or islands named the Pentland Skerries or Boars of Duncansbay.20
Between the years 1223 and 1245 Bishop Gilbert assigned the church of Cananesbi as a
prebend in the cathedral church.21 In 1455 a charter of Bishop William is witnessed by James
Kynnarde rector of Cannasby.22 In 1539 Robert bishop of Orkney and Zetland granted to his

I New Stat. Ace. 2 Pennant, vol. iii. p. 354. 12 A. D. 1560. Protocol Book of William Gray.

3 Old and New Stat. Ace. A. D. 1577. Sutherland Charters. A. D. 1602. Ibid.

4 A.D. 1223-1245. Sutherland Charters. 13 A. D. 1567. Register of Ministers.

» A.D. 1455. Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. viii. no. 123. 14 A.D.1577. Sutherland Charters. A.D. 1581. Ibid.

6 Circa A. D. 1535. Libellus Taxationum. 15 Circa A. D. 1640. MS. Maps, in Adv. Lib. Blaeu.

7 A. D. 1539. Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxviii. no. 455. 16 County Maps.

A. D. 1580. Sutherland Charters. A. D. 1593. Acta 17 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect Old and New Stat.

Parl. Scot., vol. iv. p. 20. Ace.

8 A. D. 1547. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxi. fol. 45. 18 Ibid.

9 A.D. 1548. Pitcairn's Crim. Trials, vol. i. p. 337 «. " Old and New Stat. Ace. Buch. Hist., lib. i. c. 31.
10 A. D. 1556. Protocol Book of William Gray. Camden's Britannia. Ork. Saga. Torfaeus.

II A. D. 1557. Sutherland Charters. A. D. 1559- M Blaeu. Macfarlane. Pennant. Old and New
1566. Ibid. Book of Assumptions. A. D. 1574. Book Stat. Ace. Worsaae. u See DORNOCH, p. 602.
of Assignations. n Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. viii. no. 123.

792 OEIGINES [CAXHWBAT.

kinsman John Maxwell certain lands in Reay and Bower, and 27 bolls skat malt of the parishes
of Dunnet and Cannesbie belonging to the bishop and his chapter.1 In 1543 Queen Marv
confirmed the grant.2 In 1547 that queen presented Hercules Berclay to the rectory and
prebend of Canisby, vacant by the decease of Master William Berclay the brother of Hercules.3
In 1548 the same Hercules was one of a number who joined in taking and keeping from Master
Alexander Gordoun postulate of Caithness the house and place of Scrabister, and in seizing on
the fruits of the bishoprick.4 Thenceforth to the year 1564 or 1566 he appears as rector of
Canncsby, and about the latter date subscribes the rental of the parsonage and vicarage given
in to the collector of thirds.5 In 1567 Alexander Patrik Gramissone was exhorter at Cannisbie,
and in 1574 John Webster or Watsoun was minister, and Andro Eag was reader.6 In 1577
a charter of Gilbert Gray the chanter of Cathenis is signed by Master John Donat rector of
Cannesbc, and John Watsoun or Wobster parson of Canncsbye.7 In 1580 and 1581 Master
John Donat (or Dunnat) again appears as rector.8 In 1593 among the exceptions stated in an

act of parliament recalling certain infeftments was the patronage of the kirk of Cannesbie with

the parsonage and vicarage, -which had been granted to Patrick Mowett of Buquhollie.9 In

1C02 the parson of Cannesbye was Alexander Ogstoune.10

The church, apparently dedicated to Saint Drostan, stands at Cannisbay about the middle

of the north coast line.11 At an early period it may probably have stood at Gills a little to

the west of Cannisbay at the head of Gills Bay.12

There was a chapel dedicated to Saint John (which saint of that name does not appear) on

the promontory of Dunmey, styled also Saint John's Head — another at Brabster dedicated

to Saint Drostan — a third at Freswick dedicated to Saint Modan — and a fourth at Duncansbay

dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and known as the Lady Chapel or Lady Kirk.13

There was a church or chapel at Strubster, situated on ' a small spot of green in the midst

of a remote wide desert,' and described in 1726 both as a hermitage and as a supposed place of

Protestant worship used at the time of the Reformation when the worshippers could not meet

more openly.14

A writer of the same period says, ' There are no apparent vestiges in this parish of Popish

monasteries, abbacies, or other religious societies, and few or none in our countrey, being too

cold a clime and barren a soyl for that fry to nestle in.'15

In the island of Stroma were two chapels, ' called commonly the Kirk of Stara and the

Kirk of Old Skoil.' 16 A tomb, apparently in one of the chapels, built by Kennedy of Kairn-

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxviii. no. 455. " MS. Maps. Blaeu. Macfarlane. County Maps.

- Ibid. See REAY, p. 745, and Bow EH, p. 785. 12 This is merely a conjecture drawn from the word

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxi. fol. 45. Gills, which seems the same as Keils, a frequent ab-

1 See DOKNOCH, p. 610. breviation of the names of churches that begin with

5 Protocol Book of William Gray. Sutherland the syllable Kil.

Charters. Book of Assumptions. " Macfarlane's Geog. Collect. Pennant, vol. iii. p.

6 Register of Ministers. Book of Assignations. 354. Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace. Book of A s-

7 Sutherland Charters. e Ibid. sumptions.

9 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. iv. p. 20. 14 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect.

!'J Sutherland Charters. » Ibid. >6 Ibid.

CAXSISBAY.] PAROCHIALES. 793

muck, was noted for its quality of preserving dead bodies uncorrupted, ' so the bodyes laid
there in coffins without bowelling or embalming forty years ago and upwards to this day have-
all the members intire and so firmly dried up that they will stand upright on their feet.'1
Pennant names 60 years as the period during which bodies interred in Stroma had been
known to remain undecayed.2 A writer in 1793 observes, ' From the antiseptic influence of
the salt particles perpetually floating in the air mummies were preserved for a great length of
years, and were wont to be exhibited as curiosities, in a chapel situated in the island. The
mummies are now destroyed, and the chapel is unroofed and mouldering into ruin.'3

In the Libellus Taxationutn the church of Canasbie is valued at £26, 13s. 4d.4 Between 1561
and 1566 the following rental was given in to the collector of thirds — ' The rental of the
personage and vicarage of Cannesby within the diocy of Cathnes. The teindshavis of the per
sonage thairof sett dyvers yeiris for money extendand yeirlie to the sowme of viii** xv merkis,
except within thir thrie or four yeiris bygane or thairby the foirsaidis teindshavis ar intromettit
with for the maist pairt be the erle of Cathnes servandis and tenantis, and withhaldin be thame
respectiue vnpayit as yett throw default of justice, and the victuall thairof for the maist restand
in thair handis. The vicarage thairof, quhilk payit the vicar, only worth xx merkis to the stallar,
intromettit with for the maist pairt thir thrie or four yeir bygaine be the wayis of the said erlis
servandis and occupyit. Beseikand your lordship for remeid in all tymis bygaine and to cum
according to equitie and justice. Sic subscribitur, H. Barclay with my hand. — Personage
of Cannesby in the haill ic xvi li. xiii s. iiii d. Nota, this personage giwes xvii ch. beir or
thairby, and lettres to ansuer the quein of the haill and the possessour of the twa pairt of the
sowme. Vicarage thairof; nota, thair is na rentall thairof giwin vp but only to the stallar
xx merk, the rest alegit giwin to susteine the vicar.'5 In 1567 the exhorter at Cannisbic
had 50 marks of stipend.6 In 1574 the minister had £130, out of which he paid the reader
£20.7

Between 1561 and 1566 the yearly value of the chaplainry of Dunmy was given at £10.8
The district known at an early period as Katanes or the Nes included the modern earldoms
or counties of Caithness and Sutherland.9 Towards the end of the ninth century Sigurd the
son of Eysteinn, who had been made earl of Orkney by Harald Harfagr king of Norway, formed
an alliance with Thorstein the Red the son of Olaf Hvit king of Dublin, and subdued Cathanes
and Sudurland as far as Eckialdsbacka the boundary (the river Oikel, as we have already seen).10
Sigurd was afterwards slain in a battle with Melbrigd a Scottish earl, and was buried at Eckialds
backa.11 Cathanes seems to have been then ruled by an earl named Dungad, whom Andur or
Unnur the mother of Thorstein induced to marry Thorstein's daughter Groa.12 About the same

1 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect. settlement of Caithness see Buch. Hist., lib. i. c. 31 ;

2 Pennant, vol. iii. pp. 198, 355. 3 Old Stat. Ace. Shaw's History of Moray, pp. 1-4, 50, 51; Macpher-
« MS. in Adv. Lib. son's Geog. Illust. ; Chalmers's Caledonia, vol. i. pp.

3 Book of Assumptions. 6 Register of Ministers. 67, 266, 340-345, 412, 605, 606, 632-636 ; and the fol-
7 Book of Assignations. 9 Book of Assumptions. lowing notices.

» See GOLSPIE, p. 652. For a full account of all 10 Torfaeus, lib. i. c. 4. See GOI.SPIE, p. 652.
that is known or conjectured of the name and early " Ibid. 12 Ibid., c. 5.

794 ORIGINES [CANNISBAY.

period Halfdan and Gudrod the sons of Harald Harfagr, having slain Rognvald the father of
Einar (or Torf-Einar) earl of Orkney, Halfdan came to Orkney with an army and compelled
Einar to take refuge in Cathanes.1 In 893 Einar returned to Orkney with reinforcements from
Cathanes, and defeated and slew Halfdan.2 King Harald Harfagr therefore came to Orkney, and
Einar again fled to Cathanes, styled a promontory of Scotland.3 In 934 Athelstan the son
of Edward the Martyr king of England laid waste Scotland with an army as far as Dunfoeder
and Westermore, and with a fleet as far as Catenes, because King Constantino had broken a
treaty with him.* After 941 Thorfinn Hausakliuf (Skullcleaver), the son of Earl Einar, married
Grelod the daughter of Earl Dungad, by whom he had a son named Hlodver or Ludovic.5
Besides Hlodver Earl Thorstein left four sons, Havard Arsael, Liot, Skul, and Arnfinn.6 Arnfinn
and Havard having been slain at the instigation of Ragnhild, whom they had successively married,
Eagnhild succeeded in procuring a third brother Earl Liot for her husband.7 The fourth
brother Skul went to Scotland (apparently between 941 and 976), obtained from the king the
title of earl of Orkney, and going to war with Liot was defeated and fled into Catanes and
tlience to Scotland.8 Liot remained for a long time in Catanes, and, Skul having returned with
a large army obtained from the king of Scotland and Earl Magbrad, they joined battle in the
Dales of Catanes, when Liot came off victorious, and Skul was slain.9 Liot then occupied Catanes
as conqueror, and kept forcible possession of it, whence arose a war between him and the Scots.10
Being attacked by a Scottish army under Earl Magbrad in the Scidensian marshes a tract of
Catanes (supposed to be Loch Shin in Sutherland), although victorious, he died in a few days
of his wounds.11 He was succeeded in the earldom of Orkney by his brother Hlodver, who was
buried at Hofn (perhaps Huna) a farm in Catanes, and who left as his successor Sigurd, his son
by Audna the daughter of Kiarval king of Ireland, and afterwards known as Sigurd the Gross.12
Earl Sigurd, besides holding Catanes against Kenneth III. king of Scotland, is said to have ruled
Boss, Moray, Sudurland, and Dale.13 Between the years 969 and 995 he was challenged by the
Earl Finnleic (apparently the father of Macbeth) to battle on a certain day at the Scidensian
marsh ; and, having received from his mother a charmed standard, and restored to his subjects
of the Orkneys their allodial lands, he met and defeated Earl Finnleic after losing three standard-
bearers.14 About the same period Grim and Helg, the sons of the Islandic poet Nial, and do
mestics of Earl Sigurd, intending to sail to Norway, were driven by adverse winds into a bay
of Scotland, and had scarcely cast anchor when they were attacked by Snaekoll and Griotgard
the sons of Moddan of Dungulsbae in two pirate vessels.15 As they refused to deliver up their
ship and goods, a battle ensued, in the midst of which Karius another domestic of the earl arrived
with ten ships, and the pirates were defeated and slain.16 Earl Sigurd, having learned that Earls
Hund and Melsnat, kinsmen of Melkolf (Malcolm) afterwards king of Scotland, had slain Hallvard
of Trasvik his kinsman and captain, entered Catanes with an army, and engaged the earls under

1 Torfaeus, lib. i. c. 7. 2 Ibid. 3 ibid. s Torfaeus, lib. i. c. 9. ' Ibid.

• 4 Chronica de Mailros, p. 20. The Saxon Chronicle, 8 Ibid. 9 Ibid. 1° Ibid. " Ibid,

pp. 140, 141. Buch. Hist., lib. vi. c. 75. 12 Ibid. Orkneyinga Saga, p. 5. I3 Torf., lib. i. c. 10.

5 Torfaeus, lib. i. c. 9. Orkneyinga Saga, pp. 3, 5. >4 Ibid. " Ibid. 16 Ibid.

CANNISBAT.] PAROCHIALES. 795

the precipice of Dungad.1 Melsnat was slain and Hund retreated ; and Earl Sigurd pursued until
he learned that Earl Melkolf awaited him with fresh troops at Dungulsbae, and then returned
to Orkney.2 Between the years 995 and 1014 Sigurd embraced Christianity, and married a
daughter of Melkolm (Malcolm II.) king of Scotland, by whom he had sons named Thorfin,
Sigurd, Sumarled, Brusius, and Einar.3 Before 1014 he went to Ireland, leaving his elder
sons to rule his dominions, and sending Thorfin to his grandfather King Melkolm ; and in that
year he fell in battle with the Irish king Brian Boru.*

On the death of Sigurd his sons Sumarlid, Brusius, and Einar divided the Orkneys equally
between themselves.5 At that time Thorfin was only five years old ; and his grandfather the
king of Scotland, having heard of Sigurd's death, gave Thorfin Katanes and Sudrland with the
title of earl and men to assist him in ruling.6 On the death of Sumarlid between 1014 and
1034 Earl Thorfin demanded his share of the Orkneys ; Einar objected that Katanes and
Sudrland, which had been subject to his father Sigurd, were much more than the third of
Orkney ; but Brusius waived his claim in favour of Thorfin, and two-thirds therefore fell to
Einar.7 About the same period Thorkell the son of a rich and powerful man Aumund of
Sandvik, having incurred the displeasure of Earl Einar, fled into Katanes to Earl Thorfin, and
became his instructor or fosterfather, whence he was named Thorkell Fostri.8 The severe rule of
Earl Einar induced many rich men of the Orkneys to follow the example of Thorkell and take
refuge with Earl Thorfin.9 When the latter grew up, he demanded of Earl Einar his rightful
share of the Orkneys, and, Einar objecting, Thorfin led an army into Orkney, while Einar raised
forces to oppose him ; but Earl Brusius, having also raised an army, made peace between them,
and it was arranged that Thorfin should have his own third of Orkney, and that Einar should
rule the united thirds of Brusius and himself, the survivor to have the whole rule.10 Thorfin
committed the rule of his Orkney domains to his men, but himself lived chiefly in Katanes.11
Earl Einar was afterwards slain by Thorkell Fostri.12 Earl Brusius then held two thirds of
Orkney, while Thorfin continued to hold the remaining third and resided either in Katanes or
in Scotland.13 About 1030 t»y an agreement with Brusius Thorfin obtained two thirds of Orkney,
Brusius retaining a third.14 About 1034 the historians state that Thorfin had become famous,
and describe his person and character as follows — He was above the middle stature, of a stern
countenance, with black hair and a thin swarthy visage, conspicuous above most in his military
bearing, greedy of money and of glory, a conqueror, skilled in war and prone to engage in it.15
Subsequently to the year 1034 Karl Hundason, styled by the Norse writers king of Scotland,
demanded tribute of Earl Thorfin for Katanes ; but the earl, claiming it as the gift of his

1 Torfaeus, lib. i. c. 10. This precipice is apparently 8 Ork. Saga, pp. 7, 9. Torf., lib. i. c. 12.
Duncansbay Head, which thus seems to have derived 9 Ork. Saga, p. 9. Torf., lib. i. c. 12.

its name from Dungad, the first earl of Caithness on " Ork. Saga, pp. 9, 11. Torf., lib. i. c. 12.

record. ' Ork. Saga, p. 11. Torf., lib. i. c. 12.

2 Ibid. 3 Ibid. Ork. Saga, p. 5. 2 Ork. Saga, p. 15. Torf., lib. i. c. 12.
« Ibid. 5 Ork. Saga, p. 6. Torf., lib. i. c. 12. 3 Ork. Saga, p. 27. Torf., lib. i. c. 13.

6 Ork. Saga, pp. 5, 29. Torf., lib. i. c. 12. » Ork. Saga, p. 29. Torf., lib. i. c. 13.

7 Ork. Saga, p. 7. Torf., lib. i. c. 12. 5 Ork. Saga, p. 29.

79G

OKIGINES

[CANNISBAY.

grandfather, refused, and war arose between them.1 King Karl created Moddan his sister's son
earl, with the intention of giving him also the rule of Katanes ; and Moddan, having raised an
army in the south (or Sudrland), was met by the Katanes men under Thorfin and Thorkill
Fostri, on which he withdrew with his forces.2 Earl Thorfin then subdued Sudrland and Eos,
and overran various parts of Scotland, after which ho returned to Katanes, and Thorkill to
Orkney.3 While Tliorfin lay at Dungulsbae in Katanes, where he had five well manned ships of
war, Moddan met King Karl at Berwick and informed him of the failure of his expedition.4
King Karl immediately fitted out eleven ships of war and a great army, and sailed to the north
of Scotland, Moddan being sent by the Highlands into Katanes with another large force, that
Thorfin might be attacked on two sides at once.5 On receiving that information Tliorfin set sail
for Orkney, bore up under the coast of Dyrnes (in Mainland), and by a messenger ordered
Thorkell to collect his forces.6 Early next morning he was suddenly surrounded by King Karl's
fleet, which he had not seen, but by which he had been observed, and after a long conflict,
during which he boarded the king's ship and took his standard, he defeated him with great
slaughter.7 King Karl, driven into the Moray Firth (Breidafiord), rallied his forces ; and
Thorfin, returning and meeting Thorkill with a large reenforcement, pursued him thither and
carried the war into Scotland.8 Having learned that Earl Moddan lay at Thorsa in Katanes
with a great army, and waited also for assistance from his friends in Ireland, Earl Thorfin
arranged that Thorkill should return to Katanes with part of their forces, and that himself
should remain and invade Scotland.9 As the natives of Katanes were faithful to him, Thorkill
went thither without announcing his approach, and reaching Thorsa by night came upon
Moddan, set fire to the house in which he slept, and as he attempted to escape slew him with
his own hand.10 Of Moddan's adherents some yielded and were pardoned, some fled, and some
were slain.11 Thorkill, having collected his whole force throughout Katanes, Sudrland, and Eos,
crossed the Breidafiord into Moray (Merhaefi), where Thorfin and he then remained for a time.12
King Karl afterwards collected a great army in Scotland and Cantyre (Satiri), and, assisted by
Moddan's friends from Ireland and by supplies from the chiefs of Scotland, engaged Thorfin,
whose force was much inferior, at a place named Torfnes.13 Earl Thorfin, foremost in the fight,

1 Ibid., p. 31. Torf., lib. i. c. 13. This king Karl
or Kallius is unknown to our Scottish historians. For
the probable explanation of the omission, if such it be,
see Torfaeus ut supra, and notes to the Irish Archjeo-
logical Society's Irish version of Nennius, pp. Ixxxii-
Ixxxiv.

2 Ork. Saga, p. 31. Torf., lib. i. c. 13.

3 Ibid. •> Ibid.
5 Ork. Saga, pp. 31, 33. Torf., lib. i. c. 13.

* Ork. Saga, p. 33. Torf., lib. i. c. 13.

7 Ibid.

5 Ork. Saga, p. 37. Torf., lib. i. c. 13.

4 Ibid. >o Ibid.
11 Ibid. '2 Ibid.
13 Ork. Saga, p. 39. Torf., lib. i. c. 13. Torfnes is

usually identified with Tarbatness in Ross; and the

mention of the Oikel (Eckial) by Arnor Jarlaskald
(quoted in the Ork. Saga) seems to confirm the identity.
The Ork. Saga however, as translated by Jonaeus, says
the battle took place in Torfnesia australique Baejiordi
(v. Breidafiordi) ora — and Torfaeus says that it was
fought in promontorio Thorfnesia quod ab austro sinum
Baefiordum (v. Breidafiordum) respicit — both thus
placing the field of battle on the south coast of the
Moray Firth. The only name on that coast that re
sembles Torfnes is Troup Head. That the battle oc
curred on the Moray side of the Firth is further ren
dered probable by the facts, that immediately before
it, as we have seen, Earl Thorfin was in Moray or near
it, and that between his residence there and the battle
we do not read of him crossing the Breidafiord, his
invariable route between Caithness and Moray.

CANNISBAY.] PAEOCHIALES. 797

with gilded helmet, girt with a sword, and wielding a spear with both hands, with his personal
staff or body guard attacked the Irish so vigorously that they were driven back and could not
be rallied ; on which King Karl advancing personally against Thorfin fought bravely for a time,
but at length terminated the conflict by his flight, and according to some by his death.1 Earl
Thorfin pursued the fugitives into the interior of Scotland, and subduing the natives as far as
Fife, dismissed Tliorkell with a part of the army.2 The natives who had submitted then at
tacked him, but on his advancing against them retired into desert places ; and the earl, having
laid waste the country with fire and sword, and having taken some prisoners, went northward
through Scotland, and overcoming all opposition returned to his ships, wintered in Katenes, and
every summer afterwards gave his earnest attention to warlike operations.3 In the year 1036
Earl Thorfin frequently dwelt in Katanes at Goddgedlae, a place, as we have seen, apparently
on the north west boundary of Sutherland.4 In the same year, with an army partly furnished
from Katanes, he invaded England then ruled by Hardicanute.5 In 1046, after a severe struggle
with his nephew Eognvald the son of Brusius, he subdued all Orkney and resided there, sending
to Katanes for provisions.6 In the same year Eognvald, who had escaped to Norway, came
privately to Shetland (Hialtland), and thence to Mainland (Hrossey) in Orkney, where Thorfin
then was, and set fire to the house in which he lived.7 Thorfin, taking his wife Ingibiorg in his
arms, broke through a vaulted roof in the house, and escaping fled in a boat to the Ness (Katanes).8
Rognvald, supposing that Thorfin had perished in the flames, took possession of the Orkneys, and
by a messenger proclaimed himself ruler of Thorfin's dominions in the Ness and the Hebrides,
in which parts all submitted to him.9 Thorfin for a time lived privately among his friends in
Katanes, his escape remaining generally unknown ; but about Christmas 1046 he went privately
to the island of Little Papa and set fire to the house in which Rognvald dwelt ; and, though Rogn
vald escaped, he was afterwards taken and put to death by Thorkill Fostri, on which Earl Thorfin
subdued the whole of Orkney.10 That earl thenceforth retained till his death all his dominions,
namely, nine earldoms in Scotland, all the Hebrides, and a large territory in Ireland.11 He died
apparently in 1064, and was succeeded by his sons Earls Paul and Erlend, who ruled jointly.12
About the year 1104 Sigurd, Eistein, and Olave, the sons of King Magnus of Norway, and
joint sovereigns of that country, bestowed on Hacon the son of Earl Paul the title of earl and
all the territory which heritably belonged to him.13 About 1108 King Eistein gave Magnus
the son of Erlend (afterwards Saint Magnus) the half of Orkney with the title of earl.1* After
wards in the absence of Earl Magnus Earl Hacon Paulson subdued all Katanes and Orkney,
and settled in Katanes with an army.15 They subsequently agreed to divide equally between

Ork. Saga, p. 39. Torf., lib. i. c. 13. 8 Ork. Saga, p. 75. Torf., ut supra.

Ork. Saga, p. 41. Torf., lib. i. c. 13. 9 Ibid.

Ork. Saga, pp. 41, 43. Torf., lib. i. c. 13. 10 Ork. Saga, pp. 75-79. Torf., lib. i. c. 14.
Ork. Saga, p. 55. Torf., lib. i. c. 14. See GOLSPIE, " Ork. Saga, p. 87. Torf., lib. i. c. 15.

pp 652, 653. 12 Ork. Saga, pp. 87, 91. Torf., lib. i. cc. 15, 16.

Ork. Saga, p. 57. Torf., lib. i. c. 14. u Ork. Saga, p. 119. Torf., lib. i. c. 18.

Ork. Saga, pp. 65, 67, 71. Torf., lib. i. c. 14. « Ork. Saga, p. 121. Torf., lib. i. c. 18.

Ork. Saga, p. 73. Torf., lib. i. o. 14. 15 Hist. Sancti Magni, c. 18.
VOL. II. 5 I

798 OBIGINES [CANNISBAT.

them the earldom of Orkney, Katanes, and Hialtland.1 In 1110 (14 April) Earl Magnus was
]>ut to death through the machinations of Earl Hacon, who thenceforth ruled all the Orkneys.'2
Earl Hacon, by his concubine Helga the daughter of Moddan of Dale in Katanes, had a son
named Harald Slettmal.3 He had another son named Paul Umalgi (dumb) ; and on his death
(apparently between 1110 and 1124) his sons divided his dominions equally between them.4
Earl Harald by permission of the king of Scotland (apparently David I.) retained Katanes,
and often dwelt there.5 He shared the rule of the Orkneys with his sisters Ingibiorg and
Margaret, who after his death (about 1129) went into Katanes and thence to Sudrland where
Frakark the daughter of Moddan dwelt.6 In 1129 Sigurd king of Norway granted to Karl
the son of Kol the half of the Orkneys not under the dominion of Earl Paul, with the title
of earl, and named him Kognvald after Kognvald the son of Brusius.7 King Magnus who
succeeded Sigurd about 1130 did not acknowledge Eognvald's dominion, but in 1135 it was
expressly confirmed by King Harald the rival and successor of Magnus.8 In 1136 Kognvald
in order to wrest the Orkneys from Earl Paul, assisted by troops from Suthrland under Aulfer
Eosta the grandson of the lady Frakark, who in the event of their success was to be earl
in the Orkneys, attacked Earl Paul, but was defeated and driven back to the Petland Firth.9
Olaus Bolfi of Garekscy, who had the farm (or territory) and the captaincy of Dungulsbae, and
a large following in Katanes, commanded one of Earl Paul's ships, and after the battle returned
to Dungulsbae, in which about Christmas 1136 he was burned to death by Aulfer Eosta.10 His
death, as we have seen, was afterwards avenged by his son Sveinn, who was thenceforth known
as Sveinn Asleifson, Asleif being his mother's name.11 In 1137 Sveinn, who on his father's death
fled to Orkney and thence to the Sudareys, went into Scotland, where he resided for some time
with Maddad earl of Joklis or Atjoklis (Athole), wyho through the influence of Frakark had
married Margaret, the daughter of Earl Hacon Paulson and Helga his concubine, and the sister
of Earl Paul.12 He then returned to Orkney, captured Earl Paul, and carried him to Earl
Maddad and his wife Margaret.13 Earl Paul never returned to Orkney, and Earl Kognvald
became sole ruler.14

In the year 1139 a bishop, designed by the Norse writers as bishop John from Atjoklis in
Scotland, came into Orkney, and, after a conference with William bishop of Orkney, Sveinn
Asleifson, and Earl Eognvald, the earl accepted as his colleague in the rule of Orkney Harald
the son of Earl Maddad and his wife Margaret, then about five years old.15 A meeting appears
to have been subsequently held in Katanes, when peace was made, and the whole ratified by the
oaths of the nobles both of Orkney and of Scotland. ls Harald Maddadson accompanied Earl

' Hist. Sancti Magni, c. IS. 10 Ork. Saga, pp. 147, 187. Torf., lib. i. cc. 20, 23.

2 Ibid., cc. 25, 26. Ork.Sa<;a,p.l33. Torf., lib. i. c. 18. " See KILDONAN, pp. 741, 742.

a Ork. Saga, p. 139. Torf., lib. i. c. 18. >2 Ork. Saga, pp. 177, 217. Torf., lib. i. cc. 22, 25.

4 Ork. Saga, p. 141. Torf., lib. i. cc. 18, 19. I3 Ork. Saga, p. 219. Torf., lib. i. c. 25.

3 Ork. Saga, p. 141. Torf., lib. i. c. 19. » Ork. Saga, pp. 221-229. Torf., lib. i. c. 25.

6 Ork. Saga, pp. 141, 147. Torf., ttt supra. ™ Ork. Saga, pp. 231, 419. Torf., lib. i. cc. 26, 39.

' Ork. Saga, p. 169. Torf., lib. i. c. 21. John must have been bishop of Dunkcld ; but we have

b Ork. Saga, pp. 173, 175. Torf., lib. i. c. 22. no authentic account of that bishoprick at the period.

9 Ork. Saga, pp. 175-183. Torf., ut supra. 16 Ork. Saga, p. 231. Torf., lib. i. c. 26.

CANSISBAY.] PAROCHIALES. 799

Rognvald into Orkney, received the title of earl, and was followed thither by Thorbiorn Klerk
the son of Thorstein Hauld and Gudrun the daughter of Frakark, who brought up the younsr
earl.1 Thorbiorn Klerk likewise held all the possessions which had belonged to Olaus the father
and Valthiof the brother of Sveinn Asleifson, whose sister Ingirid he married.2 In 1139 Sveinn.
after having revenged his father's death by burning Frakark in her house at Hialmadal, and
having laid waste Suthrland and spent the summer in piracy and in an invasion of Scotland,
returned in the autumn to Orkney, and having visited Earl Rognvald went to the Ness and
wintered at Dungulsbae.3 Between 1142 and 1149, while Sveinn Asleifson was in the Hebrides,
Earl Rognvald went to Katanes and was entertained at Vik by a husbandman named Sveinn the
son of Hroald a very brave man.4 Sveinn Asleifson was afterwards made the earl's steward, and
in company with Thorbiorn Klerk made a predatory excursion into the Hebrides, whence they
returned to Dungulsbae.5 They disputed about their booty, and Sveinn who had most adherents
in Katanes prevailed, on which Thorbiorn complained to Earl Rognvald, who made peace between
them.'' Afterwards however Thorbiorn divorced his wife Ingirid, and sent her into Katanes to
her brother Sveinn.7 When Sveinn was in the Hebrides, he committed the keeping of Dunguls
bae, which he had received from Earl Rognvald, to Margad Grimson, whose oppressions caused
many to flee to Hroald ; and Margad soon afterwards went to Vik with nineteen men, slew
Hroald, and then returned and met Sveinn at Dungulsbae.8 Sveinn, having collected his
followers, retired to Lambaburg (apparently Freswick), where there was a commodious fortress,
furnished it with provisions, and dwelt there with sixty men.9 The city or fortress of Lambaburg
was situated on a precipitous shore, having a stone wall built upon the land side, and on the other
extensive precipices.10 From this place Sveinn and Margad frequently invaded their neighbours
in Katanes, and brought into the fortress whatever they could lay hands on.11 On hearing these
things Earl Rognvald at the request of Sveinn the son of Hroald passed into Katanes, accom
panied by Thorbiorn Klerk, Haflid Thorkelson, and Dufniall Havardson, and proceeded first to
Dungulsbae, and thence to Lambaburg, which on Sveinn's refusal to deliver up Margad they
blockaded. li Provisions being exhausted, Sveinn and Margad escaped by letting themselves down
with ropes into the sea and swimming till they passed the precipices, and landing they passed
through Suthrland into Merhaefi, reached Dufeyras (supposed to be Banff), and went thence
by sea to the court of King David at Edinburgh.13 On their escape the citizens of Lambaburg
submitted to Earl Rognvald, who allowed them to depart unharmed.14 King David reconciled the
earl and Sveinn, and Margad remained at court.13 In 1152 Sveinn, having slain Ami Spituleggr
a Norwegian sailor who was one of an expedition preparing by Earl Rognvald for the Holy

1 Ork. Saga, p. 231. Torf., lib. i. c. 26. 2 Ibid. I0 Ibid. This exactly answers the modern description

3 Ork. Saga, p. 235. Torf., lib. i. c. 26. of the old castle of Freswick near Duncansbay. See

4 Ork. Saga, p. 241. Torf, lib. i. c. 27. Pennant, vol. iii., where the castle is figured, and New

5 Ork. Saga, pp. 241, 247. Torf., lib. i. cc. 27, 28. Stat. Ace.

6 Ork. Saga, p. 247. Torf, lib. i. c. 28. » Ibid.

- Ork, Saga, p. 249. Torf., ut supra. n Ork. Saga, p. 251. Torf., lib. i. c. 29.

H Ork. Saga, p. 249. Torf.. lib. i. c. 29. 13 Ork. Saga, p. 253. Torf., ut supra.

» Ibid. " Ork. Saga, p. 255. Torf., ut supra. « Ibid.

800 OKIGINES [CANNISBAY.

Land, fled to Katanes ; and Rognvald, having left Earl Harald then about 20 years old to
rule the Orkneys, sailed for Palestine.1

In 1152, during Earl Rognvald's absence, King Eysteinn came from Norway to Orkney with
a great army, and, learning that Harald Maddadson had passed into Katanes with 80 men
in a ship of 40 oars, and was then lying on the river Thorsa, he fitted out three galleys,
crossed the Petland Firth, sailed to Thorsa, and coming suddenly on Earl Harald seized him
on board his ship.2 The earl agreed to procure his ransom with three marks of gold, and
thenceforth to hold the Orkneys of King Eysteinn.3 About the year 1153 Earl Harald's father
Maddad died, and his mother Margaret removed to Orkney.* Between 1153 and 1156 Erlend
the son of Harald Slettmal, who then dwelt chiefly in Thorsa, went to Melkolm king of Scots
(Malcolm IV.), and requested that he would give him the rule of Katanes with the title of earl,
which his father Harald had held.5 King Melkolm granted him the half of Katanes in
conjunction with his kinsman Earl Harald, on which he went to Katanes and raised troops, and
thence to Orkney, and requested the inhabitants to receive him.6 On learning these things Earl
Harald raised an army, but on the interference of friends he agreed to a half year's truce, during
which Erlend should go to the king of Norway and ask the half of the Orkneys which belonged
to Earl Rognvald, and which Harald agreed to give him.7 About that period Earl Harald had
banished Qunn the son of Olave and the brother of Sveinn Asleifson, who had children by
Margaret the earl's mother, a step which made Sveinn the earl's enemy.8 During Erlend's
absence in Norway Earl Harald passed into Katanes and wintered at Wik.9 Sveinn, who had
married first Ragnhillde the daughter of Ingimund, and then Ingirid the daughter of Thorkel,
obtained about that time the farm of his fathers-in-law at Thraswick in Katanes.10 Strolling one
day about Lambaburg with a few of his men, he observed a ship of burden passing north of the
Petland Firth.11 Believing that it was a ship sent by Earl Harald to collect tribute in Hialtland,
lie ordered his men to pursue and take it, which they accordingly did, bringing all in it to land
along with the ambassadors of Harald, whom they sent to tell him of the event.12 Earl Harald
said little, and made his arrangements for keeping the feast of Easter.13 Sveinn after Easter
went to Orkney with a ship of burden and a galley, and, having during his voyage taken twelve
ounces of gold from Sigurd Klauf a domestic of Earl Harald, when lie reached Skalpeid took
a ship from Fugl the son of Liotolf who had come from Liodhus (the Isle of Lewis) to meet
Earl Harald. u He then passed into the Ness, and thence into Scotland, and met King Mal
colm then nine years old at Ardion, and received from that king an order to retain all the goods
which he had in Katanes before his enmity witli Earl Harald.15 In 1155 Sveinn again went to
Orkney, where he met Earl Erlend, and subsequently they had a skirmisli with Earl Harald.16
On the mediation of friends it was agreed that Erlend should have the half of the Orkneys,

1 Ork. Saga, p. 277. Torf., lib. i. cc. 30, 31. s Ork. Saga, p. 329. Torf., at supra.

2 Ork. Saga, p. 325. Torf., lib. i. c. 32. 3 Ibid. 9 Ibid. "> Ibid. " Ibid. " Ibid.

4 Ork. Saga, p. 327. Torf., ut supra. 13 Ork. Saga, p. 331. Torf., ut supra. " Ibid.

5 Ibid. 6 Ibid. 15 Ibid. Malcolm must then have been at least 13.
~ Ork. Saga, pp. 327, 329. Torf., «( supra. 16 Ork. Saga, pp. 331-335. Torf., ut supra.

CANNISIUY.] PAROCHIALES. 801

after which Earl Harald passed into the Ness, and thence into Scotland to his friends, accom
panied by a few men from Orkney.1 In 1155 Earl Erlend received the whole dominion of the
Orkneys, the inhabitants however stipulating that, if Earl Rognvald returned from Palestine,
lie should have his share.2 In the same year Earl Rognvald returned from Palestine,
and landing in Norway was informed that the Orkneymen were divided into two factions, the
one headed by Earl Harald, and the other by Earl Erlend and Sveinn Asleifson, while a few-
were neutral.3 Sailing from Norway he reached Scotland late in the winter, and landing at
Torfnes shortly after Christmas he reached Orkney.* In 1156 Earl Harald went to Orkney
and gave his mother Margaret in marriage to Erlend Junga, who therefore became his ally.5
In 1156 Earl Rognvald agreed with Earl Erlend that each of them should have a half of
the Orkneys, and that both should defend them against Earl Harald if he should attempt pos
session.6 For that purpose, while Harald was in Norway, Earl Erlend in 1157 went to Hialt-
land lest Harald should land there on his return, and Earl Rognvald went to Thorsa, where Earl
Harald had many friends and relations.7 On Harald's return from Norway in the same year
three of his ships were driven by stress of weather to Hialtland and taken by Earl Erlend.8
Earl Harald landing in Orkney, and hearing of the arrangement between Rognvald and Erlend,
resolved to go into the Ness to meet Rognvald, and accordingly sailed to Thorsa with six ships,
while Erlend and Sveinn hearing of his arrival also sailed southward.0 Rognvald was then at
Beruvik in Suthrland celebrating the marriage of his daughter Ingirid with Eric Slagbrell, but,
when he heard that Harald was at Thorsa, he immediately rode thither with a great multitude.10
The Earls Harald and Rognvald however were reconciled by the mediation of Eric Slagbrell.11
While in conference on the subject in a certain castle at Thorsa, Thorbiorn Klerk arrived with
the intention of assisting Earl Harald, and before he was aware of their conference slew some of
Earl Rognvald's men, but the earls interfered and prevented farther bloodshed, and afterwards
crossed the Petland Firth together with ten ships to Vidivog in Rinarsey.12 Earl Erlend,
having heard of their arrival, by the advice of Sveinn crossed to the Ness on the eve of Saint
Michael (28 September), and took and slew many cattle in that district.13 Sveinn, having spread
a report that Earl Erlend after plundering Katanes intended to sail for the Sudureys, about the
beginning of winter 1157 sailed in company with that earl with six large and well equipped ships
of war from Thorsa to the west coast, but, when he had sailed as far as the Staur (the Row Store-
in Assynt), he changed his course and sailed back to Vagaland (Walls), where he learned that
Earls Rognvald and Harald lay at Skalpeid (Scapa) with fourteen ships.1* On the third night
before the feast of Saint Simon (25 October) 1157 he came suddenly on the earls, and forced them
to abandon their ships and flee to the Ness, while he and Erlend took possession of the ships and
of immense wealth.15 Sveinn afterwards sent all the precious things which he found in Earl

1 Ork. Saga, p. 331 -335. Torf., ui supra. » Ork. Saga, p. 349. Torf., lib. i. c. 33. 9 Ibid. '" Ibid.

2 Ork. Saga, p. 327. Torf., ut supra. " Ork. Saga, p. 351. Torf., ut supra.

3 Ork. Saga, p. 321. Torf., lib. i. c. 31. ™ Ork. Saga, pp. 351, 353. Torf., tit supra.

4 Ork. Saga, p. 323. Torf., nt supra. « Ork. Saga, p. 353. Torf., ut supra.

5 Ork. Saga, p. 343. Torf., lib. i. c. 32. " Ork. Saga, p. 355. Torf., ut supra.

6 Ork. Saga, p. 347. Torf., lib. i. r. 33. '• Ibid. '3 Ork. Saga, pp. 357, 359. Torf., ut supra.

802 OEIGINES [CANXISBAY.

Bognvald's ship to the earl then in the Ness ; Earl Erlend was slain by Earls Rognvald and
Harald ; and Sveinn having made peace with the earls broke it by an attack on Earl Harald,
but again made peace, and in 1159 passed into the Ness and spent Easter at Dale with his
friend Sumarlid.1

In the end of summer 1159 the Earls Rognvald and Harald according to their usual practice
went from Orkney into Katanes to hunt.2 When they came to Thorsa, they learned that
Thorbiorn Klerk, who some time previously had been banished from the Orkneys by Earl
Rognvald, and had been at the court of King Melkolm, lurked in the neighbourhood with his
men, prepared for a raid when opportunity should offer.3 The earls on receiving that intelli
gence proceeded up the valley of the Thorsa with 100 men, of whom 20 were horsemen, and
then up the Kalfadal (now Caldcr) to the town of that name ; Earl Rognvald being a little in
advance with his friend Asolf and his kinsman Jomarr, and Earl Harald following soon after.4
When Earl Rognvald reached the town of Kalfadal, Hauskuld an inhabitant and the friend of
Thorbiorn was engaged with some domestics in bringing corn into his barn not far from the
banqueting-room in which Thorbiorn and his men were then drinking, and which was separated
from the house by a ravine and a steep declivity.5 In the back wall of the house were doorwavs
filled up with stones.6 When Thorbiorn and his men heard Hauskuld salute Earl Rognvald, they
seized their arms, and knocking out the stones from the concealed doors took refuge there.7
As Earl Rognvald advanced towards the doors, Thorbiorn attacked him, and at the first stroke
wounded the carl severely in the face, and cut off Asolf's head.8 Earl Rognvald was in the act
of dismounting from his horse ; Stephen a friend of Thorbiorn came up and attacked him with
his spear, and Thorbiorn inflicted on him another wound.9 At the same moment Jomarr struck
Thorbiorn in the thigh with a spear, which also entered his bowels.10 Thorbiorn and his men
then took refuge behind the house, and from that descended into a clayey marsh.11 Just then
Earl Harald arrived, and meeting Thorbiorn delayed attacking him till he should learn Earl
Rognvald's opinion ; but finding the earl dead he pursued Thorbiorn, who with about 50 men
had crossed the marsh and stood on his defence on the opposite bank.1- A conference then took
place, and Harald, though unwilling to attack Thorbiorn, was overruled by Magnus the son of
Havard Gunnason.15 Thorbiorn, advising his men to consult their own safety by flight, went and
met Harald and submitted himself to his will.14 Harald refused to slay him, but also declined to
tight in his behalf with the men of Magnus who were then in pursuit, and advised him to take
refuge in some deserted cottages named Asgrims Aergin (probably Assary).15 Thither therefore
Thorbiorn fled with eight men, pursued by the men of Magnus, who set fire to the cottages, from
which after a brave defence Thorbiorn and his men, much worn out from the effects of the fire,
came out and formed an easy prey to the victors.16 Earl Harald descended the valley of the

1 < )rk. Saga, pp. 359-375. Torf., lib. i. cc. 33, 34. 9 Ork. Saga, p. 389. Torf., ut supra.

* Ork. Saga, pp. 385, 387. Torf., lib. i. c. 36. '« Ibid. ' " Ibid. « Ibid.
J Ibid. is Ork. Saga, pp. 391, 392. Torf., ut supra.

1 Ork. Saga, p. 387. Torf., ut supra. « Ork. Saga, pp. 393, 395. Torf., ut supra.

* Ibid. « Ibid. • Ibid. '* Ork. Saga, p. 395. Torf., ut supra.

* Ork. Saga, pp. 387, 389. Torf., ut supra. « Ibid.

CAXNISBAY.] PAROCHIALES. 803

Kalfadal, and Magnus's men, returning to Fors, prepared the body of Earl Rognvald for burial,
and carried it to Thorsa.1 Earl Rognvald was slain five days after the feast of the Assumption
of Saint Mary (that is, on 20 August) 1159, or according to Torfaeus 1158.2 He was canonised
in 1192.3

After the death of Earl Rognvald Earl Harald became sole ruler of Orkney.* ' He was,'
say the Norse historians, ' an illustrious potentate, superior to others in stature and strength.' "'
A writer of this period, supposed to be Geraldus Cambrensis, describes Scotland as of old divided
into seven districts, ruled by seven princes, and says, ' The seventh part is Cathanes on this
side the Mound and beyond the Mound, for the hill Mound divides Cathanes in the middle.' {;
In the end of the twelfth century (apparently after the year 1196) Harald, Magnus Mangi, and
Rognvald, the sons of Eric Slagbrell, went into Norway to King Magnus Erlingson, who con
ferred on Harald (thenceforth styled Ungi, the younger) the title of earl and the half of the
Orkneys which was held by Earl Rognvald his maternal grandfather.7 Harald accompanied by
Sigurd Murt went to the court of King William of Scotland, who gave him the half of Katanes
which was held by Earl Rognvald.8 He then went into Katanes, met Lifolf his sister's husband,
collected forces, and sent to Earl Harald Maddadson (the elder) requesting him to yield the half
of Katanes.9 Earl Harald refused with indignation, and entered Katanes, apparently near
Thorsa, where he was met by Harald Ungi with a much inferior force.10 A battle ensued, and
Lifolf, Sigurd, and Earl Harald Ungi, were slain.11 After the battle Earl Harald the elder again
subdued the whole of Katanes, and then returned to Orkney.12 King William the Lion on
hearing these events sent ambassadors to Rognvald Gudrodson king of the Haebudes and the
son of Ingiborg the daughter of Earl Hacon Paulson, who immediately raised a great army,
occupied the whole country of Katanes, and left it under the rule of three toparchs, Manius
Olafson, Rafn the logmadr, and Hlifolf Ollius.13 Earl Harald sent a man into the Ness with
instructions to kill, if possible, one or all of the toparchs.1* The sagacity of Rafn defeated the
assassin, but he succeeded in killing Hlifolf, and then returned to Orkney.13 Immediately after
wards Earl Harald landed with an army at Thorsa, mutilated Bishop John as we have seen, took
the town of Thorsa without resistance, punished the natives and especially their ringleaders for their
treason, compelled them to swear fealty to him, seized on the possessions of the toparchs who had
fled to the king, and occupied Katanes with his army.16 After Christmas (in some year between
1196 and 1201) King William raised an army, went into Katanes against the earl, and encamped
at Eisteinsdal the boundary between Katanes and Sudrland, his camp stretching a long way in a

1 Ork. Saga, p. 395. Torf., ut supra. ' Ork. Saga, p. 407. Torf., lib. i. c. 38.

2 Ibid. 8 Ibid. 9 Ibid.

3 Torf., ut supra. 10 Ork. Saga, p. 409. Torf., ut supra.

4 Ork. Saga, p. 3i)7. Torf., lib. i. c. 37. " Ork. Saga, p. 411. Torf., ut supra.

5 Ibid. 12 Ibid.

6 Inues's Critical Essay, pp. 550, 601, 668, 768. The 13 Ork. Saga, pp. 411, 413. Torf., ut supra.
Mound is that range which terminates in the Ord on " Ork. Saga, p. 413. Torf., ut supra. 15 Ibid,
the south and in Drunihallesdell on the north. See l6 Ork. Saga, p. 415. Torf., vt supra. See DORNOCH.
GOLSPIE, p. 652.

804 ORIGINES [CANNISBAY.

Jine with the valleys.1 The earl, although at the head of an army of 6000 men, found himself
unable to oppose the king, and having consulted the inhabitants made peace on condition that
they should pay the king yearlv a fourth of their possessions and repay those who had fled to him
for refuge.2 The Scottish chroniclers say that the king took Earl Harald and imprisoned him in
Iloxburgh castle, and that he was set at liberty on leaving his son Torphin as a hostage, who on
his father's subsequent rebellion was subjected to various mutilations and died in prison.3 The
Norse writers say that Earl Harald after making peace with King William at Eisteinsdal returned
to Orkney, and that during those hostilities his son Thorfinn, whom the king retained as a hostage,
had his eyes put out.* Harald, as we' have seen, was earl when five years old, afterwards held
the earldom for 20 years in conjunction with Earl Rognvald, and after his death was sole earl for
48 years.5 He died in 1206 in the second year of the reign of Ingius Bardson king of Norway.6
Earl Harald was succeeded by his sons John and David, who ruled jointly.7 It was Earl John
in whose presence, but apparently without whose consent, the Caithness men murdered Bishop
Adam in 1222. 8 The subsequent expedition of King Alexander II. into the north, in which he
is described by the Norse writers as laying waste the country and expelling the inhabitants, is
thus recorded by Wyntown —

And cure the Mownth als fast
Intil the north landis than he past
Swthyrland, Catenes, and into Eos,
Justys til do wes his purpos.
The Erie of Catenes met him thare
And come cure wyth him til Forfare.
A ryale Yhulc thare held the kyng
Quhare wantyng wes of na gud thyng.
Thare borwyd that erlo than his land
That lay into the kyngis hand
Fra that the byschape of Catenes
As yhe before herd peryst wes.a

Earl David died before his brother John, apparently in the same year 1231, and soon after Earl
John was murdered at Thorsa by Hanef the quaestor of the king of Norway and others, who

1 Ork. Saga, p. 415. Torf., tit supra. The encamp- 2 Ork. Saga, p. 415. Torf., lib. i. c. 38.
ment of King William was evidently on the range 3 ChrouicadeMailros,p.l03. Ford. Scot., lib. viii.c. 59.
named the Mound or Drumliallcsdcll. The date of 4 Ork. Saga, p. 419. Torf., lib. i. c. 38.
his expedition, which Fordun and his continuator ° Ork. Saga, p. 419. Torf., lib. i. c. 39.
divide into two, and place in the years 1196 and 1201, ° Ibid. Chronica de Mailros, p. 106.
the Melros Chronicle places in 1197, and Buchanan 7 Ork. Saga, p. 419. Torf., lib. i. c. 39.
in 1199, occurred most probably about the year 1201. 8 Ork. Saga, p. 421. Torf., lib. i. c. 40. See Don-
See DOENOOH, p. 599; Chronica de Mailros, p. 103; KOCH, p. 600.

Ford. Scot., lib. viii. cc. 59, 62 ; Epist. Innocentii III., " Ork. Saga and Torf., ut supra. Wyntounis Crony-
lib, i. no. 218 ; lib. v. no. 77 ; Buch. Hist., lib. vii. c. 49. kil, book vii. c. 9.

CAXNISBAY.] PAEOCHIALES. 805

set fire to his house, and dragging him from a cellar in which he had taken refuge slew him
with nine wounds.1

' It is,' says Lord Hailes, ' the opinion generally received that Alexander II. granted the
earldom of Caithness to Magnus the second son of Gillibride earl of Angus in 1222.' 2 A manu
script which belonged to Robert Eeid bishop of Orkney (now in the library of Lord Panmure),
containing an account of the earls of Orkney by Bishop Thomas Tulloch in 1443, states that Earl
John was succeeded by Earl Magnus the second, from whom Alexander king of Scots took the
earldom of Suthirland.3 The truth seems to be, that, the ancient line of the earls of Orkney
and Caithness having become extinct with Earl John in 1231, King Alexander II. granted
the earldom of Caithness to Magnus the son of Gillibrid, who was also earl of Angus, about the
same tune that he created William the son of Hugh Freskyn first earl of Sutherland, not in
1222, but in 1232.4 Magnus is doubtless the same as Magnus the son of the earl who appears
in record between 1226 and 1239. 3 A charter of King Alexander II. to the chapel of Saint
Nicholas at Spey, dated 7 October 1232, is witnessed by M. earl of Angus and Katanes
(Katania).6 A charter by the same king to Patrick earl of Dunbar, dated 7 July 1235, is
witnessed by the earl of Katanay.7 Earl Magnus died in 1239.8 From that year down to
1284 the succession is a matter of uncertainty.9 The following from Bishop Tulloch's manuscript
is perhaps the most correct — Earl Magnus the second (Magnus the son of Gillibrid) was suc
ceeded by Earl Gilbert the first ; to whom succeeded his son Earl Gilbert the second, who held
the earldoms of Orkney and Cathnes in Scotland ; which Gilbert the second begot Magnus
the third and a daughter Matilda ; this Earl Magnus the son of Gilbert the second begot Earl
Magnus the fourtli and John ; and Earl Magnus the fourth dying without issue was succeeded
by his brother John in the foresaid earldoms of Orkney and Cathnes.10

Among the items of revenue accounted for in 1263 by Laurence le Grant sheriff of Innernes
was the sum of 50 marks as part of the king's silver (finis) paid by the earl of Caithness.11
In the same year Haco king of Norway during his expedition against Scotland anchored for
some time off the island of Ronaldshay, whence he sent ambassadors to the men of Catenes to
demand tribute, threatening that otherwise he would lay waste the province with fire and sword,
a threat which had the desired effect.12 Among documents found in the king's treasury at
Edinburgh in 1282, styled in general Negocia tangencia Norwagiam, there was one entitled

1 Torf., lib. ii. Clironica de Mailros, p. 142. See 4 See the following notices, and GOLSPIE, p. 654.
THURSO, p. 752. 5 Reg. de Aberbrothoc, vol. i. pp. 263, 335.

2 Annals,firsted.,vol.i.p.l48. Lord Hailes is not satis- 6 Regist. Moraviense, p. 123.

fied of the correctness of this opinion, and conjectures 7 Reg. Hon. de Morton, vol. i., app., p. xxxv. In the

that the crown had given South Caithness or Sutherland Morton chartulary at Daltnahoy, from which this charter

to William Freskyn, and North Caithness to a younger was printed, the name of the earl is illegible, but there

son of the family of Angus. See GOLSPIE, p. 654. Sir can be no doubt that Earl Magnus was the witness.

James Dalrymple states positively, though without giv- B Torfaeus, lib. ii. Catalogue appended to the Ork.

ing any authority, that King Alexander II. gave the Saga. 9 See the following references,

earldom to Magnus the son of Gillibrid earl of Angus 10 Ork. Saga, app., pp. 551, 552. Lib. Ins. Miss., pp. liii,

by the designation of North Caithness, for payment of a liv. Torfaeus and the editor of the Ork. Saga give diffe-

yearly duty of £10 sterling. Collections, pref. p. Ixxiii. rent accounts of the succession.

3 Ork. Saga, app., p. 551. Lib. Ins. Miss., app., p. liii. " CompotaCamerar.,vol.i.pp.21*,31*. 12 Torf., lib. ii.

VOL. II. 5 K

806 ORIGINES [CAXNISBAY.

Littera regis Norwagie missa Cataniensibu? — very probably the missive of King Haco of 12G3.1
Among those who in 1284 became bound to support the title of Margaret the daughter of King
Alexander III. to the throne of Scotland was Magnus earl of Orkney — doubtless also earl of
Caithness.2 Torfaeus places the death of Earl Magnus in the same year.3 John, said to be the
son of Magnus, was undoubtedly earl of Catenes in 1290, and was one of those who in that year
signed a letter to King Edward of England in name of the community of Scotland, proposing
marriage between the king's son Edward and the Maid of Norway.* The same Earl John was
one of those who in 1293 were summoned to appear at the first parliament of King John Baliol,
and who failed to appear.5 Sir Robert Gordon says that in 1297 Earl John swore fealty to
king Edward I. at Murkle in Caithness.6 Torfaeus says that in 1300 the daughter of Eric
king of Norway was betrothed to Earl John the son of Magnus.7

A manuscript, supposed to date between the years 1292 and 1296, describes the land of
Cateneys as 24 leagues in length and 40 in breadth.8 In the year 1308 the community of the
earldom of Katenes and others addressed a letter to Philip king of France touching the right
of King Robert Bruce.9 John appears to have been still earl of Cathnes, but before or in the
year 1320 he was succeeded by his son Magnus, who on 6 April of that year as earl of Cathanes
and Orkney signed the letter addressed by the Scottish nobility to Pope John.10

In the year 1296 King Edward I. ordered John of Warren earl of Surrey, his warden of the
kingdom of Scotland, to cause deliver to Andrew Fresel, who was about to go into England
beyond the Trent, a hundred marks of the dowry of his wife in Catanes for the maintenance of
himself, his wife, and family.11 He further ordered that all the lands and tenements which were
of his wife's dowry in Catanes should be restored to him for the same purpose.12 In 1330 is
recorded ' the complaint of Symon Eraser and of Margaret his wife and one of the heirs of the
earl of Caithnes concerning the earldom of Caithnes,' dated at Kinross on 4 December.13 Simon
Eraser was the son of Sir Andrew, but it is uncertain on what ground his wife claimed an
interest in the earldom.1* He fell at Halidon in 1333, about which period Malise earl of
Strathern became earl of Caithness.15 The manuscript of Bishop Tulloch says that Malise earl
of Stratherne in Scotland succeeded Magnus fifth of that name earl of Orkney by hereditary
right in both the earldoms of Orkney and Cathnes, as is proved by certain writs of confirmation
of both the kingdoms of Scotland and Norway.16 Earl Malise married Johanna the daughter

' Acta Parl. Scot., vol. i. p. 3 post pref. n Rotuli Sootiae, vol. i. p. 35. Andrew 1'resel was

"- Ibid., p. 82. 3 Torf., lib. ii. Sir Andrew Fraser the son of Sir Gilbert sheriff of

4 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. i. p. 85. 5 Ibid., p. 91. Stirling, and the first who settled in the north. See

6 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 37. Sir Anderson's Family of Fraser, pp. 33-35. "Ibid.

Robert describes the document in which the earl gave 13 ActaParl.Scot.,vol.i.p.l53. Rob. hid., p. 29, no. 24.

his fealty as if he had seen it — but with the same igno- u Anderson's Family of Fraser, pp. 36, 44.

ranee of the succession evinced by other historians he 15 Hailes' Annals. Lib. Ins. Miss. pp. xliii, xliv, liv.

adds, ' This Earle John had succeeded unto Gilbert 16 Lib. Ins. Miss., p. liv. It does not appear how

carle of Catteynes.' " Torf., lib. ii. the earl of Stratheru had an hereditary claim to the

s Misc. of Maitland Club, vol. iv. part i. earldom of Caithness. As his descent in the male line

9 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. i. p. 99. was different from that of Earl Magnus, he must

10 MS. of Bishop Tulloch. Lib. Ins. Miss., p. liv. have inherited the earldom through a female. See

Acta Parl. Scot., vol. i. p. 114. Riddell's Inquiry, vol. ii. pp. 562-564.

CASSISBAY.]

PAROCHIALES.

807

of Sir John of Mentcth, who was dead in 1329, and by whom he had a daughter Matilda.1 He
afterwards married Marjory the daughter of Hugh earl of Ross who fell at Halidon in 1333.-
In 1334, under the style ' earl of the earldoms of Stratherne, Caithness, and Orkney,' he granted
to William earl of Ross (the son of Hugh) the marriage of his daughter Isabel (by his wife
Marjory), declaring her his heir of the earldom of Caithness, failing au heir male by his said
wife.3 Earl Malise in 1345 forfeited the earldom of Strathern, which he had given to the earl
of Warrane, 'ane Englishman, enemie to King David,' and which that king then granted to
Maurice Murray.* He does not appear to have forfeited the earldom of Caithness, which was
inherited by his daughter Matilda, and afterwards by Alexander of Ard her son by Weland
of Ard.s The manuscript of Bishop Tulloch says that Alexander of Ard by the law and
custom of the kingdom of Scotland succeeded in right of his mother as heir to Earl Malise of
Strathern in the principal manor or mansion of the earldom of Cathanes, and held it with the
right and title of earl, and enjoyed also by the same right a perticate or quantity of the lands
of Orkney, and acted as bailie and captain of the people of Orkney on the part of the king of
Norway.6 In 1357 a Scottish chief styling himself Duncan the son of Andrew addressed a
letter to the community of Orkney, and specially to the lieutenants of Magnus king of Norway,
stating that he had the guardianship of the true and lawful heir of Malise formerly earl of
Orkney, and requesting them not to suffer any of the fruits or formes of the earldom to be taken
out of those parts till the heir should be presented to them.7 It does not appear who that heir
was, but most probably, as will be seen, it was Henry of Saint Glair the son of William of Saint
C/lair lord Synclar by a daughter of Earl Malise, apparently Isabel already noticed.8 In 1359
the chamberlain of King David II. gave in the revenue of the ' assise del lawyeld' of the earldom,
rendered at Martinmas, as amounting to £20.9 In 1361 King David confirmed the charter of
Earl Malise dated in 1334, granting to William earl of Ross the marriage of his daughter
Isabel, and to Isabel the earldom of Caithness failing a male heir.10 In the year 1367 the par
liament held at Scon in September deferred till the following January the auditing of certain
accounts, among which was the sum of £10 to be accounted for of the return of an assise of
the earldom of Catanes, and in the hands of William Keth who held the ward of the heir of
William of Saint Glair.11 In 1375 Alexander of Ard sold or resigned to King Robert II. the
earldom of Catlines, the principal manor or mansion, with the title of earl and all other rights

1 Rob. Index, p. 18, no. 69. Lib. Ins. Miss., p. liv.

2 Lib. Ins. Miss., pp. xliv, liv. Hailes ad annum.

3 Lib. Ins. Miss., pp. xliii, xliv. Charter extant at
Dunrobin in 1840, but now missing. Sir Kobert Gor
don says that in 1344 Malesius earl of Catteynes,
Orknay, and Strathern, gave the earldom ot" Catteynes
to William earl of Ross in marriage with his daughter
Issobel — an evident misinterpretation of the charter
of 1334. Genealogy, p. 49.

1 Rob. Index, p. 56, nn. 1, 11. Genealogy of the
Earls of Sutherland, p. 49.

5 Lib. Ins. Miss., p. liv. Rob. Index, p. 120, no.
59 ; p. 129, no. 27.

6 Lib. Ins. Miss., p. liv. It appears that Alexander
of Ard received the captaincy of Orkney from Haco
king of Norway only in 1375, soon after which he
resigned the earldom of Caithness. Charter of King
Haco, quoted by Torfaeus, lib. ii.

7 Torf., lib. ii., in which the original document is
copied.

8 Lib. Ins. Miss., p. Iv. See also Douglas's Peerage
and the following notices.

9 Compota Camerar., vol. i. p. 320.

10 Lib. Ins. Miss., pp. xliii, xliv. Rob. Index, p. 51.
no. 34. Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 49.

11 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. i. pp. 168, 169.

808 OEIGINES [CANSISBAY.

belonging to him by the law and custom of Scotland in right of his mother as the elder
sister.1

In 1375 King Eobert II. granted to his son David Stewart (in 1371 created earl Palatine
of Stratherne) the castle of Brathwell, its lands, and all the other lands as well in Caithness
as in any other part of Scotland, inherited by Alexander de le Arde in right of Matilda de
Stratherne his mother, and resigned by him.2 In the same year, between 1377 and 1378, and
again between 1380 and 1381, David Stewart appears with the style earl Palatine of Stratherne
and earl of Caithnes.3 In 1382 (23 February) he had a safe conduct from King Richard II..
to last from the feast of Easter following to the feast of Easter 1383, empowering him to go
to any part of England he pleased and remain there with sixty knights in his retinue.* The
date of his death is uncertain.5 He left a daughter Euphame, styled countess Palatine of
Strathearn, and heiress also of the earldom of Caithness.0 Probably between the years 1390
and 1398 King Robert III. granted to his brother Walter Stewart lord of Brechine the earl
dom of Caithness and regality of the same, resigned by ' the countess Palatine called Eupham
Stewart countess Palatine of Strathern,' for the yearly payment of a ' reid haulk.' 7 Walter
Stewart, who was also earl of Athole, held the earldom of Caithness till about the year 1424,
when he resigned it in favour of his son Alan.8 King James I. then granted the earldom to
Alan Stewart and the heirs male of his body, with remainder to his father Walter the king's
uncle and to his heirs whomsoever.9 Alan held the earldom with the title of earl till the year
1431, when he was slain at the battle of Inverlochy in Lochaber.10 It then in terms of the
charter reverted to his father Walter, on whose forfeiture for his share in the murder of King
James I. in 1437 it again reverted to the crown.11

In 1452 King James II. granted the earldom of Caithness to Sir George Crichtoun of Carnis
admiral of Scotland, and to the heirs male of his body.1- In the same year, as we have seen,
he granted to the same Sir George the lands of Brathwele and others which formed part of the
earldom, and which were resigned by Sir James Crichtoun of Frendraucht the king's chamberlain
and his wife.13 Earl George compelled his wife Jonet to resign the barony of Mortoun to James
of Douglas of Dalkeith, but soon after the earl's death in 1455 she publicly and by legal process
recalled the resignation.1* She was afterwards married to James of Douglas, and in 1459 after
his death she resigned the barony of Mortoun in favour of William of Douglas her son.15 At

1 Lib. Ins. Miss., p. liv. Rob. Index, p. 120, no. 59 ; logy of the Earls of Sutherland, pp. 62, 63. Addi-
p. 129, no. 27. tional Sutherland Case, c. iv. p. 44.

2 Rob. Index, p. 120, no. 59 ; p. 129, no. 27. 9 Additional Sutherland Case, c. iv. p. 44.

3 Ibid., p. 121, no. 79 ; p. 122, no. 111. Lib. Ins. Mis., 10 Ibid. Ford. Scot., lib. xvi. c. 17. Genealogy of
p. xlvii. the Earls of Sutherland, pp. 67, 68.

1 Rotuli Scotiae, vol. ii. p. 42. " Additional Sutherland Case, ut supra. Buch. Hist.,

' Additional Sutherland Case, c. v. p. 56. lib. x. cc. 58, 59.

« Ibid. Rob. Index, p. 149, no. 67. i2 Additional Sutherland Case, c. iv. p. 45. Genea-

7 Rob. Index, p. 149, no. 57. logy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 73.

" Ibid., p. 140, nn. 19, 31, 32 ; p. 164, no. 37. Wyn- 13 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. iv. nn. 274, 275.

tounis Cronykil, book viii. ch. xxii. Reg. Honoris de u Reg. Honoris de Morton, vol. ii. pp. 332, 333.

Morton, vol. ii. p. 334. Lib. Ins. Miss., p. Hi. Genea- 15 Ibid.

CANNISBAT.] PAROCHIALES. 809

that date she was still styled countess of Catanes, but the earldom in terms of the grant to her
first husband had reverted to the crown at his death.1

In 1455 King James II. granted the earldom of Caithness in heritage to his chancellor William
Lord Saint Clair earl of Orkney, the descendant, as we have seen, of a daughter (probably
Isabel) of Earl Malise by his second wife Marjory.2 In 1456 Alexander Suthyrland of Dunbeth
bequeathed to the earl of Cathenes and his countess Marjory the daughter of Alexander, and to
the children got between them, the £1000 which were due to him by the earl, or as much of that
sum as might be recovered ; the lands which he had in wadset of the earl within the earldom :
and his claim to the wadset of Noss and Turbuster — the rents of the lands to be appropriated to
the use of the children till the lands should be ' quyt out ' by those who wadset the lands to
him or by their heirs.3 From 1455 till the year 1471 or 1472 William Saint Clair was styled
earl of Orkney and Cathnes.* In 1471 or 1472 he resigned the earldom of Orkney, and was
thenceforth styled only earl of Cathnes.5 He is known only as earl of Cathanes in the English
records, in which he appears in 1457 and 1460 as one of the conservators of the truce between
King Henry VI. and King James II., and in 1471, 1472, and 1473 as one of the ambassadors
of King James III. to King Edward IV. sent to treat of the breaches of truce." In 1476 King
James III. granted in heritage to William Sinclare, the son of William earl of Caithness and
Lord de Saint Clair by Marjory his countess (the earl's second wife and the daughter, as we have
seen, of Alexander Sutherland of Dunbeath) the lands of the earldom with the advowson of the
hospital of Saint Magnus in Caithness in the sheriffdom of Innernes, with the offices of justiciar,
chamberlain, and sheriff within the bounds extending from Portnacultir to Pentlandfirth and from
the eastern sea to the western as the bounds of the bishoprick of Caithness extended, resigned by
the earl, reserving the liferent to him and the terce to his wife Marjory.7 On his father's death
about the year 1480 William Sinclare became earl of Caithness, and he died at Flodden on 9
September 1513.8 In 1516 John earl of Caithness, the son of William, entered into a friendly alli
ance with Adam earl of Sutherland, who then granted to him 10 davachs on the water of Vlly."
They afterwards disputed, and their dispute was not settled till the year 1524, when it was
brought to a friendly termination in the manner already detailed.10 In 1527 King James V.
granted in heritage to William Sinclare, the son and apparent heir of John earl of Caithness,

1 Reg. Honoris de Morton, vol. ii. pp. 332-334. of the country is — that Earl William and his men,
Additional Sutherland Case, c. iv. p. 45. all Sinclairs, passed the Ord on a Monday dressed in

2 Additional Sutherland Case, «t supra. Lib. Ins. green — that the earl had been forfeited, but that King
Miss., p. Iv. James IV. on the field of battle wrote on a drum

3 Misc. Ban. Club, vol. iii. head a reversal of the forfeiture, which the earl imme-
1 Reg. Hon. de Morton, vol. i. pp. xliv, xlv ; vol. ii. diately sent to Caithness by a trusty messenger — that

p. 334. Misc. Ban. Club, vol. iii. Add. Suth. Case, he and his men all fell on the field — and that ever since

ut tupra. 6 Add. Suth. Case, ut supra. no inhabitant of Caithness of the name of Sinclair will

6 Rotuli Scotiae, vol. ii. pp. 383, 397, 429, 433, 436. cross the Ord on a Monday. It is said that the deed

7 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. vii. no. 393. Misc. Ban. Club, written by King James remained in the possession of
vol. iii. Add. Suth. Case, c. vi. p. 110. Genealogy of the earl's descendants till 1766, and is now in possession
the Earls of Sutherland, p. 70. of the earl of Fife. Old Stat. Ace. Pitcairn's Tales

8 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, pp. 86, 442. of the Scottish Wars, vol. i. p. 401.
Douglas's Peerage. RiddelFs Inquiry, vol. ii. p. 609. 9 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 89.
Drummond's History of Scotland, p. 150. The tradition 10 See KILDONAN, p. 739.

810 OKIGINES [CAXNISBAY.

all the lands of the earldom with the patronage of the hospital of Saint Magnus of Caithness
in the sheriffdom of Innernys, with the offices of justiciar, chamberlain, and sheriff within the
bounds extending from Portnaculter to the Pentland Firth and from the eastern sea to the
western according to the bounds of the bishoprick of Caithness — and also the land of Helmysclale,
Balnavaleich, Seyisgill, Doypull, Kildonane, Kynbraische, Knokfyn, and Free, with the mills and
fishings, in the earldom of Suthirland and sheriffdom of Innernes — which lands of the earldom
of Caithness and others belonged to Earl John, his wife Elizabeth Suthirland being in conjunct
infeftment of a part of them, namely, the lands of Furso (Thurso) with the fishings in the water
of the same, Muirkill, Bordland, the Sixpennyland, Wattyn, Bylebyster, and the mill of Skowdale ;
and were resigned by him with the consent of his wife, reserving the liferent of the lands of the
earldom to William Sinclare, and of the lands in Suthirland to the earl, with the terce to the
countess Elizabeth.1 In 1529 (18 May) Earl John and many of his men were slain in Orkney,
to which they had gone to claim some possessions or to revenge some injury.2 In the same year
(13 June) King James V. granted to Alexander commendator of Scone the ward, nonentry, and
relief of all the lands and rents of the deceased John earl of Cathnes, with the marriage of his
heir.3 In 1538 George Sinclair (the brother of William) was earl of Caithnes, and in 1543
Queen Mary granted to him the nonentry and other dues of the earldom and of the hospital
of Saint Mawnis in Caithnes, in the hands of the queen or her predecessors since the decease
of William earl of Caithnes.4 In 1545 (1 October) the queen granted to Elizabeth Grahamc the
wife of George earl of Cathnes the liferent of the lands of Telstane with the mill, Trubbinster
Litill, Wedderclet, Westbister, Weddale, and Carsko, in the earldom of Cathnes and sheriffdom
of Innernes, resigned by the earl.5 On 2 October she granted to John Sinclare, the son and
apparent heir of Earl George, and to his male heirs, with remainder to the earl's heirs whomso
ever, the lands and yearly revenues of the earldom of Caithnes, with the castles, fishings, mills,
tenants, and other pertinents, and with the advowson of the hospital of Saint Magnus and all
the benefices, churches, chapels, and altarages belonging to the earldom — the lands and baronies
of Cleith and Greneland in that earldom — and the lands and baronies of Helmisdale, Balnaval-
neauch, Swisgill, Dwebull, Kildonan, Kinbras, Knokfyn, and Fre, in the earldom of Suthirland
— all resigned by the carl ; also for his good service the fermes, profits, and dues of the same
lands, in the queen's hands by reason of nonentry since the decease of William earl of Caitnes
the grandfather of Earl George, or of John earl of Caitnes his father, or of William Sinclar his
brother fear of the said lands ; to be held of the queen in free earldom and lordship, with free
forests, vert, and venison, reserving to the earl the liferent, and to his wife Elizabeth Grahame
the terce of the lands of the earldom, and the liferent of the lands granted to her on 1 October.6

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxi. no. 42. Reg. Sec. Sig.. 4 Reg. Morav., p. 402. Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xvii
vol. vi. fol. 72 ; vol. vii. fol. 81. fol. 39. This appears to be Earl William who fell

2 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, pp. 102, 442. at Flodden. See the following grant of 1545.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. viii. fol. 56. The commendator 5 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxix. no. 271. Reg. Sec. Sig.,
of Scone was Alexander Stewart bishop of Moray, the vol. xix. fol. 40.

son of Alexander Duke of Albany. Lib. Eccles. de 6 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxix. no. 272. Reg. Sec. Sig.,
Scon., pref. p. xiii. vol. xix. ff. 33, 34.

CANXISBAV.] PAROCHIALES. 811

In 1567 Earl George was infeft in the hereditary office of justiciar within the bounds of the
diocese of Caithnes, namely, from the Pentland Firth to Portinculter and from the east sea to
the west — an office not included in the above resignation.1 About the year 1570 the earl, on
the suspicion that his son John the master was plotting his death, imprisoned him in the castle
of Girnigo, where he died after a captivity of seven years.2 Earl George died in 1583, and
was succeeded by his grandson George, the son of John the master.3 In the year 1624 John
M'Morane was served heir to his father James M'Morane merchant burgess of Edinburgh in a
yearly revenue of £411, 6s. from the lands, baronies, and annualrents of the earldom of Caithness,
and of the lands and baronies of Clyth and Greenland.4 ' In Februar one thousand six hundreth
fourty three yeares George Sinclair earl of Cateynes, having overlived his eldest sone William
Lord Berridell, and his grandchild John master of Berridell the only sone of the said William,
dyed in Cateynes of the age of three score and eighteen years, leaving his great-grandchild
George Sinclare the sone of John master of Berridell to succeed vnto him.'5 In 1644 George
earl of Caithnes, Lord Sinclair of Berriedaill, was served heir male to his father John master
of Berriedaill in the lands, baronies, and annualrents of the earldom of Cathanes, with the
fishings and mills ; the advowson of the hospital or hospice of Saint Magnus in Cathanes, of
the other benefices, churches, chapels, and altarages belonging to the earldom, of the arch
deaconry of Caithnes and the churches of Bowar and Wattin belonging to it, and of the
church of Dunett ; and the lands and baronies of Clyith and Greinland ; together of the old
extent of 354 marks — the lands of Berriedaill and others, formerly in the sheriffdom of
Inverness, together of the old extent of £30 — the half of the lands of Aikergill and parts
of many other lands within the diocese of Caithnes, together of the extent of 100 marks —
and the burgh of Thurso erected into a burgh of barony, of the extent of 10 marks — all
erected into the earldom of Caithness.6

Among those who in the year 1290 joined in recommending marriage between Edward the son
of King Edward I. and the Maid of Norway the grandchild of King Alexander III. were John
earl of Catenes, Eanald le Chen the father, Ranald le Chen the son, and Magnus of Fetherith.7
In 1296 one or both of the Chens, and William the son of WTilliam of Federed of the county of
Elgyn in Morref, swore fealty to King Edward I.8 The Chens and Federeths were connected
with each other by intermarriage with the Morays of Duft'us.9 How the Federeths had lands in
Caithness does not appear ; but between 1329 and 1350 William Fedrey or Feddereffe of that
ilk granted the fourth part of Katlmess to Ranald (or Reginald) Chene the third of that name
and the son of the younger Ranald of 1290, and King David II. confirmed the grant.10 In
1333 Reginald was taken prisoner at the battle of Halidon Hill, and he is said to have died

1 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. ii. p. 571. his grandson and successor down to the year 1630 sue

2 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, pp. 157, 163, pp. 180-444 of the same work. * Retonrs.
164. 5 Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 511.

3 Ibid., pp. 177, 179. For various particulars of the life 6 Retours. 7 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. i. p. 85.
and character of Earl George, who died in 1583, seethe 8 Raginan Rolls, pp. 96, 119, 172.

same authority, pp. 134, 130, 145, 146, 147, 148, 150, 151, 9 Regist. Morav., pp. 139, 144, 145, 285, 341.

152, 153, 177-180. And for the life and character of 10 Rob. Index, p. 62, no. 22. Chalmers, vol. i. p. 595.

812 ORIGINES [CANNI8BAY.

about 1350.1 He is styled in charters, as we have seen, Eanald Lord Schen, and is tradi
tionally remembered as the Morrar-na-shean ; and we are informed by Sir Robert Gordon that
he was ' a great commander in that cuntree, of whom many fables are reported amongst the
vulgar sort of people, and cheiflie concerning his hunting wherein he much delighted.'2 He
had two daughters, whose names are uncertain (but probably were Margery and Mary), the
one married to Nicolas Sutherland the brother of William earl of Sutherland and the ancestor
of the Sutherlands of Duffus in Moray, and the other married first to John of Douglas and
afterwards to John of Keth of Inverugy.3 It is uncertain whether the following notices apply
to one or both. Between 1350 and 1371 King David II. granted to Margery Chene the
lands of Strathbrok and the half of Catness.4 In 1366 that king granted anew to Mariot
Chene the widow of the deceased John of Douglas the half of the barony of Strabrock in the
constabulary of Lynlithcu and sheriffdom of Edynburgh, and the fourth part of the earldom
of Cathanes in the sheriffdom of Inverness, resigned by Mariot at Edynburgh in presence of
divers nobles and barons of the kingdom.5 In 1390 or 1391 Mary Chene resigned the lands
of Strathbrok in favour of Andrew of Keth her son and the son and heir of John of Keth of
Inverogy.6 The lands inherited by the daughters of Eanald Chen, which lay in various parishes,
were by them carried respectively to the Sutherlands and Keiths, from whom they passed
to the Oliphants, and ultimately became the property of the Sinclairs earls of Caithness."
In the end of the tenth century appears in record Hallvard of Trasvik the kinsman of Sigurd
fiarl of Orkney.8 In 1013 Karius an adherent of the earl, who had informed him of the
slaughter of Hallvard by two Scottish earls, having himself slain one Gunnar at a banquet of
Earl Sigurd's, fled into Catanes and dwelt a long time with a chief named Skeggius at Trasvick.9
He afterwards went to Eome for absolution, and then returned to Thrasviek a town of Catanes,
where his wife Helga died.10 Between the years 1153 and 1156 Sveinn Asleifson, who married
first Ragnhild the daughter of Ingirnmnd, and next Ingirid the daughter of Thorkel, obtained
tho farm of his fathers-in-law at Thrasvik in Katanes.11 In 1361, as we have seen, by an inden
ture made at Carynbulg in Buchan, James Prat of Kerdale the son of the deceased John Prat of
Estir Glenarundy sold to Hugh Eoss lord of Philorth a yearly revenue of 6 marks sterling due
to him from the lands of Fraswiln, Okyngil, and Harpsdol, for the sum of 35 marks sterling to
be paid by Hugli on recovering the same by law.12 Between 1406 and 1413 Eobert Duke of
Albany regent of Scotland confirmed a wadset of the lands of Freswick and Ochyngill in
Caithness granted by William Mowat (de Monte Alto) of Loscragy to his son John.13 In 1549
Patrick Mowat of Boquhellie sold to Alexander Mowat in Toftis under reversion the lands of
Toftis, the lands of Owirtye, and two pennylands of Ouchtingill, in the barony of Freschwik
and sheritidom of Innernes ; and in the same year Queen Mary granted to Alexander Mowat a

; Hailes' Annals. Chalmers, vol. i. pp. 595, 596. 3 Ibid., p. 79, no. 132. 6 Ibid., p. 151, no. 13.

- See THURSO, HAI.KIRK, and other parishes. Ge- " See LATUERON, WICK, and other parishes,
uealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 54. s Torfaeus, lib. i. c. 10. " Ibid., c. 11. 10 Ibid.

•' Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 54. Shaw's " Ork. Saga, p. 329. Torf., lib. i. c. 32.
Moray, p. 76. Chalmers, vol. i. p. 596. l- Baluagown Charters. Harpsdol is in HALKIKK,

* Rob. Index, p. 34, no. 17. which see. " Rob. Index, p. 166, no. 8.

CAxxisBAY.] PAEOCHIALES. 813

crown charter of the lands.1 In 1554 Patrick Mowet lord of Boquhellie and Freschwik
(apparently the same Patrick) sold to Malcolm Halcro provost of the cathedral church of
Orkney, with remainder in succession to his natural sons Hugh, Ninian, and Edward, and to the
nearest lawful heir of the house of Halcro, 6 pennylands of the town of Otkingill in the barony
of Frescewik within the bounds of Cathnes and in the sheriffdom of Invernes.2 In the same
year Queen Mary granted to Malcolm a crown charter of the lands.3 In 1565 Patrick Mowat of
Balchollie was served heir to his father Patrick in the lands of Freschewick and Harpistell in the
earldom of Cathanes and Bheriffdom of Innernes, of the old extent of £10.4 In 1593 Patrick
Mowat of Buquhollie, probably the son named in the retour, appears in record.5 In 1653 Sir
George Mowat of Bolquhollie knight was served heir male to his father Master Roger Mowat of
Bolquhollie advocate in the lands and mains of Freshweik ; the manor place of Burnesyde with
the mill ; the lands of Harlie, Midletoun of Freshweik, Skersarie, Sownsaquoy, and Toftis ; the
lands of Overly, Astrowell, Blay, Berinquoyes ; the lands of Ockingill ; the Milntown of
Okingill ; and the lands of Stronbister ; with the patronage of the kirk of Cannesbie — formerly
in the sheriffdom of Innernes — united with lands in Aberdeen into the barony of Bolquhollie,
and of the old extent of £10.6

About the year 1400 Fordun enumerates among the islands of Scotland the isle of Stromeay
near the Scylla of the Orcades.7 In 1455 Bishop William granted to his brother Gilbert Mudy
as captain of Skelbo and Scrabster among other lands the 20 shillinglands of Stroma.8 In 1499
two pennylands of Stromay were included among the lands forfeited by Alexander Sutherland
of Dilrid, and granted by King James IV. to Y Makky in Straithnauern, and were included
also in all subsequent grants of the barony of Farr.9 In 1539 King James V. granted to
Elizabeth Suthirland countess of Cathnes, for her good service and for certain sums of money
paid to his treasurer, the lands of Kancsby, Werris, Steter, Murkill, Nos, Donet, and Stroma,
in the earldom of Cathnes and sheriffdom of Innernys, formerly belonging to William earl of
Cathnes, and apprised in the hands of King James IV. for the sum of £400 due to him by that
earl.10 In 1564 Queen Mary granted to George earl of Caithnes the nonentry of the same
lands, which had belonged to his deceased mother Elizabeth Suthirland, and were in the queen's
hands by reason of nonentry.11 In 1574 George Sinclair was served heir of entail to his brother
William Sinclair the lawful son of George earl of Cathanes in the lands of Cannasbie, Seittar,
Qwys, Hwnaye, and Stromaye, and the superiority of the lands of Warris, Smyddeis, Dwnat,
and Murkill, with the mills, lying in the sheriffdom of Innernes, and of the old extent of
£23, 8s. 10|d.12 In 1617 Sir William Sinclair of Catbol was served heir to his father George
Sinclair of May in the same lands and superiority, with the lands of Nos and Queystaine.18 The
island of Stroma, says a writer in 1726, ' pays in victual and money toward 1300 merks of

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiii. fol. 55. " See FARR, pp. 710-715.

- Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxx. no. 734. "> Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxvi. no. 328. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

' Ibid. vol. xiii. fol. 35.

4 Retonrs. 5 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. iv. p. 20. ll Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxii. ff. 110, 111.

6 Retonrs. ' Ford. Scot, lib. ii. c. 10. " Retours.

•> Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. viii. no. 123. ls Ibid.

VOL. II. 5 L

814 ORIGINES [CANXISBAY.

yearly rent, yet there is not one plough in it, but is all delved with the spade or foot.' 1 ' The
tenth sheaf,' observes another in 1793, ' was heretofore taken in part payment of the rent ; this
with all other customs and services has of late been converted by the present proprietor at
the desire of the people into money.' 2

In the year 1496 John Grot (according to local tradition one of three brothers named Malcolm,
Gavin, and John) had from William earl of Caithness a grant of lands in Dungsby.3 In 1525 John
Grot in Dongasby, chamberlain and bailie of John earl of Caithness, gave seisin to the Trinity
Friars of Aberdeen in an annuity of 10 marks from the island of Stroma.* In 1530 Hugh Grot
chaplain was among the number of those who were art and part in the slaughter of William Suther
land of Dufhouse and others at Thurso.5 In 1546 seisins of certain lands in Sutherland were
witnessed by Donald Grot.6 In 1547 John Grot and Hugh Grot, the latter designed ' in Papygo,'
were among those who had a remission from Queen Mary for treasonably taking the castle of Akir-
gill and other crimes.7 In 1548 Donald Grot was witness to a seisin of Langewell and other lands
in Farr.8 In 1549 the nonentry of the lands of Duncasby, said to have been possessed by the
Grots, was granted by Queen Mary to Laurence Oliphant, and the lands were classed among those
in the hands of the crown since the decease of Rannald Lord Schen or other possessor.9 In 1552
or 1553 they were apprised in favour of the same Laurence.10 In 1604 they were inherited by
Laurence Lord Oliphant from his grandfather Lord Laurence.11 In 1630, as we have seen, Donald
Eany in Stronsay, the lawful son of the deceased David Rany and of Issobell Groit the sister of
the deceased Hugh Groit of Brabusterdoran, was served heir to the same Hugh his uncle in the
lands of Brabusterdoran in the parish of Bower.12 In 1644 all the lands held by the Grots
appear to have been included in the earldom of Caithness, in which Earl George was then
served heir to his father John master of Berriedaill.13 A writer in 1726 observes, ' Here (at
Duncansbay) is the dwelling house of Grott of Wares, who has ane other dwelling at Wares 4
or 5 furlongs south west of the church.'1*

In 1538 the half of the lands of Brabastermyre and Sleiklie was with various other lands
granted by King James V. to William Earl Marischal and his wife Lady Margaret Keith, with
remainder to the earl's heirs, having been resigned by Elizabeth Keith who was the sister of the
countess and the niece and one of the heirs of the deceased Sir William Keith of Innerugy.15 In
1542, as we have before seen, there appears in record Malcome Mowat of Brabistermvre.10 In 1644
the lands of Brobisterne (Brabistermyre) and Sliklie were included in the earldom of Caithnes.'17

Between the years 1561 and 1566, as we have seen, the rental of the bishoprick given in to the
rollector of thirds included ' the barronie of May with pendicles and pertinentis thairof sett in few

• Macfarlane's Geog. Collect. ' Kennedy's Annals of Aberdeen, vol. ii. pp. 67, 68.

- Old Stat Ace. * See THURSO, p. 752. e Sutherland Charters.

* Dcliciae Literariae, p. 80. Old Stat. Ace. Anclcr- " See WICK, p. 778. s Sutherland Charters,
son's Guide. The local tradition, transmitted in th<^ ' Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxiii. fol. 22.

last century through George Groat of Warsc, is, that 10 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxi. no. 177. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

the three brothers came into Caithness with a letter of vol. xxv. fol. 45. " Retours. 12 Ibid,

recommendation from King James IV., and acquired 13 Ibid. " Macfarlanf's Geog. Collect.

by purchase or otherwise the lands of Warse and Dun- 15 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxvi. no. 146. See WICK,

cansbay. See Old Stat. Ace. p. 773. lc See BOWEK, p. 783. " See above.

CANNISBAY.] PAROCHIALES. 815

to the erle of Cathnes paying yeirlie in all dewtie Ixxxiiiilib.'1 The barony of May was probably
included in the service of the earldom of Caithnes in 1644 in favour of Earl George.2

Fairs are held at Freswick in February and at Cannisbay in December, on what days is not
mentioned, but the fairs are evidently those of Saint Modan and Saint Drostan, whose respective
days in the Komish Calendar are 4 February and 14 December.3

On Duncansbay Head stood the ancient fort of Dungulsbae, a very early if not the earliest
stronghold of the earls of Orkney and Katanes, and apparently one of those circular edifices
known as Picts' houses.4 It was generally held by a prefect or captain under the earl.5
Remains or vestiges of the building existed in 1793, and appear to be still extant.6

On the Warth Hill was a tower similar to that of Dungulsbae.7

At Freswick are the ruins of a castle, believed with every probability to be the ancient fort or
city of Lambaburg, above described as built near the brink of a precipice overhanging the sea
and defended by a stone wall on the land side.8 It is mentioned, as we have seen, as held by
Sveinn Asleifson between the years 1142 and 1149.9 Connected with it we have the following
story dated in 1156 and 1157. 10 About Christmas Earl Harald Maddadson sailed to Orkney
with four ships manned by 100 sailors, and at some part of Mainland killed two men, one of
whom was named Ketill, took four prisoners, two of whom were Arnfinn the brother of Anakol
and one named Liotolf, and then returned with Thorbiorn Klerk to Thorsa. Two ecclesias
tics named Benedict and Eirik carried Arnfinn to Lambaborg, whence they sent a messenger to
Earl Erlend to say that Arnfinn would be released only on condition of restoring one of their
ships taken at Kiarekstad. The earl agreed ; but Anakol thought the matter might be managed
otherwise. Accordingly on Friday immediately before Lent Anakol and Thorsteinn Rangnuson
passed by night into the Ness in a galley with 20 men, and landing in a certain bay under the
rocks hid themselves among the brushwood near Thrasvik, leaving the ship with a block of wood
dressed like a man lying between every two oars. Anakol, observing a ship rowed from the
Borg to Aros (apparently from Lambaburg to the mouth of the river Freswick), and on land a
rider and footman, one of whom he knew to be Eirik, sent 10 men to the river to protect his
own vessel, and 10 to the town who intercepted and seized Eirik. Eirik was then conveyed to
Orkney to Earl Erlend, and afterwards exchanged for Arnfinn. In illustration of the locality
we have the following, written in 1726 — ' East south east from the church at two miles distance
is the town of Freswick upon a bay of the East or German Sea. The house stands on the south
west side of the bay two miles south west from Duncansbay Head and mouth of Pictland Firth.
On the north side of the house a brook or burn runs into the sea, over which is a bridge of one
arch over against the gate. At a quarter mile's distance south west of Freswick stands the old
castle of Freswick, now ruinous, on a high rock almost environed with the sea.'11 Before that

1 Book of Assumptions. See DORNOCH, p. 614. 6 Old and New Stat. Ace. 7 Xew Stat. Ace.

- Retours. 3 New Stat. Ace. See above, p. 792. * See above, p. 799. Old and New Stat. Ace. Pen-

4 See above, pp. 794-796, 798, 799 ; Pennant, vol. iii. nant, vol. iii. p. 354. 9 See above, p. 799.
]>. 354 ; Old Stat. Ace. New Stat. Ace. 10 Ork. Saga, pp. 339-341. Torfaeus, lib. i. c. 32.

5 See above, pp. 794-796, 798, 799. ll Macfarlane's Geog. Collect.

816 OKIGINES PAROCHIALES. [CASNISHAY.

period the castle was the residence of Mowat of Balquholly, the proprietor, as we have seen, of
the lands, and from that circumstance acquired the name of Bucholie's castle.1

In 1726 the castle of Mey was ' a good old building with a tower,' built about 120 years
previously by the earl of Caithnes.2 It was then going to ruin, is noticed in 1769, and in
1793 was ruinous.3 The seat of the present earl of Caithness is at Mey.4

Huna, as we have seen, appears to be Hofn, the place at which Earl Hlodver or Ludovic
the father of Earl Sigurd the Gross was buried in the end of the tenth century.3

' East north east from the church,' says a writer in 1726, ' at a long mile's distance is the
town of Duncansbay, only remarkable for John a Grott's house.'6 Pennant in 1769 says that
John o' Groat's house was known only by name.7 In 1793 a writer already cited states that,
the Grots having multiplied to the number of eight, and having disputed about the precedency
at table, John Grot constructed an octagonal building with a door in every side, and placed within
an octagonal oak table, so that each Grot might enter at his own door and no one have the
precedency of any other — a measure which is said to have settled the dispute.8 The same
writer says that the remains of the oak table had been seen by many then living, who had
inscribed it with their names.9 In 1834 there was to be seen at the spot merely the indented
site of a house on a small green knoll close to the beach.10

On the north side of Stroma in 1726 stood ' the principall dwelling house built by Kennedy of
Kairnmuck,' but then ' belonging to William Sinclare of Freswick proprietor of the isle.'11 In
1793 an old tower or place of defence, built on a rock in the sea or on the shore, is noticed as
lying on the west side of Stroma.12

In the year 1726 there were no highways in the parish, and the bridges were built of turf
(the bridge at Freswick being apparently an exception).13 One of the turf bridges was a
quarter of a mile in length, and was known as the Long Bridge.14

1 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect. Pennant, vol. iii. p. 354. 6 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect.
New Stat. Ace. 7 Pennant, vol. iii. p. 341.

2 Macfarlane's Geog. Collect. 8 Old Stat. Ace. !l Ibid.
a Ibid. Pennant ut supra. Old Stat. Ace. 10 Anderson's Guide. New Stat. Ace.

4 Notes taken in 1854. " Macfarlane's Geog. Collect.

6 Torfaeus, lib. i. c. 9. See above, p. 794.' 12 Old Stat. Ace. 13 Macfarlane. " Ibid.

APPENDIX

APPENDIX.

KINTYRE.

PAGE 1. In the year 574 was fought the battle of Delgen in Cindtire, in which fell Dunchad
M'Conal M'Comgal and many other servants of the sons of Gauran.1

P. 2. In the account of William earl of Mar chamberlain, rendered at Scone in the year
1264, occurs the following memorandum — That the said earl received of the fennes of Kintyre
from the term of Whitsunday of that year 20 cows valued at £3, and delivered them to the men
of Galloway for defect of victuals.2

P. 2. The lands granted by King Robert Bruce to James the son of Dunsleph between 1306
and 1309 were seven senemargis and a half senemargis of his lordship of Kyntyre, namelv, 1£
senemargis of Ardayardill, i a senemargis of Ogilduill, 1 senemargis of Ardinlochir, 1 senemargis
of Ardincross, 1^ senemargis of Kyltedcn, | of a senemargis of Cartegredlene and Arngaffs,
| of a senemargis of Delgrenan, between the land of the abbacy of lona and the land of
Ardcardell ; 1 senemargis of Penigunnum. and ^ of a senemargis of Lagan near Penigunnum ;
the grantee rendering the forinsec service of a ship of 26 oars with its complement of men and
victuals.3

P. 2. In the account of John de Lany constable of Tarbart, rendered at Clacmanan in
1326, he enters the sum of £4, 16s. as the value of 6 ponder a of cheese received from the bailies
of Kentire, according to the pondus of the district, reckoning 12 pence for each pondus.* In the
account rendered at Scone in 1329 by John of Dunfermelin, clerk of the liverance of the king's
household, are entered 103^ bolls of the barley of Kentyre.5 The lands which King Robert
Bruce in that year granted to Gilchrist Macymar M'Cay were two ' schanmarcate ' of land in
Kentyr, namely, a pennyland of Arydermeile, a pennyland of Ballostalfis, a pennyland of
Kyllewlan, and a pennyland of Seskamousky, to be held by Gilchrist and by his younger son
in heritage, with remainder to Ymar his elder son and his heirs, for the service of two bowmen
in the king's army.6

! Tigernachi Annales. 4 Compota Camerar., vol. i. p. 2.

2 Compota Camerar., vol. i. p. 18*. i Ibid., p. 67.

3 Hadinton's Collections, vol. ii. p. 77. 6 Hadinton's Collections, vol. ii.

820 ORIGINES [APPENDIX.

P. 3. In 1367 the lands of Kyntir and Unghys were in the hands of John of the Isles,
and the sheriff of the lands did not appear to account for the king's rents.1 In 1430 King
James I. granted for seven years from Whitsunday of that year to Alexander of Montgo
mery of Ardrossane and Sir Robert Cunynghame of Kylmawris the joint wardenship within
the parts of Kyntyre and Knapclale, for the purpose of making his peace with the inhabitants,
and for leasing the lands to them pro tempore, and doing all other things competent to their
office — and gave the wardens the liberty of levying the fermes of the lands for their own use
sine compot"."

P. 4. A.D. 1494. Note a mistake concerning Sir John of the Isles (of Donyvaig),
erroneously identified with John of Ila Lord of the Isles.3

KILBLANE.

P. !). In 1580 King James VI. presented Donald Campbell to the parsonage of Kilblawane
in the diocese of Ergyle and sheriffdom of Terbert, vacant by the decease of Master Cornelius
Omay.4

P. 9. There is an isle Sanda in the Scottish Sea on the west a mile from the mainland of
Kintirc. It is one large mile (magnum milliare) in circumference. Its soil is genial, and, if
cultivated, would be fertile in fruit and grain. In it is a small church sacred to Saint Ninian, to
whose monastery in Galloway the whole island belongs. Adjoining the church is the sepulchre
of the fourteen sons of a most holy man Senchanius an Irishman, renowned for their sanc
tity, surrounded by a low stone wall and including seven large polished stones covering those
sacred bodies, in the midst .of which (as at this moment occurs to my recollection) was an
obelisk higher than a man's usual stature. None can enter that enclosure with impunity. The
oldest of the islanders, and the father of nearly all the rest, related to me the prodigy which
I here add. Angus Macdonell lord of Kintire and the island of Hay, whom I myself have
seen, once entered the island accompanied by a numerous band, among whom were the chief of
the youth of Kintire. The lord and his nobles, after treating of more serious matters, exercised
themselves, as they were wont, with the game of ' shinty ' (pilae ac clavarum ludo). The ball
(pila) bounded into the cemetery, and a lad who dared to fetch it died of a swelled foot. In
this island was found an arm of Saint Ultan, which enclosed in a silver shrine was religiously
kept before this war (ante hoc bellum) by a gentleman of the illustrious family of the Macdonells.
Not far from the chapel is a perennial spring, noted for miracles, as the islanders and many
on the continent informed me. Indeed it was frequented in my own time by the neighbours all
around, chiefly by those in whose minds any remains of the ancient religion dwelt. There were
many other wonderful and pleasant things told me of this place by men most worthy of credit.5

1 Acta Parl. Scot., vol. i. p. 168. 5 MS. in the Burgundian Library at Brussels, circa

3 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. iii. no. 60. 1600, entitled Intuke Sandae seu Auoniae Hibernice

:> See KILDALTON, p. 269. Abtminn Brcvis Descriptio, by t'riar Edmund M'Cana.

* Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvii. fol. 44. The game here described was probably that of Shinty.

APPENDIX.] PAEOCHIALES. 821

KILCHOUSLAND.

P. 19. In 1580 King James VI. confirmed a charter by Sir Neil Makneill vicar of the
parish church of Kilchuslane in Kintyre, granting, with the consent of Angus Makkonnell of
Donyvage and Glennis the patron of the vicarage, to Adam Mackay and his heirs the lands of
Kirrynch and Chaillen of the old extent of 13s. 4d., and the lands of Ballimanochwachthroch of
the same old extent, together with the glebe and kirklancls of the vicarage called Gortane-
chabball, Arynd, Glak, Sellestir, Gortencobber, Imry, Amaill, and Browachintempill, lying in
North Kintyre in the parish of Kilchuslane and sheriffdom of Tarbert.1

KILMAKOW.

P. 21. This church, like others of the same name (of which the spelling is various), appears
to have been dedicated to Saint Malrube ; and the church of Saint Mary, coupled with that
of Killean in the grant of 1251, was probably Kilmory in that parish.2

P. 22. In 1599 Alexander Campbell commendator of Ardchattan granted to Duncan
Campbell, the natural son of Donald Campbell of Eachtrachan, a lease for life, the life of his
next heir, and 19 years more, of the teinds of the parish of Kilmarow in Kintyre, reserving the
teinds payable to the minister.3 In 1602 Alexander Campbell resigned the priory of Ardchattan
with its churches, including the church, teinds, and patronage of Kilmarow, all which King
James VI. then granted to him anew, incorporating the whole into the temporal tenandry of
Ardchattan.4

KILLEAN.

P. 24. In 1575 King James VI. confirmed a charter by James bishop of Argyle and com
mendator of the abbey of Sadagall, granting for life to Gawine Hammiltoun a yearly pension of
£40 Scots from the readiest fruits of the bishoprick and abbacy, and as security the teinds and
dues of the bishop's quarter of the kirks of Kilmartine, Glenvrquhay, Kilmolevo, and Inchald.5

P. 25, note 7. For ' Somhavile ' read ' Somhairle.'

KILCALMONELL.

P. 28. In 1580 (18 August) King James VI. presented Hector M'Allister to the vicarage of
Kilcalmonell, vacant by the demission of Alexander M'Allister.0 In the same year (5 September)
he confirmed a charter by Alexander Makallister vicar of the parish church of Kilcolmannell in
Knapdaill, granting in liferent to Charles Makallister constable of Tarbert, and in heritage to

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvii. fol. 52. * Ibid, and Ardchattan Charters.

- See KILLEAN, p. 23, CBAIONISH, KILARROW, and 5 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xliii. fol. 41.

other parishes. 3 Ardchattan Inventory. 6 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvii. fol. 1.

VOL. II. 5 M

822 OKIGINES [APPENDIX.

Hector Makallister his son, the lands of Kilcolmannoll called Ballenecle of the old extent of two
marks, with the mill, aqueduct, and astricted multures of the same, the acre called Dalnascenkill,
and the acre lying around the chapel of Skibinche, belonging to the vicarage, in the lordship
of Knapdaill and sheriffdom of Tarbert.1

P. 29. The grant of Kintyre and Knapdall, made by King James I. in 1430 to Alexander
of Montgomery and Sir Robert Cunynghame, included the keeping of the castle of Skypinch
with power to appoint lieutenants.2

P. 35. In 1580, as appears from the above notice, the office of constable of Tarbert was
still in existence.3

KILBERRY.

P. 38. Between the years 1432 and 1480 Sir Colin Campbell first laird of Glenvrquhay
acquired the 4 marklands of Innerneill in Knabdall, which he afterwards exchanged for lands
in Perthshire.* By a deed dated at Glenvrquhay 18 August 1502 Archibald earl of Argyle
granted to Duncan Campbell of Glenvrquhay the same 4 marklands lying in the lordship of
Knapdaill and sheriffdom of Tarbert.5

NORTH KNAPDALE.

P. 39. In 1587 Alexander commendator of Kilvynning granted for life to Duncan Makphaill
the vicarage of Kilmakocharmik in Knapdaill in the diocese of Ergyle, with the ' teyndis, fruittis,
rentis, annuallis, landis, gleib callit Kilbegie, kirklandis and pendiclis callit Kilmorie in Knap,
Kilmichaell, Kilduscolane,' vacant by the resignation of Neill M'Callum.0

P. 41. The grant made in 1430 by King James I. to Alexander of Montgomery and
Sir Robert Cunynghame included the isles of Geyay and Dannay belonging to Castle Soon,
and the keeping of that castle and of the castle of Skypinch.7 Between the years 1429 and
1449 Alexander of Yle, earl of Ros and lord of the Isles, granted in heritage to Torquel
M'Neill constable of the castle of Syffyn the constabulary of that castle, certain lands in
Gyga, and the following lands in Knapdale, namely. 4 marklands of Dannay, a markland of
Bairbrek, a markland of Bairbeth, a markland of Bairbethan, 2 marklands of Bairnaphala
and Duarbay, a halfpennyland of Duffoynyg, and a markland of Tuirynys, with the office called
Toshachdeora of the lands of Knapdale.8 In 1455 John of Yle (the son of Alexander), earl
of Ros and lord of the Isles, confirmed the grant in favour of Neil M'Neill the son of
Torquel.9 In 1472, as stated in the text, Hector M'Torquell M'Neill was keeper of castle
Siven.10 In 1478 John lord of the Isles was summoned before parliament for treason in
aiding the rebels in Castle Sone, and for other crimes.11

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvii. fol. 2. 5 Breadalbane Cliartulary.

2 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. iii. no. 60. See KINTYRE, p. 6 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. Ivi. fol. 71.
t!00. 3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvii. fol. 2. 7 See above, p. 600.

' Black Book of Taymouth. » Macneill Charters. '•> Ibid. I0 Ibid. " Ibid.

APPENDIX.] PAROCHIALES. 823

P. 42. In 1542 King James V. granted in heritage to Neill M'Neill V'Achyn of Tynishe,
the natural son of the deceased Neill Makneill of Geya, certain lands, including 8 marklands
in Knapdaill called Kilcarmak, Gartnagrenan, and Muchtre, resigned by Anabella Makneill
the daughter and heiress of Makneill of Geya.1 In 1564 Archibald earl of Argyle granted
to Torquell Makneill Vic Achin, the son and apparent heir of Neill Makneill Vic Achin, a
markland of Drumnagall, a markland of Barbrek with its islands, a markland of Tawnacht, a
markland of Barnafalg and its island, a markland of Scottenische with island Vaude, a mark-
land of Ovir Scottenische, a markland of Avenaraidebeg, 2 marklands of Tynische with their
islands, a markland of Bairaoraniode, a markland of Barbay, a markland of Kylmorrie, a
markland of Surbiskell, 2 marklands of Ardbeg, a markland of Barbay in Downing, together
of the old extent of 16 marklands, in the lordship of Knapdaill and sheriffdom of Tarbert,
and resigned by Neill Makneill.2 In 1590 and 1599 Neill Makneill of Thynis appears in
record.3

GLASSAKY.

P. 43. In the year 1452 Master Hercules Skrymgeour was parson of Glassar.4 For several
notices of Master James Scrymgeour between the years 1524 and 1533 see Registrum de
Aberbrothoc, vol. ii. pp. 443, 453, 461, 462, 475, 515.

DUNOON.

P. 63. In 1440 Sir Duncan Campbell of Lochawe granted to the church of Dunoon half
a mark yearly from the lands of Ardinslate.5 In 1460 the grant was confirmed by Colin
earl of Argyle the grandson of Sir Duncan.6

P. 64. In 1440 Sir Duncan Campbell of Lochawe granted a charter at the castle of Dunoone."
P. 68. In 1447 Sir Duncan Campbell of Lochawe granted to George bishop of Argyle the
fishing of the pool of Lochaik and of the rest of the water of Aikhie.8

STRACHUR.

P. 78. In 1592 John Campbell of Ardkinglas granted to Colin Campbell his son and
apparent heir certain lands in Cowall, with the office of bailie of the lands of Straquhur and
Penne-Innennuk.9

LOCHGOILHEAD.
P. 79, note 2. Note the omission of the date 1456.

1 Macneill Charters. See GIQHA and CARA, p. 259. s Paper at Taymonth.

2 Macneill Charters. 6 Ibid. 7 Ibid. » Ibid.

3 Ibid. a Protocol Book of Gavin Hammiltonn. See LOCH-
1 Anchinleck Chronicle. See LISMORE/W?. QOILHEAD, p. 80.

824 ORIG-INES [APPENDIX.

KILMOKICH.

P. 84. In 1592 John Campbell of Ardkinglas granted to his son and heir apparent Colin
Campbell the lands' of Auchthrevich and others in Cowell, of the old extent of 80 marks,
with the office of coroner or ' tosichdore' of all the lands of Cowell from Lachchintokich to
the point of Toward and Ardlawmonth.1

INVERAEAY.

P. 85. The church of Kilraolevo was one of four, of which the teinds and dues of the
bishop's quarter were about 1575 granted by James bishop of Argyle to Gawine Hammiltoun
as security for a yearly pension of £40 Scots granted by the same bishop from the fruits of
the bishoprick and of the abbey of Sadagall.2

P. 85. The church of Kilmalew seems to have been dedicated, not to Saint Lupus as stated
in the text, but to Saint Maldulph or Maydulph, a supposition warranted by the earliest record
form of the name, Kylmalduff. It is remarkable that not one of the local fairs at any time
instituted at Inveraray was to be held on Saint Maldulph's day (28 September), or on the day
of Saint Lupus (24 July).3

KILMARTIN.

P. 92. The church of Kilmartin was one of the four churches mentioned above, the
bishop's quarter of whose teinds and dues was in 1575 given as security to Gawine Hammil
toun for his pension of £40.4

In 1581 King James VI. confirmed a charter by Neil Campbell, rector and vicar of the
parish church of Cragenes, and chaplain of the altarage or chaplainry of Saint Mary the
virgin within the parish church of Saint Martin in Arskeadinis, granting, with the consent
of the patron Colin earl of Argyle, to James Campbell or Makneill M'lllcspik V'Ane and
his heirs, with remainder to Dougall Campbell Makillespik V'Ane and his heirs, to Archibald
Campbell Makillespik V'Ane and his heirs, to John Campbell of Melphort and his heirs,
and to the rector's heirs whomsoever, the lands of Pennykill and Darrak belonging to the
vicarage, of the old extent of one mark, in the barony of Craigenes and sheriifdom of
Ergyle, and also the lands of Auchafyn belonging to the chaplainry, of the old extent
of 3 marks, in the barony of Arskeadenis and sheriftclom of Ergyle, with the bailiary of the
lands.5

1 Protocol Book of Gavin Hammiltoun. 3 Sec pp. 88, 89.

See DUNOON, pp. 65, 66. 4 Keg. Sec. Sig., vol. xliii. fol. 41.

2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xliii. fol. 41. 5 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvii. fol. 88.

APPENDIX.] PAKOCHIALES. 825

CRAIGNISH.

P. 96. About the year 1581, as we have seen, Neil Campbell, apparently the rector of
1574, was rector and vicar of Cragenes.1

Note 17. For ' CRAIGNISH and KILCHRENAN, p. 8,' read ' CRAIGNISH, p. 98, and KIL-
CHRENAN, p. 125.'

KILCHATTAN.

P. 100. In 1567 Queen Mary granted to Sir Neil Campbell parson of Loyng for 19 years
a remission for being art and part in the slaughter of Mawnis Chalmer in Elgyn of Murray,
committed about 12 years before, and for all other crimes except the four points of the
crown.2

The church of Kilchattan, a ruin without the chancel, is built of massive stones not
placed in courses ; the cemetery is overgrown with rank weeds, but is still in use.3

KILBRANDON.

P. 102. In 1591 King James VI., with the consent of his chancellor, treasurer, clerk of
justiciary, and collector general, granted to Master Neil M'Lauchlane the lands of Kilbryde-
beg, extending to about 9 acres, lying in the parish of Kilbrandan-in-Seall in the diocese and
sheriffdom of Argyle, formerly occupied by Neil's deceased father Patrick, and formerly
belonging to the vicars of the church as part of its patrimony, and then to the king by
reason of the act of annexation ; reserving to the ministers or vicars serving the cure of the
church 4 of the 9 acres lying immediately around it according to the act of parliament ;
the grantee paying yearly 5 shillings as the ancient dues, and 12 pence in augmentation
of the rental.4 The lands were bounded as follows — Kylbrydebeg (apparently) ; As the ditch
lies between Cnokantaighemoir and Kilbrydebeg on the west ; and as the rivulet runs from
that ditch by the Lonmoir to the Cean-an-tsalen on the north ; and as another rivulet called
the Reaven flows from the same ditch to the same Cean-an-tsalen on the south — Garralehsaor ;
From the rivulet Reavan by the Feithe-na-glochmora to the top of the Drainan on the west ;
and from the top of the Drainan by the south side of the Cnokan-na-gabbar, including the
lommarie-na-gceark, by the Beama of the cemetery to the church itself on the south ; and
from the church to the Knokan-na-sanasuge, including all the buildings of the vicar and
the clerk, by the ditch that leads to the said rivulet Riavan on the east and north.5

Kilbrandon is still used as a cemetery, and a fragment of the church stands in the midst.
There are 7 or 8 old monumental slabs richly ornamented, some of Macdonalds, and some

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvii. fol. 88. As to the 3 Notes taken on the spot in 1852.
dedication of the church see KILMABOW, p. 601. 4 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. Ixii. fol. 15.

- Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. ixxvi. fol. 24. 6 Ibid.

826 OKIGINES [APPENDIX.

of Maclachlans of Kilbride. A stone resembling a man's chin, belonging to the clan Marquis,
if carried away, is believed always to return to their tomb.1

The cemetery of Kilbride has been ploughed up.2

P. 103. In the island of Seil on the Atlantic shore is an old fort, and at the foot of the
cliff on which it is situated is the Ty-an-biorlin (the house of the barge), immediately below
which there is an opening in the rocks sufficient to admit a boat and named Port-an-falin (the
harbour of the helm).8

KILBEIDE.

Pp. 108, 119. In the churchyard is a curious cross, now laid as a gravestone, with a figure of
the crucifixion surmounted by I. H. S., and bearing the name of Archibald M'Phail, but said
to mark the grave of Livingstones, in Gaelic M'lanlea.4 A tomb of Campbells of Braglean
has a monument on which is the figure of a man with a sword and round targe apparently
hung in chains.5

The chapel of Dunstaffnage, still used as a burying-ground, has Early English lancets and
remains of a circular doorway and of the dog-tooth ornament.6

P. 109. In 1218 Sir Ewin of Argyle witnessed a charter of Malise earl of Stratheryn to
the monks of Inchaffray.7 This seems to indicate that Ewin of Ergadia, noticed in 1304 as
apparently the father of Alexander, was his son John, styled also Ewin.8

P. 117. The chief who in 1455 entertained the earl of Douglas at Dunstaffnage was not
the lord of the Isles (whose name was John), but Donald Balloch of Islay.9

KILMORE.

P. 120. The church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, has outside nothing architectural to
mark its antiquity. Inside at the east end of the south wall is a low circular arch of bold
mouldings (probably once over an altar tomb), and also part of a dog-tooth moulding, the whole
Early English.10

The present farmhouse of Kilbride, about three miles above the house of Glenfeochan, was
built about 50 years ago on the site of the old cemetery of Kilbride.11

KILCHRENAN.

P. 121 and note. Saint Peter the deacon, styled also martyr, was a martyr of Antioch,
and commemorated on 17 April (also Saint Donan's day) ; and is probably the saint to whom
the church of Kilchrenan was dedicated.12

1 Notes taken on the spot in 1852. 2 Ibid 9 See KILAEKOW, p. 263, KILDALTON, p. 269, and

:> Note by Sir A. Campbell of Baroaldine. DINGWALL, p. 488.

4 Notes taken on the spot in 1852. >» Notes taken on the spot in 1852. u Ibid.

"> Ibid. 6 Ibid. " Acta Sanctorum, 17 April. Note by W. F. Skene

: Lib. Ins. Missarum, p. 35. 8 See Gregory, pp. 22, 28. Esquire.

APPENDIX.] PAROCHIALES. 827

P. 122, line 6. For ' forty days, and for the other service' read ' for forty days, and giving
the other service.'

INISHAIL.

P. 129. About the year 1575 the church of Inchald was one of four, of which the teinds
and dues of the bishop's quarter were granted to Gawin Hammiltoun by James bishop of
Argyle as security for a yearly pension of £40 from the fruits of the bishoprick.1

P. 131. In 1569 occur in record ' Letters of slain or discharge for drowning Clanarthour,

Johne Campbell of , Archibald Campbell and Johne Campbell his sons, Patrick M'Taylor,

Johne Dow , and others ; John Makfinla M'Arthur of Terowadych, William M'Vicar,

James Campbell of Ardkinlas, &c., as principallis being — next of kin.'2

MUCKAIRN.

P. 132. In 1583 King James VI. presented John M'Kellar to the vicarage of Killespikker-
rell in Mukcarne, in the shcriffdom and diocese of Ergyle, vacant by the decease of Angus
M'Phaffl.8

Of the church of Kilmaronog and of the wall of its cemetery there remain only the
foundations.*

GLENORCHY.

P. 135. The church of Glenvrquhay was one of four, of which about 1575 the teinds and
dues of the bishop's quarter were granted to Gawine Hammiltoun by James bishop of Argyle
as security for a yearly pension of £40 from the fruits of the bishoprick.5

ARDCHATTAN.

P. 154, line 27. For ' daughter' read ' daughters.'

P. 155. In 1566 Colin Campbell of Glenurchy gave seisin to Archibald M'Lauchlano, as
son and heir of Lauchlan M'Olchallum V'Ewin, in the 10 marklands of Auchyquhay and
Bernavoke in the lordship of Lome.6

P. 156, line 5. For 'to Alane' read 'and Alane.'

LISMORE.

P. 161. About 1575 James bishop of Argyle granted to Gawine Hammiltoun for life a
yearly- pension of £40 Scots out of the fruits of the bishoprick and of the abbey of Sadagall."

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xliii. fol. 41. * Notes taken on the spot in 1852.

3 Mon/.ie Inventory. 5 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xliii. fol. 41.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlix. fol. 182. 6 Monzie Inventory. 7 See KILLEAX, p. (JO I.

828 OKIGINES [APPENDIX.

P. 161 and note. Sir James M'Gregor, the son of Dougall Johnson, dean of Lesmore,
and vicar of Fortirgill, died on Saint Lucia's eve (12 December) 1551. l

P. 161. In 1452 Sir Gilbert M'Lachlane chancellor of Argyle and Sir Morys M'Fadyane
treasurer (for what reason does not appear) pronounced sentence of deposition on Master
Hercules Skrymgeour parson of Glassar, who had for fifteen years held that benefice along with
Sir Gotheray M'Fersan.3 Master Hercules appealed to the bishop (George of Lawder), who
summoned the parties before him in order to settle the dispute.3 As he was on his way to
the cathedral church for this purpose, in company with Sir Hercules Skrymgeour, Sir John
M'Arthour (gentleman), Sir Adam his parish priest, Alexander the brother of Sir Hercules, and
his own household servants — the chancellor and treasurer, who, on the pretence that the bishop
intended to deprive them of their benefices and confer them upon the parson of Glassar, had got
together the Clanlachlane and others, attacked the bishop's party within a quarter of a mile of the
church, ' spak till himself richt dispituoslie with felloun wordis and scorne, and for dispyte halsit
him in Errische, sayand bannachadee, and dispytfully reft fra him the forsaid Master Hercules,
and pullit him fra his hors, and brak the lordis belt, and tuke the clerke ande his brother and
harllit and led thaim away rycht dispytfully, and band the gentillman and thocht to strik of his
hed.'4 They refused to let the bishop go till he had given them absolution for their conduct,
and detained the others till the following day, when they made them take oath that they should
not in any manner prosecute their assailants either on the ground of the summons or on any
other.5

P. 162, line 1. For < 1623' read < in 1623.'

P. 162, note 3. For ' habet non' read ' non hdbet.'

P. 164. By a deed dated at Achindune 10 September 1334 Ewin lord of Lorn granted
to Andrew bishop of Argyle a £10 land in the isle of Lismore, called Frakersek, Craiginche,
and Achindune.6 By a deed dated at Kilmund 26 May 1447 Sir Duncan Campbell of Lochawe
granted to George bishop of Argyle ' ane perpetual libertie within any forrest perteining the
erlis of Argyll to cut treis of all sortis that can serve for the bischopis building' — and also
' ane libertie to tak any sort of fewall.'7

Pp. 164-166. In 1515 Colin earl of Argyle granted to Allan Campbell of Achnacre the 6
marklands of Fryarc and the 4 marklands of Achnahard in the island of Lismore and lordship
of Lome.8 In 1536 Alan Campbell of Ballimanoch gave seisin to Ewin M'Ewyn V'Conchie
in certain lands in Lismore.0

ELANFINAN.

P. 190 and note 14. The 30 marklands of Sownort and Eyssabill were included in the
barony of Bar in North Kintyre, granted in 1545 and confirmed in 1558 by Queen Mary to
.lames Makconnyl of Dunnyveyg and Glennys, and granted by the same queen in 1564 to
Archibald his son and apparent heir.10

1 Chronicle of Fortirgill. - Auchinleck Chronicle. 6 Paper at Taymouth. 7 Ibid. 8 Monzic Inventory.
' Auchialeck Chronicle. 4 Ibid. 5 Ibid. 9 Ibid. 10 See KINTYRE, pp. 5-7.

APPENDIX.] PAKOCHIALES. 829

ARASAIG.

P. 200. The church of Arasaig may have been dedicated either to the Virgin Mary or
to Saint Malrube, the variations in the spelling leaving it a matter of doubt. In collecting
materials for the present volume nothing farther than what is stated in the text has occurred
to show whether Moydart was a parish or not.

GLENELG.

P. 208, line 4. For ' were apprised' read ' was apprised.'

In 1527 King James V. addressed a letter to his sheriff of Innernes and others, messengers,
his sheriffs in that part, bearing — That Hew Lord Eraser of Lovet had complained to him that
Alexander Makloyd of Dounbegane had forcibly occupied the lands of Glenelge, lying on tin-
border of the Isles in the sheriffdom of Innernes, and belonging to Hew Eraser in heritage,
and collected the profits of the lands for 18 years during his father's life and for two years
since ' with the mair,' on the ground that they lay near ' his place ;' that Hew had obtained
a decreet of the Lords of Council ordering the sheriffs to cite the parties and take cognition
of the matter, and, if it was proved, to cause Alexander M'Cloyd to refund the profits ; and
that the case was proved, and Makloyd ordered to refund accordingly and to desist from
occupying the lands.1 The king therefore, understanding that his sheriffs delayed putting
the sentence in execution, ' becaus the said Alexander M'Cloyd duellis in the Hieland, fjuhair
nane of your officiaris dar pas to poynd him for dred of thair lyvis without convocatioun of
cure lieges' — commanded them to proceed immediately to poind for the mails of Glenelg,
' to tak na deforcement thairin bot of landit men' that might be responsible to the king and
to Hew Eraser, and to summon all his lieges in those parts by open proclamation at the
market cross of Innernes to pass with them and assist them, if necessary, in the execution of
the sentence.2

P. 209. In 1583 Tormot Makcloid of Downbeggane granted in liferent to his wife Jonet
Campbell, the widow of Hector Maklane of Doward, 10 pennylands of Arnistill called a half davach,
10 pennylands of Aichaglvn called a half davach, 5 pennylands of Lekewuir and 5 pennylands
of Meillarie called a half davach, 10 pennylands of Clamboyle called a half davach, 5 penny-
lands of Achatydowling and 5 pennylands of Achanahevill called a half davach, 10 pennylands
of Alis and Landaik called a half davach, 10 pennylands of the two Corareis called a half davach,
5 pennylands of Arycharnachan and 5 pennylands of Achacharn called a half davach, 10 penny-
lands of Bowirblek called a half davach, 10 pennylands of Ballanray called a half davach, and
10 pennylands of Moilachunry and 10 of Moillockiraig called a davach — extending in all to
24 marklands of old extent, lying in Glenelg in the sheriffdom of Innernes — for the yearly

1 Macleod Charters. - Ibid.

VOL. II. 5 N

830 ORIG-INES [APPENDIX.

payment of one penny Scots on the ground of each part of the lands at Whitsunday in the
name of blench ferme, if required.1 A letter addressed by Allane Makranald of Easter Leyis
' to the richt honorabil and his belovitt erne Eorie Makloid of Harye,' and dated at the Chan-
nonrie of Eos 3 April 1596 (a most minute and elaborate document), bears — That the last
time that Eorie's father was with Colyne earl of Argile at Ternway (in Moray) he brought with
him his writs of Glenelg to be inspected by the earl, who had promised that, if he could thus
prove his title to Glenelg to the satisfaction of the earl and of certain barons of Murrayland,
' men of gude vnderstanding and weray expert in the lawis,' he (the earl) would cause the Lord
Lowet, who then held the lands and by whom they were leased to the Clanrannald, to give
them up to Rone's father without going to law, and, should he refuse, the earl would assist
the latter to recover them by order of law, and to get Lowet's lands apprised for the damage
which Rorie's father and his friends had sustained by the ' herschipe' of Glenelg committed by
the Clanrannald, as they alleged, at Lowet's instance ; that Lowet, although young, ' being a
man of a rype witt and gude foresicht,' and being informed that William Makleod's instrument
of seisin in the lands of Glenelg had been lost, and knowing that otherwise it would be pro
duced with the other writs, in order to test the correctness of his information agreed to produce
his titles if the earl would cause Makleod to produce his, declaring his satisfaction with the
earl as arbiter, as he was a man of good conscience, neutral, and as chancellor of Scotland a
fit judge in such matters ; that the earl had declined acting as arbiter, but offered his advice,
' and quha wald impugne or ganestand the samen he wald be pairtie;' that Eorie's father
had on these conditions produced his charter and seisin of Glenelg, which the earl and his
assessors declared to be satisfactory ; that they then required inspection of his writ of lawful
possession, namely, of his brother's seisin, a document which he could not produce ; that the
earl was therefore offended with Eorie's father, thinking he had through negligence left the
document at home, and plainly told him that, if it had been produced, he would have caused
Lowet to yield his pretended right and be at his mercy for indemnification of the ' herschip,'
and that, if it could not be produced, it would endanger his title not only to Glenelg but to
all his other lands ; that Makleod kept silence on the subject of the missing document, and on
coming to Innernes detailed the whole affair to Allane Makrannald, except in so far as related
to Lowet's information about the missing instrument, a circumstance which was unknown until
Allane found it out within the past year ; that Makleod notwithstanding had informed Allane
that the instrument was missing, and besought him as he was his friend to spare neither labour
nor expense at his (Makleod's ) charge to procure the original or a copy, as he was quite certain
that his brother had been seised in the lands of Glenelg by the sheriff clerk of Innernes or some
other notary, and that Allane could have no difficulty in getting inspection of the ' schireft'
buekis ; ' that after the decease of Eorie's father his brother had made the same request ; that
Allane had therefore used more pains and been at more expense in searching into the matter
than ever he had in ' ovtredding' his own affairs, for, after he had found that the sheriff clerk

1 Macleod Charters.

APPENDIX.] PAROCHIALES. 831

who had given seisin to Makleod was a stranger and had died the year after he had given the
seisin, he learned that his wife and children had left the country, and that after his decease
his wife had left her children under the guardianship of her brothers and friends in several
places, so that there was the greatest difficulty in finding their father's books ; that he (Allane)
had therefore employed a confidential friend who lived in that quarter where the deceased
notary's books were to endeavour to procure either the original seisin or the notary's ' prodigoll'
book to testify it ; that however the parties on their side were not so busy as those on Lowet's,
although each sought the instrument for a different purpose, the former ' to keip it weill," and
the latter 'to rywe and burne it;' that, had Rorie's father lived but two months longer, he
would have succeeded in recovering it, for, as soon as he had left the carl of Argill, the Lord
Louet, seeing that his information was correct, had posted to Edinburgh and purchased the
nonentry of all Rorie's lands since the decease of his grandfather Alexander Makleod, with the
intention, which his son was then following up, of getting all the lands, and especially Glenelg,
apprised for the dues payable during that period, which on the report of some of the inhabitants
he estimated at upwards of £200,000 ; and, finally, that Allane's confidential friend at last
Christmas had got inspection of the instrument of seisin, had bound the possessors of it to
conceal the fact of their possession till 15 May following, and had promised that, if they did
not then hear from Rorie on the subject, he should never reveal the matter to any person.1
The letter concludes with a request that Rorie would appoint a meeting with the writer to
confer about what should be further done in the matter, and with urging him to ' tak tyme
in tyme, for tyme and tyd bydis no man.'2

KINGARTH.

P. 211. The church of Saint Blane appears to have consisted originally of a nave 51 feet
by 16 feet 8 inches, and a chancel 13 feet 6 inches square, but subsequently extended in length
to 26 feet.3 The chancel arch is Norman, but the windows all pointed and of the period
immediately succeeding the Norman.*

P. 212. The building called the ' Devil's Cauldron' is supposed to have been the residence
of the ecclesiastic who in early times officiated in the church of Saint Blane.5 Its true dimen
sions are 33 feet 6 inches in diameter, 8 feet 6 inches in thickness of the walls, and in present
average height 5 feet.0 At the foot of the ridge to the west of the church is a well fancied
to have miraculous powers.7

P. 215. In 1510 King James IV. confirmed to Master Henry Lech the lands of Kerylamond,
Mekle Lowpas, and Litle Lowpas, in the lordship and sheriffdom of Bute, of the old extent
of £6, 16s. 8d., which had been held by his father Thomas Lech and his predecessors beyond

' Slaclcod Charters. 4 Ibid. A painting of the clmrch of Saint Blane

2 Ibid. by Horatio M'CulIoch may be seen in the Museum of

3 Paper by Mr. Baird, read to the Glasgow Archi- the Society of Antiquaries.

tectnral Institute. 5 Ibid. 6 Ibid. : Ibid.

832 ORIGINES [APPENDIX.

the memory of man, the grantee paying yearly a silver penny as blench ferme, and giving his
services as chirurgeon when required.1

KOTHESAY.

P. 222. In 1568 King James VI. presented William Barbour exhorter at the kirk of
Leswaid to the two prebends of the college church of Eestalrig named Bute tertius and Bute
quartus, vacant by the decease of Master Nicholl Spittale and Sir Archibald Ellem.'2 In 1580
the same king granted for life to John Barboure, the son of the deceased William, ' for his
sustentation at the scoles,' the prebends called Bute tertius and Bute quintus — and for seven
years to Master Andro Barboure for the same purpose the prebend called Bute sextus — the
three prebends being situated in the diocese of Ergyle, and vacant by the decease of William
Barboure.3 In 1587 the same king granted to David Gumming master of the 'sang scole' of
Edinburgh the preceptory of the college of Eestalrig ; and to Patrick D unbar the son of the
deceased David Dunbar of Petquhyn the prebend called Bute quintus within that college,
vacant by the decease of Sir William Barbour, and by the insufficiency or inhability of John
Barbour then pretending title to the same ' as disponit to hald him at the scoleis, he not being
ane scollare, nowther vsing the musick or vthir science, bot ane mareit man awaitand vpoun
vthir effairis.'*

P. 231. For ' In 1400 King James III.' read ' In 1400 King Eobert III.'
Pp. 237-239. The royal burgh of Eothesay was erected by King Eobert. III. in 1401
(not 1400 as in the text) and was in 1585 (not 1584) confirmed by King James VI. accord
ing to its former boundaries. These boundaries, as given in the charter of confirmation, are
incorrectly stated in the Municipal Corporation Eeports quoted in the text, and are here given
correctly from the Privy Seal Eegister, although in the latter there are some mistakes in the
spelling of names. They were as follow — On the land, between the lands of Askokis and
Kellecrasache on the west ; the burn of Balnald on the south ; the lake called the Langloche,
the lands of Chapeltoun, Ballieloyne, Mekill Barroun, Inehecragen, Auchincolture, Knaiffis-
logmorie, and Eister Kames, on the west and northwest ; and the sea on the north — and
on the sea, beginning at the isle of Plada on the south ; turning thence westward by the
' kyles' and ' straittis' between Arran and Kintyre, (and between) Ergyle and Bute from
Lochridden to Clochstane, comprehending therein all the Kyles of Bute and Lochstryin, on
the north ; and from the Clochstane to the said island of Plada, including therein the station of
Cumray, the station of Fairly (in Ayrshire), and the station of Holy Isle (de Haluo-insula) in
Arraine, otherwise called He Malache.5 King James granted also to the burgh free ports in
the roadsteads of the bay and station (nauimn receptaculis de ley et stations) of the burgh of
Eothisay and of the Kylis of Bute, the stations of Cumray, Fairlie, and Halie Isle, and all others
within the bounds of the burgh.6

1 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. iv. nn. 135, 136. 4 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. Iv. fol. 49.

2 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxvii. fol. 52. ' Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. Hi. ft'. 10, 11.

3 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvi. ff. 132, 133. 6 Ibid.

APPENDIX.] PAEOCHIALES. 833

KILBEIDE.

P. 251, line 19. For < 1466' read ' 1446.'

KILMORIE.

P. 253. In 1580 King James VI. presented Hector M'Allister to the parsonage of Kilmoiv
in Arrane, vacant by the demission of Alexander M'Allister.1
P. 254, line 14. For '549' read '1549.'

KILARROW.

P. 261. The church was evidently dedicated to Saint Malrube.2

P. 266. Delete the third paragraph, beginning with the words ' Some lands,' and the
corresponding note, and insert the following at p. 275.

KILCHOMAN.

P. 275. In 1588 King James VI — on the narrative that the deceased Hector Maklane of
Dowart, the grandfather of Hector Maklane the son and apparent heir of Lauchlane Maklane
then of Dowart, was heritably infeft in certain lands to be held of the commendators of Yona
and Derry, which lands had been annexed to the crown — granted of new to Hector and the
heirs male of his body, with remainder to his heirs male whomsoever, all those lands, including
the 5 marklands of Nerrabollsadh in the island of Hay within the bounds called the Rindis of
the same and in the sheriffdom of Tarbat, belonging to the monastery of Derry, for tin-
yearly payment of 60 ells of cloth of a white, black, and grey colour respectively, or 8 pence
for each ell, at the option of the grantee, as old ferme, and one ell or 8 pence in augmenta
tion, if asked.3 In 1662 Sir George M'Kenzie of Tarbet baronet was served heir male to his
grandfather Sir Roderick M'Kenzie of Cogeauch in the same lands, of old belonging to thf
same monastery, and with other lands united into the tenandry of Arroiss.4 In 1695 Archibald
earl of Argyle was served heir to his father Earl Archibald in the same lands, of the same
extent as in 1588.5

COLONSAT.

P. 281. In 1567 (10 January) Henry and Mary king and queen of Scots — understanding
that the prioress of Ycolmekill and the prior of Oransay had not as yet given in the rentals of
their benefices within the sherift'dom of Tarbert, which were then in their majesties' hands, and

1 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xlvii. fol. 1 . 3 Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxxvii. no. 130. Reg. Sec. Sig.,

2 See KILMABOW, p. 601. vol. Ivii. ft'. 59-62. * Retours. ' Ibid.

836 OKIGINES [APPENDIX.

P. 333. In 1567 Henry and Mary king and queen of Scots granted to Hew M'Kegane
in Coill a 19 years' lease of the lands of Kaylois, Artnes, Flassaland, and Gunna, belonging to
the nunnery of Ycolmekill, and of the lands of Tyrungachornage belonging to the priory of
Orausay, all lying in the isle of Coill.1

KILDONAN.

P. 338. In 1589 King James VI. granted to Lauchlan M'Clane of Dowart, Lachlan
M'Kinnin of Stravrdell, Rodoric M'Neile of Barray, Ewin M'Vicallane of Ardgowir, and Hector
Makquyre of Vlway, a remission for being art and part in the treasonable burning and
destruction of the islands of Rum, Canna, and Eig, and the cruel slaughter of John Angus the
son of Master John Angus, of John Makane, and of some other lieges, inhabitants of those
islands, in the month of November 1588.2

CANNA.

P. 340. In 1589 King James VI. granted to certain individuals a remission for destroying
this island and others, and for slaying certain of their inhabitants.3

UIG.

P. 385. For ' Vye in Lewis ' read ' Vge in Lewis.'

KINTAIL, LOCHALSH, LOCHCAREON, APPLECROSS, GAIRLOCH,
LOCHBROOM.

Pp. 391, 395, 398, 403, 405, 407. In 1567 Queen Mary granted to John bishop of Ross
and his subtenants for 19 years after 'Lambes' of the previous year (1 August 1566) a lease
of the parsonages and vicarages of the common churches of Kintaill, Lochalche, Locharrowne,
Garloch, Apilcroce, and Lochbrwne ; the grantee paying yearly to the comptroller £62, 13s. 4d.
Scots according to previous entries made in the Exchequer rolls by Patrick Dauidson collector,
and having power to collect arrears from the tacksmen.4 From this grant it appears that
Gairloch was a common church of the chapter of Ross (a circumstance not stated in the text),
and that the six churches enumerated were the whole of the common churches of the diocese.5

TAIN.

P. 417. In the testament of Alexander Suthyrland of Dunbeth, in a list of the debts due
to him, occurs the following — ' Item, the vicar of Tayn had my meel that I left in myn ynnys
in Tayn, and all the beir that I had grouand in Tayn.'6 He enumerates among the same debts
' a chalys in my kyst in Tayn.7

1 See COLONSAV, p. 613. 4 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxv. fol. 109. ' Ibid.

- Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. lix. fol. 87. 3 Ibid. See above. c Misc. of Bann. Club, vol. iii. " Ibid.

APPENDIX.] PAROCHIALES. 837

Pp. 417, 422. The cliaplainry of Dunskaith was founded by King James II. in the parish
church of Tain between the years 1456 and 1458. In 1456 Master David Stewart the king's
chamberlain on the north of the water of Spey, in his account for the preceding year rendered
at Edinburgh on 22 September, charges himself with the sum of £3, 6s. 8d. as the fermcs of
the lands of Dunscathe within the lordship of Ardmanach, together with the passage (ferry) of
the water of Crombathy.1 In 1458 William thane of Caldor and Master Thomas of Carmichael
canon of Moray, the king's chamberlains on the north of the water of Spey, in their account
for the preceding year rendered at Perth on 21 June, claim as paid by them from the fermes
of the lands of Dunscathe in Eoss the sum of £6, 13s. 4d. as the yearly foe of the chaplain
officiating in the parish church of Tayn on the new foundation of King James II.- Tin-
chaplafnry, as we have seen, was in 1487 annexed by the same king as a prebend to thi-
collegiate church which he then founded at Tayn.3

P. 419, note 4. For ' Reg. Mag. Sig., vol. xxx. fol. 535' read ' Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxx. no. 535.'
P. 432. In 1524 the abbot of Arbroath held lands in the burgh of Thayn.4
P. 433. In 1506 the expenses of King James IV. on his visit to Tain included 4s. to a
man who bore Saint Duthace ' cabok,' 14s. to the harper of the bishop of Caithness, 28s. for
the king's ' belcheir' in Tain, and 2s. to the 'pure folkis be the gait.'3 On a similar visit
in 1511 there was paid the sum of 5s. 'to ane pardonar with Sanct Duthois cowp.'6

TARBAT.

P. 433. Torfnaes. See CANXISBAY, p. 796, note 13.

P. 436. In the testament of Alexander Suthyrland of Dunbeth, dated 1456, he enumerates
among his personal property as in keeping of the abbot of Feyrn ' a hundredth pundis of sex-
peny grotis, and four score pundis of bonath grotis' — and makes the following bequests; £100 in
the hands of the same abbot for the repair of the college church of Roslyng, and to William earl
of Cathenes and Orknay ' to by me throuch stane to lay upon myn grave ;' to the canons of
Feyrn for a mass with note of the Requiem 6 marks Scots from the lands of Multayth and
Drumnern, and failing these from the lands of Dunbeth ; and of the bonage grottis in the
hands of the abbot of Fern 40 lib. to the earl of Cathenes and Orknay, and 40 lib. to his
own son Master Alexander archdeacon of Cathanes.'

N I G G .

P. 458. The cliaplainry of Dunskaith existed in the parish church of Tayn before its an
nexation to the college church.8

P. 458, note 9. For ' Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. x. no. 309,' read ' Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. x. no. 109.'

1 Exchequer Rolls, no. 223. * Reg. de Aberb., vol. ii. p. 437. See Cromarty poll.

- Ibid., no. 227. 3 Treasurer's Accounts. 6 Ibid.

3 See text, KILLEARNAX post, and Nice, p. 458. " Misc. of Bonn. Club, vol. iii. b See TAIN above.
VOL. II. 5 O

836 OKIGINES [APPENDIX.

P. 333. In 1567 Henry and Mary king and queen of Scots granted to Hew M'Kegane
in Coill a 19 years' lease of the lands of Kaylois, Artnes, Flassaland, and Gunna, belonging to
the nunnery of Ycolmckill, and of the lands of Tyrungachornage belonging to the priory of
Oransay, all lying in the isle of Coill.1

KILDONAN.

P. 338. In 1589 King James VI. granted to Lauchlan M'Clane of Dowart, Lachlan
M'Kinnin of Stravrdell, Kodoric M'Neile of Barray, Ewin M'Vicallane of Ardgowir, and Hector
Makquyre of Vlway, a remission for being art and part in the treasonable burning and
destruction of the islands of Rum, Canna, and Eig, and the cruel slaughter of John Angus the
son of Master John Angus, of John Makane, and of some other lieges, inhabitants of those
islands, in the month of November 1588.2

CANNA.

P. 340. In 1589 King James VI. granted to certain individuals a remission for destroying
this island and others, and for slaying certain of their inhabitants.3

UIG.

P. 385. For ' Vye in Lewis ' read ' Vge in Lewis.'

KINTAIL, LOCHALSH, LOCHCAREON, APPLECROSS, GAIRLOCH,
LOCHBROOM.

TAIN.

1 See COLONSAY, p. 613. 4 Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. xxxv. fol. 109. ' Ibid.

- Reg. Sec. Sig., vol. lix. fol. 87. 3 Ibid. See above. c Misc. of Bann. Club, vol. iii. 7 Ibid.

APPENDIX.] PAROCHIALES. 837

Pp. 417, 422. The chaplainry of Dunskaith was founded by King James II. in the parish
church of Tain between the years 1456 and 1458. In 1456 Master David Stewart the king's
chamberlain on the north of the water of Spey, in his account for the preceding year rendered
at Edinburgh on 22 September, charges himself with the sum of £3, 6s. 8d. as the fermes of
the lands of Dunscathc within the lordship of Ardmanach, together with the passage (ferry) of
the water of Crombathy.1 In 1458 William thane of Caldor and Master Thomas of Carmiehael
canon of Moray, the king's chamberlains on the north of the water of Spey, in their account
for the preceding year rendered at Perth on 21 June, claim as paid by them from the fermes
of the lands of Dunscathe in Ross the sum of £6, 13s. 4d. as the yearly fee of the chaplain
officiating in the parish church of Tayn on the new foundation of King James II.2 The
chaplaihry, as we have seen, was in 1487 annexed by the same king as a prebend to the
collegiate church which he then founded at Tayn.s

P. 419, note 4. For ' Eeg. Mag. Sig., vol. xxx. fol. 535' read ' Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. xxx. no. 535.'
P. 432. In 1524 the abbot of Arbroath held lands in the burgh of Thayn.*
P. 433. In 1506 the expenses of King James TV. on his visit to Tain included 4s. to a
man who bore Saint Duthace ' cabok,' 14s. to the harper of the bishop of Caithness, 28s. for
the king's ' belcheir' in Tain, and 2s. to the 'pure folkis be the gait.'5 On a similar visit
in 1511 there was paid the sum of 5s. 'to ane pardonar with Sanct Duthois cowp.'6

TARBAT.

P. 433. Torfnaes. See CANXISBAY, p. 796, note 13.

NIGG.

P. 458. The chaplainry of Dunskaith existed in the parish church of Tayn before its an
nexation to the college church.8

P. 458, note 9. For ' Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. x. no. 309,' read ' Reg. Mag. Sig., lib. x. no. 109.'

1 Exchequer Rolls, no. 223. 4 Reg. de Aberb., vol. ii. p. 437. See Cromarty post.

'' Ibid., no. 227. b Treasurer's Accounts. 6 Ibid.

3 See text, KILLKARNAK post, and XIGG, p. 458. " Misc. of Bonn. Club, vol. iii. 6 Sec TAIN above.
VOL. II. 5 O

838 OKIGINES [APPENDIX.

LOGIE EASTEE.

P. 467. In 1456 Alexander Suthyrland of Dunbeth bequeathed to a priest to say mass
perpetually in the canonry of Eoss for himself and his wife 6 marks yearly from the lands of
Effer (or Ester) Kyndeiss.1

EOSSKEEN.

P. 469. Delete the whole paragraph beginning ' In 1361.' The lands to which it relates are
all in Caithness and Sutherland. Harpsdol and Hospitill are not the same — the former being in
the parish of Halkirk in Caithness ; the latter apparently in the parish of Criech in Sutherland,
and in the earldom of Eoss only by annexation. The lands of Obstule in Eosskeen belonged
to the chaplainry of the same name in the cathedral church of Eoss.

LUMLAIE.

P. 482. William of Clyne, mentioned 1350-1375, appears to have been of the Clynes of
Clyne in Sutherland.

DING WALL.

P. 484. In 1463 Master John Grcne chancellor of Moray gave sentence touching the church
of Dingvale in the cause moved by William prior of Pluscardyne against Henry bishop of Eoss
to the following effect — That the church of Dingvalle with all its fruits belonged to the prior
by just right ; that the bishop and his successors should thenceforth cease from all intromission
with the teinds of that church ; and that they should be compelled to restore the teiuds already
unduly received by them.'-'

P. 489. In the account of John Monroo of Fowlis chamberlain of the earldom of Eoss,
rendered at Edinburgh on 3 July 1479, of all his receipts and expenses from 10 July 1476, the
day on which the earldom fell to the crown by the resignation of John lord of Ilaa and lord of
the Isles, we have the following enumeration of the lands of the earldom. The quarter of Delne
— Estir Terbate, Alane Mekle, Calrosse, Drummethat, Glastollich, Drumgelzc, Mekle Methat,
Myltoun of Methat, Estir Polga, Westir Polga, le Eoyis, Feauchlath, Ardimagage, Kalruquhy,
Kynnakrege, Newenmcklc, Culkenze, Culzeoth Mekle, Cul/coth Manach, Craigmyln, Auchna-
cloych and Brekoquhy, Culmelachquhyis, Culcnigy, Fyrehisth, Culcarne, Swerdull, Balconee,
Catoll. The quarter of Kynnardy — Kynnardy, Westir Drynee, Dalfcarno, Dalfpoldach, Dalf-
malowage, Inchmanny, Ouchtirnedc, Auchinaglcrach, Ardovale, le Moye, Kynnaharde, Aucli-
quhilze, Cunze, Scathole Mekle, Conten, le Parke, Vlladill, Browen, Dunglust, Owsee. The
quarter of Fyrnenewyr and Kessokkis — The two Ferburnys, Ferburne-egglis, Auchansawle,

1 Misc. of Bann. Club, vol. iii. 2 Reg. de Duniermelyn, p. 366.

APPENDIX.] PAROCHIALES. 839

Arcoyn, Belbrade, Vrra, Kynculladrum, le Orde, Belblaro, Balnagovyn, Balnaknok, Tarredill,
Kynkell, Logyeureith, the Two Kcssokkis with the ferry. The quarter of Kynnellane — Kynnel-
lane, le Cowle, Rewgy, Litill Scatliole, Forest of Eannach, Meyn in Straquhonane, the Two
Skatellis, Innermany, Innerquhonray, Kenlochbenquherane.1

P. 491. For '1567' read '1576.'

In 1460 William of Boy is, prior of Pluscardyn and Vrcharde (in Moray), on the narrative
that Andrew Denone formerly lord of the half of the town of Kildone, William Cryne burgess
of Abirden formerly lord of the sixth part, and William Clyne formerly lord of the third part
of the same town, severally resigned their portions in favour of Thomas of Dingvaille younger,
granted at the instance of Sir Thomas of Dingvaile subdean of Ross, who consented to the
resignation, to Thomas of Dingvaile younger and his heirs, with remainder to his brother
german John of Dingvaile and his heirs, and to the nearest, better, and more worthy suc
cessor of the surname (cognicione) of Dingvaile, the lands of Kildon in the regality of Dun-
fermelyn, earldom of Ross, and sheriffdom of Innernys, reserving to Sir Thomas the frank-
tenement, and to the prior the pleas (querele) and escheats belonging to the crown, the grantee
paying yearly at Whitsunday 12 pennies Scots in name of blench forme on the soil of the said
land.2 In 1462 Richard abbot of Dunfermelyn confirmed the grant.3

P. 492. In 1506 (23 January) Thomas Dingwell of Kildun appointed John bishop of Ross,
Andrew bishop of Katnes, William Stewart, and Galbert Vrquhard, his procurators for the pur
pose of resigning the lands of Kildun into the hands of James abbot of Dunfermlyn, reserving
the franktenement to himself.* In February of the same year the abbot granted the lands to
William Dingwell the son and apparent heir of Thomas, the grantee giving three suits at the
three head courts of the regality held within the bounds of Ross or of Murray, and the wards,
reliefs, and marriages, when they should happen.5 In 1534 George abbot of Dunfermlyne
granted the same lands, resigned by Thomas Dingwall of Kildwn, for life to him and his wife
Jonet Hay, for yearly payment of the usual rights and services.6

P. 495. In 1524 the abbot of Arbroath held lands in the burgh of Dynguel in Ross.7

P. 496. In the testament of Sir David Synclar of Swynbrocht, dated 1506, we have the
following clause — ' Item, the penchione of Dingvell and the Redcastell paiis thar dettis this
zeir.' 8

FODDERTY.

P. 498. In 1349 Adam of Urquhart lord of Inchrory and sheriff of Crombathy granted for
ever to a perpetual chaplain officiating in the chapel of Saint Mary of Inchrory for the souls
of William earl of Ross and his parents, and for the souls of the granter, of his parents, and

1 Exchequer Rolls, no. 2/6, A. D. 1476-1479. 5 Ibid., pp. 374, 375. 6 Ibid., p. 383.

2 Regist. de Dunfermelyn, pp. 353, 354. 7 Reg. de Aberbrothoc, vol. ii. p. 437. See Cromarty

3 Ibid. pott.

' Ibid., p. 374. 8 Misc. of Bann. Club, vol. iii.

840 OKIGINES [APPENDIX.

of all the faithful dead, 5 marks of yearly revenue from the lands of Inchrory, together with
a certain croft called the alehouse croft lying in the territory of Inchrory between the croft
Ochierin on the north and a meadow on the south, with a suitable area and place in the town
of Inchrory for a sufficient manse to the present chaplain, and with sufficient pasture for a horse,
12 cows, a bull, and 80 sheep, in the same land of Inchrory, and the privilege of having fuel
within the land — reserving to Adam and his heirs the right of patronage and of giving
institution to the chaplain.1 The grant further bore that, if it should happen that Adam or
his heirs should to any extent recall the 5 marks for their own use, or attempt to convert it
to any use but that for which it was then granted, or in any way impede the chaplain in the
discharge of his duty, they should be compelled by the bishop of Boss under all ecclesiastical
censure to make good the grant.2

P. 500, line 6. For ' King James VI.' read ' King James IV.'

KILMORACK.

P. 509. In 1458 the king's chamberlain on the north of the water of Spey, in his account
i'or the preceding year, claimed as paid by him to the prior of Beauly (de Bella Loco) the sum
of £4, which was yearly due to the prior from the formes of the baronies of Avach and Ed-
dirdule by ancient infeftment, and also the sum of 3s. 4d. paid to the prior as the price of
1 Ib. of pepper due to him yearly from the same baronies by the same ancient infeftment.3

KILLEARNAN.

P. 526. In the account of Master David Stewart chamberlain of King James II. on the
north of the water of Spcy, rendered at Edynburgh on 22 September 1456 for the previous
half year, he charged himself with the sum of £3, 6s. 8d. for the fermes of the lands of
Dunscathe within the lordship of Ardmanach together with the passage (ferry) of the water of
Crombathy ; with £3, Cs. 8d. for Drumcudyn ; £6 for Culboky ; £6 for Merano ; £3, 6s. 8d.
for Balmaduthy ; £G for Ochtyrcloy ; 20s. for Killan ; 19s. 4d. for Petfure ; 6s. 6d. for the
mill of Petfure ; £3, 6s. 8d. for Petconochy ; £3, 6s. Sd. for Mulcach ; £5, 13s. 4d. for Drum-
warny ; £3 for Halfdawachis ; 10s. for the alehouse of the same ; 6s. for Pettyslanys ; 4s. for
Smethycrofft ; £4 for Casteltoun ; 50s. for Barnatfelde ; 33s. 4d. for Petlundy ; £3, 6s. Sd. for
Dryny ; £4 for Drumdafurde ; £4 for Suthy ; 10s. for the alehouse of Suthy ; 30s. for Forestere
Crofft ; 20s. for Portare Crofft ; 3s. 4d. for Curroure Crofft ; 12d. for the Marecrofit ; 12d. for
the Seriandcroft't ; £3, 6s. 8d. for Fyndoun ; £3, 6s. 8d. for Drumnamarg ; £3, 6s. 8d. for
Hiltoun ; £3, 6s. 8d. for Gargastoun ; £6 for Newtoun ; 13s. 4d. for the alehouse of Newtoun ;
and £4, Gs. 8d. for Culcolly ; making the total charge in money for the baronies of Avach and
Eddirdule north of the water of Forn £91, 8s. 10d.* The chamberlain further charged himself

1 Original penes Vrquliart of Craigston. - Ibid. 3 Exchequer Rolls, no. 227. * Ibid., no. 223.

APPENDIX.] PAROCHIALES. 841

for the same term with 11 chalders 12 bolls of bear and the same quantity of oatmeal of the
fermes of the same baronies.1 He claimed as paid by him to the chaplain officiating in the
chapel of the castle of Avaeh, whose receipt he produced, the sum of 50s. as his half-yearly
salary due from the lordship of Avach ; and also as allowed to him of the dues of the lands of
Eddirdule granted by the king at Innernys to Gillespy of the Isles the sum of £ 13, 6s. 8d>'
After these disbursements there remained over of the dues of the baronies of Avach and Eddir
dule £13, 6s. 8d.3 — The account of William thane of Caldor and Master Thomas of Carmichac!
canon of Moray, the king's chamberlains on the north of the Spey, rendered at Lithgw on
19 July 1457 for the preceding half year, in as far as it related to the baronies of Avach and
Eddyrdule, was as follows. The whole charge in money was as before £91, 8s. lOd. ; and the
payments to the chaplain of Avauch and Celestine of the Isles the same as in the preceding
year.4 After these payments there remained of the dues of the barony of Eddirdule in the
hands of Celestine of the Isles 20s. more than his fee for the said term ; and also of the fermes
of Hiltoun and Gargistoun beyond the barony of Eddirdule and beyond the king's grant for
the same term £6, 6s. 8d.° The chamberlains claimed as allowed them for the wastenesx
(vastitas) of a certain part of the town of Ochtircloo and of Estyr Half-Davauch for the same
term 57s. 4d.6 The charge of the grain of Avauch and Eddirdule was the same as before,
except 8 chalders 4 bolls supposed to be the dues of the lands held by Celestine of the Isles.7
The account of Master David Stewart the king's chamberlain on the north of the Spey,
rendered quasi at Linlithgw on 10 July 1457, but for what year or terms does not certainly
appear, as far as related to the same baronies, was as follows. The chamberlain charged himself
with £172, 15s. 8d. as the whole dues in money of the baronies of Avach and Eddirdule called
Ardmannoch ; and claimed among his expenses £5 paid to the chaplain of Avach, 40s. to the
mair of Avach and Eddirdule, 6s. 8d. to the sergeand of Ardmannoch as his yearly fee, £4 to
the prior of Beauly payable to him yearly from the dues of Avach and Eddirdule by ancient
infeftment, 3s. 4d. to the same prior as the value of a pound of pepper due to him yearly from
the same baronies, £26, 13s. 4d. to Celestine of the Isles, 20s. of an overcharge of the dues of
the town of Drumdafurde for the year, £4, 10s. allowed to him for the wasteness of three
fourths of Ochtircloy in Avach, 33s. 4d. of the dues of the town of Drumcuddin in the hands of
Alexander Flemyng of Ross remitted by the king at the instance of the countess of Ross, 30s.
for the wasteness of an oxgang and a half of Drumdafurde, 20s. for the wasteness of an oxgang
of Westir Halfdavach, 5s. paid to the forester of Avach from the dues of his croft, 6s. 8d. to the
ranger of Avach as his fee of his croft, 2s. to a certain mair on the Maircroft, 26s. 8d. allowed
him from a certain tenandry called Petfure and Killane belonging in heritage to Sir Andrew
Ross chaplain, which Sir Andrew had recovered from the king, and which was described in the
rental of Avach for the year, and 6s. 8d. for the terce due to Jonet the widow of the deceased
Andrew Tarale from the same tenandry.8 He claimed also £3, Ss. l|d. as the price of 13!;-

1 Exchequer Rolls, no. 223. - Ibid. s Ibid. 'Ibid.

3 Ibid. ' Ibid. no. 225. : Ibid. * Ibid., no. 227.

842 OKIGHNES [APPENDIX.

marts at 5s. each, which were of Ardmannach and were called rynmartis, paid for to the king's
husbandmen and placed in the king's larder at Elgyn ; 17s. 3|d. as the price of 23f muttons or
ri/nicethiris at 12d. each received from the husbandmen of the sheriffdoms of Elgyn and Fores
and of the lands of Ardmannach ; and £5, 3s. 4d. including the price of 7 marts bought by
him from the husbandmen of Ardmanach, which with the skins were also placed by him in the
same larder, and the expenses of carriage and driving.1 After these disbursements the balance
was £154, 8s. 3|d., to which had to be added £3, 10s. 8d. of the dues of Killane and Petfure
allowed through negligence in the account, and 10 marks of the tenandry of Fyndoun belonging
to the heir of the deceased George Monroo and in the hands of the king, and not stated in the
charge.2 After some farther disbursements there remained £81, 12s. O^d., of which sum
£13, 13s. 4d. were in the hands of Celestine of the Isles beyond the sum granted him by the
king from the fermes of the barony of Eddirdule. 3 — The account of William thane of Caldor
and Master Thomas of Carmichael canon of Moray the king's chamberlains on the north of the
water of Spey, rendered at Perth on 21 June 1458 for two terms, is similar to the above.* The
following are the chief points of difference. The chamberlains claim as paid by them to the
chaplain officiating in the parish church of Tayn £6, 13s. 4d. from the lands of Dunscathe ; as
allowed to them by the king's remission to the earl of Ross from the dues of Mulcaich and
Drumwerny for the first term of their account, £8, 13s. 4d. ; and as allowed them for 23 herring
barrels and 7 Hamburgh barrels for 63,000 herrings of the assise fishing of Invernys with
expenses, and for the carriage of 12 chalders 5 bolls 1 firlot of the ferine victual of Ardmannoch
in bear and meal, and the freight of the same and the placing of it in the king's granary at
Innernys, £4, 5s.5 After these and other disbursements there remained £90, 2s. 10d., of which
sum £13, 13s. 4d. were as before in the hands of Celestine of the Isles beyond the sum
granted to him by the king.6 The chamberlains charge themselves also with 11 chalders 12
bolls oatmeal of the dues of the baronies of Avach and Ettirdule for the arrears of the crop
preceding their account, and with 23 chalders 8 bolls of bear and meal of the same baronies,
deducting the terce due to the wife of Sir John Oggilby for the crop 1457.7 They further
claim, as remitted by the king to Celestine of the Isles of the arrears of the dues of the ferme
lands of Eddirdule and part of Avach for the first year of their account, 5 chalders 12 bolls of
malt ; as allowed them for the wastencss of Drumdafurd and Ochtircloy, 1 chalder 2 bolls malt ;
for the dues of the lands held by Alexander Flemyng of Ross for the same year, remitted by
the king, 8 bolls of malt ; for the wasteness of Drumdafurd and Ochtircloy for the second year
of their account, 1 chalder 2 bolls of malt ; and for the dues of the corns of Drumcuddin leased
to Alexander Flemyng for money and remitted by the king, 2 chalders for the second year of
their account.8

P. 529. In the testament of Sir David Synclar of Swynbrocht, dated 1506, we have the
following clause — ' Item, the penchione of Dingvell and the Eedcastell paiis thar dettis
this zeir.'9

1 Exchequer Rolls, no. 227. 2 Ibid. 3 Ibid. ~ Ibid. 8 Ibid.

'Ibid. ' Ibid. 6 Ibid. 9 Misc. of Bann. Club., vol. iii.

APPENDIX.] PAROCHIALES. 843

AVOCH.

P. 542. The chaplain of the chapel of Avach, of the chapel of the castle of Avach, or of the
chapel of the Mount of Ormounde of Avach and Attirdule, was, as we have seen, in 1456,
1457, and 1458, paid yearly by the king's chamberlain north of the Spey the sum of £5 from
the lands of the lordship of Avach.1

CROMARTY.

P. 564. In 1524 the abbot of Arbroath appointed John Andirson his procurator to appear
before the provost and bailies or other authorities of certain burghs, including Cromaty, to
demand the yearly rents of his lands in those burghs, and to lease and maintain the same.-'

ROSEMARKIE.

P. 568. A clause in the testament of Alexander Suthyrland of Dunbeth, dated 1456, is as
follows — ' Alsua I geve and I leyfe to my lordis the bischopis of Orknay and Ross the remanant
of the hundreth lib. that I have thair obligationcs for, ilk ane of thame fyndand a prest for me
to syng ii zeris, and for the layf to ger do for my saul as they wil answer before God, as sum
tym I trastit in thame.'3

P. 572. The same Alexander bequeathed 6 marks yearly from the lands of Effer (or Ester)
Kyndeis to a priest to sing mass perpetually for himself and his wife in the canonry of Ross, and
of 30 trentals to be said for his soul he ordained 8 to be said in the same canonry (the
cathedral church).4

P. 574. In 1514 Balthasar — the Nuncio of Pope Leo X. in Scotland presented Adam

Grordoun dean of Chatenes to the benefice of the chantry of Ross, then vacant in his hands by
the resignation of Nicolas Birne chaplain in the diocese of Moray, the procurator substitute of
Alexander earl of Huntlie the procurator of John Caldor late precentor, and worth yearly by the
common valuation 100 marks Scots.0

P. 576. In 1510 the treasurer of Ross was Master James Heryng.0

P. 577. In 1462 Sir Thomas of Dingvaile was subdean of Ross.7

P. 580. Among the canons of Ross in 1514 there appears in record along with John
Erisel Dean Patrick Dunbar.8

P. 589. In 1557 David bishop of Ross granted to Thomas Cuthbert and his wife the lands
of the three ly Scheddis ; three perticates, namely, three rigs in the three ly Scheddis within the

1 Exchequer Rolls, nn. 223, 225, 227. See KIL- 5 Original penes D. Laing Esquire.
I.KABNAN above. " Reg. de Aberbrothoc, vol. ii. pp. 399, 401.

2 Reg. de Aberbrothoc, vol. ii. p. 437. ' Reg. de Dunfermelyn, pp. 353, 354.
'•> Misc. of Bann. Club, vol. iii. 4 Ibid. •" Original penes D. Laing Esquire.

S44 OEIGINES [APPENDIX.

canonry, namely, one rig in the Ewarsched lying between the lands of the chaplainry of the
]>rcccntor on the east, the lands of the principal chaplainry of Alnes on the west, and the king's
common road on the south, and extending to the burn and the ley on the north — another rig in
the Middillsched lying between the lands of the chaplainry of Culcragy on the east, the lands of
the chaplainry of the subdean on the west, the Nethirsched on the south, and the common road
on the north — and a third rig lying in the Nethirsehed between the lands of the chaplainry of
the archdeacon on the west, the lands of the chaplainry of the subdean on the east, the Middill
sched on the north, and the sea and the Ness on the south ; a rood of land within the bounds of
the burgage of Kosmarky lying in the Schortsefeild between the lands of the chaplainry of the
archdeacon on the north, the sea on the south, the lands called Plumarisland on the east, and
the lands called Langsefcild on the west ; a rood of land in the acres lying between the lands of
the chaplainry of Alnes on the west, the lands of the chaplainry of Cullis on the east, the
lands of the chaplains on the south, and the lands of the bishop of Ross on the north ; a croft
called ' croft of the coppis ' lying between the lands of the chaplainry of the archdeacon on
the north, the common road on the south, the lands of the chaplains on the east, and the loch
on the west ; half an acre of land lying between the lands of the chaplainry of Mulloquhy on
the south, the lands of the chaplainry of Alnes on the north, the lands of the chaplains on
the east, and the loch on the west ; an acre lying under the wood between the lands of the
chaplainry of the archdeacon on the east, the lands of the chaplainry of Alnes on the south,
and the lands of the chaplainry of the subdean on the north ; all lying in the bishoprick of
Ross and sheriffdom of Innerncs.1 In 15C7 John bishop of Ross granted to William Leslie of
Balquhan the lands of Cullicudden, Farnis, Wester Culbol, and Wodlieid, the lands of Balmongy
with the mill of Rosmarkny, and the lands of Killernene, in the bishoprick of Ross and sherift-
dom of Innernes.'-' In 15G8 Alexander Gollane and Andrew Grant bailies of Rosmarkine
granted to Robert Lesslie of Ardroscir the common lands of Lochill, formerly occupied by
Richard Irrving, within the community or burgage of Rosmarkin and sheriffdom of Innernes,
lying between the lands of the deceased Sir William Kilquhous, of Alexander Thomsone, and
of Andrew Grant, on the south, the top of the hill of Craiglaw on the north, the burn commonly
called Reglingburn on the west, and the lands of Alexander Gollan, then in the hands of Master
Duncan Chalmer chancellor of Ross, on the east.3 In 1576 Alexander bishop of Ross granted
to John Leslie of Balquhane the kirklands of Cullicudden, Fames, Westir Culboll, and Wodheid ;
the lands of Balmungie with the mill of Rosemarky ; the lands of Killernane ; the kirklands of
Ratherie, Westir Ratherie, and Rosmarky ; the lands of the Channonrie with the Bischopissched
and salmon fishing of the Nes ; the kirklands of Larny extending to a davach ; the mill and
mill-lands of Avach ; the lands of Craghuid ; the lands of Kynbeachie extending to a half davach
with the mill and alehouse of the same; the lands of Contane extending to a half davach; the
lands of Lealdie ; the lands of Kirkiskyth ; the lands of the Inchc, with the grove and wood
adjacent to the same, and the portion of land commonly called the Bromehill ; the hereditary

1 Flowerburn Charters. The following grants, it will be seen, 2 Ibid,

refer to other parishes besides Roseinarkie. 3 Ibid.

APPEN-DIX.] PAROCHIALES. 845

office of constable of the palace or castle of the bishoprick, with the buildings, gardens,
orchards, meadows, and ' leyis,' within the canonry of Boss ; and a yearly revenue of a hundred
]>ounds Scots with six chalders of victual to be raised at Whitsunday and Martinmas from the
fernies and profits of the bishoprick.1 In 1578 John Lesslie of Balquhan granted to Colin
Mackenzie of Kintail the lands of Craigheid ; the mill of Awache ; the lands of Contane,
Kyrksaith, and Lealdi ; the lands of Inche with the woods and the Bromehill ; the hereditary
office of constable of the bishop's palace ; the yearly revenue (above mentioned) of £100 Scots
and 6 chalders victual ; the lands of Culicuden, Fames, Westir Culboill, Westir Eaddrie, Rois-
markne, Channonrie, and the Bischopis Sched with the salmon fishing of the Nes ; the lands
of Wodheid ; the mill of Eosmarkie ; the lands of Balmungie ; and the lands of Killernane.-
P. 589. In 1524 the abbot of Arbroath had lands in the burgli of Rosmerkyne.3

LOCUINETHERETH.

P. 593. It has been conjectured with great probability that Loeuinethercth is Logywreid.4
If so, Kynteryth can hardly be the same as Locuinethereth.

DORNOCH.

P. 607, note 9. For ' Reg. Mag.' read ' Reg. Mag. Sig.'

P. 627. In the testament of Alexander Suthyrland of Dunbeth, dated in 1456, occurs the
following clause — ' Item, I gif and assigneis to my sone John the lands that I liaf in wedsettyng
of the Medyltone in the Meyrnys, and xls. worth of land zerly that I suld have of the lard of
Kynnard, qiihether the said John wil have it in Kynnard or of the bordland of Skelbow, quhil
the said John be part as the letters of reversion proportis.'5

P. 636, line 20. For ' 1203-1245' read ' 1223-1245.'

GOLSPIE.

P. 653, note 4. For ' Orneyinga Saga' read ' Orkneyinga Saga.'
P. 672, line 11. For ' tolboth' read ' tolbooth.'
P. 676, line 12. For ' Kalmaly' read ' Kilmaly.'

DURNESS.

P. 701, note 14. For ' Collection ' read ' Collections.'
P. 702, note 1. For ' Collection ' read ' Collections.'

1 Flowerburn Charters. 2 Ibid. 4 Note by Joseph Robertson Esquire. See p. 548.

3 Reg. de Aberbrothoc, vol. ii. p. 437. See CRO- 5 Misc. of Bann. Club., vol. iii.
MARTY, p. 843.

VOL. u. 5 r

846 ORIGINES PAROCHIALES. [APPENDIX.

FARE.
P. 712, line 11. For 'ands' read 'lands.'

KILDONAN.

P. 739. Note the omission of the date 1524 in the settlement between the earls of Suther
land and Caithness.

EEAY.

P. 743, line 27. For ' interest ' read ' extent.'

THURSO.

P. 754, note 1. For ' Torf. lib. i. p. 33' read 'Torf. lib. i. c. 33.'

WICK.

P. 772, note 13, line 2. Delete the word 'that' immediately before the quotation.

CANNISBAY.

P. 809. In the account of Sir Gilbert Keith of Iimerugy, custumar of Cathnes, Straith-
navern, and Suthyrland, rendered at Edinburgh by his deputy Henry Mowate on 28 July 1481,
he charges himself with the sum of £9, 15s. as the proceeds of the custom of 5 lasts and 5 barrels
of salted salmon, customed, carted, and carried out of the said lordships ; and with £8 as the
proceeds of the custom of 3 lasts of hides, of which 10 dakirs (dacre) were not in the customhouse
receipt (coketa), but for which receipt was to be given as customed and carried as above : in all
£17, 15s., of which sum the comptroller was allowed 5s. 6d. as his fee.1

1 Exchequer Rolls in Gen. Reg. House. A dakir or dicker is 10 hides, and a last 20 dakirs.

INDEX OF PARISHES.

PART II.

Alness ....

472

Gairloch ....

405, 836

Applecross

402, 836

Glassary ....

823

Arasaig

829

Glenelg ....

829

Ardchattan .

827

Glenorchy ....

827

Ardersier

593

Golspie ....

648, 845

Assynt ....

692

Avoch ....

541, 843

Halkirk (Ancient)

757

Halkirk (Modern)

756

Bower

783

Inishail ....

827

Canna ....

836

Inveraray ....

824

Cannisbay

791,846

lona

834

Clyne ....

722

Coll ....

835

Kilarrow ....

833

Colonsay

833

Kilberry ....

822

Contin ....

504

Kilblane ....

820

Craignish

825

Kilbrandon ....

825

Criech ....

684

Kilbride (in Arran)

833

Cromarty

558, 843

Kilbride (in Lorn)

826

Cullicudden .

552

Kilcalmonell

821

Kilchattan ....

825

Dingwall

484, 838

Kilchoman ....

833

Dornoch

594, 845

Kilchousland

821

Dunnet ....

788

Kilchrenan ....

826

Dunoon

823

Kilchrist ....

522

Durness

701, 845

Kildonan (in Rum)

836

Kildonan (in Sutherland)

734. 846

Eddertoun

414

Killean ....

821

Elanfinan

828

Killearnan ....

524, 840

Kilmarow ....

821

Fair .

707 846

Kilmartin ....

824

Fodderty

498, 839

Kilmorack ....

507, 840

INDEX OF PAKISHES.

Kilmore

826

Nigg ....

454, 837

Kilniorich . . .

824

North Knapdale .

822

833

Kilmuir Easter

459

Olrick ....

736

Kilmuir Wester

531

Kilninian

835

749 §4(3

477

n\ Q

Kincardine

410

Ixogart ....
RosemarMe .

/lo

567, 843

Kingarth

831

Rosskeen

468, 838

Kinettes

501

Rothesay

832

Kintail

391, 836

Kirkapoll

835

Skinnet ....

756

Kirkinichael .

556

Soroby ....

835

Kynteryth

593

Spittal ....

757

Lairg ....

697

Strachur

823

Latherou

762

Suddy ....

537

Lismore

827

Lochalsh

395, 836

Tain ....

416,836

Lochbroom

407, 836

Tarbat

433, 837

Loclicarron .

398, 836

Thurso ....

747, 846

Lochgoilhead

823

Locuinethereth

593, 845

Uig . . . .

836

Logic Easter

466, 838

Urquhart

551

Logie Wester

548

Urray ....

518

Loth ....

730

Lumlair

481, 838

Watten

781

MiicltnirTi

S27

Wick

771, 846

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Full text of "Origines Parochiales Scotiae. the Antiquities Ecclesiastical and Territorial of the Parishes of Scotland"

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