OS1/14/61/41

List of names as written Various modes of spelling Authorities for spelling Situation Description remarks
Site of BATTLE Supposed Between the Picts and the Scots (9th century) [Pitalpin] Site of Battle (A.D. 831)
Site of Battle (A.D. 831)
Site of Battle (A.D. 831)
Sir John Ogilvie Bart. [Baronet]
Mr Taylor, forester
Mr Easson, Gardner
053 [Situation] In the eastern portion of the parish.
This Battle was fought in the year 831 between the Scots & Picts, and ended in favour of the latter, who, previous to the battle, were encamped, it is supposed to the west of Pitalpin: while the Scots occupied the Castle on the Law. The two armies met between the stone called King's Cross (on which the standard of the Scots was placed) and Pitalpin (the site of the Village of Pitalpin or Pitalpy is now a plantation by the side of the Trust road) which ground appears well adapted for a battle, as it is a gradual slope from each place to the centre, and a much more probable place for it than that part between King's Cross & the Law.
As the Scots gave way they were driven towards the Law so that the battle was finished near that place (which will account for the number of coffins, Bones, &c found there) but the brunt of the battle was farther west as stated above.
The following extracts from "Forfarshire Illustrated" will perhaps throw some light on the affair.
Mr. Taylor Forester to Lord Camperdown gave the above information.
"The Lands of Pitalpy have their name from having been the place, according to ancient chronicle & tradition, where Alpin, King of Scotland was beheaded in the 9th Century, & his decapitated
body interred. The unfortunate Monarch was defeated in Battle, taken prisoner, and so treated by the victorious Picts. The spot is a thickly planted grove, close to the public road from Dundee to Cupar, about a"
[continued on page 42]

Continued entries/extra info

[Page] 41
53.4 Trace 6 -- Parish of Liff & Benvie

[Notes]
Note - It will be seen by the extracts annexed that there is
more real documental evidence to shew that Alpin King of Scots
was slain in battle in Dalmellington Ayrshire than there is to prove
that he was slain in Liff and Benvie. But as the tradition of the
locality is to the latter effect it is as well to prefix the word
"supposed" and publish what is really credited here.
I may also observe that the date of the death of King Alpin
is not precisely agreed upon by writers, therefore it is better
write 9th. Century.

"Frequent mention of Dundee in ancient chronicles is not to be
expected accordingly a mighty void occurs in its history from the
year 209 the year in which the doubtful King Donald I. died untill
834 when we find it the head-quarters of Alpin King of the Scots
whose army lay encamped in its vicinity a war having taken place
between him and the Picts."
Thomson's Hist. [History] of Dundee
page 10

See Extracts annexed

  Transcribers who have contributed to this page.

Alison James- Moderator, Alice Bremner

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