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COLLACE [parish] |
Collace
Collace
Collace
Collace
Collace
Collace
Collace
Collace
Collace |
Old Stat: [Statistical] Account
New Stat[Statistical] Account
Fullarton's Gazetteer Sheriff's Returns Valuation Roll Mr Clark Writer Factor
Revd. [Reverend] Mr. Brown Ph [Parish] Minister
Mr J Stewart Kinrossie, Johnstone's Coy. [County] Map |
074 ; 075 ; 086 ; 087 |
"The etymology of Collace is uncertain, it is situated in Gowrie, on the north of the Sidlaw Hills, bounded on the north by the parish of Cargill; on the east by the parish of Abernyte; on the South & South-east by the parish of Kinnaird, and an isolated portion of Forfarshire; and on the west by the parish of St Martins. There are two villages in the parish Collace and Kinrossie, no markets are held within the parish. Perth being so near (7 miles) is the nearest Market-town. The only antiquity is the celebrated British fort on Dunsinane Hill."
New Statistical Account. |
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[Page] 1
There is no portion of this parish detached nor is there any portion of any other parish containes within the boundary of this Parish. |
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[Page] 2
[Blank page] |
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REDSTONE SMITHY |
Redstone Smithy
Redstone Smithy
Redstone Smithy |
George Thomson occr. [occupier]
Mr. Clark, Writer & Factor, Coupar Angus
Mr. Ritchie, residential factor |
074 |
A smithy with dwelling house attached, property of J. Mellis Nairne Esqr |
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MILNTON |
Milnton
Milnton
Milnton |
Mr. Henderson, occr. [occupier]
Mr. Clark
Mr. Ritchie |
074 |
A fine farm house with offices attached. The dwelling houses and mills a little to the south east are known by the same name; all the property of J. Mellis Nairne Esqr Dunsinnan |
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KINNOCHTRY BURN |
Kinnochtry Burn |
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For description and authorities see name book for the parish of Cargill |
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74-12 -- Parish of Collace Perthshire |
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[Page] 4
[Blank page] |
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DUNSINNAN |
Dunsinane
Dunsinane
Dunsinane
Dunsinnan
Dunsinnan House
Dunsinnan House
Dunsinnan House or Dunsinane
Dunsinane
Dunsinnane
Dunsinnan
Dunsinnan |
Mr. Clark, Writer & Factor, Coupar Angus
Mr. Ritchie, resident factor
Mr. Stewart, Kinrossie
Mr. M. Nairne Proprietor
Old Stat [Statistical] Account
New Stat [Statistical] Account
Fullarton's Gazetteer
Pennant's Tour of 1772
County Directory
Chalmer's Caledonia
Tittle of Lord of Session |
074 |
A mansion house with offices veg. [vegetable] garden and ornamental ground attached, property of J. Mellis Nairne Esqr. |
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74-15 -- Parish of Collace -- Perthshire
The proper spelling "Dunsinnan" requested by the Proprietor in whose family the estate has been for generations, has been retained to the Mansion house and is acceding to the presumed derivation given by Chalmers - but the alternative mode "Dunsinane" has been advisedly retained as an exceptional case to them hill feauture of Shakesperian celebrity.
J.B. Lt. Col [Lieutenant Colonel] |
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[Page] 6
Parish of Collace -- Perthshire
Redstone Smithy
Entry crossed out |
| OS1/25/17/7 |
WOODSIDE |
Woodside
Woodside
Woodside |
James Cameron occr. [occupier]
Mr. Clark, Factor, Writer Coupar Angus
Val. [Valuation] Roll |
074 |
A dwelling house with veg. [vegetable] garden attached, property of J. Mellis Nairne Esqr. |
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| OS1/25/17/7 |
NEWTOFT |
Newtoft
Newtoft
Newtoft |
David Shepherd occr. [occupier]
Val. [Valuation] Roll
Mr Clark |
074 |
A dwelling house with offices and pendicle attached: property of J. Mellis Nairne Esqr. |
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SAUCHER [farm] |
Saucher
Saucher
Saucher
Saucher |
Mr. Campbell occr. [occupier]
Val. [Valuation] Roll
Mr. Clark
County Directory |
074 |
A farmhouse with offices attached: property of J. Mellis Nairne Esqr. |
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PARKNOOK |
Parknook
Parknook
Parknook
Parknook |
Mr. Duncan Sinclair occr. [occupier]
Mr. Clark
Val [Valuation] Roll
County Map |
074 |
A small farm steading with land attached property of J. Mellis Nairne Esqr |
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SAUCHER [village] |
Saucher
Saucher
Saucher
Saucher |
Mr. Campbell
Mr. Clark
Mr. James Stewart, Kinrossie
County Directory |
074 |
A small country village in indifferent repair with vegetable gardens & a fine green attached, property of J. Mellis Nairne Esqr. |
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74-16 -- Parish of Collace -- Perthshire |
| OS1/25/17/8 |
BOGLE BUSH |
Bogle Bush
Bogle Bush
Bogle Bush |
Mr. Robert Millar, Flowerdale
Mr. James Stewart, Kinrossie
Mr. Fraser, St. Euchans |
074 |
This name is applied to a Birch Tree situated on the north side of the road leading from Saucher to Kinrossie. Mr. Millar says that there is a superstitious tradition existing in the locality that Bogles have been seen &c at this tree |
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FREE CHURCH MANSE [Kinrossie] |
Free Church Manse
Free Church Manse
Free Church Manse |
Rev. [Reverend] James Reid occr. [occupier]
Mr. Clark, Writer, Coupar Angus
Mr. James Stewart, Kinrossie |
074 |
A fine dwelling house with offices veg. [vegetable] garden and a small portion of ornamental ground attached. |
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CROFTANRIGH |
Croft an Righ
Croftanrigh
Croftanrigh
Croftenreigh
Croftenreigh
Croftenreigh |
in Free Church Session Records
Mr. Stewart. Kinrossie
Common usage
Mr. William Watson occr . [occupier]
Mr Clark, Writer, Factor, Coupar Angus
Mr. Alexander Ritchie, resident factor |
074 |
A farm house with offices attached, property of J. Mellis Nairne Esqr |
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FREE CHURCH SCHOOL [Kinrossie] |
Free Church School
Free Church School
Free Church School |
Mr. Clark
Mr. James Stewart
Mr. Alexander Ritchie |
074 |
A plain building with schoolmaster's residence attached. |
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FREE CHURCH [Kinrossie] |
Free Church
Free Church
Free Church |
Mr. Clark
Mr. James Stewart
Mr. Alexander Ritchie |
074 |
A plain oblong building surmounted by a belfry, situated in the village of Kinrossie. |
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[Page] 8
74-16 -- Parish of Collace -- Perthshire |
| OS1/25/17/9 |
ST EUCHANS |
St. Teuchans
St. Teuchans
St. Ukans or
St. Deuchans |
Mr. James Clark, Writer & Factor Coupar Angus
Mr. Alexander Ritchie, Resident factor
Mr. James Stewart, Kinrossie |
074 |
A fine dwelling house with offices & pendicle attached; property of J. Millis Nairne Esqr. Dunsinnan. |
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STONE CISTS FOUND [St Euchans] |
8 Stone Cists found here
8 Stone Cists found here |
Mr. James Stewart
Mr. James Rattray, Newmill |
074 |
In a field a little to the west of St. Teuchans 8 stone cists were discovered a few feet from the surface by the authorities quoted, they were left in the position that the excavators found them and are still there. |
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ST EUCHAN'S WELL |
St. Teuchan's Well |
Mr. James Stewart
Mr. James Rattray, Newmill |
074 |
A few yards from the site of chapel there is an excellent spring well known by the name of "St. Teuchan's Well" |
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74-16 -- Parish of Collace -- Perthshire
St. Euchans
Mr. James Stewart, Kinrossie, who supposes it to be a corruption from St. Vigeans. Ukans appears to be the common pronunciation, and the T or D of the authorities being silent the spelling Euchans will (after the St.) answer either of them. Mr.Stewart recommends this modification.
J B L. Col. [Lieutenant Colonel]
Supposed Site of Chapel
(omit
J B L. Col. [Lieutenant Colonel]
We have however bo allusion a Chapel Being here in any of the works of Reference, and during the Christian periods bodies were not buired in Short Stone Cists - This must then have been Earlier or a Catholic chapel - but it is just possible that from the circumstance of a copious supply of good water there may have been a humourous canonizing of the Gothic word Deoch or Deochan!
JB L. Col. [Lieutenant Colonel]
Adjacent to them, [the 8 stone cists] and previous to the making of the road between the villages of Saucher and Collace the remains of a building was very discernible which Mr. Stewart supposes to have been a chapel dedicated to St. Teuchans. |
| OS1/25/17/10 |
KINROSSIE |
Kinrossie
Kinrossie
Kinrossie
Kinrossie |
Mr. James Stewart, Kinrossie
Mr. Clark, Writer & Factor, Coupar Angus
Mr.Alexander Ritchie, resident factor
Fullarton's Gazetteer |
074 |
A small irregular built village comprising the Free Church & Free Church School. In the centre of the village stands a stone cross about 7 or 8 feet high that was built in 1686. Mr. Stewart says, there were three annual cattle markets held here in former times, but they have all been transferred to other villages.
"In former times there were two considerable annual markets in Kinrossie, the ancient cross now only remains, The business in cattle & small wares has been transferred to Burrelton & other places in the neighbourhood"
N. S. Acct [New Statistical Account] |
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CROSS [Kinrossie] |
Cross |
Mr. James Stewart, Kinrossie
Mr. Clark, Writer & Factor, Coupar Angus Mr.Alexander Ritchie, resident factor
Fullerton's Gazetteer |
074 |
In the centre of the village [of Kinrossie] stands a stone cross about 7 or 8 feet high that was built in 1686. |
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74-16 -- Parish of Collace |
| OS1/25/17/11 |
MANSE [Kinrossie] |
Manse
Manse
Manse |
Rev. [Reverend] Mr. Brown, occr. [occupier]
Mr. James Stewart, Kinrossie
Mr. James Rattray, Newmill |
074 |
A fine dwelling house with offices vegetable garden & a small portion of ornamental ground attached. |
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FLOWERDALE |
Flowerdale
Flowerdale
Flowerdale |
Robert Millar occr. [occupier]
Mr. Clark, Factor, Coupar Angus
Mr. Ritchie, resident factor |
074 |
A farm house with offices attached: property of J. Mellis Nairne Esqr. |
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MOUND [Flowerdale] |
Mound
Mound
Mound |
Robert Millar
Mr. Janes Stewart, Kinrossie
Mr. James Rattray, Newmill |
074 |
An isolated mound of considerable size evidently artificial, and very much resembling the sepulchral tumuli found throughout the country. Mr.Stewart was at the excavating of a portion of it, but found nothing indicative of it being such. He is of opinion that it was used in former times for a beacon fire. |
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74-16 -- Parish of Collace -- Perthshire
There is the following entry Description Remarks for Glebe (which has the word 'omit' underneath the name) with the same authorities as the Manse [Kinrossie]
Glebe - A small portion of land attached to the established Church manse, shown on trace by a yellow band. |
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[Blank Page] |
| OS1/25/17/13 |
DEN BURN |
Den Burn
Den Burn
Den Burn |
George Laird Balmalcolm
John Welsh
Mr. Stewart |
075 |
For descripton see N.S. [Name Survey] for the adjoining parish. |
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COLLACE [village] |
Collace
Collace
Collace
Collace
Collace |
The Rev. [Reverend] Mr. Brown
Mr Stewart Kinrossie
New Stat. Acct. [New Statistical Account]
Val. [Valuation] Roll 1863
Mr. Clark, Writer |
075 |
A very irregular built, and straggling Village, with a small parish attached. The property of John M. Nairne Esqr. of Dunsinnan. |
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BALMALCOLM |
Balmalcolm
Balmalcolm
Balmalcolm
Balmalcolm |
George Laird Occr. [Occupier]
Mr. Clark
Mr Alexander Ritchie
Val [Valuation] Roll |
075 |
A fine farm house and offices the property of J. M. Nairne Esqr of Dunsinnan |
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Sheet 75-13 -- Parish of Collace |
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[Blank page] |
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HORSEINCH |
Horseinch
Horseinch
Horseinch
Horseinch |
Mr. James Stewart, occr. [occupier]
Mr. Clark, Writer & Factor, Coupar Angus
Mr. Ritchie, resident factor
County Map |
086 |
A small farmsteading: property of J. Mellis Nairne Esqr. Dunsinnan. |
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86-3 -- Parish of Collace -- Perthshire |
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[Blank page] |
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SKAVINS |
Skavins
Skavins
Skavins
Skevens |
George Brewster Occr. [Occupier]
Mr. Alexander Ritchie Resident Factor
Mr. Clark, Writer, Coupar Angus & Factor for the Estate
County Map |
086 |
A small farm house and offices the property of Jojn Mellis Nairne Esqr. of Dunsinnan |
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NEWHALL |
Newhall
Newhall
Newhall |
James Rattray Occr. [Occupier]
Mr. Alexander Ritchie
Mr. Clark |
086 |
2 small farm houses with offices, one of which is on trace 3. The property of John Mellis Nairne Esqr. of Dunsinnan |
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CASTLE (Site of) [Newhall] |
Site of Castle
Site of Castle
Site of Castle
Site of Castle |
Mr. Stewart, Kinrossie
James Rattray
John Welsh Collace
Mr. Alexander Ritchie |
086 |
The ruins of this building were standing about 6 feet high, about 50 years go when they were excavated by the present proprietor of Dunsinane. The walls were very strong and built with polished free stone, some of the stones are to be seen in the door of the old church (now the family mausoleum, there were also found a Bronze ring: and 2 ancient copper coins. Mr. Stewart, Tailor of Kinrossie, says the only account he can find of this Castle is the following from the "Records of Service". In the General Registry Office Edinbro [Edinburgh]:
"Hallyburton of Pitcur Succeeds to the lands of Kinrossie; Thorngreen the south town of Kinrossie commonly called the Moat or Newhall of Kinrossie" |
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Sheet 86-4 -- Parish of Collace -- Perthshire |
| OS1/25/17/18 |
HARRY'S WELL |
Harry's Well
Harry's Well
Harry's Well |
Mr. Stewart
John Welsh
James Rattray |
086 |
A spring well a short distance south of Newhall. It is named after a man of the name of Harry. |
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| OS1/25/17/18 |
THORNGREEN |
Thorngreen
Thorngreen
Thorngreen
Thorngreen
Thorngreen
Thorngreen |
George Martin, Thorngreen
Mr. Stewart
Val [Valuation[ Roll
Mr. Alexander Ritchie
Mr. Clark
County Map |
086 |
A number of small dwellings with pendicles of land attached The property of John Mellis Nairne Esqr. of Dunsinnan |
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| OS1/25/17/18 |
CLOCKMADEN |
Clockmaden
Clockmaden
Clockmaden
Clockmaden
Clockmaiden |
Angus Kerr Occr [Occupier]
Mr. Alexander Ritchie
Mr. Clark
Val. [Valuation] Roll
County Map |
086 |
A fine farm house and offices the property of J. M. Nairne Esqr. of Dunsinnan |
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| OS1/25/17/18 |
KIRKTON OF COLLACE |
Kirkton
Kirkton
Kirkton
Kirkton |
James Gray occr. [occupier]
Mr.Clark
Mr. Alexander Ritchie
Val. [Valuation] Roll |
086 |
A fine farm house and offices the property of J. M. Nairne Esqr. of Dunsinnan |
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Kirkton of Collace
to agree with Lintrathen & Kingoldrum in Forfarshire |
| OS1/25/17/19 |
CHURCH [parish-Kirkton of Collace] |
Church
Church
Church
Church |
The Rev [Reverend] Mr. Brown
Mr. Stewart
John Welsh
Mr. Alexander Ritchie |
086 |
A large and handsome edifice being the parish church, it is of the gothic style of architecture, and is surmounted by a tower or Belfry. |
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| OS1/25/17/19 |
CHURCH [former; Kirkton of Collace] |
Church
Church
Church
Church |
The Rev [Reverend] Mr. Brown
Mr. Stewart John Welsh
Mr. Alexander Ritchie |
086 |
Close behind this edifice in the centre of the grave yard, is the Old Church the walls of which are only standing but in good repair, and it is used as the family burial ground or Mausoleum for Dunsinnane family. |
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| OS1/25/17/19 |
MAUSOLEUM [Kirkton of Collace] |
Mausoleum formerly the Church |
The Rev [Reverend] Mr. Brown
Mr. Stewart John Welsh
Mr. Alexander Ritchie |
086 |
"Lord Dunsinane died 22nd March 1812 and was buried within the walls of the old church of Collace, now converted into a Mausoleum for the Dunsinane family; and to which there is access by a large arched gateway of uncommon beauty, and of the rare and ancient order of Saxon architecture."
New Stat. Acct. [New Statistical Account] |
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| OS1/25/17/19 |
SCHOOL [Kirkton of Collace] |
School
School
School |
The Rev. [Reverend] Mr. Brown
Mr. Stewart
John Welsh |
086 |
A plain edifice being the Parish School, with School Master's residence and garden attached. |
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| OS1/25/17/20 |
NEWBRIDGE |
Newbridge
Newbridge
Newbridge
Newbridge
Newbridge |
John Jack Occr. [Occupier]
Mr. Alexander Ritchie
Mr. Clark
Val. [Valuation] Roll
County Map |
086 |
A small dwelling and byre with a pendicle of land attached property of John Mellis Nairne Esqr. of Dunsinnan |
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| OS1/25/17/20 |
BOWBRIDGE |
Bowbridge
Bowbridge
Bowbridge
Bowbridge |
Angus Kerr Occr. [Occupier]
Mr. Alexander Ritchie
County Map |
086 |
A farm house and offices the property of J. M. Nairne Esqr of Dunsinnan |
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Bowbridge
There are no Estate Maps for the property of Dunsinane J.H . |
| OS1/25/17/21 |
THE CAPE |
The Cape
The Cape
The Cape
The Cape |
Angus Kerr, Bowbridge
John Welsh, Collace
Mr. Stewart, Kinrossie
Mr. Alexander Ritchie, Resident Factor |
087 |
A prominent top on, and near the west end of the range of the Seidlaws. its surface is rough pasture with some out croping rocks. |
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| OS1/25/17/21 |
DUNSINANE HILL |
Dunsinane Hill
Dunsinane Hill
Dunsinane Hill
Dunsinane Hill
Dunsinane Hill
Dunsinane Hill
Dunsinane Hill
Dunsinane Hill
Dunsinane Hill
Dunsinnane
Dunsinnan |
Mr. Stewart, Tailor, Kinrossie a member of the antiquarian society
The Rev. [Reverend] Mr. Robertson Woodside
Wyntoun's Chron. [Chronicle] of Scotland
Old & New Stat. [Statistical] Accounts
Shakespeare
Pennant's Tour 1772
Mr. Clark Writer, and Factor
Mr. Alexander Ritchie Resident Factor
County Directory
County Map |
087 |
A tolerably sized hill being one of the Seid Laws, its surface consists of rough pasture. On its summit is a fine British fort, having 3 ramparts or walls on all sides, but the south and south east and is also naturally well defended by a steep slope or bank round the south and east sides. |
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| OS1/25/17/21 |
FORT [Macbeth's Castle] |
Macbeth's Castle |
Mr. Stewart, Tailor, Kinrossie a member of the antiquarian society
The Rev. [Reverend] Mr. Robertson Woodside Wyntoun's Chrons. [Chronicles] of Scotland
Old & New Stat. [Statistical] Accounts Shakespeare Pennant's Tour 1772
Mr. Clark Writer, and Factor
Mr. Alexander Ritchie Resident Factor |
087 |
On its summit is a fine British fort, having 3 ramparts or walls on all sides, but the south and south east and is also naturally well defended by a steep slope or bank round the south and east sides. This fort is popularly known by the name of "Macbeth's Castle" from the fact, as tradition says, that Macbeth had took shelter on it from his enemies during the latter part of his turbulent reign a few years ago Mr. Nairne the proprietor, excavated the east end of it, and on digging a few feet under the surface, 4 rude apartments or chambers were found built of freestone, which Mr. Stewart of Kinrossie says must have been brought from Fifeshire as the same nature of stone is not to be found in this neighbourhood and from this circumstance |
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Sheet 87-1 -- Parish of Collace -- Perthshire
Fort
(in O. E. [Old English] Macbeth's Castle)
J.B.
L. Col. [Lieutenant Colonel] |
| OS1/25/17/22 |
FORT [Macbeth's Castle] |
Macbeth's Castle |
Mr. Stewart, Tailor, Kinrossie a member of the antiquarian society
The Rev. [Reverend] Mr. Robertson Woodside Wyntoun's Chrons. [Chronicles] of Scotland
Old & New Stat. [Statistical] Accounts Shakespeare Pennant's Tour 1772
Mr. Clark Writer, and Factor
Mr. Alexander Ritchie Resident Factor |
087 |
[Continued] he Mr. Stewart is in the opinion that these buildings were the works of Macbeth, and not of the ancient Britons who never made any choice of material in their erections. In these chambers were found 3 human skeletons sitting in a crouching position with their knees to their chin, also a quern was found. The dotted line across the fort is an entrenchment or excavation made by the late Principal Playfair about 70 years ago, here he found flagstones, charcoal and bones of several species of animals. At the southern end of this line there was found a pit adjoining the rampart full of fat and moist earth, loose stones, burnt wood, and bones of cattle, sheep and hares, but not of the human body. |
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"Last summer, I had an opportunity of examining the excavations made by
John M Nairne Esqr. on his hill of Dunsinane; and he has been so kind as to allow me to exhibit
the 3 skulls to the Society, that were found in the rude chambers in the hill, I shall avail myself of the opportunity
of stating a few particulars as to what had been previously in excavating this interesting hill and what has
now been accomplished. Dunsinane Hill has been rendered so famous by the genius Shakespere, in the
noblest of his dramas, that it is equally vain for the Antiquarian and historian to allege that Macbeth not
a popular and just prince, during whose reign there was peace and plenty, and that his Castle, as well
as his Cairn, are in Aberdeenshire; the dramatic magician willed it, and Macbeth is considered a treacherous
usurper of the Crown, and a bloody tyrant. The reason of this difference being, that the dramatist did not
confine himself to the accuracy of the historian. Tradition, says Chalmers, relates that Macbeth reigned
17 years, ten of which he spent at Carnbeddie, which the country people call Carnbeth and Macbeth's
Castle. As this is within a few miles of the British fortress upon Dunsinane Hill, in which he probably
sometimes deposited his most valuable effects in times of emergency, it might from this circumstance
have received the name of Macbeth's Castle; particularly as this term is applied in Scotland to Camps or
fortifications, by entrenchments or ramparts. Such an opinion will enable us to explain numerous local
associations. In the Valley of Strathmore near the hill of Dunsinane is an artificial mound of earth named |
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[Continued] named Lawton, upon which it is said Macbeth distributed justice; and upon the
neighbouring hill is the " King's Seat" from whence is seen the Birnam Wood; and tradition
adds, as he gazed upon the magnificent scene before him, Macbeth thought the wood began
to move. The name of Macbeth was long popular in Scotland, and his character is still well known by
the people about Dunsinane; but his ancient Castle in the neighbourhood has disappeared, while his stronghold
on the hill remains, probably not very much altered from the time when he occupied it. He was known to be
very rich, and, as he left it suddenly, the residenters in the neighbourhood believe that he had not an
opportunity of removing his treasure from the fortified hill. This encouraged them to excavate the top
of the hill, as they were satisfied a proper degree of perseverance was only required to find out the
treasure. Last year, they had been disappointed, as previous excavators were; but they have uncovered
Antiquarian remains that are very interesting. To understand those, I shall give a few particulars of the
hill, of its fortifications, its erections, and their contents. The hill of Dunsinane is 800 ft. in height above the
neighbouring plain, and 1114 feet above the level of sea, and may be distinguished from the heather-clad
hills, with which it is surrounded, by being of a conical shape, and covered with green sward.
Dunsinane Hill has undergone considerable changes by the influence of the weather, so that there are different
opinions as to the nature of its fortification. There appeared to be 2 roads up to the top of the hill, a very
precipitous one towards the south, which led directly to the top, and another which wound round the eastern
side, forming an inclined plain and terminating with the other road to the south of the fortification. This
was of an oval form, the long diameter being 169 steps in an east-south-east direction, and the broadest
transverse diameter 89 steps. This space appears to have been cleared of rock, and large quantities of black
earth, brought from the Valley below, to form an earthen wall 20 feet broad at its base, and tapering
upwards to the height of probably 10 or 12 feet. Where the hill was abrupt in its descent, layers of large packed
boulders were placed upon the rock, along the inner and outer edge of the wall, upon which sod and earth
was heaped so as to form a strong breastwork tapering upwards. The late Principal Playfair, when
minister of Meigle, made excavations in the Dunsinane Hill, and, in a section made across the top
of the hill, at its widest part, he found flagstones, charcoal, and bones of several species of animals. At |
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[Continued] At the southern extremity of this section, there was found a pit adjoining the rampart full of fat
and moist earth, loose stones, burnt wood, and bones of cattle, sheep, and hares, but not of the human
body. Upon digging, last year, into the south east side of the top of the hill, and several feet
under the grass covering, four rude chambers were found built of freestone, generally of old red
sandstone, some of the varieties of which seem to have been brought from a considerable distance.
The stones were all undressed, and carefully built, but no cement appeared to have been used in their erection.
On examining these chambers more carefully, they were found to occupy a quadrangular space (see fig. [figure] attached)
and to communicate with each other by small passages, 2 ft. broad, by 3 in height, 2 entrances (a and b) led
by an inclined plane to (c and d), which entered into 2 other chambers (e and f) by 2 passages (g and h).
The southern wall of chamber (c) was nearly straight, and was probably the outer wall stated by Principal Playfair
to be 5 or 6 feet in height, and he supposed it formed part of the wall of the rampart. This wall extended
backward to (d) forming 2 chambers 20 ft, in length, having 2 entrances ; and in one of them (h) the 3
Skulls were found. These chambers had usually a rounded figure, were 7 or 8 feet in diameter; and
after the wall had been raised 2 or 3 ft. above the stone flooring of the chamber, the stones overlapped each
other as the building advanced upwards, so as to form a roof, which was completed by a large flat
stone placed over the top, the rude substitute for an arch. The greatest height of these chambers
was 6 feet from the floor, which was laid with undressed flags. As the roofs of these chambers had fallen in,
or their walls had been disturbed by former excavations, it was not always easy to discover their original
figure, particularly as they were filled with black earth and stones, the accumulation of ages. Some
of the masses of trap, containing portions of quartz and other stones, were fused together by the action of
fire, and were found deep in these excavations. There were also quantities of vegetable charcoal, chiefly
of oak and plane trees, with rotten straw, and fragments of animal bones much decayed, among
these the teeth of horses and cattle, and horns of deer, were distinguished, and from their quantity, proved
the slovenly habits of the rude occupants. The only domestic utensil found in these caverns was
a quern, 18 inches in diameter, surrounded by 4 border stones, to prevent the scattering of the grain during
the grinding process. This was above & by the side of the passage (h), & was probably in the position in which it had been used. |
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These structures were excavated at the east end of the fort J.H. |
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[Continued] The passage (h) between the inner chambers (d and f ) was built up, and on opening it
3 skulls were found with a number of fragments of human bones. The bodies must have
been placed in a sitting position, with the Knees pushed up to the chin. Unfortunately, the only bones
I saw were those of the head; so that no idea of their stature could be formed. 2 of the skulls were of
adults - one of these probably of a male, and the other of a female. They were well formed, and of a
large size; with healthy teeth, and their crowns worn nearly flat by the attrition of the hard description
of food they had lived on. The skulls exhibited palpable evidence of having been subject to the long
continued action of moister, as the greater part of the gelatinous constituent of the bone had disappeared
leaving the denser bones light, porous, and exceedingly brittle, and the less compact bones very friable,
breaking down on the slightest pressure. These skulls had probably belonged to persons of low rank,
as they had no implements of the chase, or personal ornaments buried with them, as was generally
the case with individuals of condition. Had these chambers been inhabited by the earliest inhabitants
of the country, we should most probably have found the remains of stone implements, which are
very rarely found in such hill fortifications. From these facts it would appear that there was
a strong British fortification upon the hill of Dunsinane, prepared by an ancient people, who had
advanced so far in refinement as to have felt the importance of uniting in considerable
bodies, to defend themselves against their powerful enemies. The number of such
fortifications on each side of Strathmore, and the immense labour that must have been
expended, and the quantity of charcoal and bones found in the example now under
consideration, seem to prove that such " strengths" were places of resort to large numbers of
persons, probably on sudden emergencies. The caverns may have been used for securing
their food and most valuable effects, and were probably only occupied when the weather
was very cold and stormy. This agrees with the description of similar chambers as used
by the ancient Germans :— "Solent, et subterraneos specus aperire, eosque multo insuper fimo onerant,
suffugium hiemi, et receptaculum. frugibus, quia rigorem frigorum ejusmodi locis molliunt: et si quando
hostis advenit, aperta populatur, abdita autem et defossa, aut ignorantur, aut eo ipso fallunt quod quaerenda sunt |
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[Continued] sunt." - (Tacitus de Moribus Germanorum, cap. [Chapter] 16.) The three skulls may have
belonged to the same family, who had met with a sudden or violent death. We could suppose
the infirm - probably the imbecile-child had been destroyed, and buried with its parents:
a barbarous custom by no means uncommon among rude savage races."
Notice of recent Excavatons in the Hill fort of Dunsinane Perthshire by T. A. Wise, M.D. [Medicinae Doctor] F.S.A. [Fellow of Society of Antiquaries] Scot. [Scotland] Page 93.
In possession of Mr. Stewart, Tailor, Kinrossie.
"The most noted remains of Antiquity, is Macbeth's Castle, on Dunsinane Hill, in the south east corner
of the parish. This remarkable hill is insulated, and of an oval form, with a flat verdant summit,
The ascent from the village of Collace, on the North west is gradual; and there some vestiges of a winding
road may still be traced. The area on which the fort stood, being 168 yards in length, 100 in
breadth near the east, and 55 near the west extremity, was anciently environed by a wall of stone,
without cement. The entrance into the fort was at the North east corner of the area, though no
trace of the fort now appears, yet is probably that the foundation is entire, as the building was
consumed by fire."
Chalmers Caledonia
After Macbeth's elevation to the throne he resided 10 years at Carnbeddie,
in St. Martins Ph [Parish] which the country people call Carnbeth or Macbeth's Castle, and where the
Vestiges of his are still to be seen. During these times witchcraft was very prevalent in Scotland,
and two of the most famous witches in the Kingdom lived on each hand of Macbeth, one at
Collace, the other not far from Dunsinane house at a place called the Cape." (The Cape is near Collace
not far from Dunsinane Hill) "The Moor where the witches met, which is in St. Martins Parish is yet pointed
out by the country people, and there is a stone still preserved, which is called the Witches Stone. |
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[Continued] "Macbeth taking a superstitious turn, he applied to them for free advice, and
by their council built a lofty castle on an adjoining hill since called Dunsinane, which
in the Gaelic signifies the hill of the Ants, implying the great labour and industry so essentially
required for collecting the materials of so vast a building. It was part by nature strong, as well
as fortified by art, being partly defended by high outer rocks, and partly surrounded by an
outer wall, which enclosed a considerable space of ground for exercising the men &c. There was also
a fosse, which joined the wall and outer rocks, and a high rampart which environed the whole, and
defended the castle, itself large and well fortified. When Malcolm Canmore came into Scotland,
supported by English auxiliaries, to recover his dominions from Macbeth The Giant as the country people
called him, he marched first to Dunkeld, which led him to Birnam Wood - Macbeth began to dispair
in consequence of the witches predictions, who had warned him to beware "when Birnam Wood
should come to Dunsinane" And when Malcolm prepared to attack the Castle, where it was principally
defended by the outer rocks, he immediately deserted it, and flying ran up the opposite hill,
pursued Macduff, but finding it impossible to escape, he threw himself from the top of the hill,
was killed upon the rocks and buried at the Lang Man's Grave, as it is called, which is still extant."
Old Stat. Acct. [Old Statistical Account]
"On the summit of the famous hill of Dunsinane stood the castle, the residence of
Macbeth, full in view of Birnam wood, on the opposite side of the plain. No place could be better adapted for
the seat of a jealous tyrant; the sides are steep, & of the most difficult ascent; the summit commanding a view
to a great distance in front and rear. At present there are not any remains of this celebrated fortress: its place
is now a verdant area, of an oval form, 54 yards by 30, and surrounded by two deep ditches. This place
was fortified with great labour, for Macbeth depended on its strength & naturals steepness as a secure
retreat against every enemy."
Pennant's Tour of 1772 |
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MACBETH'S WELL |
Macbeth's Well
Macbeth's Well
Macbeth's Well |
Mr. Stewart, Kinrossie
John Welsh, Collace
James Gray, Kirkton |
087 |
A fine perennial spring well a short distance North West of Macbeth's Castle. Mr. Stewart is of the opinion, that the fort had to be supplied with water from this well. Another well appears on the S.W. [South West] side of the fort, but it runs dry every summer. |
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HOOLMYRE |
Hoolmyre
Hoolmyre
Hoolmyre
Hoolmyre |
James Robertson Occr. [Occupier]
Mr. Stewart
Val. [Valuation] Roll (1863)
Mr. Clark, Writer, Coupar Angus and Factor for the Estate |
087 |
A small farm house and offices. the property of John M. Nairne Esqr .of Dunsinane. |
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BLACK HILL |
Black Hill
Black Hill
Black Hill
Black Hill |
Mr. Stewart
James Robertson
John Welsh
George Laird Balmalcolm |
087 |
A considerable hill the south side of which is very rocky and precipitous. It forms one of the range of the Seid Laws. A steep gully comes down from it on the S.E. [South East] side called Spangie's Larch. |
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SPANGIE'S LARCH |
Seid Laws
Seid Laws
Seid Laws
Sidlaw Hills
Seid Laws is the common expression Sidlaw Hills |
Mr. Clark Writer Co. [Coupar] Angus Factor
Mr. Boyd Co. [Coupar] Angus
Mr. Stewart
The Rev [Reverend] Mr. Robertson
Mr. Alexander Ritchie Resident Factor |
087 |
Detailed for the adjoining parish |
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SIDLAW HILLS |
Sidlaw Hills
Sidlaw Hills
Seedlaw Hills
Sudlaw Hills
Sidla Hills
Sidlaw Hills
Seidlaw Hills
Seid Laws
Seid Laws
Seid Laws
Seid Laws
Sidlaw Hills
Sidlaw Hills |
New Statistical Account
Fullarton's Gazeteer
Fullarton's Gazeteer
Fullarton's Gazeteer
Old Statistical Account
Chalmer's Caledonia
Pennant's Tour of 1772
Mr Clarke Writer Factor
Mr Boyd Writer Coupar Angus
Mr Chalmers Buttergask
Mr James Macbeth late Factor
Knoxes' Map of the Basin of the Tay
Johnstone's Coy. [County] Map |
087 |
"The Sidlaw Hills which commence in the parish of Kinnoul here assume considerable elevation. Sid or Sud, in the Gaelic, signifies South, a name most appropriate, as they form not only the boundary of Collace on the South, but also of a great part of the valley of Strathmore. Ranging north-east, they traverse the country with little interruption for 30 miles, and lose themselves in the German Ocean, at the promontory in Inverkeilour parish Forfarshire called the "Red Head"
New Statistical Account
"A long ridge or chain of heights, extending north-eastward and east-north-eastward from Kinnoul Hill, on the left bank of the Tay, in the immediate vicinity of Perth, to a point a little distance south-east of the town of Forfar; they there fork into two lines, the one of which goes off in undulations and detachments, yet with very observable continuity nearly eastward to the sea at Redhead, while the other proceeds irregularly north-eastward, becomes almost lost in the vicinity of Brechin, and afterwards rallies and straggles on along the Lowland side of the How of Kincardine to the sea at Stonehaven. Such in extent are the Sidlaws in the large and properly geographical sense ; though, in the popular application |
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Sidlaw Hills |
Sidlaw Hills Sidlaw Hills Seedlaw Hills Sudlaw Hills Sidla Hills Sidlaw Hills Seidlaw Hills Seid Laws
Seid Laws
Seid Laws
Seid Laws Sidlaw Hills Sidlaw Hills |
New Statistical Account Fullarton's Gazeteer Fullarton's Gazeteer Fullarton's Gazeteer
Old Statistical Account Chalmer's Caledonia Pennant's Tour of 1772
Mr Clarke Writer Factor Mr Boyd Writer Coupar Angus Mr Chalmers Buttergask
Mr James Macbeth late Factor
Knoxes' Map of the Basin of the Tay
Johnstone's Coy. [County] Map |
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[Continued]
"application of the name, they are very generally restricted to their sweep through Forfarshire from the parish of Lundy on the South-west to the promontory of Redhead on the East."
Fullarton's Gazetteer. |
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[Signed] J. M. Bough
L. Col. R.E. [Lieutenant Colonel Royal Engineers.] |
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VOLUME 17
OS1/28/17
[Date stamp]
ORDANANCE SURVEY M.S. STORE 28 Apr [April] 1898 SOUTHAMPTON
CO. [COUNTY] PERTH
PARISH OF COLLACE
1/2500 Scale |
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Index
Names -- Sheet -- Plan -- Page
Bogle Bush -- 74 -- 16 -- 8
Balmalcolm -- 75 -- 13 -- 13
Bowbridge -- 86 -- 4 -- 20
Black Hill -- 87 -- 1 -- 28
Croftanrigh -- 74 -- 16 -- 8
Cross -- 74 -- 16 -- 10
Collace -- 75 -- 13 -- 13
Castle Site of -- 86 -- 4 -- 17
Clackmaden -- 86 -- 4 -- 18
Church -- 86 -- 4 -- 19
Dunsinnan -- 74 -- 15 -- 5
Den Burn -- 75 -- 13 -- 13
Dunsinane Hill -- 87 -- 1 -- 21
F.C. [Free Church] Manse -- 74 -- 16 -- 8
F.C. [Free Church] School -- 74 -- 16 -- 8
Free Church -- 74 -- 16 -- 8
Flowerdale -- 87 -- 16 -- 11
Fort (Macbeth's Castle) -- 87 -- 1 -- 21
Horseinch -- 86 -- 3 -- 15
Harry's Well -- 86 -- 4 -- 18
Hoolmyre -- 87 -- 1 -- 28
Kinnochtry Burn -- 74 -- 12 -- 3
Kinrossie -- 74 -- 16 -- 10
Kirkton -- 86 -- 4 -- 18
Milnton -- 74 -- 12 -- 3
Manse -- 74 -- 16 -- 11
Mausoleum (formerly the Church) -- 86 -- 4 -- 19
Macbeth's Hill -- 87 -- 1 -- 28
Newtoft -- 74 -- 16 -- 7
Newhall -- 86 -- 4 -- 17
Newbridge -- 86 -- 4 -- 20
Parknook -- 74 -- 16 -- 7
Redstone Smithy -- 74 -- 12 -- 3
Saucher -- 74 -- 16 -- 7
Saucher -- 74 -- 16 -- 7
St Euchans -- 74 -- 16 -- 9
St Euchans Well -- 74 -- 16 -- 9
Skavins -- 86 -- 4 -- 17
School -- 86 -- 4 -- 19
Spangie's Larch -- 87 -- 1 -- 28
Thorngreen -- 86 -- 4 -- 18
The Caps -- 87 -- 1 -- 21
Woodside -- 74 -- 16 -- 7
Sidlaw Hills -- 74 -- 16 -- 29 |
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