
The
text below is mostly summaries with some extracts from
the original text. The links are to Google Books, usually
to the first item of interest rather than the first
page of a parish. The NSA for Perthshire is volume
10 (GoogleBooks); alternatively it can be accessed
on the EDINA
site. Some notes from MacFarlane's Geographical
Collections (mostly Volume I) have been added - these
are useful as they date from the 1720's. See here
for further information and links.
Additional
information about parishes can be found on the Vision
of Britain site and on Scotland's
Places.
An
illustration of Coupar-Angus from Forfarshire
Illustrated, Gershom
Cumming, 1843 is incorporated with a link back to the
original text on Googlebooks. Also included are some
images from Google Street View.
Some
old photographs from the Detroit Publishing Company's
Views of Landscape and Architecture in Scotland are
included - see thumbnails on Library of Congress site
here.
Various
maps are based on the half-inch OS map, sheets 19 and
23, 1911 and 1913 and quarter-inch OS map 1923. With
thanks to Ordnance Survey. The overview map immediately
below and a number of the parish maps are based on the
map of Scotland by J.Arrowsmith,
1844, courtesy of David
Rumsey Historical Map Collection. The image is copyright
Cartography Associates but has been made available under
a Creative
Commons license for non-commercial use.
Overview
Perthshire
is an interesting county for roads with a well researched
line of Roman road and references to other possible
Roman roads. It was an important centre for the Picts
and it can be assumed that there was a well-established
network of routes between their settlements. In the
middle ages, various charters refer to roads and there
are a number of early bridges that certainly existed
in the middle ages, and one or two that are surmised
to have been built by the Romans.
By
the late middle ages there were important routes leading
to Perth from other towns like Edinburgh, Stirling and
Aberdeen, and in the early 1700's Perthshire was chosen
by General Wade as the starting point for his network
of military roads leading into the Highlands. Further
roads were built in Perthshire by his successor, Cauldfeild.
Other
than these highlights, Perthshire shared in the general
pattern of statute labour roads and turnpikes.
 |
Map
showing the main line of Roman road north (in purple)
- this may have continued to the north-east. Only
some of the Roman camps. watch-towers etc in this
area are shown; these include the "glen-blocking"
forts.
The Wade roads are shown in yellow, and the later
Military Roads as dotted lines - these were often
made in association with the county and were not
exclusively military.
Based on Arrowsmith's
map of Scotland, 1844, courtesy of David
Rumsey Historical Map Collection. The image
is copyright Cartography Associates but has been
made available under a Creative
Commons license for non-commercial use. |
There
is an extensive literature on Roman roads in the county,
written both by archaeologists and by the earlier antiquarians,
the Statistical Accounts themselves having quite a few
references. These of course have to be checked against
the findings of more recent research as some are far
too speculative, or at least have not been confirmed.
It is interesting to see that even at the time of the
NSA, the writer of the Moneydie account is sceptical
enough to say of a putative Roman camp that "like
many other Roman camps, if its history were known, it
would very likely turn out to have been a sheep-pen."
The
Roman road dates from the Agricolan invasion and ran
up from Camelon near Falkirk to the fort at Ardoch,
having crossed the Forth somewhere west of Stirling.
From Ardoch it ran to the fort at Strageath that guarded
a crossing of the Earn and then along the Gask Ridge
to the west of Perth where it turned north to run up
to cross the River Almond 3 miles north of Perth. A
line of watch towers is associated with the road north
of Ardoch and along the Gask Ridge.
A
number of forts were placed close to the mouths of various
glens to restrict hostile movement. One at Fendoch,
with a watch tower, guarded the Small Glen, about 5
miles north of Crieff; others were at Dalginross, near
Comrie; Bochastle near Callander; Malling at the Lake
of Menteith; and Drumquhasle near Drymen. There is a
tradition of a fort near Dumbarton which would complete
the cordon.
South
of the Gask Ridge and the River Earn there were camps
at Dunning, Abernethy and Carpow, near to the later
Severan fort. There is a hint that a road ran along
this line in the causeway said to have been used by
the monks of Lindores abbey (close to Carpow) in an
annual procession to the church at Ecclesiamagirdle.
There are also very old routes across the Ochils here
and it is not inconceivable that they were used by the
Romans.
From
the crossing of the Almond north of Perth where there
was a fort called Bertha (there was much controversy
as to whether this was the original site of Perth) a
bridge crossed the Tay and the accounts refer to its
remains. From there it continued north on the east side
of the Tay to a fort at Cargill where the Isla would
have been crossed by a bridge to reach the major legionary
fortress at Inchtuthill. There are several significant
sites in the area and some have claimed the battle of
Mons Graupius was fought near here. South of the Isla
a road ran north-east past Coupar-Angus to enter into
Kincardineshire. Three miles south-west of the town
there is a stretch of road shown variously on old maps
as Roman and as the Abbey Road - this is a reference
to a charter of the abbey of Coupar-Angus.
The
campaign in the Antonine period (AD 142 - c. AD 165)
readvanced only to near Perth but that by Severus went
much further north, reusing some of the earlier camps.
Carpow dates from this time.
While
it would be difficult to identify with certainty any
particular route used by the Picts their strong connections
with this area make it very likely that they did have
such routes between their settlements (see for example
the distribution maps in the Atlas of Scottish History,
ed. McNeill & MacQueen, The Scottish Mediaevalists
and University of Edinburgh, 2000). The historian Hector
Boece ( History,
book IV, section 60) refers to a wooden
bridge being made by them at Dunkeld at the time of
the Agricolan invasion.
In
the middle ages, Perth was such an important town that
a network of roads can be assumed but the clues provided
by the Statistical Accounts would need to be supplemented
from other sources. The Accounts do mention mediaeval
bridges at Dunkeld, Perth, the Bridge of Earn, Callendar
and Doune (said to have been built by the tailor to
Margaret, Queen of James IV to spite the ferryman who
had refused to row him over), the Abbey Road near Coupar-Angus,
the causeway from Lindores to Ecclesiamagirdle, and
a road between Tibbermore (4 miles west of Perth) and
Perth.
A
number of military roads were made in the county to
ensure easy access to the Highlands in case of further
Jacobite insurrections. The first roads were by Wade
and ran from Dunkeld (which was accessible by existing
roads) up to Blair Athol and beyond, more or less on
the line of the later A9. This road was joined at Dalnacardoch
by one that ran north from Crieff (later improved southwards
to Stirling) through Amulree and Aberfeldy, crossing
the Tay there by a fine bridge. An inscription on this
bridge makes it clear that some people saw these roads
as an extension and completion of the network made by
the Romans. Another road was made from Aberfoyle over
to Inversnaid on the east side of Loch Lomond to discourage
cattle theft.
Another
series were made by Wade's successor, Cauldfeild, often
in association with the county, i.e. they were not always
exclusively made by the military, and could be on an
existing line of road. One ran from Stirling by Callander
to Crianlarich and Tyndrum and another from Coupar-Angus
and Blairgowrie up to Braemar and Corgarff. There was
also a link road between Coupar-Angus, Dunkeld and Amulree.
Although
these roads were very useful in opening up the country,
they were not very suitable for wheeled traffic and
there was still a need for improved roads in the county.
The accounts have many references to statute labour
though this was often carried out indifferently. As
elsewhere turnpike acts were applied for and many new
roads made.
There
was extensive use of the Tay for shipping, not only
to Perth but numerous places along both sides of the
river. Canals were mooted in several places but were
generally dropped in favour of railways.
There
were a large number of ferries over the Tay, Earn, Isla,
Teith, the Forth and the Tummell.
Peat
was used but in many places it was becoming scarce as
mosses were drained or were used up. It was also a time-consuming
business cutting it out and bringing it home. Where
feasible, coal was brought in from pits in Bannockburn
and Fife, as well as landed on the Tay, depending on
location.
Details
are given of the markets and fairs, some of which had
been long established. The major cattle trysts at Crieff
had moved south to Falkirk in the mid-1700's. One rather
alarming reference for Monzie says that some people
from the Highlands on their way to Crieff used "to
enter the houses of the country people, take unceremonious
possession of their firesides and beds, carry off the
potatoes from their fields or gardens, and sometimes
even the blankets, which had afforded them a temporary
covering for the night."
There
are one or two interesting or unusual references such
as for Callander where there is a lake near the summit
of Ben Ledi called Lochan-Nan-Corp, the small Lake of
dead Bodies where a funeral party crossing over on ice
fell through the ice and were drowned - they were passing
from Glenfinglass to the chapel of St. Bridget where
people were buried.
The MacFarlane references are useful as they date from
the 1720's as too are John Adair's maps dating from
the 1680's and 1720 as they show roads.
Other
sources
Maps
of Perthshire - John Adair's maps of 1683, 1685 and
1720 are of particular interest as they show roads.
George Chalmers, Caledonia Vol.1
page 144ff. Although it has to be reassessed in the
light of more recent work this gives a comprehensive account
of the Roman advances north from Stirling.
Perth,
General view of the agriculture in the southern districts
of the county of, James Robertson, 1794,
also Perth,
James Robertson, 1799
Canmore entries on Roman
Roads in Perthshire
Canmore entries on roads,
includes Roman roads, military roads, and bridges.
P&KC
Archive's photostream - early photos of Perth and
Kinross
The
Roman Gask Project
Chronicles
of Strathearn, W.B.
MacDougall, Crieff, 1896
Minute
Book, Perthshire Highway Commisioners, 1765-1786
Various items
-
link to website section
Roads
in 1859 - link to website section
Heritage
Paths
- details of various historic routes in the county
Google
Maps & Street View - view larger map and drag
yellow figure onto a highlighted road to see roadside
view
View
Larger Map
New
Statistical Account The
NSA links below are to this point where the original
accounts can be accessed. Alternatively see the EDINA
site. Use
the back button on the browser to return to parish account.
Aberdalgie
and Dupplin
OSA
18/149
No particular mention of roads.
 |
Aberdalgie.
Based on 1/2 inch OS map, 1913 |
NSA,
V.10, Page 875
876 Mention of bridge of Forteviot.
879 A great deal of manure is brought in from
Perth.
Parochial Economy.
Means of Communication.The Perth - Stirling
road, completed in 1811, passes through for 3 miles
on a much better line than the old road. Farm-houses
have been built along its line as the ease with which
lime and manure can be brought in and produce taken
to market has made farms much more productive.
Aberfoyle
OSA
10/113
Page 117 He refers to a feature on the farm of Nether
Donnans that some think to be a Roman encampment but
is more likely to be a natural feature.
Page 126 In the early 1700's a company of soldiers was
stationed at Inversnaid to control the freebooters who
infested the district. A road was built from here to
their barracks. The occasional vacant stipend has been
used to build small bridges and the roads are improving
under the superintendance of the Duke of Montrose's
factor - the statute labour has been converted.
Page
127 Fuel. Peat is the main fuel though hard to
obtain. Wood also is used but coal has to come from
Bannockburn, 22 miles away.
NSA, 1150
Page 1151 When Loch Ard freezes in a severe winter,
many crossings are made, some with heavy loads of fuel.
Page 1152 Lord Cathcarts scheme to have a canal
up from the Forth to the Clyde by Lochlomond and the
Leven has been abandoned.
Page 1157 Parochial Economy. Market-Town, Etc.The
nearest is Stirling, 20 miles away. Glasgow is 28 miles
distant with convenient regular weekly carriers. There
is now a post office.
Page 1159 Fairs.Three, for cattle, lambs,
and hiring servants.
Inns, EtcThere is a respectable inn which
caters for travellers and is sufficient for those living
here.
Fuel.Peat and wood are easily available
but coal is expensive having to come 24 miles from Greenyards,
near Bannockburn.
MacFarlane
Geographical Collections
Description
of Six parishes in Perthshire 1724
Aberfoyle
Volume 1, Page 342 Bridge beside the church - this was
destroyed by order of the government in 1715 but has
not yet been repaired.
Abernethy
OSA
11/435
Page 443 There is an underused ferry at Cary and one
at Ferryfield which is busy taking people to the Carse
of Gowrie.
Page
447 Roads and Bridges.- "There are 2
public roads; that which leads to Fife by Newburgh is
in tolerable repair; the other, which is through the
glen of Abernethy (and by which great quantities of
coal and lime are brought from Fife to Strathearn) is
very bad; that which strikes off the glen to Auchtermuchty,
is in winter almost impassable. The statute labour,
and composition-money allowed, are totally inadequate
to keep these roads in repair. There are 2 bridges over
the Farg; the one at Gowly, which is old and ruinous
(note: this was on the older line of
road between Abernethy and Bridge of Earn), the
other below Potty Mill, which is too narrow for carriages,
and lies at some distance from the public road."
Another is needed near Aberargie, as the river is dangerous
in flood.
NSA,
838
He gives many historical details of the parish which
was an important centre for the Picts and for the Culdees.
Page 851 Sibbald refers to a Roman road leading from
near Carpow to Ardoch and another to Perth.
Page 859 Parochial Economy. Abernethy has two
small declining markets and a penny post office with
the main offices in Newburgh and Bridge of Earn. The
Edinburgh - Perth turnpike passes through Glenfarg;
other roads are statute labour including one from Perth
to Cupar on which a new bridge has now been erected
over the Farg.
Page 861 Alehouses.Five.
Ferries.There are boats over the Earn at
Cary, little used, and at Ferryfield near the confluence
of Earn and Tay. Passage boats also cross over from
Ferryfield to the Carse of Gowrie where there is a good
pier and landing place near Pitfour though there would
be a great benefit if low water piers were built on
both sides of the Tay.
1842
MacFarlane
Geographical Collections
Abernethy 1722
Volume 1, P 115 In Abernethy parish there are boats
for foot passengers and horses over both the Arne (Earn)
and Tay, near their confluence at a place called the
Heughhead.
It is five miles to Perth by the kings highway,
which crosses over the Bridge
of Erne (NMRS record-see also Images Online. The
bridge dates from c.1329 - very little remains today).
Kings highways also go to Stirling, Perth by the
Kingoren rod, Falkland, Kirkcaldy, Couper
by Newburgh. There is a public way from Kingoren to
the Carse of Gowrie and Angus, and a foot passage on
the Caree. At Gaule there is a bridge and two fords.
Additions
to the Parishes of Abernethy and Colessie 1722
Page 297 These appear to be questions arising from the
previous accounts. Under Abernethy the question is asked
How lyes Abernethy from Perth, and Faulkland? Whereabouts
is the bridge with 3 arches over water of Farge? The
answer given is:
Remember
as I told you before that the ancient toun of Abernithie,
it lys 5 miles Southest from Perth and 5 miles from
Falkland; the Brige of Gavile with 3 arches is on the
water of Farge a mile and a half northwest from Abernathie
upon the highway betwixt Falkland and Perth on the west
border of Abernathie parioch in that quarter, Likeways
the ferre passage that goes over the River of Tay, its
proper landing place is on the ground of Carne they
call the Hamlot Carne, where they land on the north
side
of the river of Tay. Also that same ferrie crosses over
the river of Arne and its landing is on the ground of
Ester Rind Likewise the other ferrie, called Care or
Care bot its landing is on the ground of wester rind,
is upon the river of Arne. There is no passage of bots
but upon the Abernethie side. There is likewise one
ferrie passage on the est side of the Rind paroch but
the botes belongs to the eastside of the river Tay they
call the passage Inchu or Inchures but their landing
on the Rind paroch is on the ground of Elchu: likewise
the house of Elchue stands upon Tay side about 3 miles
south est from Pearth.
N.B. the passage of the hughhed a mile North from Abernathie
is for both foot and horse and it goes over both Tay
and Arne. Its landing on the north side of Tay is on
the ground of Carne. Likewise its landing on the north
side of Arne is on the ground of Ester Rind. Als there
is ane other passage about half a mile North west from
Abernathie, only for foot called Care, which goes onely
over the river of Arne and lands on West Rind.
Note: Map based on 1913 half-inch
OS map for Dundee, Perth & Stirling. With thanks
to Ordnance Survey.
Abernyte
OSA
9/139
Page 144 Lime is landed at Polgavie on the Tay about
4 miles away.
Page 149 Turf and coal are burnt, there being no peat.
The carriage of the coal is difficult because the roads
are so bad this being a small parish and there being
no resident heritor but toll roads are being made. It
is hoped that the cross roads will also be seen to otherwise
the hill country will not benefit. If a canal was made
through this district lime and coal would be easily
transported but the idea seems to have been dropped
for the meantime.
NSA,
219
Page
224 Parochial Economy.
There are a few small bridges here in tolerable
repair. The roads, within these few years, have been
Macadamised, and kept in good order without a toll.
Page 225 One alehouse. Coal is brought in from Polgavie,
and brushwood is available locally.
Page 227 Miscellaneous Observations. Roads have
been made through the Duke of Athols plantations.
1837
Alyth
OSA 6/397
Page 398 Lime is brought in from Dundee.
Page 399 There are 2 bridges in the village. Weekly market
and several fairs for the sale of black cattle and sheep.
Dundee is now easily reached by the now nearly finished
turnpike road between Dundee and Meigle, and there are
hopes to continue it to Alyth and build a bridge over
the Isla which will be very advantageous to the district.
Page 400 The main disadvantage is the distance from peat
and the time and expence it takes to obtain them. As a
result coal is starting to be used though it has to come
from Dundee.
NSA,
1110
Page 1125 Parochial Economy. There is a small
market here but Blairgowrie, 5 miles distant, has a
regular market and Dundee, 17 miles away is the major
market for the whole area.
Although there are no turnpikes the county roads are
greatly improved. There are 3 bridges in the village
and one over the Isla at Crathie made 24 years ago at
a cost of L.3500. This and the Dundee to Newtyle Railway
give easy access to Dundee where their produce can be
sold and various commodities obtained which would be
difficult otherwise. There is a sub post-office here,
served from Meigle.
Fairs. Six are held here though only four,
for cattle and sheep, are held.
Public Houses.Eight, with 4 licensed shops.
MacFarlane
Geographical Collections
Alyth 1727
Vol.1 Page 109 Alyth is connected by kings highways
to Forfar by the bridge of Ruthven; Dundee by Meigle,
Newtyld and Auchterhouse; Perth by Coupar of Angus;
and Dunkeld by Blairgowrie and Clunie.
P 110 There is a passage boat over the Yla on the way
from Alyth to Meigle, and one over the same river on
the way to Couper in Angus (p111).
P 113 There are five stone bridges on the Alyth Burn:
one at Tilliemurdoch, two in Alyth, one about a mile
below Alyth and one at the Castle of Innerqueich.
Arngask
OSA
1/414
Page 417 There is only 1 two-wheeled chaise. Mention of
the new road to Kinross. The road between Perth and Queensferry
passes through here. Many of the roads are in
a state of nature. The inhabitants highly approve of turnpikes:
Some pay the statute labour half in kind and half in money.
 |
Arngask.
Based on 1/2 inch OS map, 1913 |
NSA,
882
Page 888 Mention of the turnpike road which passes through
Glenfarg.
page 891 Parochial Economy. Means of Communication.The
Great North Road from Edinburgh to Aberdeen runs through,
and 4 coaches including the mail coach travel on this.
There are 10 miles of good statute labour roads and
several bridges - four of these cross the Farg.
Villages.A post-office was set up in the
village of Damhead in 1838 - it receives mail from Kinross
to the south and Bridge of Earn to the north.
Market-Towns.The main ones are Kinross
and Perth although farmers will also go to Newburgh
and Milnathort.
Page 895 Fairs.Four cattle fairs.
Inns.There are four of which the two at
Damhead would be sufficient for travellers on the great
north road and those living in the parish.
Fuel.Coal carted in from Kelty, Lumphannan
and Lochgelly all some 12 miles or so away is now used
in place of turf, furze and peat.
Miscellaneous Observations. A major improvement
has been the new turnpike road which was made through
Glenfarg as far as Damhead between 1808 and 1820, and
extended from there to Milnathort by 1832. A Western
Fife Railway is proposed and this would give us excellent
means of communication.
1841. Revised 1842
Auchterarder
OSA
4/33
Page 38 Advantages and Disadvantages. "It
is perhaps also an advantage to the parish, that the
direct road runs through it, which leads from Perth,
Aberdeen, and the East country, to Stirling and Glasgow."
Page
43 Auchterarder has four fairs each year with a major
tryst for black cattle held since 1781. Twenty years
ago, yarn and narrow linen-cloth was taken to Glasgow
but this has now fallen away.
Some traces of encampments SE of the village may have
been outposts of the Roman camp at Ardoch.
Page 44 Miscellaneous Observations. Having to
bring coal from Blairingone and Dollar adds to its cost
but the proposed turnpike to Blairingone should improve
this situation as well as make travel easier. The roads
hereabouts are poor; they are statute labour which has
recently been commuted at 8s. a ploughgate though the
funds will be insufficient to make any great improvement.
 |
Road
to Perth in late 1700's. From Taylor and Skinner,
Plate 50 and J Stobie 1783 (NLS
maps). The A9 (effectively the old turnpike
road) has been upgraded along its length and no
longer passes through Dunblane, Greenloaning, Blackford,
Auchterarder and Aberuthven. Many sections of the
old A9 can be seen on the 1:50,000 OS map. Above
map based on 1/4 inch OS map 1923. |
NSA, 285
Page
287 Auchterarder was one of the Scottish towns
ironically compared by George Buchanan with the fine
English cities. Some English noblemen, boasting to King
James of the properties of the English towns, the sarcastic
Scot replied, that he knew a town in Scotland which
had fifty draw-bridges, and which is afterwards described
as a " country village between Stirling and Perth,
called Auchterardoch, where there is a large strand
which runs through the middle of the town, and almost
at every door there is a long stock or stone laid over
the strand, whereupon they pass to their opposite neighbours,
and when a flood comes they lift their wooden bridges
in case they should be taken away, and these they call
draw-bridges." So goes the story.
Page
293 Parochial Economy. A weekly market is held
in the village and is the main one in this area.
Fairs.Of
the 6 annual fairs one is held just before the trysts
at Falkirk to allow people here to buy stock. The fair
in December is used for the payment of accounts.
Means
of Communication.There is a daily
post by the way of Crieff. The Perth and Glasgow coaches
pass daily through the town. There are carriers who
go every week to Glasgow, Edinburgh, Perth, and Stirling.
The turnpike road extends six miles in the parish.
Page
296 Inns.There are 21 in Auchterarder and
2 in Smithyhaugh.
Fuel.Coal. The Glendevon turnpike has greatly
lowered its price.
Auchtergaven
OSA
17/551
Page 555 A turnpike road from Perth to Dunkeld is now
completed and has a different line from the old road.
Peat and turf is available locally although most farmers
are now using coal from Perth and near Kinross and using
the time saved to improve their land.
NSA,
423
Page 441 Parochial Economy. Produce
is taken to the markets in Perth and Dunkeld, and all
necessary items obtained there.
 |
Stanley
Mills. For details see here. |
Means
of Communication.Five miles of the great north
road from Edinburgh to Inverness pass through. Stage
coaches between Perth and Dunkeld run on this as does
the mail-coach to Inverness. There is a penny post at
Bankfoot, served from Perth.
There are 20 miles of statute labour roads and numerous
small bridges where required.
Page 449 Fairs. An annual fair
or market was once held on the banks of the Ordie, at
a place called the Hole of Tulybelton, a beautiful dell,
at which many Highlanders attended to sell wool, cheese,
and butter, and other produce of their land and industry.
This market no longer exists; but there is still a fair
held at Auchtergaven, on the second Friday of November,
for cattle, sheep, and general business.
Public-Houses.Of
the 26, only a number on the turnpike and public roads
for travellers and carriers to and from the highlands
are needed.
Fuel.English
coal is available from Perth and in the summer many
farmers bring in coal from collieries in Fife and Clackmannan.
Peat from various quarters is also used, as is some
wood.
Revised 1838
Balquhidder
OSA
6/88
Page 92 Mention of the villages of Lochlubnaig and Lochearn
being on the military road from Stirling to Fort William.
Page 94 Imports and Exports. Sheep are sent to
Glasgow, Edinburgh and England.
Page 96 Miscellaneous Observations. Ten miles of
the military road from Stirling to Fort William pass through
the parish. Although 8 miles of this have been repaired,
2 miles still have to be done and the road generally is
very hilly and so unsuitable for carriages. An improved
line is planned for next summer near Lochearnhead and
this along with the road through Glencoe and Ballachulish
ferry will make for an easy journey between Edinburgh
and Fort William or Appin.
Our parish roads, of which there are several, have been
made by statute labour which is now commuted and the fund
should result in improvements.Two bridges were built over
the Balvaig about 10 years ago and this year 5 more bridges
were built by subscription and a small grant from the
county.
Good
roads and easy access to markets are an advantage of this
parish but there is a want of manufactures and fuel is
scarce - peat is used although it is not easily accessed
and is supplemented with some coal from Bannockburn, 30
miles away.
NSA,
344
Page 347 Parochial Economy. Market-Town.The
nearest is Callendar, 12 miles away.
Villages.There are two small villages
in the parish, one in Strathyre, and the other at Lochearnhead,
both on the turnpike road that leads from Stirling to
Fortwilliam.
Means of Communication.Eleven miles of
turnpike road. Post-office at Lochearnhead. Two bridges
on the Balvag.
1837
Bendochy
OSA
19/334
Page 340 Mention of bridge at Couty.
Page 358 Fuel.Peat is brought from a moss
in Kinloch parish, 7 hours being taken up by the journey.
Those who have carts bring coal from Perth or Dundee.
Bridges. "There was a bridge built
over the Isla, on the road from Cupar Angus to Fort
George, by Government, in 1766. The arches are five.
The middle arch is 30 feet above the summer water and
the road over is 15 feet wide. The road is sometimes
impassable, on the south side, at high floods. The bridge
is built nearly over the only two natural great stones
in the middle of the river, called the riding stone
and the wading stone; and as works of nature outlive
those of art, they may shew the place where it stood
after it is gone. There is another bridge over the Ardle
at Cally, on the same road, and a bridge at Stron, over
the Shee, on another road, both of one arch. There is
a boat over the Eroch at Cupar-grange for foot people."
Page 363 Canal.He notes that a canal could
be made from Perth to Coupar-Angus and on to Forfar.
Page 368 He argues at length for the battle of Mons
Graupius being in this general area.
NSA, 1176
Page 1180 Hydrography.When high, the Isla
can rise thirteen or fourteen feet above normal and
in 1774 rose to within six inches of the top
of the lowest arch at the bridge of Couttie.
Below the church it is seventy-five yards broad,
and at the ford there (by which there is a right of
road to Coupar- Angus,) is, in summer, three feet in
depth.
Page
1195 Parochial Economy. For those living west
of the Ericht, Coupar Angus is the post and market town
where grain is sold - it is 2 miles from the church.
The rest of the parish has Blairgowrie as the post-town
where there are regular markets for cattle and for oats
from the Highland district although some go to Alyth
as it is nearer.
The Coupar Angus to Blairgowrie road was turnpiked in
1835 and a regular omnibus service runs on it to the
railway station at Coupar Angus from where Dundee can
be easily reached.
The
bridge over the Isla at Couttie was built by Government
in 1766. It is inconveniently narrow. The riding stone
and the wading stone, immediately below the bridge,
mark the course of the ford used before the erection
of the bridge. There is also a bridge over
the Ardle at Cally, and one over the Blackwater at Strone.
The parish roads are much improved - the road money
is applied by two or three of the farmers. Twenty years
ago the road ran from the bridge of Couttie across the
haughs beside the Isla which were liable to flood and
so made travel difficult and dangerous.
Ecclesiastical
State.In detailing the difficulties caused
by the location of the church he mentions a ferry at
Coupar-Grange. This had been under the control of the
Kirk-Session but had passed into the hands of the proprietors
of that place although they allow people to be ferried
across to the church free of charge.
Page
1199 The Chapel of Persie.This chapel was
set up about 1785 in a district 13 miles from the parish
church and has proved very convenient for those living
there as well as others from neighbouring parishes.
Page 1202 Markets.Three cattle markets
at Persie, one of which is just before the Falkirk tryst.
Inns.One at Persie.
Fuel.Coal
from the railway depots is used in the lower part of
the parish and peat in the higher part as well as coal
carted in from Coupar-Angus for burning lime.
Miscellaneous Observations. A bridge over
the Ericht would make the parish church more accessible
to a considerable portion of the parishioners.
Blackford
OSA
3/203
Page 208 Fuel.The main fuels are peat and
turf. However, since a road was made through Gleneagles
and Glendovan over the Ochils, coal is now brought some
10 miles from Blairingone.
Page 210 There are remains near Gleneagles of what might
have been an outpost of the Roman camp at Ardoch. A
Roman road, called the Street Road, runs north of here
along Strathern.
Page 212 As the soil is gravelly the roads here are
good and easy to maintain. The statute labour work was
poorly carried out; it is now commuted. In recent years
bridges have been made mostly by the county over some
streams that come from the Ochils and which could be
difficult in flood. Three bridges have been built at
Blackford.
 |
Blackford.
Based on 1/4 inch OS map, 1923 |
NSA, 297
Topography And Natural History. Name.The
name may be English or perhaps derived from the Gothic
word fort that implies a road or passage - this
would be appropriate for its position between Strathallan
and Strathearn.
Situation,
Extent, etc.Mention of the road between Stirling
and Perth.
Page
298 Antiquities.There are entrenchments
at three locations that may have been outposts of Ardoch.
Page 300 Parochial Economy.
The two markets here are overshadowed by those of Auchterarder.
All the roads are good. There are about 20 miles of
turnpike.
Miscellaneous
Observations. The new roads have made for easy communication
and serve as an impetus to improvements.
Blair-Athol
OSA
2/461
Page 473 Placename Bo-rainich, the Ferry Booths
Page
473 Antiquities. - Mention of the Andermass
market that used to be held on the east bank of the
Tilt; it is now held in Perth.
Page 475 "
.along Glengairnog, are to be
seen some pieces of a road, called Rod-na-banrinn, or
the Queen's Road; by which, probably, one or more of
the Queens used to go to the forest of Atholl."
 |
Blair
Atholl. Map based on half-ich OS map 1911 |
Page
476 Mention of raiding by the men of Suaineart about
200 years before; they were killed at a ford called
Ath-baird-suainidh, a mile north of Blair. He refers
to the custom of raising cairns over those who had died,
and adding a stone when passing one of these. This was
probably to protect the bodies from wolves.
"On the south side of the hill, and north end
of Lochgarry, lies Dail-an-spideil, i.e. the Plain of
the Hospital. Here, in all probability, there was formerly
a house of entertainment, to supply the place of an
inn; and possibly too, supported by knights, or some
religious order. There was another spideil at the foot
of the Grampian mountains, on the Marr road."
Page 481 The distance to market towns makes carriage,
whether of produce or coal, very expensive. Fuel generally
is becoming scarce. Dunkeld is the nearest post-office,
which is very inconvenient.
NSA,
558
Page 572 Fuel.Many bring in coal from Perth,
a journey of 35 miles. There is plenty of peat but the
mosses are at some distance over bad hill roads and
take a long time to gather. The lack of ready fuel results
in less use of lime for manure.
 |
View
of Loch Tummel with Schiehallion in the background. |
Page
573 Parochial Economy.
Goods are obtained from Pitlochrie, Dunkeld, or Perth.
Four carriers go to Perth each week. The Perth to Inverness
toll-road passes through and there are fine country
roads through Strathtummel and Glenerichkie as well
as sufficient bridges including the new Tilt Bridge.
Blair Atholl has a post office at which the Royal Mail
coach calls every day.
Page
575 FairsBlair Atholl, Bridge of Tilt,
and Trinafour.
Inns.There are inns at Bridge of Tilt, Blair
and Dalnacardoch on the Inverness road and one at Trinafour
where the Glenerichkie road meets the toll-road from
Dalnacardoch to Tummel Bridge. There are several more,
all convenient for foot-passengers.
Fuel.Peat
and coal.
Miscellaneous
Observations. The military road from Dunkeld to
the north was made into a toll-road about 14 years ago
with improvements to its line and gradients, particularly
at Blair.
1838
Note: For full coverage of roads in
Blair-Atholl and surrounding district see Highland
Highways: Old Roads in Atholl, John Kerr, John Donald
Publishers, 1991.
Blairgowrie
OSA
17/191
Page 197 In a list of trades it is noted that there
are 4 carriers to Perth and Dundee.
Page 201 Three annual fairs; a weekly market has been
tried but has not been successful. There are 19 dram-shops;
being on a military road anyone can apply for a licence
which costs one shilling.
Page 205 Roads and Bridges. The road from
Coupar of Angus to Fort George passes through the parish.
It was funded by Government and is maintained by the
statute labour with occasional help from the military.
It would have been preferable if it had avoided the
present hilly route and crossed the Ericht here to run
on the east of the river to recross near Craig-hall
and pass through Mawes. The Dunkeld to Kirriemuir road
intersects it. The statute labour is now commuted. There
are many small bridges and four larger ones; two are
on the military road, one on the Black-Water and one
on the Ericht; these two were built by subscription.
Page
207 Disadvantages. With Perth and Dundee
so distant much time is wasted when carrying coal and
other items. However, this will improve when the new
bridge over the Isla and the new road into Perth are
completed.
NSA, 896
Page 923 Town lit by gas.
Page 924 Means of Communication.There are
3 public roads: the Great North Road from Perth to Fort
George; the Cupar-Angus to Blairgowrie road, turnpiked
in 1832; the road from Kirriemuir, Forfar, &c. to
Dunkeld. As this is not a busy road it is not kept in
the best of condition.
There
are five bridges in the parish, viz. the Bridge of Blairgowrie,
by which the Great North Road crosses the Ericht, the
Bridge of Craighall, where it recrosses the river; the
Bridge of Cally, where it crosses the Ardle; the Bridge
of Carsie, by which it crosses the water of Lunan, and
the bridge of Lornty, where the old military road crossed
the Lornty. They are in fairly good condition
although they are too narrow and have a rise in the
centre. Those at Craighall and Cally meet the road at
an acute angle which makes them dangerous and awkward
and there is an unprotected drop of 60 or more feet
at the latter.
There is a fine iron suspension bridge at Glenericht
estate.
Page
930 Fairs.There are 6 fairs and a fortnightly
market for carttle and grain during winter and spring.
There are 36 inns etc.
Fuel.In
general, coal from Dundee and Perth and firewood is
used in the town and lower part of the parish and peat
from Cochrage moss in the upper part.
Callander
OSA
11/574
Page 574 Etymology of the Name. Some say the
name comes from Calla-straid where Calla means the landing
place at the ferry and Straid the street leading up
to the castle.
Page 575 Erection etc. In explaining that Callander
had once been two separate parishes, Leney and a chapel
dependent on Inchmahone, he refers to a flood that swept
away the bridge over the southern part of the river
that led to the chapel that was dependent on Inchmahone.
 |
Callander.
Based on 1/4 inch OS map 1923 |
Page
576 Romantic Prospects. There is a carriage road
over to the Trossachs.
Page 583 "Near the top of Benledi, there is
a small lake, called Lochan-Nan-Corp, the small Lake
of dead Bodies, which got its name, from a whole company
attending a funeral having dropt through the ice, and
being drowned, when passing from Glenfin-glass to the
chapel of St. Bridget."
 |
Detail
of "Bracklin Bridge (near Cullenden)" drawn by T.Allom,
engraved by J.C.Varrall and published by G. Virtue
in Scotland Illustrated, 1837. For full image click
here.
Image courtesy of ancestryimages.com
|
Page
590 Cascade.He gives a poetic description
of the glen between Brackland and Achinlaich where there
is a bridge of just a few sticks, branches and turf
50 feet above a deep pool.
Note: For details of the various bridges
at this site see here.
Page 595 Bridge in Callendar.
Page 597 There are two large fairs and 3 smaller ones.
Page 605 Inn and Ale-Houses.Inn at Callander
where a post-chaise is available, and many ale/dram
houses.
Roads and Bridges."Our roads are
in tolerable order, considering their number. Our statute
service is partly commuted, and partly exacted in labour,
as the gentlemen see the probability of its turning
out to the best account. Several bridges have been lately
erected, and are properly taken care of. We owe much
of our convenience in this respect to the funds of the
annexed estates, and to the public spirit of the country
at large."
Page 608 He refers to a chain of watchtowers stretching
far inland which could signal the approach of invaders
in minutes.
Page 610 He does not think the "Roman Camp"
near the river to be Roman.
Page
622 Advantages."This district has
the advantage of being situated on the great military
road, which leads from Stirling to Fort William, and
of having 5 fairs in the year. The merchants of this
country, being near the Highlands, have the first offer
for all the commodities in which they can supply the
places beyond them; and its vicinity to the Low Country,
enables it to partake of the plenty which there abounds.
This place lies so near the cattle markets at Doune,
and in that neighbourhood, that our graziers have not
only a ready sale for their own cows, but can let any
remainder they have of grass, in their parks, to great
advantage, both while the drovers from the Highlands
are going forward, and when any cattle remain unsold,
from one market to another."
Disadvantages.Coal and lime are 16 or more
miles distant. Although a road is being made to Comrie
and district there is still a need for the road from
Callander to Thornhill, and the Bridge of Frews to be
put in order, and the line changed in places.
NSA,
349
Page 349 Name.Callander is generally
supposed to be derived from the Gaelic names Calladh,
signifying a ferry, and sraid, the way leading to the
ferry, by which is meant the ferry across the river
Teath, a little below the place where the present bridge
stands.
Page 354 Through Callander passes the principal
road to the Western Highlands by Lochearnhead, Tyndrum,
and Black-mount; and from this place, there are several
other roads branching out in different directions.
Page 357 Parochial Economy. Means of Communication.There
is a daily post and a regular coach service to Stirling
and carriers to Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling. Post-chaises
and cars can be hired.
Page 359 Fairs.Several fairs are held throughout
the year.
Inns.There is a large inn for travellers on the
West Highland road and for tourists in the Trossachs.
There are other inns and one at Loch Achray.
Fuel.As the roads are much better, coal
is used more often even though it comes from Bannockburn,
18 miles away. Peat is also used and lies about a mile
from Callendar.
Miscellaneous Observations. Wool is
sent to Bannockburn, Glasgow, and Liverpool, and bought
by the carpet-manufacturers.
MacFarlane
Geographical Collections
A Description of the Parish of Callender 1723
Volume 1, Page 134 In Callender parish there is a ford
over the Teith near the church and a boat a little to
the east. The water of Keltie has a bridge and a ford
near where it joins the Teith. At the Chapell of Little
Lenie over the Garvusk there is a good timber
bridge with stone and lime work in the water.
The river can be forded above and below this bridge.
The kings highway (from Edinburgh to Fort William)
runs from the bridge of Keltie by the kirktoun and Kilmahoy
towards Balquidder parish.
Caputh
OSA
9/485
Page 492 Eight boatmen in the parish.
Page 498 In 1740 the Tay was frozen over for 6 weeks
and loaded carts could easily cross.
Page 501 Fuel. Peat etc. is now supplemented
with coal, brought from Perth, and in summer sometimes
30 or 40 miles from Fife.
Page 505 He gives details of the Roman fortress at Inchtutill.
The Picts are said to have had a town nearby which they
abandoned on the approach of the Romans.
Three miles to the east there appears to have been another
camp in the moor of Meiklour.
A road crossed the Tay above Perth by a wooden bridge
at a place called Rome, near to Scone and ran northwards
through St Martins and Cargill parishes - traces
can still be seen. When this road reached the Isla,
a bridge would have been needed to reach the camp in
Meiklour moor. Close by is the Cleaven Dyke raised as
a defence by the Romans.
Page 508 Advantages and Disadvantages.
The new road being made to Perth by Stanley will be
very useful; even more if a proposed bridge over the
Isla near to the Tay with a road to Perth from the bridge
are made. The Dunkeld to Cupar in Angus road passes
through here. Though busy it is not properly made, due
to the inadequacies of the statute labour system. However,
now that this is commuted, improvements can be expected.
The main disadvantages here are the distance from coal
and lime.
NSA,
670
Page 674 Antiquities.He gives considerable
details of the camp at Inchtuthil.
Page 680 Parochial Economy. Market-Towns.Dunkeld,
Blairgowrie, Coupar-Angus and Perth serve as market-towns
for the parish.
Means
of Communication, Etc.Dunkeld is the post-town.
Our
only turnpike is between the boat of Caputh and Dunkeld,
beautifully Macadamized. Statute labour roads run from
the church to the bridge of Isla with a branch to Clunie,
and from that again, by Snaigow and Loch of the Lows,
to Dunkeld. There are no public carriages or coaches
running through which is inconvenient, and unfortunately
a projected railway between Perth and Dunkeld has not
proved to be feasible.
Bridges,
Boats, Etc.Dunkeld bridge over the Tay was
completed in 1809 and replaced the dangerous Eastferry;
and a bridge was made over the Isla just before it meets
the Tay and connects the Perth and Blairgowrie roads.
Between these two bridges, at Caputh Ferry, the old
chain-boat was replaced in 1834 by a new design where
a platform has been placed on two long narrow boats
and is attached to both sides of the river by a chain
passing over a fly-wheel (image).
Four carts with their horses can be carried at a time
on a five minute journey. This ferry allows access to
Perth by Stanley.
A similar boat has been introduced at Meiklour, 5 miles
to the east, and gives access between Stanley and Blairgowrie.
Page
684 Fair.Three cattle fairs are held at
Meikleour.
Public Houses.Nine.
Fuel.
Coal is brought in from Perth which makes it expensive
and peat from a moss beyond Reimore is too far away
to be of use. Wood is also used as it is cheaper.
1839.
Cargill
OSA
13/529
Page 532 There are 2 ferries over the Tay and one over
the Isla although it is hoped to build a bridge over
the Isla near to the Tay which will make the Isla ferry
unneccessary. The ferries are well run, are safe, and
have reasonable fares.
Page 534 Description of a Roman camp called the Castlehill
near the confluence of the Tay and Isla and opposite
the castle of Kinclaven.
In
discussing a charter of 1538 he refers to the Abbey
of Cupar being supplied with fuel from the wood of Campsey
along a road called the Abbey road. (Note:
This was a road SW of Coupar-Angus called variously
the "Abbey Road" and the "Roman Road"
on OS maps - see Canmore entry NO13NE
24)
 |
Course
of the Roman road north of Perth as noted by the
Statistical Accounts and the 6" OS maps. For
details of up to date findings on the many Roman
remains in the area see RCAHMS etc. For continuation
southwards see Trinity Gask and
Muthill. Above map based
on 1/2 inch OS map, 1913. |
Although
Roman remains can be difficult to trace because of the
passage of time and agricultural improvements there
are distinct remains of a Roman road, 20 feet wide,
of "rough round stones rudely laid together",
running from Innerpeffry to Duplin Parks. From there
to Bertha little can be seen but a quarter of a mile
above Bertha where there was probably a station there
is a ridge of stones extending into the river along
with possible piles that suggest there was a bridge
here. Once over the Tay the road runs by Rome, Sherriftown,
Innerbuist, Byres, Stobhall and Gallowhill. It runs
up to the Ila at Windyedge where remains of another
bridge can be seen and the location itself is still
called Bridgend. This allowed access to various Roman
stations towards Blairgowrie where as Boethius (Hector
Boece) says, the battle of Mons Graupius was fought.
The road was probably made by the army based at Ardoch.
Page 539 Wheat and barley are taken to Perth and Cupar;
these are the nearest market towns.
 |
This was a pre-turnpike between
Perth and Coupar Angus that ran through St Martins.
It is shown on Adair's map of 1683 (NLS).
Looking south near Redstone, 4 miles south of Coupar
Angus. |
Page
542 Roads. The new turnpike from Perth
to Cupar of Angus passes through the south of the parish
and a bill has been obtained for another turnpike which
will run in the northern part from Perth to a proposed
bridge over the Isla near the ferry at Kinclaven. Although
the cross-roads have been neglected, the tolls will
be applied to the upkeep of the turnpikes and allow
the statute labour to be applied to the cross-roads.
This circumstance, and the commutation of the statute
labour (which has allowed twice as much work to be done)
should lead to improvements.
Turnpike roads are most effective in improving the country;
cultivation of fields near these roads follows as a
matter of course. In the list of occupations there is
a toll-man.
Page 549 Advantages and Disadvantages.
Disadvantages are the distance from markets and the
expense of land carriage; coal has to be brought 9 miles
from the port of Perth or 30 miles from the coal-mines.
NSA, 1167
Page 1168 Antiquities.He gives some details
of a Roman camp near the confluence of the Tay and Isla
and Kinclaven, called the Castlehill and gives an extract
from the OSA which is summarised above.
A Roman road or paved way runs along the high
grounds in this parish, which deserves particular notice.
This road, which is about twenty feet broad, and composed
of rough round stones rudely laid together, can be plainly
traced from Innerpeffry, through the parish of Gask,
(where there is a camp,) to Duplin: from thence to Bertha,
few vestiges of it can be discovered. About a quarter
of a mile above Bertha, (which seems to have been a
Roman station from the number of urns that have been
discovered there), a ridge of stones, which extend far
into the river, and a great number of large oak trees,
which have been dug up there, and many of which still
remain in the water, give strong appearances of a military
Roman bridge over the Tay there. From thence the road
is to be traced to Rome, (which probably got its name
at that time), passed Sherifftown and Innerbuist, where
there is a large camp and several tumuli, through the
parish of St Martin's to Byres, keeping the ridge of
the hill through the estate of Stobhall; and passing
near Gallowhill, where it is very discernible, it bends
its course to the Isla at Windyedge, where the remains
of another military bridge are distinctly to be traced,
and the houses adjacent to which are still known to
the old residenters by the name of Bridgend. This bridge
seems to have communicated with different Roman stations
which are to be seen on different places on the extensive
plain on the other side of the river towards Blairgowrie,
where the Romans fought a bloody battle with the united
armies of the Caledonians and Picts. When this military
road was made is uncertain; probably by the army at
Ardoch, to preserve a communication between their different
camps, and as convenient for their after marches, had
they conquered the country.* (Old Statistical Account.)
Clunie
OSA
9/225
Page 226 Roman encampment at Meiklour.
Page 258 Mention of the Steed-Stalls, a feature consisting
of 8 ridges alternating with eight troughs. It may have
been a native outpost for watching the Roman camps nearby.
Page 260 In a long footnote he discusses the various
proposals for the location of the battle of Mons Graupius,
including the parish of Clunie.
Page 268. Bishop George Brown of Dunkeld, who died in
1514 was said to have been able to take 4 different
routes between Dunkeld and his castle on the loch of
Clunie, all on his own land. He started one of the early
bridges at Dunkeld.
Page 272 In 1740 when there was a very poor crop, some
had to travel in the winter as far as Murrayshire
for meal, which they brought across the mountains with
considerable labour and expense.
In 1769 several of the bridges were swept away in a
storm.
Page 275 The roads are improving though still very bad
in winter. The commutation of the statute labour is
expected to help.
Too much time is spent in winning peats from distant
mountainous locations - "the roads that lead
to them, are fit only for killing the horses, and dashing
the carts in pieces." Coal has to be brought
from Perth - there is no bridge over the Tay between
Aberfeldy and Perth, although carriage of coal and lime
and other items will be much easier once the new bridge
over the Isla at Meiklour, and the road from there to
Perth are completed.
NSA, 1024
Page 1025 Two huge cairns here are thought to have been
the boundary between the Caledonian and Pictish kingdoms.
East of the Hill of Gourdie lie the Steeds-stalls, which
may have been an outpost of the Caledonians keeping
watch over the Roman camp at Inchtuthill, in the plain
below.
1026 The parish, besides supplying itself,
exports a quantity of victual to Perth, Dunkeld, and
the Highlands.
1028
Poor. The poor of the parish are given
coal, which is driven from Perth by the farmers.
1843
Collace
OSA
20/235
Page 240 Quarries and Roads. The Perth
to Cupar turnpike passes through here; the statute labour
is commuted.
Page 246 In a reference to the battle of Luncarty mention
is made of a ford over the Tay.
NSA,
210
Page 216 Parochial Economy. There used to be
two annual markets in Kinrossie. Cattle and small wares
are now transferred to Burreltown and other places.
The main market town is Perth which is reached by the
turnpike road from Cupar-Angus. There is a postal service
each day and the Defiance coach passes daily on its
way between Edinburgh and Aberdeen.
Page 218 Inns.One.
Fuel.English coal from Perth.
1837.
Comrie
OSA
11/178
Page 182 Meal is "bought from the neighbouring
parishes of Monivaird, Crieff and Muthil."
Page 185 Roads and Bridges."There
is one great road through the parish, leading from Crieff
to Loch-Erne head; and several smaller roads through
the glens. Between Crieff and Loch Erne there are 5
stone bridges across the river Erne, 3 of which consist
of 4 arches. There are besides several stone and wooden
bridges on the Ruchil, the Lednaig, etc. The roads through
this and the neighbouring parishes were formerly made
by the statute labour; but this was lately converted
into money."
Page
186 Advantages and Disadvantage. The good
roads here allow the Low Country and the Highlands to
be easily reached. Considerable trade is carried on
with Killin and Balquhidder. Lime is brought from a
quarry in the west of the parish along Loch Erne and
landed at the east end of the loch where people from
here and Monivaird can purchase it.
Fuel is scarce and expensive. Peat takes much time to
obtain and the nearest good coal is 25 miles distant.
This situation would improve if a road was made across
the hills to the south of Comrie as the journey would
be much shorter.
Antiquities. There are vestiges of two
Roman camps to be seen at Dalgincross, near Comrie.
NSA,
578
Page 582 Civil History. There is a tradition
that Dundurn was a preaching station of Fillan, the
Culdee saint, and that there was a holy well nearby.
In the last 50 years the traces of one of the two Roman
camps at Dalginross have been completely destroyed by
ploughing. They seem tio have been connected with Ardoch
and Strageath and had a Roman road running to the east
through Strathearn. It may have been here that the battle
of Mons Graupius was fought, or perhaps where the ninth
legion suffered its night attack. There are local traditions
and place names that give some support to these surmises.
 |
Comrie.
Based on 1/4 inch OS map 1923 |
Page
590 Parochial Economy.
Means of Communication.There is a post-office
here, subordinate to Crieff. There are about 20 miles
of turnpike road. There are no public coaches but there
are carriers to Edinburgh, Perth, Crieff and Killin.
There are several stone and wooden bridges over the
Earn, Lednock and Ruchill. A canal or a railroad from
Perth to Loch Earn have been proposed and while they
would be greatly advantageous are unlikely to be economic.
Page 594 Fairs.Five are held in Comrie
though the main fairs in this area are at Crieff. There
is also a weekly market.
Inns, EtcThirteen, which is far too many.
Fuel.Coals, wood, and peat. Coal are brought
from Bannockburn and the distance is less since the
road between Ardoch and Comrie was made although it
is still 22 miles. The peat is distant and not easily
accessible.
Miscellaneous Observations. The roads are much
improved; one leading south is very useful. A canal
or railroad would be beneficial as would a road to
Loch-Tayside through Glen-Lednock.
1838
See the Highland Strathearn site for extracts from The
Reports of the Annexed Estates 1755-1769 which have
some details of roads.
Coupar-Angus
OSA
17/1
Page 4 "The bridge over the Isla was built in
1765. There is no bridge between that and Perth on the
one side, nor between it and the bridge of Deane
on the other."
Town, Roads, Etc.The town is divided by
a rivulet, one part falling in Perthshire, the other
in Forfarshire. The streets are paved and lit. A new
turnpike road from Perth meets the road from Dundee.
There is a weekly market and 4 fairs.

Town of Coupar Angus
Page 6 Reference to a plan for a canal between Perth
and Forfar that would have passed through Coupar-Angus.
Page 8 A list of professions notes that there were 2
drovers, 9 carriers to Dundee and Perth, 1 to Edinburgh,
45 public house keepers.
Page 9 Disadvantages.Peat is both distant
and very scarce and coal, having to come from Perth
or Dundee, is too expensive for many. However, the new
roads will make a great difference. He remarks that
a canal past the Linn of Campsey and improvements to
the Tay would make it feasible to make the Tay navigable
for horse-drawn boats.
AntiquitiesRoman camps can be seen at Coupar
and at Campmuir, 2 miles to the south-west. They are
thought to be from the time of Agricola.
A
charter of the Hays of Errol granted the Abbey of Coupar
"free passage with their cattle over all the lands
belonging to the house of Errol."
NSA, 1141
Page
1142 Antiquities.There are remains of a
Roman camp just east of the churchyard.
Page 1144 He gives some details of lands owned by the
abbey of Coupar-Angus and of a charter by which Guilbert
de Haya miles, dominus de Errol, "grants to the
monks of this place, "liberum transitum sine impedimento
cum bobus suis super terras suas per omnes vias et semitas
(free passage with their cattle etc)."
Page
1147 Parochial Economy.
Weekly market here and in nearby Meigle and Blairgowrie.
Coupar
is a post-town. Letters are delivered daily. The
Defiance coach passes through between Edinburgh and
Aberdeen, and a railway runs to Dundee.
Page 1150 Markets, Etc.There are
yearly markets for horses and cattle, besides those
which are held weekly. These are now much less frequented,
than they formerly were.
Alehouses.Twenty-four,
far too many.
Fuel.English coal brought from Dundee by
railway.
Miscellaneous
Observations.
There is now gas lighting for houses and streets.
1843
Crieff
OSA
9/583
Page 584 The rivers all have stone bridges, funded by
contributions. The bridge at Crieff was the second one
to be built over the Earn; it was built between 1690
and 1699 from the vacant stipend of the parish.
Page 589 In a list of occupations there are 9 carriers,
29 carters and 2 messengers.
Page 595 After detailing the manufactures and the imports
of the parish he says that 2 carts go regularly
once a fortnight to Edinburgh; 2 carts or more once
a fortnight to Glasgow; 4 carts twice a-week to Perth;
and two or 3 carts twice a-week to Stirling.
Markets. There is a busy weekly market and three
annual fairs. There had been a major cattle market here
up to the middle of the century, which has now removed
to Falkirk. Up to 30,000 cattle were sold for the English
market. He explains the causes for the trade moving
to Falkirk. Partly this was due to improvements to the
countryside making less land available for grazing and
enclosures limiting the roads, and partly to Falkirk
being more easily and quickly reached. There had also
been too many restrictions applied in Crieff and exploitation
of custom dues.
Page 599 Two chaisses are kept for hire at the main
inn.
Page 601 Fuel is either hard or expensive to obtain
- coal has to come from 22 miles away.
NSA, 487
Page 502 There is thought to be a Roman road running
through the lands of the Brioch and connecting the camps
of Strageath and Dalginross. When the present
road was being made through Burrel Street, a pavement
was discovered under ground, composed of common flag
stones, bedded close together, in the usual way that
Roman roads are laid, and manifestly surrounded with
a different sort of earth from that which was found
in the immediate neighbourhood.
Page 515 Parochial Economy. Town.Crieff
itself is the market town with the main trade carried
on with Glasgow although there are connections with
Edinburgh, Perth, Stirling, Dundee and some towns in
England. In a listing of trades, mention is made of
7 carriers and 21 carters.
Means of Communication.Crieff is a post-town.
The roads hereabouts are excellent, the Tay-Bridge Road
through Glenalmond being particularly notable. The mail
and a stage-coach runs between Perth and Sirling every
day and passengers can be taken to the canal for onward
travel to Glasgow. There is also a coach from Crieff
to Edinburgh that goes by Gleneagles, and there are
carriers to Glasgow as well as to Edinburgh by Stirling
and by Dunfermline. Other carriers go to Perth and ones
from Comrie, Killin, and Aberfeldy pass through.
The bridges have mostly been built by subscription.
That in Crieff was built in the 1690s out of unused
church funds. In 1715 one of the arches was broken down
by the Highlanders to impede pursuit. When rebuilt a
frame from another bridge must have been used as the
new arch is out of keeping with the other arches.
He refers to surveys that had been made both for a canal
between Perth and Lochearn, and a railway between Perth
and Crieff. The idea of a canal has been dropped but
it is hoped that the railway will be built.
Plans
for a gas manufactory have been dropped.
Page
525 Fairs.Weekly market. In the past there
were three fairs but as Crieff is in such a central
location fairs from neighbouring parishes have been
transferred here so that there are now nine in total
for the sale of livestock, farm produce etc.
Inns,
Alehouses, Etc.The main inn The Drummond
Arms is very busy and offers fine accommodation.
There are 48 spirit licences held in the parish, which
is twice what is needed.
Fuel.Coal is brought in from Bannockburn, Dollar
etc.
1838
MacFarlane
Geographical Collections
Some
Short Notes on the Parishes of Blackford, Ochterarder,
Dunning etc in Perthshire 1725
Page 138 Crieff parish - mention of a bridge over the
Earn in Crieff.
Culross
OSA
10/131 Appendix 18/649
Page 137 There is a ferry to Borrowstounness.
Page 144 Details of the once important coal works of
Culross that had led to a considerable trade being carried
on when they were at their height.
Page 145 Miscellaneous Observations."The
public roads through the parish of Culross are, in general,
very bad, the post road especially, which, being conducted
too close to the shore, is thereby overflowed, at spring
tides, to a great depth, rendering it at such times
not only impassable, but to strangers extremely dangerous.
There is no prospect of having this defect remedied
but by obtaining a turnpike act."
NSA,
597
Page 599 Two hundred years ago the town had a considerable
trade in coal with Holland from where many goods were
imported and distributed throughout the district. This
has long ceased and coal now has to be brought in to
the town.
Page 603 Parochial Economy.
Market-Town.Dunfermline.
Means of Communication Since the last Account,
a turnpike road has replaced the former incommodious
post road along the sea shore. A small pier
has now been built which will be very useful for the
passage and fishing boats.
Page 607 Inns.Seven in all.
1839
Dron
OSA
9/466
Page 470 Lime has to be brought from Lord Elgin's
lime works at Charlestown, or to bring it in carts from
the hills of Fife, the Lomonds, or Forthar, at the distance
of 8 or 10 miles. Our nearest coal-mines are at Keltie,
at the distance of 18 miles south, from whence they
are usually brought in carts during summer, for, the
supply of all this country south of Perth. There is
no moss nearer than 8 or 9 miles. This scarcity of fuel
is severely felt by the lower classes of the people,
who having neither cattle nor carriages of their own,
must purchase it from others who have, at a dear rate.
Page 477 Perth is the market town.
Page 480 Three ale-houses sited at the smiths' shops
where people congregate and exchange news etc.
 |
Dron.
Based on 1/2 inch OS map 1913 |
NSA,
862
Mention of the great road from Perth to Kinghorn and
the Queensferry.
Page 863 Coal is brought in from Keltie and Loch Gellie
about 20 miles away and supplies the country south of
Perth. Peat has to come from 8 or 9 miles.
Public-Houses. Three.
MacFarlane
Geographical Collections
Rind
and Dron 1723
Volume
1, Page 126 There are three ferries in Rind parish:
one for those on foot comes from Carie in Abernethy
parish, two others which also take horses are from the
heughhead in Abernethy parish and from the Carse of
Gowrie - this one leads to the Bridge of Earn.
Page
127 Two roads pass through Dron parish. One runs south
from Perth over the Bridge of Earn and goes to Kingorn;
the other runs from Abernethy over to the Stirling road.
Where the first road runs through here it is known as
the Peth of Drone - yea it goes through the midel
of the Paroch up the Peth of Drone which peth is a highway
through that chain of hills which lyes along the south
side of the river of Arne
.
Note: See the newsletter Rambles on
Old Roads, issue 6 for a feature
by Neil Ramsay of Heritage Paths on the Path of Dron
and the nearby Wallace Road.
Dull
OSA
6/149
Page 153 Fuel. Fuel is very scarce and
the peats are poor and are far distant.
Page 154 Miscellaneous Remarks. The roads
are reasonable and are improving. The king's road from
Stirling to Inverness passes through. The other roads
are statute labour, which is exacted in kind; it would
be more efficient if it was commuted.
 |
Looking
towards Dull and Fortingall parishes |
NSA,
752
Page 756 "There is a fine inn at Amulree much
frequented for leisure pursuits.."
Page 757 Roads on both sides of Loch Tummel.
Page
757 Rivers.The Tay is easily forded here.
Inn at Tummel Bridge.
Page 765 Antiquities. Abbey.It is not known
when the abbey was established though it was very early.
It had an Abthanedum associated with it, one of the
three in Scotland, viz. the Abthaneries of Dull, Kirkmichael,
and Madderty. In discussing this he mentions localities
in and about the village of Dull, such as Sraid nan
Gaibhnean, Sraid nan Clachairean, etc, i.e. "the
smith's street," "the mason's street."
The
monastery was a sanctuary, the limits being marked by
crosses. He gives details of the sanctuary and notes
that "These ancient land-marks were, not many
years ago, sacrilegiously removed, and, with a Goth-and-Vandal-like
taste, erected to grace a neighbouring gateway; and
now the only remaining evidence of the abbey's fallen
greatness is the " Cross of Dull."
Page
775 Parochial Economy. Market-Towns.The
nearest are Dunkeld, Perth, and Crieff, all a considerable
distance away. However, most items are easily obtained
in Pitlochrie and Aberfeldy.
Means
of Communication.He gives details of the postal
service in the area by a diligence that carried passengers,
a post-gig, and runners. These covered Aberfeldy (served
from Dunkeld), Kenmore, Fortingall, Amulree and Glenquaich,
the country near Pitlochrie, and Kinloch-Rannoch.
For three years a public coach has been running from
Dunkeld to Lochlomond during summer and is used by tourists
and travellers.
Three turnpike roads run in the parish, about 30 miles
in all, and there are three tolls. There are carriers
to Perth and Crieff.
A bridge over the Lyon is need to allow easy access
to Kenmore.
Page
782 Fairs.He gives details of the fairs
held at Aberfeldy, Amulree, Coshieville, Kirkton of
Foss and Tummel-bridge.
Inns.There
are five inns in the parish and six ale-houses. The
former are indispensable for the accommodation of travellers,
but the latter may, with great propriety, be suppressed.
Fuel.
Peat, and coal brought from Perth or Crieff.
Miscellaneous
Observations
the opening up of turnpike, and the
regular repairing and macadamizing of private, roads;
the establishing of regular carriers; the letting of
horses, post-chaises, and other vehicles for hire at
most of the principal inns, united with the frequent
and regular conveyance of letters and newspapers by
means of the post-office system, are sufficient indications
of the wonderful transition experienced by the inhabitants
of this district in their social and trafficking intercommunication
with their more southern neighbours. At that time sledges
and creels were generally used instead of carts; thrashing-mills
had no existence; and private gigs and carriages were
exceedingly rare, if not unknown.
He adds that rebuilding Comrie Bridge over the Lyon
would be a great benefit and alludes to long opposition
to this bridge by local and private interests.
1842
Dunbarny
OSA
8/401
Page 402 River, Fish, and BridgeSloops
can sail up the Earn some 3 miles to a bridge where
they unload lime and coal. The bridge (bridge of Earn)
is very old; it is maintained by the town of Perth but
the toll they receive is nothing like the cost of repairs
(Canmore
record with images).
NSA, 790
Page 792 Mention that the Bridge of Earn had been erected
in the 14th century and that the course of the river
had changed since then.
Page 793 Mention of the Dunbarny boat that gave a shorter
route to Perth than the Bridge of Earn.
 |
Dunbarny.
Based on 1/2 inch OS map 1913. |
Page
810 Village of Dunbarny.For those living
in the old village of Dunbarney, a ferry-boat
plied on the Earn, in a line with the west wall of the
old church-yard, after crossing which, the villagers
travelled to Perth by the Hilton knowe, the field called
the " Muckle Bank," and St Magdalen's farm.
Old Bridge of Earn.He refers to a charter
of Robert the Bruce dating from 1329 that allowed the
town of Perth to take stones out of the quarries
of Kincarochie and Balcormac for building the bridge
of Tay and the bridge of Earn.
The bridge was maintained until the reformation by the
Church. It had 5 arches, one being added 80 years ago
as the water was encroaching on the north bank of the
river.
When the new bridge was built, a fragment of
the old one was left, comprehending two arches. This
dilapidated ruin is beginning to be overgrown with ivy,
and presents a picturesque appearance.
In a footnote he recounts an offer made by the county
to the town of Perth to uphold the bridge if the pontage
was transferred to them, an offer which was refused
and which cost the town a great deal of money when an
arch had to be replaced.
A reference from 1614 says that an arch fell down being
evil bigged from the beginning, filled only with clay
and earth
.
Page 817 Villages. Details of the old and new
villages and a reference to boats being unloaded near
the bridge.
Page 818 Mention of bridge of Forteviot.
Page 821 Parochial Economy. Market-Towns,
Etc.The
nearest is Perth. There is a post-office here with runners
to Newburgh, Dunning, and Auchterarder.
Several coaches pass through the Bridge of
Earn every day, two mail-coaches, the Coburg, the Aberdeen
Defiance, pass and repass in travelling between Edinburgh
and Perth, and the Fife Defiance does the same between
Perth and Kirkcaldy.
There
is one toll-road in this parish, which traverses its
surface the length of three miles, being part of the
great northern road. Besides it, there are four good
statute-labour roads; one of these is the old turnpike,
which intersected it, in passing from the Wicks of Beglie
to the old bridge.
Bridges.The
new bridge was completed in 1821 at a cost of L.16,000
by the city of Perth. It has 3 arches, is 24 feet wide,
28 feet above the bed of the river, and 345 feet in
length. There is a pontage on it which raises L.1000
p.a.
Chruch
door collections had been used to build and maintain
a small bridge near Kantillo.
Page
824 Fuel.Coal comes from Kelty, Lochgelly,
and other districts in Fifeshire, as well as Newcastle
coal landed on the Earn.
Ale-houses.Eleven public houses and the
Moncrieffe Hotel.
1842
Dunblane
OSA
7/323
Page 328 Roads and Bridges.The statute
labour is insufficent to keep the roads in repair. The
great military road passes through here and it is felt
that it needs to be made a turnpike but this idea has
been opposed by districts to the north of this parish.
There are 6 bridges over the Allan, 4 of them in this
parish; they are maintained from the statute labour
and conversion money.
Fuel.Although coal has to be brought about
12 miles from Alloa, it is starting to replace the use
of peat as much time has to be spent obtaining these.
Alehouses, Inns, &c.Twenty nine in
Dunblane, and 12 in other parts of the parish.
 |
Dunblane
and cathedral |
NSA,
1038
Page 1042 Parochial Economy. Market-Town, Etc.Dunblane
is a market-town and has a post-office. Several mail
and stage coaches pass through each day.
There is an old and narrow bridge over the Allan - as
it is on the main road between Glasgow and Perth it
should be widened.
Ale-houses.Their numbers have thankfully dropped
from 41 some forty years ago to sixteen.
1843.
MacFarlane
Geographical Collections
Description
of Dunblane Parish
Page 311 Number of bridges mentioned. Highways from
Kilbride to Dunblane and Stirling, Stirling to Perth,
and to Crieff and the North Highlands. At Ardoch the
neather bridge consists of four land stales
of stone covered with planks of oak and flags of stone;
at Kinbuck there is a similar bridge with five land
stalls and covered with timber and flags.
Dunkeld
and Dowally
OSA
20/410 Appendix 20/456
City of Dunkeld
Page 411 Description from 1766 of Dunkeld as seen from
the road.
Page 414 12 carters, 12 inn-keepers.
Page 432 Fairs And Markets.
There are six yearly fairs in Dunkeld and a weekly market.

Page 441 Bridge.
A bridge, partly of timber, partly of stone, is said
to have been started in 1469 but it is not known if
it was completed. In 1513 Bishop Brown started a bridge
which was completed by Bishop Gavin Douglas. Part of
the arch on the north bank, and piles on which the pillars
stood can be seen. It is not known when it was destroyed
but its loss is keenly felt. The river in flood can
delay the ferry crossing or make it impossible, and
often results in people bypassing the Dunkeld market
in favour of Perth. A bridge could be built for L.12,000
Sterling.
Page 445 Advantages and Disadvantages. The disadvantages
are it being 15 miles to Perth the nearest sea-port,
having to use a hazardous ferry, and the price of coal.
Page 456 An appendix giving some details of the diocese
and its bishops is inserted here.
Page 459 Dowally
Page 461 He describes the road that passes through Dowally
towards Atholl mentioning that at the base of King's
Seat it has been cut into the steep slope with much
labour and expence, that it runs at a height along the
steep slope, and that it crosses a number of ravines
which descend so steeply that on one side the parapet
of the bridges is only 3 feet above the surface yet
30 feet on the other side.
Page 477 Although peats are nearby on good roads a great
deal of time has to be spent in gathering them. It may
be that farmers will soon see the advantage of obtaining
coals from Perth.
(Note: For details of Telford's bridge and earlier bridges
see Dunkeld: Telford's Finest Bridge, Christopher R
Ford, Perth and Kinross Libraries 2004)
NSA, 958
Dunkeld
Page 962 Prior to 1809 when Dunkeld Bridge was completed,
the great north road ran on the south of the Tay and
Dunkeld was approached from the east on the north side
of the river along the High Street as far as the cathedral.
The great north road was rerouted through the town along
a new street in line with the bridge.
Markets
are held in the old part of the town near the cross.
Residents are assessed for street repairs but gas-lighting
is needed for the streets.
Page 968 Many details of the history - Picts, abbey
Page 971 When the cathedral was building in the 1400s,
building stones were brought in from the quarry of Burnbane
by currachs mounted on horseback and hence had to be
of a small size.
Page 979 William the Lion hunted deer in the area. He
stationed himself on a small knoll called the kings
seat and there is a road between this and Craig-y-barns
called the Kings pass.
Page 989 Parochial Economy. Market Town etc. Weekly
market and 5 annual fairs. There is a daily delivery
of mail at the post office. Two large hotels with posting
establishments where the Inverness mail-coach calls
each day. One of the land arches of the bridge is used
as a lock-up for prisoners.
Page 990 All provisions are available here except for
sea-fish. These are brought by cart from Arbroath, Dundee
and Perth. The main fuel is wood, and while coal is
available peats are not openly sold, as the Highland
tenantry are restricted from disposing of them.
Page 991 He details the early bridges at Dunkeld. The
first one existed in 830. Another had its foundation
laid in 1461 by one of the bishops and was to be of
timber and stone though there is no record of its completion.
Yet another was built in the early 1500s and used
by foot passengers and its remains could be seen until
fairly recently.
The ferries here besides being inconvenient were dangerous
when the river flooded. This led to the late Duke of
Atholl deciding to build the bridge; it was completed
in 1809 and cost L30,000 of which L5000 was paid by
the government. There is a pontage on it which is let
at L.700 p.a. The bridge was built on dry land and the
river then diverted to flow under it.
His Grace subsequently widened, embanked, and
cut miles of turnpike road, and opened up the Atholl
districts. Before 1809, the traffic was mostly all conducted
on horseback. There was a post runner to Dunkeld, but
there was no post beyond it, except his Grace's runner
to Blair. Now, there are nearly twenty carriers that
pass Dunkeld weekly to the Highland districts. There
is the daily mail to Inverness through Atholl, and a
stage-coach to Perth thrice a week. In the summer months,
there are daily stage-coaches from Dunkeld to Inverness,
Dundee, Lochlomond, Perth, &c.
Dowally
Page 995 The public road enters at the King's Pass and
descends gradually on the side of a steep hill. The
road is felt dangerous because of the steep ravines
that cut across it and the bridges being too narrow
and not well protected by parapets.
Page
996 Civil Historv.
The Culdees had a place of worship at the Mains of Kilmorick.
There was a house at Guay set up by one of the bishops
around 1340 where strangers could receive hospitality.
There is no post-office and it would be useful if there
was one at Guay and one at Moulinearn. A runner comes
from Dunkeld although the mail passes through the parish.
Page
997 Eminent Men.James Fraser, a mill-wright
of Dowally invented self-propelling twin ferry-boats
now used in various parts of the rivers Tay and Tummell.
He also invented the Archimedes screw which was used
on boats on the Atholl lochs.
Page
998 The ancient markets within the parish were
the Kindallachan market for sheep, and the herd's "japping"
market at Dowally for fruit." (Two teams would
stand on both sides of the Burn of Dowally and hit the
water with sticks until one team gave way. The winners
would treat the girls with fruit and take them to the
ball later in the day.)
Limestone
is brought from Blair, 12 miles away. The main fuel
is peat.
Page
999 Farmers used to be pestered by great numbers of
tinkers and sturdy vagrants who used at camp at the
Bog of Dowally but not since the county constabulary
was formed.
There was no road through the parish in 1700, the first
being the military road made in 1739 which was not very
wide, ran straight, had no bridges and did not have
a surface suited to horses. The Duke of Athol at that
time was carried in a sedan chair to Blair, the 26 miles
taking 13 hours. The Duke did the same journey in 1760
when the roads were slightly improved in 12 hours by
coach. The first bridges were built about 78 years ago
over the Dowally and the Oishne. The late Duke widened
the military roads and built several bridges - there
are now 27 of these. At present the mail coach to and
from Inverness passes each day, there are 20 carriers
each week, and in the summer 5 stage coaches to the
north along with other traffic.
1843
Note: See visitdunkeld site for many
old
postcards.
Dunning
OSA
19/434
Page 440 Coal is brought some 12 miles from Blairingone.
Eight inns in the parish, of which six are in the village
of Dunning.
Page 441 There is a local tradition that the Earn could
once be navigated to beyond Dunning and that there are
iron rings on a rock to which boats used to be fastened.
NSA,
716
Page 717 Civil History. Historical
Events and Antiquities.
Colonel Miller, in a paper published in the
fourth volume (pps.19-52) of the "Archaeologia
Scotica" places the scene of the battle of
Mons Grampius between the Ochil and the Lomond hills;
and, assuming Caerpow as the site of the city Victoria,
founded by Agricola, and Castle Law at Colteucher, as
Lindum, he traces a line of forts along the northern
base of the Ochils to Ardoch; and from thence to the
wall of Antoninus; these he is inclined to attribute
to Agricola, as a protection on the north to his newly
acquired territory. Three of these forts are in the
parish of Dunning, namely, Ardargie, Rossie Law (called
by Colonel Miller, Garrison Law), and Ternavie.
Page
722 Parochial Economy. Post-office in Dunning.
Fairs.Alehouses.Fuel.
Three fairs, 13 alehouses. Coal is brought from Blairingone
and Tillicoultry, 13 and 16 miles away respectively.
1842
MacFarlane
Geographical Collections
Dunning 1723
Page 119 In Dunning parish, the kings highway
from the west of Scotland through Stirling to the East-Bridge
of Earn runs through, as does the way to Fife and the
several passages by boat over the Forth.
There is a bridge in the south east of the parish, and
a boat at Innerdunning over the Earn. Two miles NW of
Dunning there is the Dalreoch Boat on a very public
way.
Errol
OSA
4/480
Page 487 There are harbours at Errol and at Powgavie
from where much grain is taken to Leith and the Forth,
and to Glasgow by the canal. Lime and coal is landed,
and other articles come from London and elsewhere.
A passage-boat runs between Errol and Newburgh.
Page 491 He discusses the tradition that the Tay used
to run along the foot of the hills.
Page
492 Disadvantages.The roads here were notoriously
bad mostly because good road-making materials had to
be brought from a distance so that repairs were neglected.
This should change now that a turnpike road from Perth
to Dundee is being made through here and another down
to the shore, which will allow the statute labour to
be focused on the cross-roads.
NSA, 367
 |
Parishes
in the Carse of Gowrie between Perth and Dundee
(Errol, Inchture, Longforgan, St Madoes). Until
the turnpike was made along with branches to the
harbours on the Tay, travel was very difficult in
the area. Based on 1/4 inch OS map 1923. |
Page
382 Remarkable Occurrences.The most remarkable
was when the turnpike between Perth and Dundee was made
some 46 years ago, along with branches to the main harbours
on this side of the Tay such as Port-Allen and Polgavie.
Also memorable was the day in 1814 when the Tay was
blocked up with ice and allowed several people to cross
between Port-Allen and Newburgh.
Page 394 Navigation. In addition to the
ferry between Port-Allen and Newburgh which carries
materials and produce as well as passengers there is
another that belongs to the port and carries lime and
coals and exports grain and potatoes.
Besides the daily passage boat between Port-Allen and
Newburgh, which is fitted also for the transmission
of lime, timber, iron, farm-produce, and other commodities,
there is but one vessel which belongs to the port now
mentioned, the only one in this parish.
Page 395 Parochial Economy. Market-Town.The
nearest is Perth, 10 miles away but there are more advantages
to be had by going to Dundee.
Means of Communication. Post-office at
Flatfield and a receiving office in the village with
a runner.
There
are 9 miles of turnpike road here on which two coaches
and the mail run.
Port-Allen
is rather dilapidated. A new pier and harbour is projected
and will be nearer Errol.
Page
402 Fairs.One fair is now long discontinued,
the other is a hiring fair and is extremely busy.
Inns
and Ale-houses.There are 15 or so, most of
them being in the village.
FuelCoal both from the Forth and from Newcastle.
Miscellaneous Observations. Major advances have
been the excellent turnpike and the greater number of
improved cross-roads.
1837
Forgandenny
OSA
3/298
Page 301 Boats with coal and lime can come up the Earn
to a bridge two miles east of the village of Forgan.
Page 305 Fuel.In summer furze, broom etc
are used; in winter coal from Fife is used.
Page 307 Roads and Bridges.Many of the
public roads, even in the hills, and the bridges are
very good; as are the private roads leading to gentlemen's
houses. The public roads are statute labour which is
partly commuted.
Page 308 Public Houses.Five.
 |
Forgandenny.
Based on 1/4 inch OS map 1923 |
Antiquities.He
refers to remains of a fortification (Jackschairs Wood
NO01NE
20 0720 1680 - the Canmore entry identifies it as
a hillfort) on the western boundary of the parish, SW
of the village, that some think is Roman. It is sited
close to a pass over the Ochils through the valley of
the May. Other remains at Ardargie have long been thought
to be Roman (NO01SE
2 0827 1437 - the Canmore entry says it is a moated
site and not Roman).
NSA,
948
Page
952 There is a small Roman camp on the estate of Ardargie
that has been protected by the proprietors and hence
is in excellent preservation. It has a fine view to
the west and of the Roman road that ran to Ardoch.
1843
MacFarlane
Geographical Collections
Forgandenny 1727
Volume 1, Page 125 In Forgandenny parish highways run
east-west and north-south (Perth to Kinross).
Forteviot
OSA
20/117
Page 119 The May reaches the Earn just east of a bridge
built about 30 years ago near to where there had been
a ferry-boat. When in flood it makes it difficult to reach
the church from certain parts of the parish.
Page
124 Mention by Wyntoun (c.1350 c.1423) of the
Coblehaugh, where there was a ferry over the Earn.
NSA,
1172
Page 1173 The Halyhill was a residence of both Pictish
and Scottish kings. Edward Baliol camped at Millers
Acre near here in 1332, prior to the battle of Duplin.
He crossed the Earn at a nearby ford.
Fortingall
OSA
2/449
Name, Situation, Soil, etc The name in Gaelic
Feart-na-gal, the works or exploits of strangers, may
refer to the Roman camp here.
From the west point of Fortingall a road leads to Glenlyon.
From the east a road leads to Rannoch a district which
begins near Tumble Bridge.
Page 452 Attempts to win lead in Glenlyon about 60 years
ago were given up, perhaps because there were no roads
at that time and everything had to be carried on horseback.
Page 456 "The Roman camp, already mentioned,
is certainly the farthest inland one, of any that has
been hitherto observed. The ditch and rampart are filled
up, or broken down, in many places, by the plough. The
Pretorium is quite complete: The area within is about
80 acres." (Note: The Canmore record identifies
it as a medieval moated site - NN74NW
1 7340 4665).
Page
457 Mention of bridge of Cainachan and of the King's
Ford (Robert the Bruce) over the Tumble (Tummel).
Page 458 "In the year 1754, the country was
almost impassable. There were no roads, nor bridges.
Now, by the statute-labour, we have got excellent roads,
and 12 bridges. In a few years, we shall have other
two, which is all that could be desired, the people
contribute chearfully and liberally to build them, and
this preserves many lives."
NSA,
527
Page 532 Fortingal.The valley here is about
6 miles long and half a mile broad with three points
of acces: to Loch Tay on the south where there is a
turnpike road; to the north-west through the pass of
Glenlyon; and to the east where the Crieff and Inverness
turnpike is met at Coshiville, Appin of Menzies. All
the roads are statute labour except for the detached
part of the parish called Bolfracks.
Page
550 Antiquities and Curiosities.Apart from
the celebrated yew tree there was a Roman camp, which
he describes (see note under OSA).
Page
554 Parochial Economy. Market-TownThe
nearest are Crieff and Perth.
Means
of Communication.The means of communication
are poor. Several carriers go to Perth and a runner
goes three times-a-week from Aberfeldy to the top of
Glenlyon, passing through here. A penny-post subordinate
to Pitlochry has been set up at Kinloch-Rannoch.
Bridges and fences are generally good. Those along with
the roads in the property of Slismine are worthy of
note. A fine bridge was erected last summer over the
Gamhaire, at the west end of Loch Rannoch. It was carried
away by floods but is currently being rebuilt.
Fairs.Seven,
for livestock, seeds, hiring etc. The venues are Kirkton
of Fortingall, Kinloch-Rannoch, and Inverwick in Glenlyon.
Inns.Four
inns, and 6 other establishments in remote areas used
by travellers and by locals on rent days, weddings etc.
Fuel.Mostly
peat but they are scarce and often have to be brought
from the mountains. Some wood and turf is also used,
and coal from Crieff or Perth by those able to afford
it.
Miscellaneous
Observations
At the time of the last Account, the practice of moving
for the summer to shealings, sometimes 20 miles away,
was prevalent.
1838
Note: There are mentions in passing of the western military
road and the military road.
Fossoway
and Tulliebole
OSA
18/445
Page 457 Two major markets for black cattle are held
at Crook of Dovan, and there is a small market at Blairingone.
There are public houses in both villages - both are
on the high road. The Duke of Athol has coal works at
Blairingone.
Page 473 Kings of Scotland sometimes came from Stirling
to Falkland Palace by Tulliebole. On one occasion (so
the story goes) a drinking contest between a trooper
in the royal retinue and one of the laird of Tulliebole's
vassels led to the death of the trooper - the road leading
past the spot where he died (the Trooper's Dub, see
east side of 6" map Fife, sheet
21 on road to Kinross) is still known as the Court
Gate, or Court Way.
Note: there is another "Trooper's
Dub on the same sheet just north of Carnbo but the former
seems the more likely location as it is so near to Tullibole
castle and by the side of an old road to Kinross - "dub"
itself is a pool or puddle. The same map shows a path
named the "Butter Road" which ran from approx.
one mile north of Carnbo for a couple of miles to join
the road leading to Path of Condie and Pathstruie. One
explanation for this odd name is given on the Heritage
Paths site which records a tradition that monks
from Culross used it to carry butter to Scone palace;
other possibilities are that it was a path used to reach
sheilings where butter would be made (cf. the item on
the "Butter
Bridge" in Glen Kinglass on the SABRE website);
or that it comes from the old Scots word for "outer"
- see DSL.
Page 476 Natural Curiosities. The Rumbling Bridge.
He describes this bridge (the lower bridge in the photo)
which has a span of 22 feet over a narrow gorge, and
is 86 feet above the bottom of the gorge. It is 11 feet
wide.
 |
Fossoway
and Tullibole. Based on 1/4 inch OS map 1923. |
Page
480 Bridges."The bridges on the
Dovan, connected with Fossaway, are 5. The Vicars
bridge, leading from the north, to the coal at Blairingone,
said to be built by a Vicar, who once lived at Dollar,
but in what year, is uncertain. It was widened 6 feet,
about 30 years ago. Higher up the river stands the Rumbling
bridge, built about the year 1723. The next is the bridge
at the present church of Fossaway, on the high road
from Stirling to Kinross. It was built in the year 1767.
At a considerable distance farther up the river, stand
other two bridges, distant from each other, about an
English mile. The first, is called Old Fossoway bridge,
because it is built near where Old Fossaway church stood.
The other is called St
Serfs bridge (now under Castlehill reservoir), and
it forms a communication between the parish of Dunning,
and the coal at Blairingone. Both these bridges were
built as they presently stand, within the last 60 years."
 |
Rumbling
Bridge |
NSA,
1016
Page
1017 At the bottom of Easter Downhill the bridge
of St Serf, on what was the road to Perth by Dunning,
till the present turnpike road was formed, less than thirty
years ago, is still standing, though now much out of repair.
Page 1018 Cascades.The original Rumbling
Bridge is still there but a new bridge on the turnpike
road stands above it.
Page
1021 Parochial Economy.
Market-Towns.Kinross and Dollar.
Means of Communication.
The turnpike road from Dunfermline to Crieff
intersects the parish from south to north, and that
from Kinross to Alloa from east to west, passing near
the parish church. Parallel with the latter, and about
two miles to the north, another turnpike passes through
the parish, being the road from Stirling to the eastern
district of Fife. The turnpike road to Dunning also
passes through a part of the parish. At one time a public
coach from Perth to Glasgow, and another from Crieff
to Edinburgh, travelled through the parish. But for
some years, there has been no public conveyance to be
had nearer than Kinross, Dunfermline, or Alloa.
No post office.
Bridges.There
are six bridges on the Devon connected with this parish.
Of these four belong to turnpike roads, and two to county
roads.
Page 1023 Fairs.Two small fairs.
Inns,
Etc.Of the fourteen inns here, three would
be enough for travellers.
Fuel. Mostly coal from the parish itself.
1843
Fowlis
Wester
OSA
15/594
Page 596 The village is bound to suffer since it is
by-passed by the new road.
Mention of the bridge of Buchanty over the Almond.
Page 597 Although much peat is used, some farmers in
the south of the parish travel 20 miles to Blairingone
to buy coal where it is cheaper than at Perth, despite
the easier journey to that town.
 |
Old
road shown in red. Based on 1/4 inch OS map 1923
|
 |
Looking
along the line of the old road as it passes through
Fowlis Wester |
Page
607 Highway."The greatest improvement
lately made in the parish, is the construction of the
new line of road leading through it from Perth to Crieff,
which is every where at least 35 feet broad, and has
in no part a greater rise than of one foot in 50. Whereas,
the old line, which led close by the church, and over
the brae of Foulis, frequently rose at the rate of more
than one in ten feet. The making of this new road, from
Methven to Gowan hill, in this parish, cost 260L each
mile, and from that point westward, 239L.; besides bridges,
the largest of which is not yet founded; and the smaller
ones have been executed at 1L each foot in width:
besides also the filling up of dens or ravines, the
largest of which alone cost 130L. Where the bottom is
best, or materials nearest, it may be kept in repair
at 2L a mile; but the greatest part of it is to be upheld
three years, at 4L a mile annually. The expence of making
has been so great, and the resort of travellers hitherto
so small, that the duties collected at the toll-bar,
first erected in 1793, though somewhat higher than in
other counties of Scotland, are not sufficient to pay
the interests of the sums expended."
Page 609 Market for black cattle.
NSA, 249
Page 259 Parochial Economy. There used to be
markets and fairs at Lacock, near Fowlis. Crieff is
now the nearest market town.
Villages.The turnpike road between Perth
and Crieff passes through the village of Gilmorton where
is an inn. The mail coach travels on the road.
Fairs.St
Methvanmas market is held at Fowlis annually, on the
6th of November, and is a useful market for the sale
of black cattle, and hiring servants. This was anciently
the festival of the parish, and the anniversary of the
saint to whom the church was dedicated at its consecration,
when the people constructed pavilions and booths to
indulge in hospitality and mirth, which also became
a commercial mart, and assumed the name offeria or holyday.
Many of our most ancient fairs have a similar origin.
Miscellaneous
Observations. The roads are greatly improved.
1837
Gask
OSA
1/479
Page 481 Coal and peat used as fuel.
Antiquities."A Roman causeway runs
through the middle of the parish, on the highest ground;
it is 20 feet broad, composed of rough stones, closely
laid together, and points westward to a camp, still
distinguishable, in the parish of Muthil, and eastward
to another, also visible, in the parish of Scone. This
causeway is in entire preservation, as the proprietor
of the adjacent grounds, though he inclosed the fields
on each side with stone-dikes, did not suffer a stone
to be taken from the road. Along the causeway are stations
capable of containing 12 or 20 men; they are inclosed
by ditches, yet very distinct and seem to have been
designed for the accommodation of the overseers of the
work. Within Gask's policy, in this parish, vestiges
of two Roman camps, one on the south, and the other
on the north of the causeway, are still visible; and
the ditches, with the Praetorium, are distinct, though
the ground is planted with fir. One of these camps seems
to have been capable of containing 500 men, and the
other half that number."
 |
Looking
north from the Gask ridge |
NSA,
281
Page 282 Antiquities.The Roman
causeway, which extends through the parish, on the highest
ground, is 20 feet broad, composed of rough stones,
closely laid together. It points west to a Roman camp
still distinguishable in the parish of Muthil, near
the Chapel of Ease, at Ardoch, and east to another camp
in the parish of Scone. By the side of this causeway,
Roman stations are still visible, capable of containing
from twelve to twenty men. They are enclosed by ditches,
which are very distinct. Within Gask's policy, vestiges
of two camps may still be traced, one on the south side,
the other north of the Roman road or street, as it is
called by the inhabitants.
Page
283 Parochial Economy. Markets.Dunning,
Methven, Auchterarder and Perth markets are visited.
The turnpike roads are good but not the parish roads.
Page 285 Inns, Etc.None.
Fuel.Peat,
coal, and wood.
1837
Glendovan
OSA
10/229
Page 233 Miscellaneous Observations. Grain has
to be brought in from Strathern and coal comes from
Blairngone, 5 miles away, and peat from the hills.
The road between Strathern and Blairngone, has been
improved and there are proposals for further improvements
which will make travel between these places very easy.
NSA,
333
Page 334 Parochial Economy.
Since my former Account a toll-road has been
made through the Glen: It passes through the parish
for three miles and a half. It was executed at great
expense: the forming, metalling, cutting earth and rock,
building bridges, and conduits, damages, &c cost
L 5257, 16s.; but the advantages obtained have been
very considerable. The farmers who formerly took from
7 to 8 cwt. seldom more, now take from 15 to 18 cwt.;
and carters, who load heavily, take from 20 to 25 and
sometimes 30 cwt. The villagers, who are supplied from
Blairengone and Dollar, burn their coal about 5d. per
cwt cheaper than before the road was made, estimating
summer and winter together; and a much greater quantity
of lime is now driven by the farmers.
1837
Inchture
OSA
4/191
He remarks on the tradition that the Tay is supposed
to have ran under the slopes of the Sidlaws and notes
that it joined the river Earn at a place called
Invergowrie, about 2 miles W. from Dundee. Several towns,
situated upon the higher grounds between these rivers,
are hence called Inch this and Inch that, Inchmartine,
Inchmichael, Megginch, Inchture, &c.
Page
192 A turnpike road between Perth and Dundee is currently
being constructed and runs through the village of Inchture.
Page 194 Pier at Polgovie where much victual is shipped
and coal and lime unloaded.
 |
Parishes
in the Carse of Gowrie between Perth and Dundee
(Errol, Inchture, Longforgan, St Madoes). Until
the turnpike was made along with branches to the
harbours on the Tay, travel was very difficult in
the area. Based on 1/4 inch OS map 1923. |
NSA,
825
Page 836 Parochial Economy. Market-Town.Dundee.
Means
of Communication.Post offices here and at
Errol and a branch on the turnpike. Three coaches, including
the mail, pass through.
Inns and Alehouses.Inn in the village,
used by travellers, and an ale-house at Polgavie used
by those with business at the harbour.
Fuel.Coal
and wood.
1842
Kenmore
OSA
17/456
Page 459 Roads and Bridges.Good roads run
on both sides of Loch Tay between Kenmore and Killan.
The one on the north was made many years ago, that other
was made at the expence of the present Earl of Breadalbane.
They are statute labour roads, which may soon be converted.
There is an inn at each village and a bridge at Kenmore
along with many smaller ones on each road.
NSA,
452
Page 466 Market established in Kenmore in 1565.
Page 468 Mention of Roman coins found in 1755 when a
road was being made from Taymouth to Glenquaich.
Page
472 There are 10 small shops where many articles can
be obtained, and 2 bakers from Aberfeldy travel round
the parish selling bread.
Page
477 Parochial Economy. Although the nearest market-town
is Crieff at 22 miles distance it lies over a high hill
which makes the journey inconvenient. Although farther
away, Dunkeld and Perth lie in the line of the valley
and are more convenient to reach.
Means
of Communication.Post comes from Dunkeld and
Killin. The post office here is subordinate to Aberfeldie.
He gives a long description of the roads, which can
be seen on maps. Of these roads those to Dunkeld and
Killin were turnpike; the military road ran north from
here to Dalnacardoch. A bridge was needed at the fords
of Lyon. He mentions the proposal for joining Loch Tay
with Loch Lomond by canal and railway.
Page
485 Fairs.Six.
Inns.At Kenmore and Lawers.
Fuel.Peat is the main fuel but much time
and labour has to be expended to obtain it. Coal costs
twice what it does in Perth due to the carriage.
Killin
OSA
17/368
Page 377 Inns, Ale houses, Etc.There is
an inn in Killin and in Tyndrum, a stage between Killin
and Dalmaly in Glenorchay. Several other places also
serve drink.
 |
Killin |
Roads
and Bridges.
The whole area of Breadalbane has good roads and bridges.
The military road between Stirling and Fort William
passes through this parish and has recently been improved;
it makes communication between the South and the west
and north-west Highlands quite easy. The other roads
are statute labour, exacted in kind.
Page 380 "A great number of beggars from the
neighbouring counties infest the parish, particularly
in the summer and harvest months, many of whom are neither
needful nor deserving of charity."
Page 384 Miscellanous Observations. Fuel is scarce
and markets are distant, although the good roads overcome
the latter disadvantage to some extent.
NSA, 1066
Page 1091 Parochial Economy. Market-Towns.Crieff
and Stirling.

Villages, Etc.Several shops in Killin. Daily
post from the south, and three times a week from Kenmore
and Aberfeldy.
Means
of Communication.Roads and bridges are in
excellent order. A carrier goes to Stirling etc weekly
and there is one to Glasgow via Dumbarton once a month
and one to Crieff once a month. In summer there is a
coach to Dunkeld and also to Lochlomond to meet the
steamer.
Page
1094 Fairs.There are several at
Killin and one at Tyndrum.
Inns.Five of the six excellent inns here
have post-horses and carriages available.
Fuel.Peat, wood, and coal are used but
all are expensive.
1843
Kilmadock
OSA
20/40
Page 50 Roads and Bridges. The Edinburgh
to Fort William and the Glasgow to Perth roads intersect
at Doune. They are in poor condition but may be made
turnpike. Only these two roads are passable in bad weather.
There is a want of bridges and flooding causes problems
when travelling. Besides the bridge in Callander, there
is one in Doune over the Teith, now 266 years old and
still standing despite many floods.
He continues: "This useful bridge was erected
by Robert Spittal, tailor to King James V. about the
year 1530, previous to which, there was only a ferry-boat;
and tradition reports, that Mr Spittal coming this way,
happened to leave his money behind; the churlish boatman
refused to ferry him over; to resent which insult,
the generous tailor immediately built the bridge, and
so punished the boatman, by ruining his business."
Page 55 The town has one street which runs from the
bridge of Ardoch to meet the roads from the bridge of
Teith and Callander, forming a Y junction.
Page
73 Roads."The by-roads of the farmers,
all over the parish, are in a wretched condition, and
absolutely impassable through the one half of the year.
The carts and harness are generally shattered and broke
in a few journies; and hence the horses, carts, and
harness, constantly wear the marks of poverty, and,
instead of performing the work with vigour, both men
and horses soon languish and decay."
Page 77 Grain is sold in Stirling, Kippen and Callander.
A market has started in Doune since the Adelphi cotton-mills
were opened.
Page 80 Markets, Price of Provisions, Etc.There
are 6 annual fairs, two of which are almost as large
as the Falkirk trysts for black cattle.
Page
89 Post-office and Carriers.We now have
post-offices in Doune and Callendar, served by runner
from Dunblane. There are carriers to Stirling, Callander,
Dunblane and sometimes Kippen.
Page
92 Disadvantages.Lack of coal and lime
and the need for bridges. done
Proposed Improvements. New roads and bridges
needed and old ones improved. Canals would be useful.
done
NSA, 1224
 |
The
inscription says This bridge was widened and
repaired by the Road Trustees in 1866. Underneath
is a transcription of the original wording of 1535
on the other side of the bridge which is now practically
illegible |
Page
1230 Bridge of Teith.This was erected in
1535 by Robert Spittel who was tailor to Queen Margaret,
wife of James IV. The story is told that the ferryman
refused to take him across the river at which Spittel
had the bridge built to spite the ferryman and put him
out of business.
There is an inscription on the bridge in the
centre of which is a shield with a device resembling
a spread eagle, and in the base a pair of large scissors
formed en saltier :" IN .GOD . IS . AL .
MY . TRUST . QUOD . ----TTEL . THE . X . DA .OF . SEPTEMBER
. IN . THE . ZEIR . OF . GOD . M.VCXXXV . ZEIRS . FUNDIT
. WES THIS . BRIG . BE . ROBERT . SPITELL. TAILZER .
TO .THE . MAIST . NOBLE . PRECES . MARGARET. ---NG .
JAMES .THE. FEIRD. OF . ALMIS."
When the tricentenary was celebrated in 1835, a facsimile
was engraved and a translation made, viz: In God
is all my trust quoth Spittel the 10th day of September
in the year of God one thousand five hundred thirty
five years, founded was this bridge by Robert Spittel,
tailor to the Most Noble Princess Margaret, Queen to
James the Fourth.Of almis.
He
has some interesting remarks on the suspicion with which
the bridge was regarded by the people even though they
found it convenient enough for crossing the river. They
seem to have contrasted it unfavourably with the
good old Bridge of Callender which had 24 arches
or bows but had disappeared from the time
of the Reformation.
page
1240 Parochial Economy. Market-Town.Stirling
is the main market for grain.
Means
of Communication.Doune is a post-town and
a mail gig from Stirling to Callendar passes through.
There is also a stagecoach between these towns. For
the last two years coaches have ran to the Edinburgh
to Glasgow railway.
A
suspension bridge was erected at Lanrick in 1842.
Page
1242 Fairs.Six well-known fairs are held
here for the usual purposes.
Inns, Etc.Fourteen.
Fuel.The fuel used, besides wood,
is peat and coal. The former is procured at the hill
(Uamvar) and at Moss Flanders; the latter either at
Bannockburn or near Alloa.
Revised 1844
MacFarlane
Geographical Collections
Description of Six parishes in Perthshire 1724
Kilmadock
Page 338 Bridge over the Teath near confluence with
Ardoch Water.
Kilspindie
OSA
4/202
The Perth to Dundee road passes through the south of
the parish for three miles.
Page 208 Miscellaneous Observations."The
roads are at present very bad and narrow. They have
never been sufficiently made; but now worse than ever,
as the new turnpike road, in a very different direction,
engages the whole attention of the gentlemen. Till lately,
the statute-labour was all exacted in kind, but now
is generally commuted; no turnpikes as yet, though we
expect enough of them soon."
NSA, 1162
Page 1166 Parochial Economy. Market-Towns.Perth
and Dundee. Errol is the post-town. The turnpike from
Perth to Dundee passes to the south of the parish.
Inns.Two.
Fuel.Mostly
coal, brought in by sea.
1843
Kincardine
in Monteith
OSA
6/477
Page 483 Mention of the road from Stirling to the fort
of Innersnaid.
Page 485 Eight alehouses, seven of them in Thornhill.
Page 488 Roads, Bridges. In the last 20
years, many of the roads have been remade and bridges
built where needed by the statute labour and county
funds for roads and bridges. The main bridge here is
the bridge of Dript over the Forth on the Stirling road;
it was built by subscription.
It may not be feasible to have a turnpike here for if
lime was excepted from toll it would cost almost as
much to collect the tolls as would be raised by them.
It may be that if the statute labour is inadequate to
maintain the roads, an assessment will have to be made.
The parish, particularly the carse part of it, has diffcult
communication with the neighbourhood due to the mosses
and many of the rivers having no fords or bridges.
Page 490 Alterations. In the last 30 years, 3
new bridges over the Forth have been built between those
at Stirling and Aberfoyle, and 3 over Teith, other than
the one at Down (Doune). The roads are better made and
their lines improved. The rivulets have been bridged.
Page 491 It had been proposed to form a canal between
the Forth and Clyde through this district. When the
present line for the Forth and Clyde canal was chosen,
studies were made on how the Forth could be made navigable
as far as the bridge of Gartmore though not implemented
as yet.
Page 499 Lime for manure is brought from Sauchrie, 5
or so miles away and from works on the Forth.Although
it was long used as a manure this was never done to
any great extent being carried on horseback up to about
20 years ago when the bridge at Dript was built, and
carts could be used.
Page 505 Peat from the moss or coal from Bannockburn
are used as fuel.
NSA,
1243
Page 1262 The history of Sir William Wallace
brings him, after having burned the Peel (a stronghold)
of Gargunnock, across the Forth to this very point (Wallaces
Trench near Blair-Drummond east Lodge), by a road which
led across the moss of Kincardine to a ford in the Teith,
where, in the ordinary state of the river, it is fordable.
Page
1264 There are no ancient roads in this parish,
except the one found by the moss improvers, which is
universally ascribed to the Romans (see Canmore record
NS79NW
17). Seventy yards of it in length were discovered
on the surface of the clay, at the bottom of the moss,
after the peat, to the depth of eight feet, had been
removed. It was formed of trees about twelve inches
in diameter, having other trees of half this size crossing
them, and brushwood covering the whole. This road crossed
the moss of Kincardine northward from a narrow part
of the Forth, towards the Roman road, passing between
the moss and the river Teith. This last-mentioned road
has been traced from a ford in the Teith, about four
miles north-west of the Drip, in a south-east direction,
by Torwood and Larbert, to Camelon, on the Roman wall.
It is supposed to have been made by the Romans for checking
the incursions of the Caledonians by the Pass of Leny,
and also for opening a communication by Dunblane with
the well known station at Ardoch. A part of this road,
near the mansion-house of Ochtertyre, is still called
Staniegates, from the stones of which it was formed,
there having been no moss there to require a foundation
of trees.
The stone coffins already mentioned were found on this
line in Blair-Drummond Park. By pursuing this line along
the Forth and Teith, the Romans had not only the advantage
of the more open country, but also of having their right
protected by these rivers.
Page
1269 He has a long description of the moss of Kincardine
which covered 1800 acres and rested on a bed of clay
thought to have been laid down when the sea covered
the area. As the sea receded, conditions were right
for the growth of oak, alder, birch and hazel and the
remains of these trees can be found in the moss. Evidence
suggests that they were cut down by the Romans for reasons
of security and to enable roads to be made.
He
gives an account of the draining of the Kincardine moss
on the estate of Blair Drummond. There is a mention
of a new line of turnpike road along the north side
of the moss that proved to be very convenient to those
settled on the reclaimed land.
Note: Archie McKerracher in Perthshire in History and
Legend, John Donald Publishers, 1988 says that the B8075
which runs north from Gargunnock towards Doune was originally
cut 12 feet down into the peat until it reached the
carse clay, so that it had 12 foot high walls of peat
on either side.
Page
1281 Parochial Economy.
Stirling and Doune are the market towns. There is a
post office in Thornhill, served from Stirling.
Police.Since
the police were established problems caused by vagrants
and others have disappeared.
Means
of Communication.He details the roads which
can be seen on the map. Coaches run on the Stirling
to Callendar road.
He
gives details of a suspension bridge funded by Colonel
Graham of Meiklewood in 1831. It replaces ferryboats
and a temporary peat bridge (see Canmore
record NS79NW
23) on a 10 mile stretch of the Forth between the
Bridge of Drip and the Bridge of Frew. There is a pontage
and the Colonel with some statute labour funding keeps
up the road between the bridge and the main Stirling
to Doune road. He also built another smaller bridge
downriver from this.
Page
1285 Fairs.There is one small cattle fair
in Thornhill.
Inns,
Etc.Three in total.
Fuel.Coal
is brought from Greenyards and Bannockburn, 9 miles
away. There are three tolls on the road.
Those living on the Moss use peat; the demand for it
at Stirling and nearby villages has nearly doubled the
price.
Miscellaneous
Observations. Several miles of turnpike road and
three new bridges have been made.
MacFarlane
Geographical Collections
Description of Six parishes in Perthshire 1724
Kincardine
Page 339 Ferries on the Forth at Dripp, Badd, Killbeg
and Frew which also has a ford. Half a mile above Frew
is a stone bridge over the Goodie.
Kinclaven
OSA
19/327
Page 331 Villages.The main village here is
Arntully, so similar to other old villages where the "roads
and passages amongst the houses are inconceivably bad,
especially in wet weather, ...and the dunghill placed
at their door."
Page 333 "On the Tay, about a mile from the kirk,
is Kinclaven ferry, which occupies three ferry boats,
one for foot-passengers, one for horses, and another for
carriages. At the ferry, is a good and commodious inn,
on the Kinclaven side of the river."
NSA,
1129
page 1135 Parochial Economy. Markets.Perth
is the main market-town, although with the growth of
Stanley many goods are now bought there. Much of the
milk produced here can be sold in Stanley which is very
convenient.
Means
of Communication.The three main roads form
a triangle. The west side is the road from Perth to
the boat of Capputh, the south east goes from this road
to the boat of Kinclaven and the northern side from
here over to the Perth - Capputh road. This is to be
extended to the Dunkeld road near Murthly Castle and
if it was extended by a branch over to Bankfoot in Auchtergaven,
it would give access to Blairgowrie, Coupar-Angus and
Strathmore by the boat of Kinclaven and to the district
of Stormont by the boat of Capputh. The first road is
a turnpike, the others statute labour.
Post-Town.The
east of the parish is served by runner from Perth via
the Bridge of Isla; the west from Stanley which is a
sub-office of Perth and Dunkeld.
Bridges.
At Kinclaven Ferry (image),
there is a passage boat, on the same construction as
those used at Logierait (image)
and Caputh (image).
The length of the chain here is 136 yards, and that
the boat, although loaded, may effect the passage in
five minutes, even when the river is not more than one
foot in depth,such is the buoyancy imparted to
the boat or flying bridge, by the mode and principle
of its construction.
Page
1140 Inns or Ale-houses...here
are two inns or ale-houses; one near the Secession meeting-house,
intended for the accommodation of the more remote attendants
at that congregation; the other at the ferry boat, for
the use of travellers in general; and which is also
frequented by gentlemen from a distance, whom the excellent
salmon angling in its immediate neighbourhood attracts
to this part of the country, during the summer months.
Fuel.Coal
is available in Perth and Stanley. Firewood is often
sold and some are allowed to dig peat from the moss
of Craigleith.
1843
Kinfauns
OSA
14/212
Page 213 The old post road ran along the foot of Kinnoul
hill.
Page 215 The Tay forms the southern boundary of the
parish and is navigable as far as Perth.
Page 217 Roads. A fine level turnpike road
has recently been made between Perth and Dundee, and
is shorter than the old road. The cost of the tolls
is nearly met by the savings in the hire of a horse
or chaise. The advantages of the road were agreed by
all. Other roads are good and should improve with the
statute work being now concentrated on them; it is sometimes
commuted, sometimes applied in kind.
Page 227 Advantages.The new turnpike from
Perth to Dundee and the ease with which lime and coal
can be landed and grain taken away on the river are
great advantages.
 |
The
Valley of the Tay from Kinnoul Hill |
NSA,
1205
Topography And Natural History. Name.This
may be of Celtic origin from ceann, head, and fauns,
an opening; thus the head of the opening. The opening
in question may be that leading into the Carse of Gowrie.
Topographical
Appearances, Etc. The old post road ran close
to the foot of Kinnoull hill.
Page
1220 Parochial Economy.
The nearest market-town is Perth.
Means of Communication.The nearest post-office
is in Perth but there is a receiving house in the parish.
The Perth to Dundee turnpike passes through and has
three coaches on it each day, including the mail, as
well as carriers. There are several cross-roads.
Two steam-boats run between Perth and Dundee in summer;
one in winter. A boat at Inchyra ferries passengers
to these vessels.
There are two piers here where coal and lime are landed
and grain and potatoes taken on.
Page
1224 Inns.One - it has no bad effects on
the people.
Fuel. Coal from England and the Firth of
Forth is landed at piers in the area. Firewood is also
used.
1843
Kinnaird
OSA
6/233
Page 238 Now that work has started on making roads to
various landing places on the Tay, it will be so much
easier to reach these places when it was impracticable
to do this with loaded carts in winter in the past.
NSA,
228
Page 230 Parochial Economy. Market-Towns.There
are some small markets in nearby villages but Perth
and Dundee are the main towns for selling and buying
goods and produce and easily reached by the main road
between them. There is a port on the Tay about 4 miles
away where grain can be shipped and coal and lime obtained.
There is a post-office about 3 miles away.
Alehouses.One.
Miscellaneous Observations Since the last Account
the higher and lower parts of the parish have
been connected by means of a new road, over which carriages
of all kinds may travel in any weather; whereas, formerly,
there was nothing but a precipitous rut, dangerous even
for horses. This road is now become a sort of thoroughfare
between the Carse of Gowrie and Strathmore, and is of
public advantage, as well as private benefit.
1837
Kinnoul
OSA
18/540
Page 546 Bridge-end, and Bridge of Perth.The
village is so called as it is at the east end of the bridge
of Perth.
After the old bridge was carried away in 1621, the river
was crossed by ferry which was inconvenient, expensive
and often dangerous. Some thirty boats were used as it
was such a busy thoroughfare.
In 1765 a subscription for a new bridge was opened, mainly
through the initiative of the late Earl of Kinnoul and
who contributed much of the L.11,298:17:6 that the subscription
raised; the government granted L.4000 of this total.
The foundation stone was laid in 1766, an event attended
by thousands of people. It was completed in 1771 at a
final cost of L.26,446:12:3. The architect was Mr Smeaton
and the builders were Messrs. Guyn, Morton, and Jamieson.
The bridge has 10 arches and is 906 feet long, with 580
feet over the water. It is most useful not only for Perth
but for connecting the north and south of Scotland.
The
bridge has helped to raise Bridge-end from a paltry village
with a few houses, mostly for the boatmen, to a neat and
growing village in which a number of gentlemen reside,
as well as manufacturers to take advantage of yarn and
cloth being taken to market by the turnpike roads from
the Carse of Gowrie, Coupar of Angus, and the Stormount
that meet at Bridge-end. The writer quotes from the Earl
of Kinnoul's charter for the baronies of Kinnoul and Pitcullen
that entitle him to hold a weekly market and four fairs
in the year, as well as build harbours and storehouses
and operate passage cobles and boats.
Page
550 In a list of occupations there were 16 inn-keepers,
6 carters, and 3 boatmen.
Page 561 Roads.The turnpikes from Dundee,
Cupar of Angus, and Kinclaven and Scone pass through here.
These will allow lime and other manure and market produce
to be easily and cheaply transported. However, their full
benefit will only be achieved when the cross-roads are
improved.
The
parish and district benefits from being so near Perth
and the Tay which is navigable to here. Coal from the
Firth of Forth is used as fuel.
NSA,
933
Page 938 Bridge of Perth.He refers to the
bridge that connected Kinnoul with Perth noting that
it was built in 1329 and suffered damage by floods in
1573, 1582, 1589 and 1621 when "it was hailly dung
down, excepting only one bow thereof standing."
From that date (1621) until the opening of the new bridge
in 1771, the river was crossed by ferryboats. The bridge
has 10 arches, the clearwater way is 590 feet
and the overall length 906 feet. There are plans to
widen the bridge.
There is gas lighting in Bridgend.
1842
Kirkmichael
OSA
15/506
Page 514 Fairs.One fair at Kirkmichael; two
at spittal of Glenshee. Fifty years ago the Kirkmichael
fair was an important and very busy cattle market but
it has much declined. There is a weekly market in the
village; and among those attending are shoemakers from
Athole.
Fuel, &c.Peat and turf are used as fuel.
Although lime is used as a manure, the expense of peat
for burning the limestone hinders it from being used more.
There are 7 licensed retailers.
Roads."The military road from Coupar-Angus
to Fort George, passes along the Black Water and through
Glenshee. It is kept in repair chiefly by the statute
labours of the country. A country road along the course
of the Ardle is kept in pretty good repair, in the same
manner."
Page 521 Disadvantages.We are separated from
neighbouring districts by hills; one very steep hill hinders
travel to the market towns and the Stormonth which supplies
us with meal and corn and other items. Travel can be difficult
as for example when crossing the "rapid river that
runs through Strathardle." There had been a bridge
at the village but two arches fell about 40 years ago
and we now have to cross over planks laid between the
remaining pillars of this bridge.
NSA, 785
Page 788 The improvements to the parish have been helped
by the building of good roads and of bridges. One was
made last summer over the Ardle at Kirkmichael and cost
L500, raised by subscription. Mention
of Bridge of Cally.
Lecropt
OSA
17/45
Page 55 "The village of Bridge of Allen is sited
where two great military roads separate: one going by
Callendar to the west, and one by Crieff to the north."
Page 56 Roads. The main roads here are poor
but if the one leading north is turnpiked this will allow
more attention to be paid to the other main road, and
the bye-roads. In winter the roads in the Carse are near
impassable. Statute labour is in kind.
Page 58 Antiquities,There may be a Roman
post near the road to Ardoch. There is a chain of rude
forts running along the north face of the Strath, or Valley
of Monteith called Kiers. These were probably built by
the Caledonians to observe movements of the Romans based
on the Roman wall, started by Agricola and completed by
Antoninus Pius. The kiers are well sited as there are
few fords to the south and Moss Flanders would have been
impassable.
Advantages and DisadvantagesThe advantages
are being near Stirling and being able to easily obtain
coal and lime; however, the roads are bad.
NSA, 1160
Page 1161 Antiquities.He mentions a possible
Roman outpost in the east of the parish near to the
Roman road to Ardoch and a chain of rude forts called
Kiers that run along the north side of the Strath of
Monteath.
1842
MacFarlane
Geographical Collections
Description
of the Parish of Lecropt, Perth/Stirlingshire 1723
Page 310 The Kings highway divides after the Bridge
of Allan, one branch leading from Dunblane to Strathearn
and Perth, the other to Monteith and the west Highlands.
Lethendy
and Kinloch
OSA
17/521
He remarks that the Tay had moved two miles to the south,
leaving traces of its former course.
Page 528 Roads."There are two roads
which divide the parish nearly into four equal parts,
one of which runs from east to west, and the other from
south to north. Both of them have been long neglected,
and are at present in a state of wretched repair. In winter,
they are often totally impassable for carriages of any
kind. There is also a branch of road, presently forming,
leading along the south-west side of this parish to the
new bridge of Isla, and to the turnpike road from thence
to Perth......"
General Observations. Coal has to be brought
12 miles from Perth and even peat is more expensive by
the time it is dug, dried and brought home some distance.
NSA, 1001
No particular mention of roads.
Little
Dunkeld
OSA
6/354
Mention of inn at Amulrie on the military road from Stirling
to Tay bridge (Wade's bridge at Aberfeldy)
Page 360 Mention of east ferry of Dunkeld.
Page 371 The church of Little Dunkeld stands within
60 yards of the great highland road leading from Perth
to Inverness by the ferry of Invar.
Page 373 Roads and bridges. The road from
Amulrie to the west ferry of Dunkeld and its bridges were
made by Government. It is in good condition, lately improved,
but very steep and with a poor line. The great Highland
road is a county road as far as the west Ferry, when it
becomes a military road. There is a clear need for a bridge
at Dunkeld, and for government assistance in building
it.
There
is a well-frequented county road from the ferry through
the bishopric towards Taymouth (running on the west and
then the south side of the Tay to Aberfeldy and Taymouth)
which has good bridges but is in a very bad state. There
are four bridges on the Bran, one being on a county road
from Tay bridge (Aberfeldy) to Perth - this road is statute
labour and has been poorly made as are most roads made
in this manner where the people have nether the skill
nor the inclination to make roads. Conversion to a monetary
payment would be far preferable.
There is a very good inn at Invar and a recently built
house at Balnagaird on the Taymouth road promises to be
comfortable for travellers.
Page 375 South of the Tay, a mile below Murthly there
are remains of fortifications that probably guarded a
ford over the Tay.
Page
376 A bridge on the Bran just above Trochrie is thought
to be one of the oldest in Perthshire.
Mention of the Rumbling Bridge.
Page 378 Lime has to be brought from Perth which is
between 12 and 25 miles from different parts of the
parish. Good marl lies at a similar distance though
there is a great extent of it in Auchtergaven which
could perhaps be exploited. There is plenty of peat
but it takes up two months in the summer at the expense
of carrying lime and marl.
NSA,
1005
Page 1005 Mention of the Rumbling Bridge.
Page 1008 The Bridge of Dunkeld was built in 1809.
Page 1012 Parochial Economy. Market-Town.Dunkeld
is the market town for the district - four fairs are
held yearly.
Villages, Roads, Etc.There is
a good turnpike road in each of the three districts
of the parish; that in Strathbran is ten miles long;
the one in the Bishoprick the same; and in the eastern
division, about four miles, and all in excellent condition.
There is a new bridge across the Bran, nearly half-way
between Dunkeld and Amulree.
Fuel.Mostly peat but it takes much time
and effort to gather and is of inferior quality. Carriage
makes coal too expensive for most.
Inns.14.
Miscellaneous Observations. Much improved roads.
1843
Logierait
OSA
5/75
Page 82 Roads and Bridges. There is not enough
traffic here to justify a turnpike - the income from tolls
would be insufficient to repay loans.
The road north of the Tummel was made by the government
and maintained by the statute labour with some occasional
help from soldiers. The Strath-Tay road is a statute labour
road; it is good in summer but some stretches are bad
in winter. The bridges on this road were paid for by the
county and by subscription. The statute labour has not
been converted into a monetary payment which indicates
how little money is available here.
Page 86 Mention of ferry of Tummel.
NSA,
685
Page 697 Parochial Economy. Means
of Communication.There
is a good turnpike road in Strathtay reached at Logierait
by two ferries, one over the Tay, the other over the
Tummel. The ferries connect the Strathtay road
with the great road to Inverness on the north, and with
that to Breadalbane (from Dunkeld) on the south.
One of the ferries was of a novel design which he describes.
There is a swing-boat on another part of the
river; but the near vicinity of a bridge lately erected
has caused it to be, in a great measure, disused. There
is a fourth regular ferry in the parish. There is a
post daily, with the exception of Tuesday.
Page 701 Inns and Ale-houses. Two inns
and 7 ale-houses.
The Feillma-choit, (Sacred festival of St Machutus?)
was once a very considerable market; and there is a
small cattle-market at Pitnacree in spring.
Fuel.Wood, peat, and coal brought in from
Perth.
1842
Longforgan
OSA
19/459
Page 464 Details of quarry at Kingoody - stones are carried
by water as far as Perth and Montrose, and by land for
some 15 miles or so. They are also exported to England.
Page 472 Markets.Three annual fairs, mostly
for cattle.
Inns.Two good inns, useful for travellers.
The
turnpike road between Perth and Dundee passes through
this parish.
Page 493 Fuel.Coal from the Firth of Forth
is landed at Dundee, the burn-mouth of Invergourie, or
at Polgavie; some English coal is also used.
Page 502 Details of embanking on the Tay.
 |
Parishes
in the Carse of Gowrie between Perth and Dundee
(Errol, Inchture, Longforgan, St Madoes). Until
the turnpike was made along with branches to the
harbours on the Tay, travel was very difficult in
the area. Based on 1/4 inch OS map 1923. |
Page
551 Roads. Prior to 1790 roads in the Carse
of Gowrie were very bad and in this parish the whole statute
labour could not maintain the 4 miles of post-road that
passes through it. In 1790 a turnpike act for Perthshire
included the road between Perth and Dundee with branches
to the harbours of Polgavie, Errol, and Inchyre. The Carse
proprietors, who are trustees, contributed L.13,000 to
the work.
The statute labour is now applied solely to the bye-roads,
which along with contributions from the proprietors, has
led to great improvements in these roads. Where possible,
farmers are allowed to apply their statute labour to roads
most useful to them.
Great benefits have resulted from all this work.
In a footnote he says that before 1790 goods had to be
carried on horse back and much of the Carse was inaccessible
to carts for 6 months so that liming and manuring the
land was near impossible. Now carts can be used to move
quite heavy loads rapidly and cheaply anywhere in the
district.
Page 555 He gives details of the tradition that the
Tay had changed its course.
.it is said, that there are charters,
one for Bambrich in Fife, now upon the south bank of
the Tay, but which formerly was said to be bounded by
the Earn or Ironside; and another, either for Flawcraig
or Craigdilly, where, it is said, iron rings had been
found fixed in the rocks, for fastening ships, and that
in the charter there is the remarkable expressionUbi
olim naves ligabantur (where at one time ships used
to tie up)."
Page 560 Reference to a new road being made about 12
years before to the parish of Rossie.
There is a Roman camp here called Cotter Mellie, undoubtedly
a corruption of Quatuor Mille.
NSA, 405
Page 417 Parochial Economy. Market-Town
and Villages.Dundee
is the nearest.
There is a daily postal service although the post-office
is at Inchture. The coast road to Aberdeen runs through
the parish and has two branches, one to the Kingoody
quarries and rejoining the turnpike nearer to Perth,
the other passing over the Sidlaws to Coupar Angus.
Three or four coaches, including the mail run on this
road. There are sufficient small bridges for our needs.
There is a small harbour at Kingoody linked to the quarries
and which is used for landing lime and for exporting
grain and potatoes.
Page
421 Fairs.Two have been held here since
1663 and one, known as the tryst, since 1807.
Inns, Etc.Four as well as the toll-house
at the boundary with Angus.
Fuel.English coal is brought from Dundee
or landed at Kingoody, in this parish, or at Powgavie,
in the adjoining one of Inchture. Coal from the south
coast of Fife is also used to some extent, along with
fire-wood.
Miscellaneous
Observations. Before 1790 the roads in the Carse
were very bad and hindered the use of lime and manure.
The situation greatly improved when the turnpike between
Perth and Dundee was made and work was carried out on
the statute labour roads.
1838
Madderty
OSA
19/563
 |
Ruins
of Inchaffray Abbey. |
Page
566 Stones from Inchaffray Abbey used for making roads.
Page 568 Coal is brought 24 miles from Blairingone and
from Perth which is 12 miles away though the coal is
dearer.
Roads.The parish roads are very bad, particularly
in wet weather. However, the Pow is crossed by three
stone bridges which is useful for those in the locality.
Antiquity.As well as the ruins of Inchaffray
Abbey, there is a section of the Roman road from Ardoch
to Perth. It is in very good condition but may not remain
so " if it can by any means be converted into
a highway, or afford materials for making or repairing
one."
NSA,
748
Page 749 On several occasions stones from Inchaffray
Abbey have been used for making the roads.
Page 750 Parochial Economy. The parish roads
are fairly good and there is now a turnpike road.
Craig of Maderty estate was made into a burgh of barony
in 1626 with the right to set up fairs and markets.
MacFarlane
Geographical Collections
Some Short Notes on the Parishes of Blackford, Ochterarder,
Dunning etc in Perthshire 1725
Page 140 In Madderty parish there is a bridge over the
Pow at Dolarie and boats for horses and men on the Earn.
Note: Details of Inchaffray abbey
can be found in Charters,
bulls and other documents relating to the abbey of Inchaffray,
Scottish History Society, 1908. The map from this volume
can be accessed from a Wikipedia
article - this shows roads in the area in the middle
ages.
Meigle
OSA
1/503
Page 504 "In the neighbourhood of Meigle, there
is a ferry-boat on the Isla, in the road from Dundee to
Alyth. Several attempts have been made to raise L.800
for building a bridge at that ferry; but these have been
hitherto frustrated by the societies who were peculiarly
interested in their success."
Page 505 "Across the Dean is a narrow and badly
constructed bridge, in the road from Cupar to Kirriemuir."
Page 509 There is no sign of a Roman road here. There
is a camp at Cupar.
Page 511 Towns, &c Meigle, "an antient,
inconsiderable, meanly built, market-town", is sited
where two turnpike roads meet. Apart from the weekly market
there are two annual fairs.
Page 516 The main disadvantage hereabouts relates to fuel
whether peat and turf or coal which has to be carried
from Dundee at considerable expense.
Canal.He gives details of a proposal for
a canal between Perth and Forfar.
NSA,
232
Page 235 Vestiges of a camp at Caerdean.
Page 237 Parochial Economy. MarketsDundee
is the main market town followed by Cupar Angus. There
are two annual fairs held here.
Means of Communication. Post office. Six
miles of turnpike road. The Edinburgh to Aberdeen coach
passes through, as well as one from Blairgowrie, and
one from Cupar Angus that runs to the rail-road in Newtyle.
A very old bridge over the Dean connects Meigle
with Airly, in the county of Forfar. A well-built bridge
has lately been erected by subscription over the Isla,
connecting this parish with Alyth. Bridges over the
burn of Meigle, and over-drains, are kept in good repair,
as are the fences.
Page 238 Inns.5
Fuel.Mostly
coal from Dundee.
Methven
OSA
10/609
Page 617 Markets, etcThere are two butchers
here who supply the district and also send some meat to
Perth.
Roads."As a great part of the parish
consists of strong clay, our roads in winter have been
wretchedly bad, the statute labour not being adequate
to uphold them, in decent repair. But lately, an act of
Parliament has been obtained for a turnpike road between
Perth and Crieff the line of which passes through a great
part of this parish; and; is conducted through an uneven
country, with a skill which does much honour to the abilities
of Mr Abercrombie, the engineer who directed it. It will
be finished in the course of this season, (autumn 1793)
and will contribute much to the improvement and accommodation
of this country. The cross roads are also assuming a much
better appearance, now that the statute labour is applied
entirely to them."
NSA,
142
Page 154 Parochial Economy. Roads,
Etc.The
Perth to Glasgow road by way of Crieff (the north road)
passes through Methven. Several county roads intersect
it; these are funded by the statute labour conversion
money. The royal mail and another coach run between
Perth and Glasgow. There is a penny post-office here,
served from Perth.
Page
161 Inns.Ten.
Fuel.Coal from the Forth and from Newcastle
is brought in to Perth.
Miscellaneous
Observations.
A bridge is being built over the Almond at Dalcrue,
near Lynedoch.
1837
Moneydie
OSA
3/269
Page 270 The main manure is lime brought from Fifeshire
to Perth from where the farmers drive it home.
Page 274 Fuel.Coal from Perth has replaced
turf as the fuel.
Antiquities.Possible Roman camp.
Miscellaneous Observations.One small public
house. A stone bridge was built over the Slochie by the
kirk and another over Condrachie on the new highway made
by Mr Graham. He has also made two other roads that meet
this road.
NSA, 198
Page 201 A spot, supposed to have been the
site of a Roman camp, is still pointed out; but its
genuineness is very doubtful. Like many other Roman
camps, if its history were known, it would very likely
turn out to have been a sheep-pen.
Page
207 Parochial Economy. Market-Towns, Etc.Perth
is the market and post town. There are penny post offices
at Methven and Auchtergaven. A statute labour road runs
from the Dunkeld turnpike to Logiealmond and Glenshee.
Page
210 Alehouses. Several.
Fuel.Peat and wood are used in Logiealmond,
and coal from Perth in the eastern part of the parish.
1837
Monivaird
and Strowan
OSA
8/567
Page 575 Antiquities Two Roman observation
posts can be seen on Ochtertyre estate; one has a view
of the camp at Dalginross, the other of the camp on
the muir of Orchil.
Page
577 Advantages and Disadvantages. Coal has to
be brought 10 miles in carts by a hilly road, although
it is still cheaper than peat or wood. The proposed
turnpike between Crieff and Blairingone which is our
nearest supply of coal will help somewhat in alleviating
this.
Manufactured goods could easily be taken from Crieff
to Perth by the new turnpike road being made between
them, or by a canal that could easily be made to within
a mile of the Tay.
NSA,
723
Page 725 Mountain Ranges, Etc.In a description
of the parish he mentions the northern branch
of the Lochearn turnpike road that leads from Crieff,
the Loch of Monivaird, by Comrie to Lochearnhead. On
the south side of the Earn there is a branch leading
to Comrie, and the Glenlichorn road from Comrie to Stirling."
Page
729 Greenstone from a quarry at Monzie is used for road
metal.
Page 739 Antiquities.Several Roman
antiquities have been found in these parishes, as might
be expected from their vicinity to the stations of the
Roman camps at Ardoch, Dalginross, and Strageath.
Page
744 Parochial Economy. Markets.There
are weekly markets at nearby Crieff and Comrie.
Means
of Communication.Turnpike roads run on both
sides of the Earn between Crieff and Comrie. A runner
carries the mail each day by the north road and there
a few carriers each week. There are 5 or 6 bridges.
Page
746 Fairs.There used to be three fairs
in Monivaird and Strowan but they are now held in Crieff.
Alehouses.Two.
Fuel.Peats
come from the moss at Loch Turret. Coal has to come
25 miles from Bannockburn hence it is expensive. Fire
wood is also used. 1838. Revised 1842.
Monzie
OSA 15/241
Page
252 Bridges, Roads, Ale-houses, Mills, and Markets."Over
the river Almond at Buchandy, there is a bridge of one
arch, laid over another, and bearing date 1639. It was
built by the Earl of Tullibardin when he had his summer
residence in this place, the remains of which residence
are still to be seen. The proper name of the bridge,
however, is M'Bean's bridge, because of a chapel originally
near it, called St M'Bean's chapel. On all the public
roads there are good bridges. Those upon the county
road built by the county, and the others by subscription.
The roads here were kept up formerly by the statute
labour, which is generally very ill performed, and therefore
it is now commuted. They pay from 8s. to 10s. each plough,
and the pendiclers and cottagers pay 1s. 6d. a year.
There are 7 licensed ale-houses in the parish."
Page
256 Antiquities.The district abounds with
Caledonian and Roman remains, including the Roman camp
at Fendoch sited opposite the only route through the
hills for 40 miles.
Page 259 Advantages and Disadvantages.
The nearest coal is 20 miles distant. Although lime
can be had nearby, it is too expensive to burn it. Marl
is very dear. However, the new roads built or planned
will be of great benefit. One has now opened between
Perth and Crieff, and is to be continued to Stirling.
 |
The
Sma' Glen |
NSA,
262
Page 263 "Small Glen." A new road to
the Highlands runs through here and has much the same
line as the military road.
Clach-Ossian,
or Ossian's Stone.This is a large stone reputed
to mark the grave of Ossian. When the military road
was being formed the soldiers moved it to see if there
was any treasure underneath and found that it was in
fact a grave, though of whom is not known.
Page
266 Whirlwinds and Earthquakes.The topography
of the small glen is such that violent air currents
can form. Travellers have been blown off their horses
and have had to seek shelter until the storm passed
over.
Page
270 One glimpse more may be obtained into the
condition of society at that period. Formerly there
were extensive cattle markets held at Crieff, which
have since been carried to Falkirk. These necessarily
brought down from the north, crowds of Highlanders.
They are described by people old enough to remember
them, as barefooted and bareheaded, although many of
them old men. Being numerous, they used to enter the
houses of the country people, take unceremonious possession
of their firesides and beds, carry off the potatoes
from their fields or gardens, and sometimes even the
blankets, which had afforded them a temporary covering
for the night.
Page
271 Antiquities. Mention of many Roman
remains in the parish; among them camps at Ardoch, Comrie
and Strageath as well as sections of military road.
Page 272 Camps.Mention of what may be small
Roman posts at "Knock Durroch" (the Oaken
Knoll) near Monzie, and at Cultoquhey.
Fendoch
Camp. He describes the camp at Fendoch, situated
just south of the Almond where it issues from the Small
Glen. Since the last Account the site had been damaged
by ploughing.
Page
278 Parochial Economy. Crieff has a weekly market
and eight fairs each year.
Roads and Fences. Eleven miles of fine
turnpike road as well as statute labour roads.
Page
280 Fair.The old St Lawrences fair
lasted two days. One day of the fair is still held at
Monzie; the other day is held at Crieff.
Alehouses.One
in Monzie, and two in Gilmerton.
Fuel.Coal
is brought from Bannockburn or Dollar, both about 25
miles distant. Peat and wood are available locally.
Moulin
OSA
5/50
Page 68 The roads are good and allow easy access to the
low country and the market-towns of Dunkeld and Perth.
With peat becoming scarce and difficult and expensive
to obtain and coal being so far distant the supply of
fuel will soon become a problem.
Distilleries, Alehouses etc.There are two
distilleries and 24 licenced retailers of ale etc. He
notes that at fairs "every house, hut, and shed in
the respective villages, is converted into a dramshop."
Page
71 Roads. The Perth to Inverness road passes
through; it is well maintained by the statute labour and
occasional help from the military. The bye-roads are statute
labour, mostly exacted in kind.There used to be a ferry
over the Garry at the southern end of the pass of Killicrankie
but when 18 people were drowned one day in 1767, it was
replaced by a bridge built by subscription.
NSA,
637
Page 656 Ten four-wheeled carriages and 4 gigs.
Page 659 Parochial Economy.
MarketTown, Etc. Dunkeld and Pitlochry.
Post-Office.There is a post office in Pitlochry
at which the mail coach between Perth and Inverness
calls. It started in 1836. There is a runner to Rannock
three times a week.
There are two coaches in summer and autumn between Perth
and Blair Athol and there are many visitors to this
area at such times though it is to be regretted that
many travel on the Sabbath-day.
 |
The
Pass of Killikrankie |
Turnpike.The
old military road was converted into a turnpike. There
is a toll-bar about the middle of the pass of Killiecrankie.
The present rent is L. 213. The length of the turnpike
road in the parish is seven miles.
Parish
Roads. There are excellent statute labour
roads between Pitlochry and Kirkmichael and on either
side of the Tummel.
Bridges.He
remarks that the bridge built in 1832 over the Tummel,
one mile west of Pitlochry would have been better situated
at Portnacraig. He argues for the advantages of a turnpike
between this district and Strathtay, starting at White-fall
bridge and crossing the " Monadh-meadhonach
to Weem, Aberfeldy, and Taymouth.
In
1833 a bridge was built over the Garry near the confluence
with the Girnaig.
Page
667 Fairs.These are held at Moulin, Pitlochry
and Amulrie.
Inns.Seven ale-houses and seven distilleries
though in general their effect on the people has not
been bad.
Fuel.The main fuel is peat though it is
obtained only with much effort and there is now a great
demand for it from the distilleries which may lead to
shortages which will cause difficulties for many. Some
coal is also used. If the Perth to Dunkeld railroad
is built it will make it much easier to obtain fuel.
Miscellaneous
Observations. Roads have improved and the old
military road has been made a turnpike.
1839
Muckart
(see Fossoway for related
information)
OSA
9/303
Page 308 Natural Curiosities."The
Rumbling Bridge is built in a hollow over the river Dovan,
between the parishes of Muckart and Fossaway. It consists
of one arch of 22 feet in span and 12 in breadth. At this
place there was originally a bridge of wood. The present
stone one was built about the year 1713, by one William
Gray, a native of the parish of Saline. It is over a narrow
chasm that seems to have been worn through the rock by
the river, about 86 feet deep."
Public
Houses.There are three, used by travellers and
those driving coal from Blairngone and Dollar to Strathern.
Page 311 Roads and Bridges.The Kinross to
Stirling road and the Queen's Ferry to Strathern road
by Blairngone pass through. Of bridges over the Dovan
there are the Rumbling Bridge, one near the old manse
of Fossaway, one on the Kinross to Stirling road, and
another on the Strathern road above Blairngone. This road
is to be turnpiked.
NSA,
301
Page
308 Parochial Economy. Market-Town.Alloa
is the market and post-town although there is a penny-post
in Dollar which is nearer.
Means
of Communication.In the parish there is a
stretch of turnpike road from Dollar towards Milnathort,
and one from Rumbling Bridge up Glendovan. Coaches between
Glasgow and Perth and Edinburgh and Crieff pass through
regularly.
There are 4 bridges over the Devon: on the Yetts to
Milnathort road, at Fossoway church, Rumbling Bridge
on the new road from the south, and the Vicars
Bridge on the old county road from the south, about
two miles east from Dollar.
Rumbling Bridge has an old arch underneath the new bridge
- this was very narrow and had no parapet. The Vicars
Bridge is so named after the Vicar of Dollar who was
killed there at the time of the Reformation.
Page
310 Miscellaneous Observations. At the time of
the last Report it was hard to access the parish. This
has greatly changed since the new road from Stirling
to Milnathort was made about 1810, and the Dunfermline
to Crieff road was made in 1816. Traffic is very considerable
- some 10,000 tons of coal, 4000 or 5000 carts of lime
and many carriers and visitors to the falls pass through
each year.
Muthill
OSA
8/485
The village is on the military road to Inverness by
Tay Bridge.
Page 489 "There are several county roads in
the parish; but the most remarkable one is the great
military road from Stirling by Crieff to Inverness which
runs the whole length of the parish for 8 or 9 miles,
crossing the Allan, the Knaick, the Machany, and the
Ern, over each of which rivers there is a stone bridge."
Page
493 Antiquities.Of the remains of two Roman
camps in the parish, those of the one at Strageath near
Innerpeffray are now indistinct; from its small size
and lack of strong fortifications it may have been a
temporary camp. By contrast those at Ardoch are well
preserved and he gives a full description of the camp
and two nearby camps that may have been used for cavalry
and auxiliaries when Agricola was advancing to the decisive
battle of Mons Graupius. There are also several "forts
of observation" in the parish. He mentions in passing
that one or more ditches on the west side may have been
filled in when the (Hanoverian) military road from Stirling
to the north was being made.
 |
The
Roman road north of Ardoch heading towards the Gask
Ridge. Older maps show the road crossing the Earn
north-west of Innerpeffray but see A
Possible Roman Road Cutting at Innerpeffray Library
Perthshire. D.J.Woolliscroft, with contribution
by B.Hoffmann for recent work at this location.
See RCAHMS etc for up to date details of the many
Roman remains in this area. Note the Hanoverian
military road running directly to Muthill. For continuation
of the Roman road northward see Trinity
Gask and Cargill. Above
map based on 1/2 inch OS map, 1913. |
Page
496 "There is in the parish a Roman road or
causeway, a great part of which is now covered over
with heath, leading from Ardoch to a fort of observation,
called Camp's Castle, situated on the top of the Muir
of Orchil, the lines of which are still very distinct.
There is also another fort of observation, larger, but
not so entire as the one above mentioned, which is situated
to the northward of the house of Orchil."
Eagle's Craig or Beacon Hill near Drummond Castle lies
2 miles from Strageath and can be seen from Camp's Castle
and from the Roman road running from Strgeath eastwards
to a signal station at the parks of Gask. This, and
the depth of ashes on its top, suggests it had been
used for signals.
Page 497 Miscellaneous Observations. "There
is 1 coach; 6 four wheeled chaises, and 1 single horse
chaise, in the parish."
"Good roads are now making to all the market
towns."
NSA,
311
Page 315 There is need for a bridge over the Earn to
allow people to attend church at Innerpeffray.
Page 321 Camps at Ardoch.He gives a long
account of the camps at Ardoch and refers to a small
camp at Strageath close to the Earn and near Innerpefray
that has been much reduced by the plough.
Page 328 Parochial Economy. Market-Towns,
etc.Crieff which is on the public road to
the south.
Ecclesiastical
State.Spottiswood says that the bridge of
Knaik and Machant was built by Bishop Ochiltree (1440s).
Page
333 Public houses -20.
MacFarlane
Geographical Collections
Muthill
Page 131 In Muthill parish there is a bridge with four
arches over the Earn. One of the arches was destroyed
by the rebels in 1715 to stop the Duke of Argyles
march to Perth.
There are passage boats at Dallpatrick and Enerpafry,
and two bridges over the Mahany. The one at the mill
of Steps has stone pillars laid over with oak
trees and covered above with gravel. There is
another bridge over the Knaijk near Ardoch on the road
to Stirling.
The road from Stirling to Crieff runs through here as
does one from Auchterarder to Comrie, Balwider and Innerlochie.
There is another road which goes from Muthill to Perth,
which is called the street way because it runs
in a straight line for the most part, and is cassied
with stone, this way is said to have once run betwixt
Perth and Sterling which is about 24 miles, and is said
to be done either by the Picts or the Romans.
Perth
OSA
18/489 He details the various arguments that Perth was
founded by the Romans. There are the remains of a bridge
over the Tay just north of the Almond.
Page 498 "Sir Robert Sibbald, who had carefully
traced the Roman roads or military streets in this part
of the country, describes 4 which led to Perth.
One
from Aberdour and Newbigging, through the town of Kinross
to Perth. A second, from the North Ferry, through the
town of Kinross to Perth. A third, from the bridge of
Stirling, through the town of Dumblane, and the Roman
camp at Ardoch, to Perth. A fourth, from Abernethy to
Perth.
At present, there are turnpike roads from all quarters;
which, together with the conveniency of the bridge,
attract a multitude of travellers."
Considerable details of the early history of Perth are
given.
Page 508 A charter of around 1200 refers to a road between
Tibbermore and Perth.
Page
511 A great deal of trade was carried on in the middle
ages with the continent. Details of the current extensive
manufacture and trade are also given.
Page 523 "There are no hackney coaches in Perth,
but many postchaises, which are often used as such coaches
are in the larger towns. There are some persons who
keep carriages of their own; and still a greater number
who keep men-servants in livery, as being suitable to
the stile of living which they are able to support."
Page 530 "The late Earl of Kinnoul exerted himself
in obtaining a new bridge to be erected over the Tay,
in 1766. Besides what was given by individuals, and
by different societies in the town, L.2000 was given
from the public revenue."
NSA,
1
Page 27 In discussing the origins of Perth he notes
the OSA reference to the four Roman roads.
Page
41 In 1607 the town requested financial help from James
VI towards building the bridge - he allowed an exemption
from taxes.
Page 44 When the king visited Perth in 1617 extensive
preparations were made to ensure that all went well.
These included work on the bridge of Earn which was
the town's chartered property and over which the king
would cross. A Henry Bannewis was appointed "to
tak cair upon the bigging of the calsayeis of the Brig
of Erne, and brig thairof, and to take triel with the
cosches of his Majesty, that they discretlie be careit
langlandis the brig, bot hurt to the samen, and to the
cosches, and the councill to consider his panes, and
the said brig to be ledget with timmer and new daillit."
Another
royal visit made by Charles II in 1633 led to repair
work being done on the bridge of Earn.
Page 47 Inundations. In 1210 a major flood swept
away the bridge. In 1621 the kirk-session records state
that "It is to be noted and put in register in
this book, the great and miraculous deliverance that
the Lord gave to this burgh of Perth of an fearful inundation
of water compassing the same in all parts, so that therethrough
the Brig of Tay was hailly dung doun, except only one
bow thereof standing. None could get furth of it, nor
yet cum within it to make any relief thereto."
Page
48 Citadel on South Inch. In building this citadel
in 1652 (by Cromwell) which caused great hardship to
many people who were turned out of their houses, some
of its materials were obtained by using the stone pillars
and abutments of the bridge.
Page 71 Vestiges of a Roman road from Ardoch by Methven
to the Tay about a quarter of a mile above Perth.
Page 82 Mention in city records of 1696 of passage boats.
Page 94 Details of manufactures and their export, also
of shipping.
 |
 |
The
Customs House at Bridgend where customs for Perth
were collected |
Notice
for drivers of locomotives crossing the bridge -
click for larger image |
Page
95 Parochial Economy. Market-Town."Perth
is a market-town, and the only one in the parish. Its
population, as I have already stated, was, at the last
census 1831, 20,016."
He gives many details of its extensive trading history.
Page 97 Means of Communication.Perth is
a post-town receiving mail from all the main towns.
Roads run to Edinburgh, Glasgow (one by Crieff and another
by Auchterarder), Dunkeld, Inverness etc, and Aberdeen.
These roads are made on Mr MAdams system much
to the comfort of travellers. Coaches run on all the
roads.
The
Bridge of Perth was completed in 1771. It has nine arches,
is 880 feet long and 22 feet wide including pavement.
He gives substantial details of the earlier bridge,
referring to an account of the origins of Perth called
the Muses
Threnodie by a Henry Adamson written between 1570
and 1636. This has an unsubstantiated reference to Agricola
constructing a wooden bridge at Perth as well as notices
of damage to the bridge on three separate occasions
viz. 1573, 1582, and 1589. The bridge itself was built
in the 1300s on an order from King Robert
Bruce, 1329, to the abbot and monks of the abbey of
Scone, to allow the magistrates of Perth liberty to
take stones out of the quarries of Kincarrathie or Balcormac,
for building the Bridge of Tay, the Bridge of Earn,
and the church.
Other records show the bridge was in a bad way in 1566
- the brig haiffing twyst fallin doun and decayit,
and laitlie being erectit of tymmer, is readdy to fall
without present help. It was finally completed
in 1617 but was swept away four years later. Numerous
attempts were made after this time to rebuild it; the
new bridge being completed in 1771 just upriver from
the old one.
There
are no canals or rail-roads in the parish. Between Perth
and Dundee there is one passage steam-boat, and sometimes
two, which ply daily. The river not being deep enough
in several places to admit of their passing at all hours,
their arrivals and departures are regulated by the flowing
of the tide. An iron steamboat is being constructed,
112 feet long, and capable of carrying 500 passengers.
With the removal of fords and the deepening of the river
this should remove the dependency on the tides.
 |
Friarton Bridge, opened in 1978 |
Although a railroad between Perth and Dundee is planned,
agreement with those whose lands it will pass through
has still to be reached.
Harbours.Considerable
details of the navigation of the river and of the harbour
are given. In the 18th century there was much trade
with both British and continental ports but this had
declined somewhat partly due to other towns not being
disadvantaged by being on a river and partly because
the removal of obstructions had been neglected. In this
respect there is mention of the weel-ford in Perth and
some others towards Newburgh, and that work on deepening
the river was carried out from 1834 onwards.
Page
104 Ecclesiastical State.Robert Bruce addressed
a letter to the abbot and convent of Scone, who had
some quarries in the neighbourhood, in order to obtain
stones needed for the church of Perth and the bridges
of Perth and Earn. "Robert, by the grace of God
King of Scots, to our beloved and faithful religious
men, the abbot and convent of Scone, greeting: We request,
and that very earnestly, that you will grant liberty
to take hewed stones from Kincarrachie and Balcormac,
for the edification of the church of Perth and of the
Bridges of Perth and Earn, providing always that this
liberty shall not be of any prejudice or damage to you.
Given at Glasgow, the 4th day of July, in the forty-third
year of our reign (1329)." (Liber Ecclesie de Scon,
charter
143, page 103)
Page
138 Fairs. Two weekly markets and 6 major fairs
held throughout the year.
Inns and Alehouses. There are 249 of these and
74 grocers shops where drink can be had. He remarks
on the problems caused by drink and the need for more
rigorous licensing.
Fuel. Coal is brought in by sea from Newcastle
and the coast of Fife.
Miscellanous
Observations.
Page 141
He describes various streets in the town and roads leading
to other places - many of these can be seen on town
plans (NLS).
One point of interest was that the river was
crossed by means of boats and barges, which plied between
the Quay at the foot of the High Street, and that on
the opposite shorecalled the Gibraltar.
1837
Port
of Monteith
OSA
7/139
Peat is available from the moss but at much trouble
and expence.
Much oat meal is sent to Glasgow, Dumbarton and the
Highlands. Butter and cheese are sent to the markets
in the towns.
NSA, 1095
Topography And Natural History. Name,
EtcThe
name of the parish refers to the ferry used to reach
the Priory of Inchmahone and the seat of the Earls of
Menteith.
Page
1097 When frozen, the lake can sometimes bear loaded
carts.
Page 1098 There is a tradition recorded by someone writing
about the parish 100 years before that the sea used
to reach to the hill of Gartmore where at that time
there was a stone with a hole in it and in which
there was an iron ring for tying boats to; "which
stone," he says, "is to this day called clach-nanloang,
or the 'ship or boat-stone.'"
Page
1102 He discusses the possibility that Bedes Guidie,
a Pictish town, was situated beside the Guidie which
is the outflow for the lake of Inchmahone and which
before drainage formed a lake which is mentioned in
old writs. This would accord with the tradition above
and with Bedes statement that the Forth and Clyde
almost met each other.
Page
1103 Inchmahone may have been a seat of the Culdees,
who were later displaced by Augustinian monks.
Page
1109 Five public-houses in the parish.
MacFarlane
Geographical Collections
Description
of Six parishes in Perthshire 1724
Port (of Menteith)
Page 341 Ford and ferry at Gartartan.
There is a tradition that Moss Flanders was once under
water - in proof of this there is a stone with a hole
in it where there was an iron ring to which boats could
be attached. It is called Clachnan Loang or the ship
or boat stone and is sited at the hill of Gartmore.
Rattray
OSA
4/148
Page 150 Coal is brought in from Perth and Dundee, the
long carriage adding to the cost.
NSA,
239
Page 246 Parochial Economy. Most domestic articles
can be found in Old and New Rattray villages and Blairgowrie
has many shops. Cupar-Angus is also fairly near and
is reached by turnpike road from Blairgowrie. From Cupar-Angus
there are turnpikes to Perth and Dundee; the Defiance
coach from Edinburgh to Aberdeen passes through the
town.
There
is now a railway from Dundee to Newtyle which brings
in coal, lime and manure and takes away grain and potatoes.
Passengers find the train cheap and convenient. It is
hoped to extend it to Cupar-Angus.
Page 248 Fairs.Two fairs, mostly for cattle.
More than 6 alehouses.
Fuel.Coal
is brought from Perth or the railway at Newtyle. There
are also peats available in mosses, three or four miles
away, and some wood.
Miscellaneous
Observations. There is an interesting iron bridge
erected by Colonel Chalmers of Glenericht. It has stone
pillars at either end and a single span. It gives access
to the great road from Perth to Braemar.
1837.
Redgorton
OSA
15/523
Page 525 Details of the Battle of Luncarty.
Page 527 The causeway from Ardoch continues through
here having crossed the Tay at a camp sited at the confluence
of the Tay and Almond.
"The
foundation of a wooden bridge thrown over the Tay at
this place still remains, it consists of large oak planks,
from six to eight inches in diameter, fastened together
by long skairs, but coarsely jointed, and surrounded
with clasps of iron, frequently twisted. It would seem,
that screwbolts, and fine made joints, were then unknown.
I caused one of them to be raised some years ago, at
the request of the late Dr Hope, who assured me that
the fabric of the wood was not in the least decayed.
At the other end, beyond this bridge, to the North East,
there are some remains of the continuation of the causeway,
almost as far as Blairgowrie, beyond which there are
no traces of this famous military road to be discovered."
He adduces some evidence that Mons Graupius had been
fought in the area.
He
gives details of the tradition (mentioned by Hector
Boece) that Bertha, sited by the Almond which had its
former course half a mile to the south of its present
position, was carried away by a flood in 1210 and that
William the Lion rebuilt it at Perth a couple of years
later. However he adduces evidence that this was very
unlikely including the fact that excavations had revealed
paved streets in Perth from three to ten feet deep indicating
the age of Perth. William's charter was also a nova
damus or renewal of a previous charter.
Page 536 Advantages. "In place of travelling
in carts, and being jaded on hacks, many of the manufacturers
have their own horses for riding, arid give an airing
to their wives and children, in genteel carriges."
There are now 16 chaises available for hire when 30
years ago there were only 3 or 4.
Page
540 In this parish we have the Perth to Dunkeld turnpike,
the road from Dunkeld to Balgowan, Stirling etc, and
the one from Perth to the West Highhlands that runs
through Glenalmond.
"The only fuel made use of here is coal, which
they either bring from Perth, or from the pits. If the
last is the case, they set off with their carriages
about midnight, and arrive at home the next evening
in the twilight."
General Observations. Attendance at church would
improve if the roads leading there were better kept
and dry.
NSA,
162
Page 169 Civil History. Antiquities."According
to Chalmers, the Roman station of Orrea was sited at
the confluence of the Tay and Almond, in this parish.
We can see that the Roman road from Ardoch that is clearly
seen on the ridge of Gask runs to here and continues
on the other side of the Tay. The remains of the piers
of the bridge which crossed the river here can still
be seen." The writer gives further information
on Orrea and the movements of the Romans in the area,
as well as some other fortifications.
page 173 Long description of Battle of Luncarty between
the Danes and Kenneth III c.990
page 188 Details of the trade in bleaching of cloth
- Luncarty was said to have had the most extensive linen
cloth bleachfield in Scotland.
Page 191 Parochial Economy. Market-Town.Perth.
Roads.The Perth to Dunkeld turnpike passes
through and has a branch past Stanley. The mail coach
and a Dunkeld coach run on this turnpike. There are
4 statute labour roads.
Bridges.With the Tay and the Almond in
this parish, bridges are essential. However, to cross
the Tay we have to take a ferry boat which carries 4
or 5 horses, 10 cattle or about 40 sheep. The Almond
is so swift that a ferry would be dangerous hence there
are three bridges. The middle bridge, the Bridge of
Almond dates from 1619 and he gives an extract from
the presbytery record of that time noting that many
drowned in the river each year. Another of the bridges
is on the Dunkeld road and was built in 1827. The third
bridge, at Dalcruive, was funded largely by Lord Lynedoch
and is a very fine structure along with its approaches.
It was completed in 1837.
Page 196 Alehouses.Eleven.
1837
Rhynd
(see
also Dron and Abernethy
parishes for additional information)
OSA
4/178
Page 182 Miscellaneous Observations.Coal
is brought in by river and is the main fuel. The Tay
and Earn nearby make it easy for lime to be imported
and grain exported. There are no turnpikes but the statute
labour roads which are partly commuted, are generally
good.
There are remains of a nummery at Orchardnook about
a mile from Elcho Castle.
He gives details of a tradition that at one time the
Tay ran farther north near the foot of the hills and
that Rhynd and St Madoes had been the one parish.
Two alehouses on the public road and used by travellers.
NSA,
361
Page 365 He gives details of methods of land reclamation
at Easter Rhynd and Balhepburn. A road was made out
to a small island in the Tay and lined with reeds and
osiers that retained mud left by the tide.
Page 366 No village or turnpike in the parish; the roads
are statute labour and in good order.
MacFarlane
Geographical Collections
Rind and Dron 1723
Page 126 There are three ferries in Rind parish: one
for those on foot comes from Carie in Abernethy parish,
two others which also take horses are from the heughhead
in Abernethy parish and from the Carse of Gowrie - this
one leads to the Bridge of Earn.
Page
127 Two roads pass through Dron parish. One runs south
from Perth over the Bridge of Earn and goes to Kingorn
(Kinghorn); the other runs from Abernethy over to the
Stirling road. Where the first road runs through here
it is known as the Peth of Drone - yea it goes
through the midel of the Paroch up the Peth of Drone
which peth is a highway through that chain of hills
which lyes along the south side of the river of Arne
.
St
Madoes
OSA
3/568
Page 572 Fuel.Mostly coal brought in by
the river from Fife.
Page 574 Advantages and Disadvantages.The
main advantage is being so close to the Tay and having
a harbour which allows coal and lime to be brought in,
and agricultural produce to be exported to favourable
markets. The roads however are bad in winter, though
the recent forming of an excellent turnpike road from
Perth to Dundee that passes through here is a major
improvement.
 |
Parishes
in the Carse of Gowrie between Perth and Dundee
(Errol, Inchture, Longforgan, St Madoes). Until
the turnpike was made along with branches to the
harbours on the Tay, travel was very difficult in
the area. Based on 1/4 inch OS map 1923. |
NSA,
607
Page 633 Parochial Economy. Market-Town.Perth.
Means
of Communication.Communications are good with
the Perth-Dundee-Aberdeen and the Perth to Errol roads
running through the parish as well as various other
roads. There are regular coaches and carriers to Perth.
New
PierFacilities were made about 7 years ago
on reclaimed land opposite the point where the Earn
joins the Tay. Potatoes are shipped to London and coal,
lime, manure etc are landed.
Page
635 Inns and Ale-houses.One, situated at
the ferry and which is necessary for travellers.
Fuel.Coal from Newcastle and the south
coast of Fife is brought in by boat. Some wood is also
used.
Miscellaneous Observations Better roads
1839
St
Martins and Cambusmichael
 |
Church at St Martins. An early
road between Perth and Coupar Angus passed the church
and is shown on Adair's map
of 1683. |
OSA
13/500
Page 501 Fuel
is scarce - coal is brought in from Perth.
Antiquities.The
remains of a Roman road can be seen running from Bertha
past Berry hills, Dritchmuir, and Byres, towards Cargill
(see Cargill for map).
Page
504 Roads.The Perth to Coupar Angus turnpike
passes through and one from Perth to Blairgowrie is
planned. The people now see how useful turnpike roads
are for trade and agriculture. Now that the statute
labour is commuted the results on the cross roads are
much better than when it was in kind.
Advantages
and DisadvantagesBeing close to Perth is the
main advantage, and lacking fuel is the main disadvantage.
NSA,
873 No particular mention of roads.
Scone
OSA
18/65
Page 76 Exports.Details of the exports
and imports of the parish such as corn and cattle exported
and coal imported.
Page 77 Fuel.In summer furze, broom etc
and in winter coal from Perth and Bridge-end, opposite
Perth.
Page 79 Bridges and Roads.The recent turnpike
acts are expected to result in far better roads than
the statute labour, whether in kind or commuted. Two
turnpikes intersect the parish and are found very useful.
Page 81 Antiquities"The Roman military
road leading from the camp at Ardoch, to the bottom
of the Grampians, enters this parish on the west, a
little above a farm house on the Tay, and passes through,
till it leaves it on the north-east quarter.
On the other side of the river, opposite to the place
where the road enters the parish, stood the ancient
town of Bertha, now a hamlet, bearing that name; and
it is said, that there, in former times, there was a
bridge over the river, and that several large beams
of oak, yet to be seen under the water, formed a part
of it."
Quarter of a mile upriver are faint traces of an encampment.
The battle of Luncarty between the Danes and the Scots
was fought in this area.
NSA,
I043
Page 1064 He repeats the remarks about Bertha
made in the OSA.
Page 1072 Parochial Economy. Perth is only 2
miles away. There is a sub-post office in the village.
The Defiance coach runs on the Perth to Coupar-Angus
turnpike road that passes through here.
Page 1075 Inns, Etc Nine.
Fuel.Sea coal can be bought at Perth and
in the summer coal is brought in from Fife. Firewood
is also used.
1843
Tibbermore
OSA
17/631
Page 649 One ale-house. The roads are bad but the statute
labour work is improving them gradually. A new turnpike
road that passes through part of the parish is proving
very useful.
 |
 |
Tibbermore
church |
The
Old Gallows road to the south of Tibbermore church.
The now uncertain line of the Roman road is also
close by - see Trinity Gask below. |
NSA, 1028
Page 1036 Means of Communication.The Crieff
turnpike passes through and continues as a good statute
labour road thereafter. Another statute labour road
runs on the north of the parish to the new bridge of
Almond, with another road running north-south.
Page
1037 Ale-houses.Six.
Fuel.Coal
from Newcastle and Fife is landed at Perth. Peat and
brushwood is also used.
1843
Trinity
Gask
OSA
18/482
Page 486 Roads and Bridges.Generally the
roads are very bad and near impassable in bad weather.
A bridge over the Earn near Kinkel has replaced a ferry
that could sometimes be dangerous. This bridge and others
were built by subscription so there is no pontage.
 |
The
section of Roman road running along the Gask Ridge.
For up to date details of the many Roman remains
in this area see The
Roman Gask Project, RCAHMS etc. The road shown
in purple is the Old Gallows Road, an early road
from Perth that used the crossing at Innerpeffray.
For full details of this road see A
Possible Roman Road Cutting at Innerpeffray Library
Perthshire. D.J.Woolliscroft, with contribution
by B.Hoffmann. For continuation of the Roman road
southwards see Muthill; for
continuation northwards see Cargill.
Above map based on 1/2 inch OS map, 1913. |
Antiquities."The
only piece of antiquity worth notice, is a part of the
Roman road, or causeway, that runs from Stormont to
the celebrated camp at Ardoch. This road, for more than
a
mile, in a straight line, occupies the highest ground
in the parish. It is very complete, and, with little
or no repair, serves for a public road. The stones of
which it is made are pretty large; and are laid in good
order. It is commonly dry, even in the wettest season
of the year. The road, however, of which it makes a
part, is but little frequented."
Miscellaneous Observations.Two public houses.
Half the summer is spent in bringing coal 20 miles on
bad roads; peat likewise is only obtained with much
waste of effort and time - time that could be better
spent on improving the land.
NSA, 335
Page 338 We have about four miles of the Roman
road from the Stormont to the camp at Ardoch in this
parish. Two of these are in a dreadful state of disrepair,in
winter indeed totally impassable. The other two
..have
lately been very much improved, and in a short time
will form part of an excellent road to Perth.
Page 340 Parochial Economy. Auchterarder is the
nearest market town to which the roads are exceedingly
bad except in very dry weather. A boat across the Earn
saves one mile. It is also the post town but deliveries
of the mail are irregular.
There
are country roads running east-west and north-south.
The nearest public coach is the Perth to Glasgow coach
and is 3 miles away at Dalreoch. Kinkell Bridge dates
from 1793 and was built by subscription.
Page 343 Inns.There is one at the toll-house
at Kinkell bridge.
Fuel.Coal is expensive as it has to be
carted 20 miles or more from Tillicoultry and Dollar.
Peat comes from Methven Moss, 7 miles away, and wood
is also used.
Miscellaneous
Observations.
The main road is now so good that much greater loads
can be drawn on it.
1837
Tulliallan
OSA
11/546
Page 548 Details of former coal mining and salt panning
in the parish.
Page 550 Village and Markets, Etc. Kincardine
is a large village on the Forth with two weekly markets
and a post office with regular deliveries from Edinburgh
via Stirling and Queensferry. Mail coming from Queensferry
continues to Fife, Perth and the North.
Roads, Ferry, and HarbourThe roads are
very bad in winter and wet weather. The only materials
for making them are free-stone and pan ashes which turn
to powder very easily. There is a passage boat over
to Higgin's Neuk but it is only within 2 hours of high
tide that a horse can be taken and people on foot may
have to wade through mud for 40 yards at low tide. A
pier is contemplated which will be a great improvement.
Page
551 Details of shipping and trade.
 |
Higgins'
Neuk before the Kincardine Bridge was built. Based
on 1/2 inch OS map 1913 |
NSA, 867
Coast, Ferry.
The situation of Kincardine is one of the best
on the Forth for trade and shipping. There is water
on the roadstead to the depth of 21 feet, where 100
vessels may ride in safety. The ferry across the river
here is decidedly the best on the Forth. It is under
excellent management. The ferry is three-quarters of
a mile at high water, and only one quarter when the
tide is out. Two steam-boats are attached to the ferry,
which pass in about five minutes at all times of the
tide and in all states of the weather. The piers at
the ferry were built in 1826 and 1827 by Lord Keith's
Trustees, at the cost of L.6468, 5s. 9d.
Page
871 Town of Kincardine.The streets are
in a poor state, but may soon be improved.
Two inns and a post office.
A coach passes through each day for Glasgow and there
are steamboats to Edinburgh and Stirling.
1842
Weem
OSA
12/130
Page 131 Highways and Bridges."The
great military road leading from Stirling to Inverness,
passes through this parish, and is joined by several
county roads at Tay bridge, which is about half a mile
from the parish church. The military road is kept in
repair by the Government, and the other roads by the
statute labour."
Since these roads were made quite a few carts travel
to Perth each week unlike the past when only pack horses
were used.
There are good bridges over the Lyon and Lochay.
Page 141 Miscellaneous Observations.One
inn and 5 alehouses.
Peat is used as fuel but lies at a distance and is becoming
scarce.
The scarcity of peat means that that lime cannot be
burnt for manure, and too much time is spent in obtaining
peat which could be more profitably used in improving
the land. It is very injurious to the horses and carts
used for gathering it.
NSA, 702
Page 712 Parochial Economy. Dunkeld is the nearest
market town but most business is done in Perth.
Means of Communication.Post-office in Aberfeldy;
passengers can use the mail carriage.
There are turnpike roads and other roads here. Last
summer two coaches ran between Dunkeld and Tarbet on
Loch Lomond, and there are carriers.
He
refers to the Bridge of Tay built by Wade in 1733 to
allow communication with the Highlands.
There is a bridge over the Lochay near Killin;
and there had been one over the Lyon, close to the old
Castle of Comrie, which has fallen down some years since,
and has not been rebuilt, though much needed.
Page
715 Fairs.Weem has two fairs but these
are hardly attended nowadays.
Inns.Inns at Weem and the bridge of Lochay,
and a small ale-house in Glenquaich.
Fuel.Mostly
peat - those who can afford it use coal from Perth though
it is expensive.
1840
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