Country code |
GB |
Repository code |
234 |
Repository |
National Records of Scotland |
Reference |
GD41/535 |
Title |
Narrative (in manuscript) [by Sir Thomas Dick-Lauder] of a journey up 'Strathdawn' [? Strathavon], from Tomintoul to Inchrory, mainly concentrating on local traditions and legends, undated. [The first page is marked 'Vol 1st, 2nd series'] |
Dates |
[19th Century] |
Access status |
Open |
Access conditions |
No publication without owner's permission: consult National Records of Scotland staff. |
Location |
Off site |
Description |
Includes an entry on the clash at Delavorar between the Covenanters and Claverhouse; (pp 6-20) an account of a meeting with Willox the warlock, from whom the author obtained a sight of the 'far-famed magical kelpie's bridle and mermaids stone, for which he is celebrated in all the neighbouring districts'. Describes these 'two grand instruments of his art' and gives Willox's account of how these 'engines of his supernatural power' had been acquired by MacGregor, his grand-uncle from a water-horse in Lochandorb, and by his maternal grandfather from a mermaid; (pp 22-26) an entry on their meeting with Sergeant Archie Steuart who was to act as their guide, and an account of his genealogy; (pp 27-51) the 'history of Sergeant Archy Steuart', a native of Strathaven, who had joined the 97th Regiment or Inverness Highlanders, and had been on board HMS Orian during an engagement with the French fleet on 23 June 1795. His resentment at having been then drafted into the 9th or East Norfolk regiment, where, having been used to the kilt, he had resolved to cut his breeches to restore his accustomed freedom of movement. Gives an account of the consequent trial in which he had averred that he would 'not stay in the Ninth Regiment to be kept in the eternal torture of thir breeks'. Description of his subsequent service until his discharge in 1800; (pp 59-207) the legend of the Clan Allan Stewarts, mainly concerning the area of Corgarff; (pp 208-212) the fate of two monuments set up to commemorate the murder of Sir Walter Stewart of the Clan Allan Stewarts and the burning of the priest of Dalestie, which had been used for building a house. In consequence, the house was haunted. Subsequently the two stones (one called the Clach na Tagart or priests stone) were destroyed by another man who proved unfortunate; (pp 215-224) an account of snow storms which had proved fatal to travellers between Castleton of Braemar and Inchrory, in 1829, 1826 and other occasions, with instances of providential preservation; (pp 226-230) description of their descent by 'the rivulet of the beloved maiden' and arrival at Inchrory; (pp 231-363) the legend of Charley Stewart of the Clan Allan Stewarts called Taillear Crubach, as told by the sergeant. |
Level |
File |
Extent |
365 pages |
Previous numbers |
NRAS2446/Bundle 11 |
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