^BERKEtEY 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF 
 VyCALIFORNIA 
 
 f 
 
 8 
 
C^LA.\^ 
 
 /Up— 
 
 vZ<^&, 
 
 S-i~*y^> 
 
 ^uAa^ 
 
OLD FACES. OLD PLACES, 
 
 AND 
 
 Old Stories of Stirling. 
 
 By WILLIAM DRYSDALE. 
 
 STIRLING : 
 ENEAS MACKAY, 43 MURRAY PLACE. 
 
 189 8. 
 

 <j| WHOLESALE STATlOHERs) 
 
 ""S" s STIRLING 
 
 650 Copies Printed, of which 600 are for Sale. 
 
D/4 *lo 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 I have had playmates, I have had companions, 
 In my days of childhood, in my joyful school-days, 
 All, all are gone, the old familiar faces. 
 
 How some they have died, and some they have left me, 
 
 And some are taken from me ; all are departed ; 
 
 All, all are gone, the old familiar faces. — Lamb. 
 
 T 5 ' 
 
 C_>^^ ARLY last year it was casually mentioned at a meet- 
 ing of Stirling gentlemen, where conversation was 
 taking place regarding the sites of new buildings 
 which had been erected within the memory of those 
 present, that it would be an undoubted service to the com- 
 munity if some record were prepared of the old houses and 
 places of business in Stirling which have now disappeared, so 
 that the present generation of " Sons of the Rock," and those 
 which might follow, could have some realisation of what their 
 native place was like in by-gone times. 
 
 Being asked if I could do anything in the direction indi- 
 cated, I began to take interest in the subject, and on recall- 
 ing the old buildings and places, old faces began to crop up, 
 and then old anecdotes and stories connected with these 
 citizens naturally recurred to memory, so that instead of prov- 
 ing a task the effort came to be one of genuine pleasure, and 
 I lived over again amid old companionships and schoolboy 
 days. Enjoyable was it to again people Cowane's Yard with 
 classmates, and fight anew our " Scotch and English " battles 
 beneath the grand old trees ; play " rounders " in the square, 
 or handball against the Flesh Market wall. It looks but 
 yesterday since then : .but, alas, how few of those old play- 
 mates are now alive ; still, how sweet it is to recall them on 
 the mirror of memory. 
 
 Like feelings were occasioned in connection with the old 
 buildings of the town. These have well-nigh all disappeared, 
 and the very few still remaining as of yore will, with the march 
 of improvement, speedily go the way of their fellows, but the 
 old places will carry fonder recollections than they do now, 
 though covered with handsome buildings. 
 
 308 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 Looking back at old faces, it became pleasing to people again 
 the shops of those who did business in earlier days in their 
 quiet way. No bustling, go-a-head folks then; but men and 
 women who knew how to earn a sixpence and how to spend it. 
 Jokes were rife in those days, and if a trick was played by 
 Bailie "Tarn" Steel in his shop at The Bow, or anything 
 " by or'nar " was done by Andrew " Karr " at his public-house 
 in The Port, the town was soon ringing with it. The town 
 officers went about their duties in an easy, sleepy fashion, and 
 it was " let-a-lane " for " let-a-lane " with them : Tarn Burd, 
 
 the sweep, and Jamie C (still alive) might fight for an hour 
 
 at the top of Baker Street without let or hindrance. But other, 
 and what was thought better, days came, and put an end to 
 such free and easy doings. 
 
 If what I have endeavoured to place before my fellow-towns- 
 men be of any special interest, or afford them delight in peru- 
 sal, I shall feel amply rewarded for any trouble I have had in 
 the compilation. 
 
 I have received every kindness, assistance, and encourage- 
 ment from parties of whom I made enquiries as to the verifica- 
 tion of facts, and books, pamphlets, newspapers, and every 
 other source of information have been willingly placed at my 
 disposal. I have made several extracts from the files of the 
 " Stirling Obseryer," from works by Mr W. B. Cook, the late 
 Mr James Shirra, and others, and I am also greatly in- 
 debted to Mr Archibald Duncan, who has taken what I 
 may term " a loving interest " in the preparation of the volume. 
 Bailie Ronald, Mr William Harvey, and other friends have 
 also afforded me their valuable aid. I have also to thank those 
 ladies and gentlemen who so kindly placed the portraits of 
 their deceased relatives at my service, and these I feel sure 
 will greatly enhance the value of the work, more particularly 
 to " Sons of the Rock " in other quarters of the globe. Mr 
 Rodgers (of Messrs Crowe & Rodgers), photographer, has made 
 the preparation of his section of the work, with the accom- 
 panying appropriate sketches, " a labour of love," and produced 
 portraits which I have no doubt will be cherished by those 
 connected with, and all who may take interest in, Stirling's 
 by-gone citizens. 
 
 THE AUTHOR. 
 
LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 
 
 Adam, Robert, Royal Gardens. 
 
 Aitken, James, Whins of Milton. 
 
 Aitken, John, Rockvale Mills. 
 
 Alexander, William, 15 Park Place. 
 
 Allan, William, 1 James Street. 
 
 Anderson, George, Beechgrove, Bridge of Allan. 
 
 Anderson, Mrs, 11 Princes Street. 
 
 Andrew, Dr, Doune. 
 
 Bain, William, 30 Barnton Street. 
 
 Bald, William, Edinburgh. 
 
 Barker, Daniel, Craig view. 
 
 Barrett, F. T., for Mitchell Library, Glasgow. 
 
 Baxendine, Andrew, Bookseller, Edinburgh. 
 
 Begbie, George, 26 Port Street. 
 
 Beith, Gilbert, 15 Belhaven Terrace, Glasgow. 
 
 Beith, Robert D., 32 Hartington Place, Edinburgh. 
 
 Bennie, Andrew, District Bank, Manchester. 
 
 Borland, Mrs, 82 Baker Street. 
 
 Boss, W. G., Edinburgh. 
 
 Boswell, William, Albert Place. 
 
 Bowie, Thomas, Broom Cottage, Alloa. 
 
 Bowie, William, 17 Cowane Street. 
 
 Bridges, James, Registrar, Perth. 
 
 Brown, A. Harvie, Larbert. 
 
 Brown, Andrew, Dollar. 
 
 Brown, James, Windsor Place. 
 
 Brown, John, Murray Place. 
 
 Brown, J. T., Gibraltar House, Edinburgh. 
 
 Brown, William, 2 Arcade. 
 
 Buchanan, Andrew C, Whitehouse. 
 
 Buchanan, John, 7 Broad Street. 
 
 Buchanan, Treasurer Andrew, 9 Baker Street. 
 
 Burden, John, Troy, U.S.A. 
 
 Cairns, Robert, Union Bank. 
 
LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 
 
 Callander, Walter, Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.A. 
 
 Cameron, Miss, 43 Murray Place. 
 
 Campbell, John, Royal Bank. 
 
 Campbell, John, 3 Bute Gardens, Glasgow. 
 
 Campbell, J. W., Bank of Scotland. 
 
 Campbell, Rev. John Kerr, D.D., F.E.I.S. 
 
 Cherry, Miss, Lower Craigs. 
 
 Chisholm, George, jr., 47 Port Street. 
 
 Christie, Ex-Provost George, Southfield. 
 
 Christie, James, Coxithill, St. Ninians. 
 
 Christie, John, Cowden, Dollar. 
 
 Christie, Miss L., Culloden Villa, Portobello. 
 
 Coldwell, Rev. Clement L., The Parsonage. 
 
 Cook, W. B., Editor, "Sentinel." 
 
 Copland, W. Robertson, 146 West Regent Street, Glasgow. 
 
 Cowan, Donald, Sheriff Clerk Depute. 
 
 Cowan, Mrs, Birkhill, Dumfries. 
 
 Craig, John H., 38 Queen Street. 
 
 Cramb, John, Bridge of Allan. 
 
 Crawford, Councillor John, 18 High Street, Alloa. 
 
 Crawford & Co., Booksellers, King Street. 
 
 Crocket, Mrs James, 71 King Street. 
 
 Cullens, James, Park Place. 
 
 Cullens, John, Birkhill Road, Stirling. 
 
 Cullens, William, 18 Albert Place. 
 
 Currie, James, 22 Dumbarton Road. 
 
 Davidson, Mrs John, Liscard, near Liverpool. 
 
 Dick, David, 2 Forth Crescent. 
 
 Dick, John, of Craigengelt, J. P. 
 
 Donaldson, James, LL.D., Scores Park, St. Andrews. 
 
 Donaldson, William, Park Terrace. 
 
 Dowell, John, 4 Port Street. 
 
 Drew, Dr John, Rudecroft, Dumbarton Road. 
 
 Drummond, Gregor T., 3 Melville Terrace. 
 
 Drummond, James W., 10 Park Terrace. 
 
 Drummond, Miss, Clarendon Place. 
 
 Drysdale, Alexander, Douglas Place, Bridge of Allan. 
 
 Drysdale, Duncan S., 2 Kennyhill Gardens, Glasgow. 
 
LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 
 
 Drysdale, Ex-Provost James, Bridge of Allan. 
 Duff, James, 36 Upper Craigs. 
 Duff, John, 28 Upper Bridge Street. 
 Dun, John, 77 Port Street. 
 Duncan, Archd., " Stirling Observer." 
 Duncan, James Y., 46 Baker Street. 
 Duncan, John U., Stationer, Hamilton. 
 Dunn, William, Aberfeldy. 
 Dunsmore, Alexander, 56 Port Street. 
 
 Easson, Councillor William, Princes Street. 
 Elliot, George B., 38 Dumbarton Road. 
 
 Ferguson, Councillor Hugh, 5 Albert Place. 
 
 Ferguson, Daniel, National Bank. 
 
 Ferguson, Duncan, 4 Baker Street. 
 
 Ferguson, Thomas, Chief-Constable, Stirling. 
 
 Findlay, William Frederick, Gogar House. 
 
 Finlayson, George, Glasgow. 
 
 Finlayson, Inspector, County Constabulary, Union Street. 
 
 Forrester, David, Broad Street. 
 
 Forrester, William, St. Ninians. 
 
 Forgan, David, Murray Place. 
 
 Forgan, R. R., 25 Forth Place. 
 
 Forrest, Miss, St. Margaret's Drive, Dunblane. 
 
 Forrest, Provost Archibald, Snowdon Place. 
 
 Forrest, William, St. John Street. 
 
 Forsyth, George, 25 King Street. 
 
 Forsyth, H. C, 43 King Street. 
 
 Fowler, Major, Randolph Road. 
 
 France, Charles, 145 West George Street, Glasgow. 
 
 Frater, Robert, 73 Port Street. 
 
 Galbraith, Alexander, 5 Newhouse. 
 
 Galbraith, Dr George, Gladstone Place. 
 
 Galbraith, Misses, 28 India Street, Edinburgh. 
 
 Galbraith, T. L., Town Clerk. 
 
 Gardner, John, 24 Bannockburn Road, St. Ninians. 
 
 Gardner, Major Alexander, 3 Allan Park. 
 
 Gavin, Hugh, 11 Pitt Terrace. 
 
LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 
 
 Gavin, Rev. John H., Swindon. 
 
 Gentleman, Ebenezer, Murray Place. 
 
 Gentles, Ex-Bailie Thomas, Nelson Place. 
 
 Gibson, James A., 12 Port Street. 
 
 Gillespie, John, Port Street. 
 
 Gordon, Alex., Barnton Street. 
 
 Graham, John, Inverness. 
 
 Grant, Drummond, Coleraine. 
 
 Grant, Gordon, Supt., Stirlingshire Constabulary. 
 
 Gray, George, Clerk of the Peace, Glasgow. 
 
 Gray, James, 15 Melville Terrace. 
 
 Gray, John, 4 Gladstone Place. 
 
 Greenhorn, James, Bridge of Allan. 
 
 Greenhorn, John, Pendleton, Manchester. 
 
 Greenhorn, Robert, Bridge of Allan. 
 
 Gourlay, Ex-Bailie William, Forth Crescent. 
 
 Hardie, A. R., Putney, Surrey. 
 
 Harvey, William, 5 Bruce Street. 
 
 Hay, Councillor James, St. Ninians. 
 
 Headridge, D., Causewayhead. 
 
 Henderson, A. W., Bridge of Allan. 
 
 Henderson, H. G., Allan Park. 
 
 Henderson, Miss, 86 Cowane Street. 
 
 Henderson, M., 48 Abbotsford Place, Glasgow. 
 
 Henderson, William, Bridge of Allan. 
 
 Hendry, Ebenezer, Glasgow. 
 
 Hepting, Lambert, Queen Street. 
 
 Hetherington, Robert, Viewfield House. 
 
 Hetherington, William, Port Street. 
 
 Hogg, Mrs James, Proprietrix, " Stirling Journal." 
 
 Holmes, Messrs W. & R., Glasgow. 
 
 Howard, J. W., Allan Park. 
 
 Hunter, Lawrence, Cambuskenneth. 
 
 Inglis, W. A., 43 King Street. 
 
 Jamieson, John, Proprietor, "Stirling Observer.'' 
 Jenkins, Alexander, St. Ninians. 
 Jenkins, Archibald F., Whins of Milton. 
 
LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 
 
 Jenkins, John, Clifford Road. 
 
 Jenkins, Robert, Union Bank, Bridge of Allan. 
 
 Johnstone, George P., Bookseller, Edinburgh. 
 
 Johnstone, John, 114 Baker Street. 
 
 Johnstone, Miss J., 52 Port Street. 
 
 Johnston, James, 13 Melville Terrace. 
 
 Johnston, Rev. J. J., The Manse, Port of Monteith. 
 
 Johnston, William, M.D., Pitt Terrace. 
 
 Kane, Frank, Broad Street. 
 
 Kidston, Adrian, M. M. G., Helensburgh. 
 
 Kidston, R., 12 Clarendon Place. 
 
 King, Councillor John, Snowdon Place. 
 
 King, James A., Lennoxtown. 
 
 King, Thomas M., Coatbridge. 
 
 Kinross, Ex-Provost George, Victoria Square. 
 
 Kinross, James, 11 Allan Park. 
 
 Kyle, John, 19 Kelvinside Gardens, Glasgow. 
 
 Lang, Rev. J. P., The Manse, Park Avenue. 
 
 Leathley, Herbert, 108 Baker Street, 
 
 Lees, Archibald, 94 Baker Street. 
 
 Lees, Thomas, Esplanade. 
 
 Leitch, Alexander W., 6 Park Terrace. 
 
 Leitch, M., London. 
 
 Lennox, James, Station Hotel. 
 
 Lewis, C. J., M.D., F.R.C.P., Sutherland House. 
 
 Liddell, Robert, Queen's Road. 
 
 Liddell, William, Nelson Place. 
 
 Logie, D. W., Dumbarton Road. 
 
 Lorrimer, John B., 63 Cowane Street. 
 
 Lowson, Geo., M.A., B.Sc, F.E.I.S., High SchooL 
 
 Low, Mrs Thomas, 21 Abercromby Place. 
 
 Low, Thomas, Randolph Road. 
 
 Low, William, Glasgow. 
 
 Lupton, A. M., Murray Place. 
 
 Mackie, James F., Randolph Road. 
 Mackie, Peter Jeffrey, Auchlochan, Lesmahagow. 
 A 
 
LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 
 
 Mailer, James, 1 Randolph Terrace. 
 
 Mailer, William, 72 Baker Street. 
 
 Malcolm, Robert M., 3 Whitesands, Dumfries. 
 
 Marshall, David, Snowdon Place. 
 
 Marshall, James, 18 Arcade. 
 
 Maxton, James, jr., R.N., 8 Bruce Street. 
 
 Meiklejohn, James, 55 Wallace Street. 
 
 Meiklejohn, Robert, 55 Wallace Street. 
 
 Melville, William, 76 Baker Street. 
 
 Menzies, Peter Comrie, 40 Queen Street. 
 
 Menzies, Robert, 22 Bow Street. 
 
 Merrilees, John, Friars Street. 
 
 Millar, Dean of Guild, Abercromby Place. 
 
 Millar, Miss M. M., 24 Baker Street. 
 
 Minnoch, W. H., Park Terrace. 
 
 Moore, W. F., Victoria Square. 
 
 Moore, W. J., 24 Murray Place. 
 
 Morris, David B., Snowdon Place. 
 
 Morrison, William, Abercromby Place. 
 
 Morton, Major Robert, 17 Victoria Place. 
 
 Mowat, Thomas, 77 Baker Street. 
 
 Mouat, Miss M. G., Edinburgh. 
 
 Moyes, David, Nelson Place. 
 
 Muirhead, Thomas, Wolf Craig. 
 
 Muir, Peter, 8 Viewfield Place. 
 
 Muir, Thomas, 1 Randolph Road. 
 
 Munro, John J., Proprietor, "Stirling Observer." 
 
 Murdoch, John, 24 Bow Street. 
 
 Murray, Colonel, Polmaise Castle. 
 
 Murray, Dr, Viewfield Place. 
 
 Murrie, Stuart, National Bank. 
 
 MacBryde, Alexander, Shiskine, Arran. 
 MacCaul, Peter, Knockhill, Bridge of Allan. 
 Macfarlane, Bailie John, 5 Victoria Place. 
 Macfarlane, Councillor Parlane, 46 Port Street. 
 Macewen, Bailie Robert, 2 Albert Place. 
 MacEwen, Ex-Provost Daniel, Callander. 
 MacEwen, John, South Lodge. 
 
LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 
 
 MacEwen, R. M., 5 Glebe Crescent. 
 
 MacGregor, Alexander, West Lea, Bridge of Allan. 
 
 MacGregor, Ex-Provost, Crieff. 
 
 MacGregor, Rev. A. Oram, Denny. 
 
 Macintosh, Daniel, 146 Main Street, St. Ninians. 
 
 MacKay, Donald, Inverness. 
 
 MacKay, James, Stillwell, North Dakota. 
 
 MacKay, William, Inverness. 
 
 MacKay, William, Journalist, Salisbury, B.S.A. 
 
 MacKenzie, Mrs, Dunblane. 
 
 MacKinlay, David, 6 Great Western Terrace, Glasgow. 
 
 MacKinlay, George, Park Villa. 
 
 MacKinlay, Rev. Robert, M.A., Pitsligo. 
 
 MacLachlan, Andrew, Snowdon Place. 
 
 MacLaren, Duncan, Sauchie Home Farm. 
 
 MacLay, Bailie, Glasgow. 
 
 MacLuckie, Robert, Carbrook Lodge. 
 
 MacNab, Peter, Craigs. 
 
 MacPherson, James, " People's Journal " Office. 
 
 MacPherson, Miss, The Towers, Saltburn-by-Sea. 
 
 MacPherson, William, Rosebery Place. 
 
 MacPherson, William, County Buildings. 
 
 M'Alpine, Peter, 4 Murray Place. 
 
 M'Aree, David, Upper Bridge Street. 
 
 M'Aree, John, 2 Balmoral Place. 
 
 M'Aree, Robert, 24 James Street. 
 
 M'Culloch, Rev. J. H., B.D., North Leith. 
 
 M'Culloch, M., 1 Baker Street. 
 
 M'Dermont, A. J., 11 Millar Place. 
 
 M'Donald, Duncan, Windsor Place. 
 
 M'Elfrish, Andrew, 7 Viewfield Place. 
 
 M'Ewen, James, 8 Allan Park. 
 
 M'Guffie, Rev. George, Ochildean, Bridge of Earn. 
 
 M'Kinlay, James, jun., 3 Queens Road. 
 
 M'Lellan, Archibald, 77 Port Street. 
 
 M'Leod, M. C, Dundee. 
 
 M'Lintock, John C, 60 Murray Place. 
 
 M'Nab, James, 633 Duke Street, Glasgow., 
 
LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 
 
 M'Nab, Thomas, 6 Queen's Road. 
 M' Vicar, Neil, Oxton, Birkenhead. 
 
 Nicol, James S., "Observer" Office. 
 
 Nicol, Joseph, 14 Albert Place. 
 
 Nicol, William, 148 Church Road, Islington, London. 
 
 Noble, Roderick, Inverness. 
 
 Ormond, Rev. D. D., F.S.A. (Scot.), Princes Street. 
 
 Oswald, Miss, Spittal Street. 
 
 Owen, George, Sen., Wallace Street. 
 
 Page, James, 2 Baker Street. 
 Paterson, John, 1 Victoria Place. 
 Paterson, Robert, Hill of Drip. 
 Paton, John, Viewforth. 
 Peebles, Alexander, 41 Baker Street. 
 Philp, Provost Robert, Bridge of Allan. 
 Piatt, L. J ,, Murray Place. 
 Plenderleith, George, 1 Allan Park. 
 Pullar, Mrs, The Lea, Bridge of Allan. 
 
 Ralston, J. S., Albert Place. 
 
 Rankin, J. D., Rockburn, Hamilton. 
 
 Rankin, William, Elmbank, Hamilton. 
 
 Reid, Robert, C. A., 40 St. Vincent Place, Glasgow. 
 
 Reid, William, 11 Baker Street. 
 
 Reoch, Andrew, Oakwood, Buchlyvie. 
 
 Richardson, David, 9 Forth Crescent. 
 
 Robb, Henry, Princes Street. 
 
 Robertson, Dr James, Bannockburn. 
 
 Robertson, John, 68 St. John Street, Perth. 
 
 Robertson, L., Park Place. 
 
 Robertson, Rev. J. W., 10 Summerside Street, Leith. 
 
 Robertson, S., Princes Street. 
 
 Robertson & Co., James, 16 Murray Place. 
 
 Robson, Hugh S., Commercial Bank. 
 
 Rodgers, William, Victoria Square. 
 
 Ronald, Ex-Bailie James, 20 James Street. 
 
 Ross, William, 337 Crocker Street, Los Angeles. 
 
LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 
 
 Sandeman, Ridley, 22 Forth Crescent. 
 
 Saunders, Lau. J., 8 Forth Crescent. 
 
 Sconce, Captain G. C, 35 Fitz- William Square, Dublin. 
 
 Sconce, Colonel James, 18 Belgrave Crescent, Edinburgh. 
 
 Sconce, Gideon C, West Kensington, London. 
 
 Scott, Rev. Walter, Princes Street. 
 
 Sempill, John, Chief-Constable, Stirlingshire. 
 
 Shearer, John E., Bookseller, King Street. 
 
 Shirra, James, 28 Keir Street, Pollokshields. 
 
 Shirra, Walter, 6 Winchel Place. 
 
 Shirra, Wm. L., Bookseller, Port Street. 
 
 Simpson, Andrew, Murray Place. 
 
 Simpson, Ebenezer, Abercromby Place. 
 
 Simpson, William, 32 Bow Street. 
 
 Sinclair, John, 49 King Street. 
 
 Sinclair, William, M.D., Barrow-in-Furness. 
 
 Small, J. W T ., Inverness. 
 
 Smith, James B., Clifford Park. 
 
 Smith, John Rae, Aberdeen. 
 
 Smith, Lieut. Kemp, Forth Crescent. 
 
 Somerville, William, 11 Melville Terrace. 
 
 Sorley, Bailie Robert, 1 Buchanan Street, Glasgow. 
 
 Steedman, Rev. William, U.P. Manse, Eaglesham. 
 
 Steel, Councillor John, Wellwood, Albert Place. 
 
 Steven, Henry, 22 King Street. 
 
 Stevenson, Archibald, Golden Lion Hotel. 
 
 Stewart, Daniel, 22 Port Street. 
 
 Stewart, The Hon. W. D., Dunedin, New Zealand. 
 
 Stirling, Colonel J. S„, Gargunnock House. 
 
 Stirling, John, Ingleton, Hamilton. 
 
 Stirling, William, 61 Cowane Street. 
 
 Stoddart, David, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester. 
 
 Stuart, W. G., Elgin. 
 
 Symon, J. H., Q.C., Adelaide, South Australia. 
 
 Taylor, F. S., Briar Cottage, Broughty-Ferry. 
 Taylor, John Byers, Crofthead, Castlehill. 
 Thompson, Sir James, Inverardoch, Doune. 
 Thomson, Councillor James, 20 Park Crescent. 
 
LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 
 
 Thomson, David, 59 Wallace Street. 
 
 Thomson, John, Valparaiso, Chili. 
 
 Thomson, M. O., Murray Place. 
 
 Thomson, Robert, Viewforth, Bannockburn. 
 
 Thurman, John E., Old Bridge. 
 
 Todd, James, F.E.I.S., 6 Victoria Place. 
 
 Towers, John, 108 Upper Craigs. 
 
 Ure, George, Wheatlands, Bonnybridge. 
 
 Valentine, James, 9 King Street. 
 
 Walker, Ronald, Randolph Terrace. 
 
 Walls, Robert, Kersemill. 
 
 Walters, William, 7 High Street, Alloa. 
 
 Watson, Mrs Archibald, 5 Westboume Terrace, Glasgow. 
 
 Watt, George, 75 King Street. 
 
 Watt, Robert, 53 Murray Place. 
 
 Watt, Thomas, Irvine Place. 
 
 Waugh, Robert J., 7 Albert Place. 
 
 Whyte, Robert, Drummond Place. 
 
 Williams, Rev. George, Norrieston. 
 
 Wilson, Andrew, Dean Crescent. 
 
 Wilson, Andrew Fairlie, L.F.P.S.G., 1 Viewfield Place. 
 
 Wilson, Charles, Queensgate. 
 
 Wilson, Colonel Alexander, Bannockburn House. 
 
 Wilson, Major Edward L., Hillpark, Bannockburn. 
 
 Wordie, John, 45 West Nile Street, Glasgow. 
 
 Wordie, Miss, 11 Newton Place, Glasgow. 
 
 Wordie, Peter, 45 West Nile Street, Glasgow. 
 
 Wright, Peter, Headmaster, School of Art, Falkirk. 
 
 Yellowlees, Dr David, pro Ex-Pfovost Yellowlees. 
 Yellowlees, Ex-Provost Robert, 6 Victoria Square. 
 Yellowlees, Rev. John, Broomagebank, Larbert. 
 Young, Alexander, 54 Baker Street. 
 Young, Robert, 30 Nelson Place. 
 
C N T E N T S. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Buildings and their Occupants, 17 
 
 Crafts of Stirling, The, 294 
 
 Barbers, The, 296 
 
 Maltmen, The 296 
 
 Mechanics, The, 296 
 
 Crime and Criminals, 182 
 
 Allan Mair, Execution of, 194 
 
 A Magistrate in a Fix, 185 
 
 Baird and Hardie, Execution of, 186 
 
 Incident at the Trial of, 192 
 
 ''Drumming Out" of Women, 185 
 
 Last Public Whipping in Stirling, The, 183 
 
 "Scatters," Execution of, 193 
 
 "The Good Old Times," 183 
 
 Entertainments, 48 
 
 Fairs, 36 
 
 Funerals, 47 
 
 Jacobitical, 215 
 
 Blowing up of St. Ninians Church, 227 
 
 False Testimony, The, 217 
 
 Incident of Sheriffmuir, An, 216 
 
 Jacobite Ladies of Murrayshall, The, 235 
 
 Mrs Leckie: A Stirling Story of the '45, 229 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 Jacobitical (continued)— page. 
 
 "Preein"' His Royal Highness' Mou', 220 
 
 Prince at Leckie House, The, 221 
 
 Prince Charles' Summons for the Surrender 
 
 of the Town, 223 
 
 Rising in '45, The, 218 
 
 Stirling and the '45, 223 
 
 St. Ninians and the Rebels, 226 
 
 Tradition of the '45, A, 227 
 
 Jug, The Stirling, 289 
 
 Markets, 34 
 
 Melville Terrace Trees, 56 
 
 Merchant Guild of Stirling, The, 292 
 
 Military, 167 
 
 A Brave Fellow, 179 
 
 Apprehended Fenian Disturbance in Stirling, 175 
 
 Declaration of War, 172 
 
 Douglas Room Fire, The, 177 
 
 Fall of Sebastopol, 172 
 
 Peace of 1856, 174 
 
 Stirling Claims Garibaldi, 180 
 
 "The Roosh," 180 
 
 Volunteers, The, 176 
 
 75th (Stirlingshire) Regiment, 168 
 
 79th, or Cameron Highlanders, 171 
 
 Modes of Transit- 
 Coaches, 44 
 
 Steamboats, 45 
 
 Municipal— 
 
 A "Backstairs" Councillor, 154 
 
 Anecdote of Pre-Reform Times, 155 
 
 Burgh Buildings, The, 156 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 Municipal (continued)— page. 
 
 Burgherism, • 153 
 
 Dean of Guild's Chain, The, 160 
 
 Friday Cattle Market, The, 165 
 
 High Constables and Town Guard, 162 
 
 Locking the Burgh Gates, 165 
 
 Names of Streets, 157 
 
 Old Style of Celebrating the King's Birthday, 164 
 
 Origin of the Ten o'clock Bell, 165 
 
 Proclamation on Sunday Observance, 166 
 
 Provost's Dress, The, 159 
 
 Shops of Last Century, 158 
 
 Town Council Politics, 154 
 
 Town Guard and the Lady, The, 162 
 
 Town Guard in an Awkward Predicament, .... 163 
 
 Town Officers' Uniform or Livery, The, 160 
 
 Trades' "Blue Blanket," The, 161 
 
 Walking the Marches, 163 
 
 Wolf Crag: The Burgh Arms, 159 
 
 Newspapers, 43 
 
 Newsvending, 43 
 
 Notable Citizens- 
 Anderson, Provost Robert, 65 
 
 Anderson, Provost William, 58 
 
 Beath, Dr Andrew, 95 
 
 Beith, Rev. Dr, 87 
 
 Christie, Bailie John, 66 
 
 Davidson, Mr John, 72 
 
 Dawson, "Willie," 103 
 
 Dick, Provost, 62 
 
 Doig, Dr David, 101 
 
 Drummond, Bailie Andrew, 67 
 
 Drummond, Mr Henry, 119 
 
 Drummond, Mr Peter, 115 
 
 Drummond, Mr William, 108 
 
 Ferguson, "Danny," 120 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 Notable Citizens (continued)— page. 
 
 Findlay, Dr David, 92 
 
 Findlay, Rev. William, 83 
 
 Forrest, Dr William H., 94 
 
 Galbraith, Provost, 61 
 
 Galbraith, William, 76 
 
 Gray, Bailie, 71 
 
 Harvey, Dr Robert, 92 
 
 Harvey, Sir George, 113 
 
 Hay, Bart., Sir John, 73 
 
 Henderson, Rev. Robert, 83 
 
 Hogg, Mr James, 113 
 
 Jaffray, "Citizen," 95 
 
 Johnston, Dr Alexander, 91 
 
 Johnstone, Ebenezer, 105 
 
 Leitch, Rev. Alexander, 82 
 
 Logan, Sheriff, 77 
 
 Low, Bailie, 70 
 
 MacEwen, Bailie John, 68 
 
 Mathie, Mr James, 79 
 
 Mathie, Mr John D., 80 
 
 Meffen, Chief-Constable, 107 
 
 Millar, Bailie, 70 
 
 Milligan, Mr Samuel, 104 
 
 Mouat, Mr George, 72 
 
 Murrie, Provost, i 63 
 
 M'Lachlan, Rev. Dr Paul, 84 
 
 Rankin, Provost, 64 
 
 Robertson, Mr George, 102 
 
 Rogers, Rev. Dr, 85 
 
 Shearer, Bailie, 69 
 
 Smart, Rev. Dr John, 81 
 
 Smith, Mr Thomas Stuart, 110 
 
 Sconce, Sheriff-Substitute, 78 
 
 Steedman, Rev. John, 85 
 
 Wilson, Mr Andrew, 121 
 
 Wordie, Mr William, 112 
 
 Yellowlees, Bailie, 67 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 Notable Events— page. 
 
 Corn Exchange, Laying of Foundation Stone 
 
 of, 200 
 
 Forth and Clyde Railway, 212 
 
 National Wallace Monument : Laying the 
 
 Foundation-Stone, 212 
 
 New Bridge, The, 200 
 
 Queen's Coronation Festivities, 200 
 
 Queen's Visit in 1842, 201 
 
 "Notables," A Few of Stirling's, 146 
 
 "Blind Tom," 151 
 
 "Bummin' Jamie," 152 
 
 "DeiT'Roy, 149 
 
 Donald Dow, 151 
 
 Jock Macewen, 150 
 
 John Brooks, "The Hangman," 148 
 
 "Humphy Geordie," 150 
 
 "London John," or "Coal John," 149 
 
 Lowrie Millar, 147 
 
 "MaikeyToy," 148 
 
 "Stulty Andrew," 149 
 
 "Tammy" Forfar, 148 
 
 "Tippling Act" Jock "Kawr," 147 
 
 "Wee Towan," 147 
 
 Willie Orr, 148 
 
 Omnium Gatherum, The Ancient Society of, 297 
 Ord, the Equestrian, 49 
 
 "Orra" Folk, Some— 
 
 "Blind Alick," 140 
 
 "Cocky" Riddell, 136 
 
 Danny M'Vean, 138 
 
 Isaac Spyron, 137 
 
 Johnny Buchan and Others, 135 
 
 "Ponte," 134 
 
 "Tammy" Chalmers, 143 
 
 "Tickler" Lyon, 139 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 Poets, A Few Local — page. 
 
 Graham, Dougal, 131 
 
 Sinclair, William, 122 
 
 Stupart, R. M., 126 
 
 Taylor, David, 129 
 
 Races, The Stirling, 50 
 
 Burke's Racing Fiasco, 54 
 
 Meek, Miss, 53 
 
 Ramsay of Barnton, , 53 
 
 Schools, Schoolmasters, (Sec- 
 Adventure and Other Schools, 42 
 
 Allan's School, 41 
 
 Caledonian Society, The, 42 
 
 Doig, Dr David, 101 
 
 Dunlop's Academy, 42 
 
 M'Dougall, Duncan, 39 
 
 M'Dougall, "Patie," 38 
 
 The Grammar School, 41 
 
 Stirling and Round About— 
 
 Abbey Fair, The, 262 
 
 Abbey, Neighbourly Feeling at the, 263 
 
 Abbey Tower, The: Mr Anderson's Cow, 262 
 
 An Excellent Answer, 269 
 
 A " Tip " to the Forth Navigation Com- 
 missioners, 261 
 
 A Would-be Hangman, 279 
 
 Blair Drummond Family, A Story of the, 276 
 
 Blair Drummond Moss, Reclaiming, 277 
 
 Blythe Meat, Blythe Cake, Christening Cake, 244 
 
 Clever Lassie, A, 279 
 
 Curious Letter from the Raploch, 287 
 
 Demyat, 266 
 
 Discovery of Roman Remains in Spittal 
 
 Street, 255 
 
 Discrimination in Health Drinking, 249 
 
 Dry Crack, A, 245 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 Stirling and Round About (continued) — page. 
 
 Earl of Menteith and the Town Clerk, The, ... 247 
 
 Effigy Burning at Cambusbarron, 270 
 
 Election Manifesto, An, 250 
 
 Elizabeth Willcox and the Russian Emperor, 270 
 
 Forth Salmon, The, 259 
 
 Haldanes of Airthrey, The, 283 
 
 His Twopence- Worth, 244 
 
 How Mr Hamilton " Boxed " Himself to the 
 
 Pulpit, 257 
 
 Important Invention in Warfare, 254 
 
 Incident of the Election in 1837, An, 249 
 
 Kays of Shiphaugh, The, 263 
 
 Lawyer's Address, A, 275 
 
 Macgregor (Glengyle), James, 282 
 
 Marriage of a Nonogenarian, 288 
 
 Married in He'rt, 281 
 
 Mar's Work, Stirling, and the Alleged Pro- 
 phecy, 266 
 
 "Mrs M'Larty;" or, "I Canna Be Fashed," 269 
 
 Nelly Holmes, 287 
 
 Origin of the Celebrity of Stirling Small Beer, 
 
 commonly called "Pundy," 245 
 
 "Orthodox Ale," 246 
 
 Plate-Glass Windows, 243 
 
 Prices of Provisions, 244 
 
 Queenshaugh, The Farm of, 263 
 
 Reason for Shrinkage, A, 252 
 
 Reasons and Reasons Annexed, 253 
 
 Resurrectionists in Stirling, The, 254 
 
 Rev. James Guthrie and the Stirling 
 
 Butchers, The, 256 
 
 Roadside Canals, 260 
 
 Rob Roy and Blair Drummond, 276 
 
 Rob Roy and the Lady of Ochtertyre, 275 
 
 Sacraments, The, 253 
 
 Safe from the Gallows, 270 
 
 Shipbuilding, 260 
 
 Shop Hours, 243 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 Stirling and Round About (continued)— page. 
 
 Shore Dues, 260 
 
 Shrewd Magistrate, A, 247 
 
 Sir Robert Peel, 255 
 
 Soldier's Punishment, A, 286 
 
 Successful Preacher at Airth, A, 244 
 
 "Tennant's Best," 246 
 
 The Wicked Laird of Tillicoultry and the 
 
 Monks of Cambuskenneth, 264 
 
 Thornhill Beadle of the Olden Time, A, 279 
 
 Thornhill Piper, The, 281 
 
 Tight (Electioneering) Fit, A, 252 
 
 Tirling Pin, The, 253 
 
 Walking Feat, 255 
 
 Willing Recruit, A, 286 
 
 Writers' Offices, 248 
 
 Stirling in the Sixteenth Century, 300 
 
 Ale Dealers, 303 
 
 Bakers, 302 
 
 Oatcake, ., 302 
 
 Capital Punishment, 307 
 
 Fleshers, 301 
 
 Marriages, 310 
 
 Offences against the Person, 304 
 
 Property, '...": 306 
 
 Rogues and Vagabonds, 308 
 
 Strange Names, 300 
 
 Ten o'clock Movement, The, 303 
 
 Stirling: Variations of the Word, 299 
 
 Trysts, ':.... 35 
 
 Valley, The, 32 
 
ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 FACING 
 PAGE 
 
 Bailies (and Town House and Mercate Cross), 200 
 
 Clergymen, 88 
 
 Dean of Guild's Robes, 296 
 
 Deans of Guild (and Guildry Arms), 72 
 
 Guild Hall, On Title page 
 
 Dutch Garden and Military Prison, 184 
 
 Legal Gentlemen, 80 
 
 Medical Gentlemen (and Royal Infirmary), 96 
 
 Notable Citizens, s 104 
 
 Do. Do 112 
 
 Old Seat on Back Walk, 312 
 
 Provosts (and Burgh Seal), 64 
 
 Stirling "Notables," 152 
 
 " Tammy " Chalmers, 144 
 
 Teachers, 40 
 
 The Author, Title 
 
 Town Officer's Uniform, 160 
 
PROVOST RANKIN. 
 
Old Faces, Old Places. 
 
 And OLD STORIES OF STIRLING. 
 
 Recollections and Reminiscences. 
 
 '« ■ ! ■ »« » 
 
 BUILDINGS AND THEIR OCCUPANTS. 
 
 IT is needless to say that Stirling in 1898 is very different 
 from what it was from forty to sixty years ago. * At 
 that time the limits of the town were Melville Terrace 
 on the one hand, and Cowane Street on the other, there 
 being no thought of Snowdon Place, Drummond Place, or Glad- 
 stone Place, which were open fields, where crops of potatoes 
 and turnips were grown. Glebe Crescent was a field ; " The 
 Enclosure," or what was then called Laing's garden, covered 
 what is now Windsor and Abercromby Places ; Victoria Square 
 and Victoria Place, Clarendon Place, and Albert Place were 
 fields. Dumbarton Road houses stand on the ground of what 
 was townsmen's gardens, Allan Park Church being built on 
 Gibb's garden. Along the road where the Albert Hall now 
 stands the Davie Burn, in which were minnows and little eels, 
 ran clear and wimpling, and on Albert Place side, the Town 
 Burn ran also clear, with its little fish. Park Terrace was re- 
 presented by Park Villa, the house of the late Sheriff Sconce ; 
 one or two houses made up Park Place, the right hand side 
 being a nursery ; and no house existed on Livilands except the 
 B 
 
18 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 old mansion-house. No Wallace, Bruce, or Union Streets were 
 to be found, and before the new road was made from York 
 Place to the bridge, the Cow Park extended from Cowane Street 
 to the river, nor was there any thought of building at the Shore. 
 Douglas Street was a cul-de-sac, called the 'Oo' Mill Entry ; the 
 West Free Church and the Territorial School are built on " The 
 Whins," the meeting-place of the Guildry and Seven Incor- 
 porated Trades when walking the Marches ; and Barnton Street 
 and Murray Place were only opened up about the year 1840. 
 
 Before that time the coaches for the north passed along Port 
 Street, up King Street, down Friars Wynd and Maxwell Place, 
 along Maxwell Street, Cowane Street, and down Lower Bridge 
 Street to and over the Old Bridge. To particularize : Union 
 Buildings, at the south-east end of Port Street, replaced an 
 old building with an outside stair. Tammas Allan, the heckler 
 of lint, was one of the tenants, and his cough, it was said, could 
 be heard at the other end of the street. At the rear of this old 
 house was a woodyard and sawpit, where " Danny " Ferguson, 
 the celebrated bone-setter, wrought before he took to the pro- 
 fession in which he became so eminently successful. The adjoin- 
 ing building (now 75-81 Port Street) was occupied as the Union 
 Hotel, and long after it was given up as such the sign, a bunch 
 of grapes, hung over the doorway. At the top of Craigs (at one 
 time called Skinner Street) Bryce's buildings replaced an old 
 thatch-roofed public-house, and a little down from the junction 
 of the Craigs with Port Street, Messrs Fotheringham, spirit 
 merchants, had their bottling stores, which reached at least to 
 the middle of the present street. Previously a coach work, be- 
 longing to the late George Thomson, the old buildings gave way 
 to the present ones, part of which were occupied for some time 
 by the proprietors of "The Stirling Observer." In Port Street, 
 opposite Bryce's buildings, on the site of the shop recently 
 vacated by Messrs Robertson & Macfarlane, grocers, stood the 
 White Hart Inn (" Jamie Hart's "), famous farmers' quarters, 
 and Misses Stoddart's and Mr Dunsmore's shops take the place 
 of Andrew Kerr's public-house. Andrew was noted for his 
 practical jokes, and the house was a favourite rendezvous. The 
 property belonging to Mr John Gillespie, grocer, stands on the 
 site of buildings which were occupied by Messrs D. & J. 
 
BUILDINGS AND THEIR OCCUPANTS. 19 
 
 MacEwen as salt stores and M'Lellan's ale stores ; Messrs Kin- 
 ross' works were at one time Stevenson's wool mill, at the back 
 of which there was a large pond with goldfish. There were also 
 some buildings in front, for long known as Bailie Macgregor's 
 carpet factory, in part of which Messrs Duncan (now Munro) 
 & Jamieson, printers, commenced business. The Town Burn 
 still runs across the street at this part, but was closed over in 
 1851. Mr Adam, china merchant, altered the public-house of 
 Duncan M'Laren — a well-known resort — to its present appear- 
 ance, and on the other side of the street, where Misses Stewart, 
 Misses Dunn & Wilson, and Messrs Stewart, jewellers, have 
 their shops, stood an old three-storey house, one of the shops in 
 which was kept by Mrs Sutherland, the proprietrix, a well- 
 known old lady, who did a very large business in stamping on 
 linen, making up linen caps (or mutches, as they were called), 
 &c. There was also a public-house connected with her premises, 
 and a road led through the property to Wolf Craig. From the 
 foot of King Street to Messrs Kinross' the street was so narrow 
 that two coaches could not pass each other, and at the time of 
 the trysts, when many thousands of cattle, ponies, and sheep 
 passed through, the walls of the houses on either side were be- 
 spattered with mud — in wet weather — several feet up. People 
 wishing to get to what is now the gasworks went by Orchard 
 Place, then called " The Dirten Tide/' or through a lane beside 
 the Golden Lion Hotel. A plan was prepared in 1820 for a road 
 to run from Orchard Place across the fields below the gasworks, 
 and across the Forth by a bridge below Forthside House, and 
 thence to Cambuskenneth Tower. 
 
 King Street was at one time called Quality Street, but had 
 little pretension to the name, as there were in it some of the 
 oldest houses in the burgh. Where the buildings occupied by 
 Messrs Valentine, Macdonald, Hodge, and Dow now stand, 
 there was a brae, with old thatched and tiled houses at the top, 
 where a Mrs Wilson sold "luggies," caups, spurtles, stoups, and 
 other wooden articles. The present block of buildings was 
 erected by the late Thomas Gillies, ironmonger, and long a 
 Town Councillor, Mr Robert Marshall, who still resides in 
 Wallace Street, being one of the first tenants, his firm being 
 Knox & Marshall, hatters. Joseph Owen, hatter, a somewhat 
 
20 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 pompous man, occupied the shop now No. 3, and at No. 7, Mr 
 John Shearer, " Dandy," from the tasteful manner in which he 
 dressed, was postmaster and bookseller. He was one of the 
 most obliging of postmasters, and a thorough gentleman. The 
 Royal Bank buildings occupy the site of two public-houses — one 
 of them extensive carriers' quarters. The Royal Restaurant 
 replaced a building, the shops of which were reached by three 
 or four steps, one of them being occupied by the late William 
 Peddie, bookseller, a well-known townsman. Where now stands 
 Inglis & Smith's drapery warehouse was Lowry M'Laren's 
 tavern, entry to which was by a neat wooden porch. Lowry for 
 a long time drove one of the mail coaches between Glasgow and 
 Stirling. Graham & Morton's large block of buildings occupies 
 the ground of Leishman's (afterwards King's) joinery shop. 
 King was grandfather to Lord Provost Sir James King of Glas- 
 gow. M'Aree Bros.' property (renewed a few years ago) at one 
 time belonged to Mr Stupart, writer, and here " Sandy " Nel- 
 son, a well-known vintner and grain dealer, had his shop, which 
 was a favourite rendezvous of farmers on market days. The 
 " Wallace Arms " Inn, immediately above, was bought by the 
 late John Barnes, hairdresser, an enthusiastic abstainer, and 
 altered into the present shop of Mr Gabriel Smith, and the 
 Clydesdale Bank was erected on the ground of an old house 
 which belonged to a family of the name of Stewart. 
 
 On the other side of the street the Bank of Scotland, at the 
 head of Friars Street, occupies the site of the old " Saracen's 
 Head " Inn (much famed in olden times) and the shops of Thos. 
 White, bootmaker, and Nelly IVTBe' (M'Beath), vegetable 
 dealer. The cattle passing down the street on their way to the 
 trysts used to " nip " up Nelly's stock-in-trade, and many a 
 squabble used to take place between her and the drovers as to 
 the payment. The " Saracen's Head " was one of the starting- 
 places for mail coaches, and in front of the hostelry stood a 
 mile-stone. The premises occupied by Mr William Meiklejohn 
 as W. & A. Johnston, drapers, were altered from one of the 
 branch shops of Messrs D. & J. MacEwen, grocers, and a wide 
 entry leading to Henderson's iron merchant's store, and the 
 writing offices of Messrs Nimmo & Crawford. Mr Robert Liddel 
 erected his present shop on the site of a building long occupied 
 
BUILDINGS AND THEIR OCCUPANTS. 21 
 
 by William Wright, better known as " Snuff Wricht," for which 
 commodity he was famed. In his shop Bailie Robert Macewen 
 served his apprenticeship. On the site of Thos. Menzies & Co.'s 
 front warehouse stood an old smithy occupied by John Stewart, 
 having an outside stair at one end. Mrs Stewart was a terror 
 to the youngsters. The front of the Arcade occupies the site 
 of the shops of Messrs Harvey, watchmaker, and Malloch, gun- 
 smith, and Dr Rogers, of Wallace Monument fame, had his 
 publishing office on the first flat, the printing office being where 
 Messrs Menzies' drapery saloon now stands. Two breweries 
 occupied the next ground, and one of them, the " Crown " Inn, 
 was that of Mrs Christie, mother of the late Bailie John 
 Christie, ironmonger. She died lately at the great age of 96. 
 The Union Bank stands on the site of an old house with an out- 
 side stair, and at Messrs R. S. Shearer & Son's bookseller's shop 
 there was an arched entrance to the back of the " Golden Lion " 
 Hotel, much used when the stage-coaches were running. A 
 board (still to be seen at the back of the hotel) contains the 
 following notices : — 
 
 ''From Stirling to Perth.— The Defiance four-horse coach, 
 Royal Hotel & Gibb's, at 10 minutes before 9 a.m. The Rapid 
 four-horse fast coach, at 30 minutes past 3 p.m. 
 
 "From Stirling to Glasgow.— The Rapid, Royal Hotel & 
 Union, at half-past 8 p.m. The Defiance, Royal Hotel & Gibb's, 
 at 30 minutes past noon." 
 
 At this hotel — at the time Wingate's Inn — Burns, while on a 
 visit to Stirling, after viewing the home of the Stuarts, is said 
 to have written the famous lines on the present dynasty : — 
 
 " Here Stuarts once in glory reign' d, 
 And laws for Scotland's weal ordain'd ; 
 But now unroof d their palace stands, 
 Their sceptre's sway'd by other hands. 
 The injur 'd Stuart line is gone, 
 A race outlandish fills their throne — 
 An idiot race, to honour lost : 
 Who know them best despise them most." 
 
 The imprudence of the lines on the Palace of Stirling was 
 
22 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 hinted to the poet by a friend, on which he took out his dia- 
 mond, saying, " Oh, I mean to reprove myself," walked to the 
 window, and scratched " The Reproof " on the pane — 
 
 " Rash mortal, and slanderous poet, thy name 
 Shall no longer appear in the records of fame : 
 Dost not know, that old Mansfield, who writes like the Bible, 
 Says, The more 'tis a truth, sir, the more 'tis a libel ? " 
 
 A writer in the Paisley Magazine, 1828, gives the following 
 more satisfactory account of these celebrated lines, involving 
 circumstances which reflect the brightest lustre on the character 
 of the Ayrshire poet : — " They were not the composition of 
 Burns, but of his friend Nicol. This we state from the testimony 
 of those who themselves knew the fact as it truly stood, and who 
 were well acquainted with the high-wrought feelings of honour 
 and friendship which induced Burns to remain silent under the 
 obloquy which their affiliation entailed upon him. The in- 
 dividual whose attention the lines first attracted was a clerk in 
 the employment of the Carron Iron Company, then travelling 
 through the country collecting accounts or receiving orders, 
 who happened to arrive immediately after the departure of the 
 poet and his friend. On inquiry, he learned that the last 
 occupant of the apartment was the far-famed Burns, and on this 
 discovery he immediately transferred a copy of the lines to his 
 memorandum book of orders, made every person as wise as him- 
 self on the subject; and penned an answer to them, which, with 
 the lines themselves, soon spread over the country, and found a 
 place in every periodical of the day. To this poetic critic of the 
 Carron Works do we owe the first hint of Burns being the 
 author of this tavern effusion. They who saw the writing on 
 the glass know that it was not the hand-writing of the poet ; 
 but this critic, who neither knew his autograph nor his person, 
 chose to consider it as such, and so announced it to the world. 
 On his return to Stirling, Burns was both irritated and grieved 
 to find that this idle and mischievous tale had been so widely 
 spread and so generally believed. The reason of the cold and 
 constrained reception he met with from some distinguished 
 friends, which at the time he could not account for, was now 
 
BUILDINGS AND THEIR OCCUPANTS. 23 
 
 explained, and he felt in all its bitterness the misery of being 
 innocently blamed for a thing which he despised as unworthy of 
 his head and heart. To disavow the authorship was to draw 
 down popular indignation on the head of Nicol — a storm which 
 would have annihilated him. Rather than ruin the interests of 
 that friend, he generously and magnanimously, or, as some less 
 fervent mind may think, foolishly, devoted himself to unmerited 
 obloquy, by remaining silent, and suffering the story to circu- 
 late uncontradicted. The friend who was with Burns when 
 he indignantly smashed the obnoxious pane with the butt-end 
 of his whip, and who was perfectly aware of the whole circum- 
 stances as they really stood, long and earnestly pleaded with 
 him to contradict the story that had got wind, and injured him 
 so much in public estimation. It was with a smile of peculiar 
 melancholy that Burns made this noble and characteristic 
 reply : ' I know I am not the author ; but I'll be damned ere I 
 betray him. It would ruin him — he is my friend! ' It is un- 
 necessary to add that to this resolution he ever afterwards 
 remained firm.'' 
 
 Messrs W. Drummond & Sons' seed establishment was 
 erected in 1840, and was at one time famous for its agricultural 
 museum. On the site of the British Linen Bank was a row of 
 little shops, and the first flat — after Murray Place was opened 
 up — was for some time the " Macfarlane Library." The present 
 handsome buildings were erected by the late Mr Peter Drum- 
 mond for the Stirling Tract Enterprise, the British Linen Com- 
 pany acquiring the property on the Depot being removed to the 
 present premises in Dumbarton Road. 
 
 A range of old houses, with stairs jutting out on the street, 
 stood where Messrs Craig, Drummond, Grieve, and Hepting 
 now have their shops, the " Hole in the Wall," a public-house, 
 occupying part of the buildings. Duncan Cameron's public- 
 house and carriers' quarters stood in from the road where now 
 stands the shop of Dean of Guild Millar. Mr Wilson's paint- 
 shop and the back entrance to the " Golden Lion " Hotel were 
 on the site of what are now the shops of Messrs Smith and Gard- 
 ner ; a coach-house and piggery were on the ground of the now 
 " People's Journal " Offices (Mr Eneas Mackay). Mr Brown's 
 grocery shop and the Lome Restaurant are built on the ground 
 
24 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 of old granaries and Archie France's smithy. Messrs Crowe & 
 Rodgers' premises occupy the site of a plumbers' shop, which 
 was reached by about a dozen steps, and those of Messrs M'Kin- 
 lay & Son occupy the ground where stood a two-storey house, 
 with iron balcony, one of the shops being occupied by Mr Walls, 
 painter, at present in Maxwell Place. The "Ark," an old 
 public-house with two storeys above, now forms the lower 
 entrance to the Arcade. The Free North Church is built on 
 what was formerly a garden, the foundation-stone being laid by 
 the late Mr William Drummond on 8th October, 1851. The 
 Commercial Bank occupies the site of the " Eagle " Inn, and the 
 National Bank was removed from what is now the Boys' 
 Industrial School in Baker Street, and replaced an old two- 
 storeyed house, the " Bee Hive," which had an orchard behind. 
 Seaforth Place, Shore Road, was erected on the grounds of the 
 coachwork of the late Mr William Kinross, and Mr M'Lachlan — 
 who afterwards removed to Linlithgow — had coach-building 
 works at the back of the new offices of Messrs Wordie & Co. in 
 Thistle Street. Alongside the road from Thistle Street to 
 Lower Craigs was the Burgh Mill-dam, an open cesspool, where 
 all the filth from the burgh was collected, by the unprotected 
 side of which people had to pass, and this continued until a boy 
 was drowned in it, and the town had to pay " sweetly " for 
 neglecting to have it properly fenced. 
 
 In Friars Wynd (now street) the " Royal " Hotel was built on 
 the site of a large old building, occupied by "Luckie" Robert- 
 son, who kept a house with not the best character, and Archie 
 M'Intyre had also his public-house there, one being at that time 
 at nearly every second door. "Archie," and " Sandy " M'Lellan 
 were well-known steamboat pqrters, and when the building got 
 into a ruinous state " Donald Dow " — of whom more anon — took 
 up lodgings there. The stance was built upon by the late Bailie 
 Millar, and is still partly occupied by the firm. The shops of 
 Messrs Hetherington, cabinetmaker, and M'Kinlay, saddler, 
 occupy the ground of another thatched public-house. 
 
 Baker Street has not changed so much as other parts of the 
 town. The shops of Messrs Boswell and Nicol occupy the stance 
 of still another public-house, with crow-stepped gable to the 
 street. At the restaurant below Bank Street (re-built by Mr 
 
BUILDINGS AND THEIR OCCUPANTS. 25 
 
 Thomas Peacock) there was another old house with crow-stepped 
 gable, and Allan Anderson, hatter (who built the tower at Craig- 
 mill lately occupied by Denovan Adam, artist), had his business 
 premises here. The '-' Stirling Arms " Inn was the old " Cross 
 Guns,' 7 kept by a Mrs Kay, and afterwards by Misses Pollock. 
 Mrs Hoggan's furniture warerooms are on the site of an old 
 brewery and public-house, the "White Horse," at one time 
 occupied by Mr Kidston. Next door was Towers' public-house, 
 and there was an outside stair standing partly across the pave- 
 ment. John Forbes' bookseller's shop was in the same building. 
 He was for some time a Town Councillor, but being a Unitarian, 
 he was somewhat looked down upon. His shop was the depot 
 for squibs, crackers, and all manner of fire works, and it would 
 startle the people nowadays if they were shown some of the 
 valentines which were exhibited in his window. He was also 
 agent for all kinds of light literature, and among the first in 
 Stirling to sell lucifer matches, which were sold at 8d per box. 
 A very unique house stood where Mr Eason has his grocery pre- 
 mises, near the head of Baker Street. The windows — one large 
 and the other small — were level with the street, and on descend- 
 ing four or five steps you reached the floor of the last of the 
 many vouts or vaults which were in Stirling in the olden time, 
 and there found M Granny " Hill, poulterer, in all her glory. 
 She was a very short, stout person, but had a long and bitter 
 tongue ; and besides poultry, she provided periwinkles for the 
 bairns. Frequently the late Archibald Campbell, or " the 
 Royal," as he was called, stopped for a talk, or to transact 
 business with Mrs Hill, and on fine days her chair was placed 
 at the head of the steps, where she sat plucking and dressing her 
 fowls. The Bishop's Close (98 Baker Street), was so called from 
 William Bruce, smith, who had his smithy and dwelling-house 
 there, having been known by the name of " The Bishop." He 
 was a most respectable, God-fearing man, who was in the habit 
 of addressing a particular body of people in the Trades Hall on 
 Sabbaths, and it is said that after service food was provided 
 for the worshippers. 
 
 In Broad Street there have been no new buildings for a great 
 many years, but considerable improvement was made by clear- 
 ing away the old houses in Jail Wynd in 1852, the upper side of 
 
26 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 Church Wynd and Castle Wynd, which were " rookeries " of all 
 kinds of evil. 
 
 At the upper side of the entrance to the " Back Raw Kirk," 
 now Erskine Church, in St. John Street, stood a large house, at 
 one time the lodgings of the Earl of Linlithgow. It was 
 occupied by the Staff of the Stirlingshire Militia as stores, and 
 on the lower side of the entrance stood a nail-maker's shop with 
 flat above and outside stair. The clearing away of the " Old 
 Mint " and the " Broad Stairs n at the foot of St. John Street 
 improved this part of the town greatly. The house belonging to 
 Mr Oswald, slater, Spittal Street, was once the property of 
 Robert Spittal, tailor to King James VI., and had a half turret 
 similar to the one further up. One Mary Gray had a public- 
 house here, and a story is told that a soldier who had been drink- 
 ing in Mary's was decoyed down the turret stair where was a well 
 — now covered over — and never again heard of. Mr Young's 
 new house opposite the Royal Infirmary occupies the ground of 
 what was called the " Lions' Den," and it well deserved the 
 name. Spittal Street on the south side has been entirely re- 
 newed, old houses and closes having been cleared away, and 
 there is every appearance that before long it will be the princi- 
 pal route to the Castle. 
 
 Turning to the upper part of the town and beginning at the 
 Castle, we call to mind Sir Archibald Christie, Deputy Gover- 
 nor, a most worthy man, tall, and with a fine soldierly appear- 
 ance, but with cheeks disfigured by wounds received in the 
 Peninsula, caused by a charge of grape-shot. He was a great 
 favourite with the townspeople, took considerable interest in 
 the fishings, and often called at the shop near the head of Baker 
 Street, now occupied by Mr Dalgetty, clogmaker, waiting with 
 other well-known townspeople to see the fish brought from the 
 river for sale. He was very fond of an eel. 
 
 Major Peddie, fort major, also resided in the Castle, with 
 his three sons and two comely daughters, and had charge of 
 Baird and Hardie while they lay in the Castle awaiting exe- 
 cution. The Peddie family had officers in the army from 1692 
 to 1871, in which year Major Peddie died. The whole line from 
 1692 down had, with few exceptions, belonged to the 21st Royal 
 North British Fusiliers, noW the Scots Fusiliers. Mr Patrick 
 
BUILDINGS AND THEIR OCCUPANTS. 27 
 
 Connal, agent of the National Bank, after retiring from active 
 business, lived in the house at Mar Place now occupied by 
 General Satchwell. The same house was occupied for some 
 years by the best adjutant the Stirlingshire Militia ever had — 
 Captain Kenny, who was the making of the regiment. He was 
 a general favourite, not only with the men, but with citizens 
 also, his burly figure being welcomed everywhere. "Fiscal" 
 Sawers resided in Valley Lodge, now the Fever Hospital. 
 
 Mrs Burns, a well-known residenter, lived in the house now 
 occupied by Mr William Cunningham, at the head of Broad 
 Street. This lady had a son, a nice young fellow, who died at 
 an early age, and was known as " Tiptoes, from a habit he had 
 of walking on his toes. He was very patriotic, and had a couple 
 of small cannon in the garden, which he fired off on Queen's 
 birthdays and other special occasions. Andrew Hutton, writer, 
 had his offices in the house adjoining, afterwards the " Prince of 
 "Wales " Hotel. The next house was the residence of James 
 Kerr, writer, and agent for stamps, whose office was in the 
 premises at the foot of Broad Street, with entrance from St. 
 Mary's Wynd, formerly the office of the Stirling Bank. The 
 Stamp Office was removed from there to Graham's Court, Bow 
 Street, and afterwards to the flat above Jamieson & Co., 
 clothiers, King Street, with entrance (now built up) next the 
 Union Bank. " Balzie " Balfour, writer, had his office in the 
 court nearly opposite the Court-House ; Provost Forman and 
 Provost William Anderson, both booksellers, occupied Nos. 10 
 and 12 Broad Street. The next shop (still a grocer's) was 
 occupied by the father of the late Sir James Alexander, Knt. 
 of Westerton, as a tea merchant's warehouse, and afterwards by 
 Bailie John MacEwen as grocer's premises. The grocer's shop 
 at the entrance to St. Mary's Wynd belonging to Mrs Dow was 
 the seed shop of Mr Runciman, who was nicknamed " Paddle " 
 Runciman, owing to his large feet and the manner in which he 
 walked. He built the neat block of buildings forming Viewfield 
 Place. The house and garden at head of close, No. 30 Bow 
 Street, was the property of Mr Smith of Glassingall, the 
 founder of the Smith Institute. At No. 24 Bow Street, the 
 house at head of court was the town house of the Moirs of 
 Leckie. For a good many years previous to 1858 it was occupied 
 
28 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 by Miss Wilson, who was connected with some of the county 
 families, and among the waste paper removed from the house 
 at her death was found a commission given by Prince Charlie 
 to one of her forefolks. Here, also, Mr Alexander (" Sandy ") 
 Meffen, Chief-Constable for the county, died. " Tarn " Steel, 
 Bailie and candlemaker, played his practical jokes from the 
 lower half (there being two at that time) of the shop of Mr 
 Robert Menzies, grocer. He had such a fondness for joking 
 that it was said when any " ploy " was going on he was sure 
 to have a hand in it. This property was at one time the town 
 house of the Lairds of Keir, and in front of it some of the 
 relatives of John Cowane, Stirling's best benefactor, had their 
 booth. Mr Prentice, draper, erected the large building at the 
 corner of Broad and Bow Streets, and did a large trade with 
 country people. James Peddie, writer, had his offices here, and 
 with him Messrs A. & J. Jenkins served their apprenticeship. 
 This house occupies the site of Castle Brady, the residence of 
 John Brady of Easter Kennet, who nourished at the close of the 
 16th century, and the house adjoining was the lodging of the 
 Earl of Morton, who resided there at the time of the " Raid of 
 Stirling," in 1571. At No. 23 Broad Street there is a court, 
 and up an outside stair there the Stirling School of Arts had 
 their library and museum, previous to which the premises 
 formed the offices of Mr Hill, writer. Nos. 25 and 27 were 
 occupied about the beginning of the century by "Tammy 
 Athing " (Thomas Wright), who was Provost of the burgh for 
 some time, and father of the late Misses Wright of Clifford Park. 
 He died in 1824. Councillor James Burden, brewer and spirit 
 dealer, had his premises (still a brewery) next the Police Build- 
 ings, the house being greatly patronised on market days. His 
 son, Mr John Burden, now in America, still takes great interest 
 in his native town. On the site of the Weigh-House, on the 
 upper side of Jail Wynd, stood at one time the house of the 
 family of Lennox. Mr Christie, father of Mr William Christie, 
 watchmaker, had his drapery shop at No. 13 Bow Street; he 
 served his apprenticeship with Mr Patrick Connal, who had a 
 drapery establishment at No. 2 St. Mary's Wynd (now a spirit 
 shop), the late Mr James Shirra succeeding Mr Christie as 
 apprentice. The "Blue Bell" Inn (Bailie Cullens) stood next, 
 
BUILDINGS AND THEIR OCCUPANTS. 29 
 
 and then the shop of Mr M'Laren, bookseller (5 Bow Street). 
 Here Sir George Harvey, the celebrated painter, served his 
 apprenticeship, and first showed his powers by the sketch of a 
 group of fish, which was exhibited in the shop window. Sandy 
 Grant's shop is still a watchmaker's, Mr Thomson, one of his 
 apprentices, now carrying on the business. Mr William Christie 
 also " served his time" with Sandy. 
 
 Messrs Walter and Alick Reid had their drapery shop in the 
 building at the corner of Bow and Baker Streets, where the 
 branch Post Office is now situate. Walter Callender, now in 
 America, and a reputed millionaire, learned his trade here. 
 Bailie Jaifrey, a grocer, occupied the shop No. 99 Baker Street, 
 and is mentioned in one of the poems of " Strilia's Bard " — now 
 a very rare work. He was a very respectable man, but his 
 friends often twitted him for having married a young woman, 
 he being at the time well up in years. Ebenezer Johnstone, 
 from the shop, No. 38 (now No. 79), published the first number 
 of " The Stirling Observer M in 1836, the printing office being 
 situated up the Industrial School entry. The shop was previ- 
 ously occupied by Mr Charles Randall, printer and publisher of 
 a great number of chap-books and other literature, father of the 
 late Mr Randolph, of Randolph <fe Elder, the celebrated Clyde 
 engineers. The shop was afterwards occupied by William Camp- 
 bell, bootmaker, a very big man, but one of the best swimmers 
 and divers Stirling ever had ; he was always foremost in giving 
 his services in searching for the bodies of drowned persons in 
 the river, and not a few did he thus recover. At 76 Baker 
 Street, on the right hand of the first flat, Mr Harvey, watch- 
 maker, father of Sir George Harvey, had his business premises, 
 Deacon Chalmers, tailor, a well-known member of the com- 
 munity, occupying the other half. Provost Rankin, china mer- 
 chant, occupied what is now a spirit shop, No. 65. 
 The first co-operative store (which was on a very small scale) 
 was managed by John Youill in the shop now occupied by Mr 
 James Anderson, grocer, at the foot of Bank Street. It did 
 not succeed, and Youill went to Australia. Co-operation was 
 again tried in the shop, No. 80 Baker Street, and continued for 
 some time, but also had to be given up. Two doors below Bank 
 Street, " Snuff Jean " sold her commodity. She once told Mr 
 
30 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 Wright dimming, bootmaker (who is still among us), that, 
 when a child, her father held her up in his arms and showed her 
 " Prince Charlie " coming out of the Coffee-house Close (14 Bow 
 Street), where he lived while besieging Stirling Castle, and 
 she remembered seeing two Highlanders with guns standing at 
 the entry. In Dalgleish Court was the Fiscal's office, and 
 opposite to it the " dead house," or mortuary, where all bodies 
 were taken till claimed or buried. The Royal Bank commenced 
 business in the shops, now of Mr Cumming, grocer, and the 
 millinery premises adjoining. Opposite is a house, with gable 
 to the street, with an inscription which reads thus : — 
 
 HEIR ' I • FORBEARE 
 
 MY • NAME ' OR ' ARMES • TO • FIX, 
 
 LEAST • ME • OR • MINE 
 
 SHOULD • SELL ■ THESE ' STONES • OR ' STICKS. 
 
 This was a famed pie and porter house, kept by Mrs Jaffrey, 
 a stout, neat little woman, who was a picture of tidiness. Her 
 son has made himself a name by his energy and perseverance, 
 and some years ago presented Birmingham with a hospital, said 
 to have cost about a quarter of a million. Mr Peter Dalgleish 
 had his extensive candle-making business in the premises, No. 
 9 Baker Street, and many a halfpenny he paid school children 
 of that time for their used copy-books. David Miller, "Princie," 
 did a large stationery trade next door, " chap-books," so much 
 read at that time, being sold there by thousands. 
 
 Bishop Gleig, of the Episcopal Church, resided in Upper 
 Bridge Street. He was a very neat personage, and wore knee 
 breeches, silk stockings, silk apron, and a cocked hat. His son 
 rose to be Chaplain-General of the British Forces, and was also 
 author of a number of novels. The chapel — a small one with 
 belfry and bell — stood on the main road, nearly opposite the 
 Royal Hotel. 
 
 The hotels and inns were — Gibb's " Red Lion " Inn, King 
 Street; Sawers' "Golden Grapes," Port Street; Wilson's 
 "Star" Inn, Baker Street; A. Campbell, 12 King Street; 
 Archibald Thomson, 67 King Street ; M'Pherson's coffee-house, 
 
BUILDINGS AND THEIR OCCUPANTS. 31 
 
 Bow Street ; Gibson's " Old Cross Keys," King Street ; Andrew 
 Kerr's " Stirling Arms," Lower Bridge Street ; and Mrs Thom- 
 son's Inn, Port Street. 
 
 Amongst the principal lodging-houses were — Mrs Duncan, 
 Port Street ; Mrs Young, Port Street ; Mr Paterson, Spring 
 Gardens ; Miss Flint, Baker Street ; Mrs Leggate, King Street ; 
 Mrs Dick, Spittal Street ; Mrs King, St. Mary's Wynd ; Mrs 
 M'Morran, St. Mary's Wynd ; Mrs Redpath, Broad Street ; 
 Mrs Hempseed, Lower Bridge Street ; Mrs Burrel, Esplanade ; 
 and Mrs Dawson, King Street. 
 
 The bairns were satisfied with the " Double Hedges," the 
 Back Walk, the Deil's Hole, the Hurley Hawkie, the King's 
 Knot, and the Butt Well as play-places, and many a happy day 
 was spent about the Well, rolling down the slope (now fenced in) 
 or making hats, umbrellas, or other ornaments, of the rushes 
 Avhich grew in abundance there, while the mothers or servants 
 were busy washing or " tramping" clothes at the Well. There 
 were some " dare devils " who used to climb up the rocks at the 
 back of the Castle, receiving as their reward on reaching the 
 top a glass of wine and sixpence. 
 
 Water was a very scarce commodity in Stirling, and the 
 people were often in a fix, until 1849, when the Touch supply 
 was got. Wells were placed at distances along the streets, and 
 in time of scarcity a row of wooden stoups, in pairs, from the 
 well below the Industrial School entry, in Baker Street, up to 
 and round Bow Street corner, was no unusual sight. The good 
 wives put out their stoups at night, and as each pair was filled, 
 the rest were moved down — but it was a weary wait. 
 
 On the north side of Baker Street, in Bow Street, and the 
 lower portion of Broad Street wells of excellent " hard water " 
 are still to be found, but a great many have been covered over. 
 In cases of fire there was often great difficulty through want of 
 water. Every householder near the scene of the outbreak, on 
 the alarm being given, ran with his or her pair of stoups, and 
 gave assistance. We remember a fire taking place at the corner 
 of Broad Street and Church Wynd, when the children were 
 thrown from the windows and caught in blankets. The regi- 
 ment in the Castle at the time turned out and lined the route 
 to the wells, the stoups and pails being passed along full on the 
 
32 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 one side, and empty on the other. We think the fire originated 
 in the house occupied by the late " Tarn " Robertson, who, as 
 well as his father, was Guildry Officer for a great number of 
 years. 
 
 The Valley, now part of the Cemetery. 
 
 Here tournaments used to be held, while the fair ones of the 
 Court, whose bright eyes, no doubt, in the words of Milton, 
 
 " Rained influence and adjudged the prize," 
 
 surveyed the extravagant doings of the other sex from the 
 eminence which bears their name, " The Ladies' Rock." A re- 
 markable conflict took place here during the reign of James II. , 
 who had revived the sanguinary species of the tournament, 
 which his father had suppressed. Two noble Burgundians, 
 named Lelani — one of whom, Jacques, was as celebrated a 
 knight as Europe could boast — together with one Squire 
 Meriadel, challenged three Scottish knights to fight with lance, 
 battle-axe, sword, and daggers. Having been all solemnly 
 knighted by the king, they engaged in the Valley. Of the 
 Scotsmen, two were Douglases, and the third belonged to the 
 honourable family of Halket. Soon throwing away their lances, 
 they had recourse to the axe, when one of the Douglases was 
 felled outright, and the king, seeing the combat unequal, threw 
 down his baton, the signal for cessation. The remaining 
 Douglas and de Lelani had approached so close that of all their 
 weapons none remained save a dagger in the hand of the 
 Scottish knight, and this he could not use by reason of the 
 Burgundian holding his wrist, at the same time wheeling him 
 in a struggle round the lists. The other Lelani was strong, but 
 unskilled in warding the battle-axe, and soon had his visor, 
 weapons, and armour crushed to pieces. MeriadeFs antagonist, 
 Halket, had attacked him with the lance, but that being 
 knocked out of his hand by the butt-end of MeriadeFs lance, he 
 was felled to the ground, and, on again rising to renew the 
 combat, was laid prostrate to rise no more. 
 
 A different exhibition was made in the Valley about half a 
 
THE VALLEY. 33 
 
 century later. About 1503 an Italian came to Scotland, and, 
 pretending to alchemy, gave James IV. hopes of possessing the 
 philosopher's stone. The king collated him to the Abbacy of 
 Tungland. That the Abbot had believed in his own impostures, 
 appears from a record to the effect that in September, 1507, an 
 embassy was sent by the king to France, on which occasion the 
 Abbot of Tungland " tuik in hand to flie with wingis, and to be 
 in Fraunce befoir the sadis ambassadouris. And to that effect 
 he causet mak ane pair of wingis with fedderis, qukilkes beand 
 fessinet upoun him, he flew of the Castell wall of Strivelling, 
 bot shortlie he fell to the ground and brak his thee bane ; bot 
 the wyt thairof he ascrybit to that thair was sum hen fedderis in 
 the winges quhilk yarint and covet the mydding and not the 
 skyis. In this doinge he pressit (essayed) to conterfute ane 
 king of Tungland callit Bladud, quha, as thair histories men- 
 tiones, decked himself in fedderis, and presumed to flie in the 
 aire as he did, bot, falling on the tempell of Apollo, brak his 
 neck." This Abbot of Tungland — says a well-known Scottish 
 novelist — seriously pestered the late Roman Legate — ^neas 
 Sylvius — that the Pope Eugene IV., as head of the Church and 
 " vicegerent of heaven upon earth," would intercede for the 
 fallen angel, to have him forgiven and received once more into 
 Divine favour, to the sublime end that all evil in the world would 
 henceforth cease ; for the good old clergyman, in the largeness 
 of heart, like his poetic countryman in after years, felt that he 
 could even forgive the devil, when he thought — 
 
 Auld Nickey Ben, 
 Maybe wad tak' a thocht and mend. 
 
 But poor Pope Eugene was too much bothered and embroiled 
 by the untractable Council of Basle to attend at that time to 
 the mighty crotchets of the Abbot of Tungland. The poor abbot 
 was completely scouted, and his charlatanry met with a severe 
 and most unsavoury reprehension at the hands of the celebrated 
 poet Dunbar, whose indignation was not softened by his being 
 a contemporary candidate for ecclesiastical honours. 
 
 The Valley is said to have been, in later times, the scene of 
 execution of several witches. A strange, vague circumstance 
 C 
 
34 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 is attached by tradition to one of these incidents. It was 
 believed, in consequence of the threat of one of the unhappy- 
 beings about to undergo execution, that, if she turned round 
 in approaching the stake, and looked upon the town, it should 
 immediately take fire. In order to prevent this dreadful event, 
 the pious minister who accompanied the witch took the pre- 
 caution of enveloping her head in the short velvet cloak which, 
 according to the custom of the Presbyterian clergy of the 
 seventeenth century, he usually wore round his own shoulders. 
 Had he not done this, there can be no doubt Stirling would 
 have suffered the fate destined for the poor witch. 
 
 The Horse Fair, or Market, was held for many years in " The 
 Valley," but was removed when the Town Council decided to 
 construct a cemetery there. A great outcry was got up about 
 destroying " The Valley," but many who were determined 
 opponents lived to recognise the vast improvement which was 
 made. 
 
 Markets. 
 
 The town fifty or sixty years ago was well supplied with 
 markets. The Flesh Market stood on the site of part of the 
 present High School, with the slaughter-house behind. A large 
 square was occupied with booths where country and town 
 fleshers exposed their meat for sale, the market being for a long 
 time held twice a week. Good boiling meat could be got at 
 5d. per lb. ; coarse pieces at 4d. ; pork, 4d. There was a public- 
 house in the corner of the square, where whisky was sold at 3d. 
 per gill. 4d. procured a gill, a bottle of capp, and a piece of 
 oatcake. Capp was small beer, bottled, and a capital drink it 
 made. Publicans could sell at any hour of the day or night in 
 those days. 
 
 The Butter Market in Broad Street was always filled with 
 country women, having baskets of poultry, eggs, and butter, 
 and the Weigh-House with cheese and salt butter. Poultry 
 could be got at a very reasonable rate — a good fowl for cock-a- 
 leekie for one shilling. The country wives prided themselves on 
 their fresh butter, which found a ready market. They were 
 
TRYSTS. 35 
 
 kept from giving light weight by the Inspector of Weights com- 
 ing on them unawares. There is a story told of a woman who 
 knew her butter would not stand the test, and on the appear- 
 ance of the inspector she stuck the first coin that came to her 
 hand, and which happened to be half-a-crown, into the topmost 
 roll. As the inspector was leaving, a person who had noticed 
 the action, tendered the price of the half pound, carrying off 
 both butter and coin, the seller not daring to refuse sale. 
 
 On the right hand side of Broad Street stood carts with 
 potatoes ; on the left, carts with fruit, vegetables, tinware, and 
 boxes of young pigs ; while at the upper part, near the Court- 
 House, was ranged a large number" of fleshers' carts. Fish was 
 also sold here. 
 
 Another market — now a thing of the past — was the Shearers' 
 Market, which was held for a number of Monday mornings at 
 the time of "hairst." The lower part of Broad Street used to 
 be crowded with men and women — Scotch, English, and, for 
 the most part, from the " Green Isle." Each one carried his 
 "heuck," or reaping hook, and farmers came and engaged the 
 number they required at so much a day, or for the whole har- 
 vest, with bed and board. In 1836 shearers received from Is. 
 6d. to 2s. each day, with victuals. 
 
 About 1831 wages were very low. Masons received 2s. 4d. 
 per day of 9 working hours ; bricklayers, 2s. 6d. ; plasterers, 3s. 
 4d. ; slaters, 3s. 2d. ; plumbers, 2s. 9d. ; joiners and carpenters, 
 (10 hours), 2s. 4d. ; shoemakers (12 hours), 2s. 6d. ; blacksmiths 
 (10 hours), 2s. lOd. ; tailors, 3s. 4d. ; but these are very poor 
 wages as compared with the present time. Ordinary black tea 
 at that time was 4d. per oz. ; brown sugar, 5^d. per lb. Houses 
 of two apartments were about £4 yearly. 
 
 Trysts. 
 
 The Trysts held at Stenhousemuir three times a year in- 
 creased very much the Stirling customs revenue, and although 
 still held, are but phantoms of their former greatness. There 
 would be at times not less than from thirty to forty thousand 
 cattle, and sixty to seventy thousand sheep, passing through 
 
36 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 the town, besides large droves of Highland " shelties." Before 
 the new bridge was built, all passed over the old bridge, and 
 the droves followed so closely upon each other that, on one 
 occasion, when a dispute took place with the tollman at St. 
 Ninians, the cattle were stopped, as were all succeeding droves, 
 until the entire road through Stirling and Causewayhead on to 
 the Sheriffmuir Road, at the entrance to Bridge of Allan, a dis- 
 tance of four miles, was one dense mass of cattle, sheep, and 
 ponies. 
 
 Fairs. 
 
 There were the May (or " Feeing ") Fair, and the October (or 
 "Peter Mackie's ") Fair, but their glory has now departed. 
 Delightful they were for young and old townspeople, Jockey 
 and Jenny, and they also put a goodly sum into the coffers of 
 shopkeepers. Two busy and uproariously happy days in the year 
 have nearly disappeared, and bairns ought to blush when they 
 ask their " fairing," as people almost forget there are such days. 
 
 What happy times those were for the country folks! What 
 meetings, what embracing and kissing — no shame with it — what 
 kindly " speiring " for each other's welfare! How did they like 
 their places ? was it a good meat house ? and a score of other 
 queries. Country servants made the fairs days of real pleasure, 
 as but little they had of it in the dreary bothies during the dark 
 winter nights, and glad were they to get into the town for a 
 day to see old acquaintances, patronise the shows, and meet 
 their sweethearts. What a congregation there used to be in 
 King Street and Baker Street. What with stands and people, 
 it was difficult to crush through the crowd from Bank Street to 
 the middle of King Street. It was a sight to see the meetings, 
 " Hoo's a' wi' ye, Jock ? Whan did ye see Jenny ? Come awa', 
 man, into Johnny Pok's" (Pollok's, the old ' Cross Guns ' at the 
 foot of Bank Street, a famed house), " and ha'e a dram." After 
 the dram had been partaken of, down the street they went; 
 more friends were met, and more drams taken. Then, meeting 
 the lasses and treating them to sweeties at Young's or Car- 
 michael's off they went, " hooching," to the Corn Exchange 
 Square. After seeing the waxwork, the fat woman, and other 
 
FAIRS. 37 
 
 shows, Jock maun ha'e a ride on the "hobby-horses." Round 
 they go. Jock is in his element. How poor the hobby-horses 
 were then in comparison with the elegant turns-out now. They 
 were driven by little boys who got in between the spars and ran 
 round the circle, pushing as they went, then, after doing this 
 for some time, they got payment in a free ride. The boys now- 
 a-days, while lounging in the luxurious couches provided for 
 them in the merry-go-rounds, require a cigarette between their 
 lips to make their enjoyment complete. Jock comes off giddy, 
 but not so bad but he maun ha'e Jenny into the " shuggy boat." 
 What screiching and laughing when the boat is at its highest 
 in the air; and what hauding on tae Jock by Jenny, lest she 
 fall ; what squeezing and kissing ! Oh thae daft days ! how 
 quickly they pass. After getting some of Danny Reid's famous 
 twopenny pies and more drink, the day is wound up by an 
 adjournment to the Corn Exchange Hall, where dancing is 
 carried on till "a' 'oors." Jock gangs awa' hame early in the 
 morning, has an " 'oor's " sleep, gets up tae his wark wi' a sair 
 head, but no' that sair but he would repeat the operation. 
 
 At times a countryman would be tempted to take the shilling 
 from a kilted warrior, and very proud Jock (half fou') would be 
 at the thought of being a defender of his country. But as the 
 sergeant and he wended their way to the Castle, some of his 
 acquaintances would get sight of him, and then what a 
 commotion. They would not have him taken. Jock would 
 begin to " blubber," a scuffle would ensue ; but as soldiers have 
 got the authority, out would come sword and bayonet, and 
 poor Jock would be safely marched to the Castle, where he had 
 either to stay or pay " the smart." 
 
38 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 SCHOOLS, SCHOOLMASTERS, &c. 
 
 *~-f A ^N HO of the scholars who attended the schools pre- 
 I I 1 I sided over by Peter and Duncan M'Dougall and 
 X^ 3 w J William Young, with their assistants, M'Laren and 
 ^ ^ Scott, do not recollect them with a fond and grate- 
 ful remembrance? What though at times the cane may have 
 hurt ? (a little more of the cane than is at present given would 
 do no harm) we know now it was for our good, and very likely 
 we richly deserved it. Good and attentive masters they were, 
 all of them. The M'Dougall Silver Medal (for penmanship) 
 and the M'Dougall Scholarship (for mathematics) given 
 annually in the High School, were instituted by former pupils 
 of both uncle and nephew. 
 
 "Patie" M'Dougall. 
 
 " Patie," after he retired from active duties, often paid a visit 
 to the school, and loved to have a talk with ahy of the pupils 
 who knew Gaelic. He was a Highlander from "Hell's Glen," 
 Lochgoil, began teaching when 14 years of age, and was a most 
 capable master in writing, book-keeping, and mathematics. He 
 was the author of a work entitled, ''The Schoolmaster's 
 Manual ; being a course of practical arithmetic, more especially 
 designed for the use of scholars attending the Mathematical 
 Academy at Stirling. Printed by C. Randall, 1806." The book 
 was dedicated to the Provost, Magistrates, and Town Council 
 of Stirling, and No. 6 of his accounts in double position runs 
 
 thus — 
 
 " When first the marriage- knot was tied 
 Betwixt my wife and me, 
 My age did hers as far exceed 
 
 As three times three does three : 
 But, after ten and half ten years 
 
 We man and wife had been, 
 Her age came up as near to mine 
 As eight is to sixteen. 
 Now pray, 
 What were our ages on our marriage-day?" 
 
SCHOOLS, SCHOOLMASTERS, &c. 39 
 
 " Patie," who had a great many good and witty sayings, was 
 a strict disciplinarian, and a number of stories are told of his 
 '• rows " with the scholars. One of his punishments was that 
 of placing a boy culprit amongst the girls, and a girl offender 
 amongst the boys. His dwelling was on the first flat of the 
 house 17 St. John Street, and there he died on 27th June, 
 1851. The following story illustrates Patie's jealousy of his 
 tuition. Having occasion to transact business at one of the 
 banks in town a few days before his last illness began, he, on 
 receiving the document, which had been written out by the son 
 of the banker, but signed by the banker himself, said, as he 
 looked earnestly at the signature, ''Oh yes, it's a guid hair ; but 
 I like Jamie's better." Jamie had been his own pupil, but papa 
 had not had that privilege. A number of the scholars had 
 agreed to take certain private lessons from Duncan, his nephew 
 and successor, and these were given in his house in St. John 
 Street. On one occasion, while the class was being held, a loud 
 knocking was heard through the partition. On Duncan going 
 to the door to see what was wanted, Patie enquired what was 
 going on in the room. "It's a lot of young philosophers, 
 uncle," his nephew replied. " Pheelosophers, pheelosophers ! " 
 called out Patie ; " there are far too moiiy o' them — droun' the 
 young anes, Duncan; droun' the young anes." 
 
 On the completion of the fiftieth year of his superintendence 
 of the Mathematical Academy, in May 1841, Mr M'Dougall was 
 entertained to a public dinner by about one hundred of his old 
 scholars, assembled from different quarters. The chair was 
 occupied by John Murray, Esq. of Wester Livilands, the oldest 
 scholar present, and John Sawers, Esq., Procurator-Fiscal of 
 the County, officiated as croupier. 
 
 Duncan M'Dougall. 
 
 Duncan M'Dougall and William Young were both sterling 
 men and sound teachers, and were looked up to with respect by 
 their pupils. We remember Mr M'Dougall's invitation for a 
 Saturday afternoon to see the working of a small steam engine 
 he had fitted up, as railways and engines were not so common 
 
40 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 then. He had a room above the school fitted up with rails, on 
 which he placed the engine, and inserting a heated bolt in a 
 cavity of the machine, it then started and made a circuit of 
 the room. 
 
 We wonder how many of Young's scholars remember Scott, 
 the helper ? What a job he had to get out his snuff-box or hand- 
 kerchief, from the tail of his coat. Then Cowane's Yard (now 
 the site of the High School), with its row of trees, what a large 
 place it seemed to our eyes, but how small in reality. We have 
 taken the measurements as near as possible, and the " old boys " 
 will perhaps be surprised when we inform them the length from 
 the street to the front of the school is about 60 yards, and the 
 breadth, from " Prentice's Garden " to the Flesh Market Wall, 
 about 32 yards. This looks very small when the fine row of 
 large trees, which lined the yard, is allowed for. We feel sure 
 every one looks back with pleasure on the happy days spent 
 there at rounders, handball, Scotch and English, bools, buttons, 
 peeries and peeps. We do not think there is a boy now-a-days 
 who could " lead a button," or " lozen a ball." Money was not 
 so plentiful with the boys of any class, and we wonder how a 
 father of that time would have looked if a demand had been 
 made upon him for fifteen to twenty pounds for a cycle. Of 
 sweetmeats, there was a very poor variety — Drummond, in St. 
 Mary's Wynd, for " bull's eyes," six a halfpenny, or two stalks 
 of " blackmail " for the same sum ; Scott, in Port Street, gave 
 only one. Acid drops and peppermints were hardly to be 
 thought of. Dr Drummond, who had a shop at the foot of 
 Broad Street, kept open between sermons on Sabbath, and did 
 a big trade in that line. About six or seven peppermints the 
 size of a shirt button, or the same number of acid drops not 
 much larger, could be purchased for a halfpenny. A few did 
 business with Peter Fisher, confectioner, whose shop was near 
 the top of Baker Street, on the days he made his confections 
 (they were then made with the swinging-pan) for what was called 
 fl scrapings," scrapings being that portion of the material which 
 stuck to the pan after the sweetmeats were made. Pastry was 
 a very poor selection: shortbread, "parleys," "cookies," and 
 "butter bakes" were favourites. The late Mr Henry Drum- 
 
6 ^ DoU c^ v 
 
 vou* 4 ' 
 
 & 
 
 ^u 
 
 yjYARDVt 
 
SCHOOLS, SCHOOLMASTERS, &c. 41 
 
 mond, father of Professor Drummond, when speaking to the 
 children on selfishness, used to tell that once, when a boy, he 
 became possessor of sixpence. After much cogitation he deter- 
 mined on investing his sixpence in shortbread, which he accord- 
 ingly did in a shop in Broad Street. He took it home, and 
 getting into a loft, demolished the lot, but had to pay the 
 penalty by having a big dose of castor oil administered to him. 
 Mr Drummond used to say this cured him of selfishness. Do 
 any of the boys or girls now dig for " loozy arnuts " (earthnuts) ? 
 The old school was taken down, Cowane's Yard and the Flesh 
 Market done away with, and the foundation-stone of the pre- 
 sent High School laid on 3rd August, 1854. 
 
 Allan's School. 
 
 Rae's "Arry," or Area, and School, now Allan's School. 
 " Geordie " Rae was teacher here, and " dear Tammy " Adams 
 his helper for some time. Rae was one of the " thrashing " 
 masters, and if there is virtue in the " birch," he thrashed to 
 some purpose, as he turned out some first-class scholars, among 
 them the late Mr Ramsay, of Kildalton, who was for some time 
 M.P. for the Stirling Burghs, and was an Hospital boy. It was 
 said that Rae was the indirect cause of the death of one of his 
 pupils. " Tammy " Adams afterwards opened a school of his 
 own in the Oddfellows' Hall, St. Mary's Wynd, removing after- 
 wards to the premises in Spittal Street now occupied by Mrs 
 Crocket, leather-cutter. 
 
 The Grammar School (Dr. Munro's). 
 
 Dr Munro was nicknamed " Skliffy," owing to a peculiarity 
 in his walk. This school is now the Militia Stores, at Mar 
 Place, where Colin Munro, editor of the " Stirling Journal," 
 resided with his brother. An old pupil of Dr Munro says — Dr 
 Munro always wore carpet " shoon " in school, and that his pet 
 hobby was chickens, a number of which he had always running 
 about him. It was generally understood he had been a clergy- 
 man in his earlier manhood, but, being sent to fill a pulpit at 
 
42 OLD STIRLING 
 
 the time of the Disruption, his discourse was considered too 
 learned for that particular congregation, so much so that none 
 of them returned to listen to him. He was, however, a " grand 
 old man." 
 
 Dunlop's Academy. 
 
 Mr Dunlop was an Irishman, and the Rev. James Muir, the 
 much-respected senior minister of the IT. P. Church, Bridge of 
 Allan, was for some time an assistant of his. 
 
 The Stirling and Bannockburn 
 Caledonian Society. 
 
 The Caledonian Society had its games at the Bowling Green, 
 and were a source of great amusement to the townspeople. A 
 number of boys connected with the Society (which was main- 
 tained by means of public subscriptions) received their 
 education — in the Trades' Hall School — and clothes free. They 
 were a treat to see, little fellows with tartan coats of a " loud " 
 pattern, with short, clawhammered back, and large round 
 plated buttons, trousers of tartan, and large Kilmarnock 
 bonnets with feather. 
 
 Other Schools. 
 
 Mr Theodore Roeding, French master, had private classes at 
 his house in Queen Street, and many happy nights were spent 
 there. Mr Fraser — and afterwards Mrs Fraser — at the Guild 
 Hall ; Mr Callender in Bow Street ; Mr Campbell (" Stumpy ") 
 in the Barn Road ; Mr Mackie (" Fisty ' ) in the Trades' Hall ; 
 and Mr Hardie at the " 'Oo' Mill Entry," now Douglas Street, 
 had also large and successful schools. A large number attended 
 the Infant School under the North Established Church, the first 
 teacher being Miss Kyle, succeeded by Misses Duff, Brown, and 
 Smith. Mrs MacPherson, wife of Hector MacPherson, drum- 
 major of the 93rd Highlanders — a man much respected for his 
 religious work at home and the Crimea — was also for some time 
 
NEWSPAPERS. 43 
 
 teacher, and later Miss Gordon (now Mrs Walls, Kerse Mills), 
 had the superintendence of the school. Mrs Spalding, widow of 
 a teacher, occupied a room in an old house at the foot of 
 Cowane's Yard (now re-built by Mr Hodgson), where she taught 
 a few children from four to five years of age, and as prizes 
 she gave little square pieces of wood with the initials of the 
 gainer thereon. Mr Christie and Mr Sinclair taught dancing, 
 and, we think, Mr Allan singing, at the Guild Hall. 
 
 NEWSPAPERS. 
 
 4 ' / ^p'HE Stirling Journal " was commenced in the year 
 ^> I 1820, the price being 7d. "The Stirling Observer" 
 Oj followed in 1836, price 4d. unstamped. Newspaper 
 ^^ clubs were quite common fifty years ago, a few of 
 the burghers joining together to subscribe for a paper, which 
 was read in turn — as agreed upon — the last reader usually 
 getting the paper to keep. Mr Christie, watchmaker, informs 
 us that about the year 1840, while apprentice with " Sandy " 
 Grant, he was sent down to King Street to await the arrival of 
 the mail coach, from which the Glasgow and Edinburgh papers 
 were transferred to the Post Office opposite, where he received 
 his paper, "The Scotsman/' Sandy's club numbered about a 
 dozen, and much interest was taken at the time in Daniel 
 O'Connell. " The Scotsman " was published on Wednesdays and 
 Saturdays, and cost sixpence. In 1831 its circulation was 
 1914 ; advertising duty, £750. " The Glasgow Herald " was 
 also printed twice a week, and had a circulation of 1615, the 
 advertising duty amounting to £1425. 
 
 Newsvending. 
 
 When a crime occurred in any town at a distance, the good 
 folks of Stirling did not get the particulars, as at present, in an 
 
44 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 hour or two. The first intimation of the occurrence was pro- 
 bably by seeing a man with a large square frame, with cotton 
 stretched thereon, and set on a pole, which rested on the 
 ground. On this were usually pourtrayed four scenes having 
 reference to the crime. The man would take his stance at the 
 corner of a street, and give the particulars — turning the views 
 as he proceeded, thus whetting the appetite of the beholders 
 for more of the " horrors," which were sold in leaflet form at the 
 low price of a halfpenny. 
 
 Another itinerant visitor to the town was " Jack Straw," who 
 appeared with a parcel of papers in one hand and some stalks 
 of straw in the other, intimating that " I dare not sell the paper, 
 and I will not sell the paper," but, to accommodate the public, 
 he would sell a straw and give one of the papers to the bargain. 
 People not up to the " sell," thinking they were getting some- 
 thing " racy," bought the straw, and found they had got with 
 it a song or tract of no value. Ballad singers were innumerable, 
 and mostly went in couples, a man and a woman, the songs they 
 sang being too often those having unsavoury, immoral allusions, 
 such as " Down by the Dark Arches, near to the Railway," and 
 " The Handsome Cabin-boy," pourtraying the adventures of a 
 female who went in masculine attire to sea as a cabin-boy. 
 
 MODES OF TRANSIT. 
 Coaches. 
 
 IN 1814 there were, including the mail, only two coaches 
 a day to Edinburgh, and no steamboat at all, but in 1835 
 there were three steam vessels daily, carrying hundreds 
 of passengers, especially during the summer months ; 
 and even during winter the number of passengers was not incon- 
 siderable. The two coaches continued to run during winter. To 
 
MODES OF TRANSIT. 45 
 
 Glasgow, in 1814, there were only two coaches daily, one of 
 which merely passed through on its way from Perth. In 1835 
 there were nine daily from Glasgow, six of which went no 
 further than Stirling, while three, including the mail, went to 
 Perth. There was a coach daily from Stirling to Perth, two 
 to Alloa, and one to Callander during summer, and three times 
 a week during winter. An omnibus ran four times a day to 
 Bridge of Allan for the accommodation of persons attending the 
 Mineral Wells at Airthrey. 
 
 Edinburgh to Stirling in 1792. 
 
 " The Stirling Light Coach sets off from Robert Lawson's 
 Swan Inn, Grassmarket, Edinburgh, to George Towers's, Stir- 
 ling, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, at 8 o'clock in the 
 morning; and from George Towers's to Robert Lawson's like- 
 wise every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, at 8 in the morn- 
 ing. The proprietors of the Stirling Coach mean to run her at 
 the rate of six miles per hour for speedy conveyance of passen- 
 gers. Each seat, 8s. 6d." — Courant. 
 
 Steamboats. 
 
 The steamboats were a source of great pleasure, and there 
 being more water in the river between Stirling and Alloa than 
 now, they sailed oftener. The fares in 1837 from Stirling to 
 Newhaven were — Cabin, Is. ; steerage, 6d. The hours for sail- 
 ing ranged from five in the morning until five in the afternoon, 
 and public intimation was given beforehand by printed hand- 
 bills, and also by sound of bugle each day, an hour previous to 
 that of sailing. The three boats were the " Stirling Castle " 
 and the " Victoria " belonging to one company, and the " Ben- 
 lomond " to another. 
 
 Newhaven to Stirling in 1837. 
 
 " Splendid New Iron Steamer on the Stirling Passage. — 
 The Benledie, the new Clyde built steamer, after making an 
 
46 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 excellent run from Glasgow to Inverness, left that for Leith on 
 Wednesday morning with a heavy cargo of goods. On Friday 
 this fine vessel made her first trip from Newhaven to Stirling, 
 which she accomplished in three hours and seven minutes with 
 the greatest ease, a distance of 42 miles, being the quickest run 
 from Newhaven to Stirling hitherto performed. . . . The 
 new Benledie is a very beautiful, powerful, and fast sailing 
 vessel."— Courant, 7th March, 1837. 
 
 Sandy Grant and the Steamboat. 
 
 When steamboats began to ply between Stirling and New- 
 haven, a party of merchants agreed to have a sail down the 
 river. They started early one morning, had breakfast and 
 dinner on board, and were enjoying their toddy late in the 
 afternoon, when they were informed of the arrival of the boat 
 at Newhaven. Before landing, Sandy Grant, a well-known 
 watchmaker in Bow Street, who was in the chair, rose and pro- 
 posed prosperity to the Stirling steamboat ; remarking that no 
 doubt the coaches would soon go down, now that the steam- 
 boat could make the journey in so short a time. 
 
 Quick Travelling in 1840. 
 
 In November, 1840, the late Mr David Pollock, of the Stirling 
 Port Custom, was in Glasgow, and having some business to do 
 in Paisley, went thither in the railway train, which carried him 
 in 14 minutes. His business was completed in 12 minutes, and 
 a return train being about to start, he threw himself into one 
 of the carriages, and at the end of another 13 minutes was again 
 in Glasgow. In all 39 minutes. In October, 1850, trains ran 
 from Glasgow to Stirling in 50 minutes. 
 
 *<*ft*r-? 
 
FUNERALS. 47 
 
 FUNERALS. 
 
 /^^f OFFINS were either carried shoulder-high, or on 
 / (*/ spokes, with a mortcloth covering them. Several of the 
 ^ f~\ institutions in town had special cloths, which were lent 
 
 ^^ ^ for the occasion to members. These were made of 
 velvet, some of them being of considerable value. Mourners 
 were dressed in full suits of black, with " weepers," which were 
 bands of linen fixed at the cuffs of the coat. Crape was worn 
 on the hat ; and the nearer the kinship the larger the amount 
 of crape and linen, and the longer were these worn. When 
 hearses came into fashion, people of distinction were conveyed 
 therein, and were preceded by " saulies," hired men in skull- 
 caps and carrying batons covered with crape. People invited 
 to the house of the deceased were treated to wine or whisky 
 with cake, after which the minister attending prayed, and the 
 cortege started for the churchyard. 
 
 Paupers' Funerals. 
 
 The burial of a pauper at present is not all that could be 
 wished, but what would the folks now-a-days say to a scene as 
 described by a well-known townsman ? He says — " I was pass- 
 ing up Queen Street one day, when I saw, driving up Bridge 
 Street, a cart followed by five or six frail old men, who were 
 hardly able to keep up with it, though it was going at an 
 ordinary walking pace. On looking, I saw a coffin laid slant- 
 ways on the cart, so that space could be got for it. In this 
 manner I followed it to the old churchyard, and, after deposit- 
 ing its burden, it returned down town, halted at a baker's shop, 
 where it took on a load of bread, and conveyed it to the Castle 
 for the use of the soldiers." The gentleman was so disgusted 
 with the sight, that he set about and collected as much as 
 purchased a second-hand hearse, which was in use for a number 
 of years. In 1858 a pauper's coffin was placed on a small cart, 
 not unlike a wheelbarrow, and drawn to the churchyard by a 
 donkey. 
 
48 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 ENTERTAINMENTS. 
 
 OIREES were held in the Guild Hall or Corn Ex- 
 change, Mr Marshall, late hatter, with the late Mr 
 Wands, china merchant, and the late Mr Scott, con- 
 fectioner, delighting the lieges with their songs and 
 instrumental music. 
 
 Mr Anderson, the " Wizard of the North," came yearly with 
 his entertainment, and a great treat for the bairns was Boyd's 
 " Marionettes." Boyd usually rented a disused printing office 
 in the Vennel Close, Baker Street, now occupied as a bake- 
 house, and many delightful nights were spent there by the 
 youngsters, gazing at his wonderful figures, or listening to 
 " The bridge is broken, it cannot now be mended, fol-de-diddle 
 al al, fol-de-diddle-ido," or " My mither ment my auld breeks, 
 and wow but they were duddy, O." Then Foxy Boyd, his 
 son, a young boy (named after the Honourable Fox Maule), 
 didn't he dance the Highland Fling or the Sword Dance in 
 first-rate style ! Foxy is now an elderly man, and an employer 
 of labour in a city not far away. Singers and other enter- 
 tainers gave the town a look in occasionally. 
 
 The School of Arts lectures were well patronised. They 
 were held in the Court-House. Great fun was caused by the 
 amazing experiments, and the extraordinary smells occasion- 
 ally arising. But the lectures were, with few exceptions, 
 entertaining and instructive. There was also a lending library 
 connected with the Institution. 
 
 The building which at one time did duty as a theatre, and 
 which was demolished a few years ago, was situated at the 
 Shore Road, alongside the old rope walk, with entrance by the 
 Howff Close. Little sufficed in those days in Stirling, as it 
 was a most unlikely building for such a purpose. Still, com- 
 panies of really good actors — among them the great MacKay, 
 the original " Bailie," and Joe Power — walked the stage there. 
 It was opened on 2oth June, 1829 (under the management of 
 Mr Stanley, of the Theatre Royal, Edinburgh, who was sup- 
 
ORD, THE EQUESTRIAN. 49 
 
 ported by a first-rate company), with the play of "George 
 Heriot, or the Fortunes of Nigel." Mr and Mrs Ramsay of 
 Barnton, and the Provost and Magistrates of the town, gave 
 their patronage. The theatre was continued for three years, 
 but, for want of patronage, had to be given up, and the building 
 was converted into dwelling-houses. 
 
 ORD, THE EQUESTRIAN, 
 
 ©RD is to be 
 for the you 
 What a con 
 ■f Vi a T-vl a net r\f 1 
 
 here next week ! " What joyful news 
 youngsters. Aye, and the oldsters too! 
 commotion. The " Valley " after this was 
 the place of places ; there was always some one up to 
 see, in case the fairies had made the ring in their absence. 
 Amateur horsemanship was all the go. W T hat a weary wait 
 for the great night. At last, on the arrival of the party, what 
 a stir! The men could hardly get the ring made by reason of 
 the crowd of would-be helpers. But when the eventful even- 
 ing arrived, the sight of the immense concourse, which lined 
 the Valley and every nook and corner of the " Ladies' Rock, : 
 gave an idea of what a splendid place it must have been for 
 the tournaments long ago. Oh, what fun with the clowns, the 
 funny man, and the ringmaster ! What admiration of the lady 
 riders, of the men on horseback, the trapeze, and all other 
 feats of a circus, and all in the open-air, and without charge. 
 
 The climax was reached, however, when a commotion was 
 seen to take place amongst some of the onlookers, and a stout, 
 old carter body, apparently very much the worse for drink, 
 would force himself into the ring. He " could ride a horse as 
 well as any of them." The hubbub increased until the clowns' 
 attention was drawn to the spot, and didn't they take their 
 fun off the old man ? They would have him into the ring, and 
 into the ring he would go. He would be on a horse, and a 
 horse is got, but what with his girth and inebriety, he cannot 
 D 
 
50 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 hold on. At last, with the help of the clowns and the ring- 
 master, he gets a hold; off he goes with his arms around the 
 horse's neck, amid the hilarious mirth of the multitude, and, 
 after many a narrow escape from falling, he gets on his feet 
 on the horse's back. And then a cord is slily pulled, the 
 carter's dress is thrown to the winds, and, instead of an old 
 drunken carter, behold, Sir William Wallace, Joan of Arc, a 
 sailor, a fishwife, and other characters. Were there ever 
 happier folks than those Valley beholders ? I trow not. With 
 all the money now spent on so-called fashionable amusement, 
 I am certain none will ever captivate the multitude as Ord did. 
 Tickets for a lottery were sold during the performance, and 
 envied persons they were who gained the gold watch, the boll 
 of oatmeal, or one of the timepieces or dress-pieces given as 
 prizes. When darkness set in a splendid display of fire-works 
 took place. 
 
 THE STIRLING RACES. 
 
 /^^T^HE great event of the year in Stirling for a time was 
 >^ I the Races, which usually lasted two days, and three 
 (^ 1 when the Caledonian Hunt took place. For weeks 
 ^^ previous to the event the boys would be preparing, 
 giving constant attendance at the " race course," principally 
 near the grand stand. The Misses Graham, who lived in a 
 shop (long since demolished) at the corner of Jail Wynd and 
 Broad Street, were kept busy with their needles making 
 " racers' caps " for the embryo jockeys. They cost one penny 
 each, and were made of glazed calico. Straw and green 
 (Ramsay) and yellow (Merry) were the favourites, other 
 colours being nowhere, and many a race was run by the young- 
 sters at different parts of the town, each with his favourite 
 colour. 
 
THE STIRLING RACES. 51 
 
 A week or ten days before the races a handbill would appear 
 with the words, " Sons of the Rock, turn out, and strike the 
 iron while it is hot." This poster was put out by the late John 
 Stupart, afterwards Chief-Constable in town, but a young 
 man at the time. A crowd of boys carrying sticks would 
 assemble at the Guild Hall, and after being addressed by 
 " Johnnie," and told their duties, were marched along the 
 walks, and whenever a "thimbler" or "prick the garter" was 
 found, he was at once set upon and chased off the ground. 
 This continued until the days of meeting, which were the days 
 for business. Led by the redoubtable "Johnnie," his band 
 followed him in amongst the tents, behind the tents, upon the 
 heights, and all other places likely to hide a foe, some of them 
 being very badly used in the melees. At times they would 
 show fight, but numbers always prevailed. Johnnie and his 
 band, no doubt, saved many a poor countryman from being 
 robbed, and as soon as the races were over the band was 
 dismissed. 
 
 The day before the races the Corn Exchange area and King 
 Street were filled with stands, and the town was over-run by 
 men and boys selling " c'rect card, or sheet list for the races, 
 the names of the horses, and colours of the riders," a great 
 trade being done in these. On the opening morning what a 
 sight on the roads — by way of " Cowane's Yard " down the 
 " Back Walk " and through the " Double Hedges " (between 
 the Smith Institute and the bowling green), or by Wolf Craig 
 and Dumbarton Road to the racing field. One wondered 
 where all the beggars, all the halt, lame, blind, and deformed 
 came from. Every corner was taken up, and a miserable lot 
 they were. Poor wretches, how they got a living it was diffi- 
 cult to imagine. Then there were the Swiss hurdy-gurdy girls 
 (some of them very pretty), and the man with the French 
 fiddle, girls with baskets of sweeties (a small parcel done up in 
 fancy coloured paper cost sixpence : more can be got now for 
 twopence) ; stands with all kinds of fancy goods (which you 
 got a chance of by investing a penny in the lottery) ; the 
 woman selling " gallaces " (braces) ; wheels of fortune, boxing 
 booths, cheap Johns, Aunt Sallys, and a score or so of refresh- 
 ment tents. A great attraction was "Feed the Ravens" 
 
52 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 (Johnny Salmon, erroneously termed "Robbie"), from Kirk- 
 caldy, who was a constant attender at Stirling Races, and the 
 meeting would have been robbed of half its delights — at 
 least for the youngsters — had he been absent. We think, since 
 "Feed the Ravens" disappeared, the secret of ginger-bread 
 making has been lost. His was simply delightful — or maybe 
 we thought so then, there were so few attractions in that line. 
 He took up his stance between the grand stand and the first 
 tent, and, after addressing his audience, " fed the ravens " (the 
 crowd of young men and boys who always congregated about 
 him, by scattering a handful or two of his gingerbread amongst 
 them, in order to attract greater attention to his wares) 
 then for the fun looked forward to by the "young deevils." 
 A sedate countryman with a " tile " on (they were more com- 
 mon in those days) has come to see the fun. " Come here," 
 says Salmon ; " would you like a snap ? " Nothing more cer- 
 tain when got for nothing, so over he comes. " Give me your 
 hat," says Salmon; so Innocence hands him his head-gear, 
 which is filled to the top, and the countryman turns away with 
 his load. But, alas ! " the ravens " are there, and in an instant 
 the hat is torn from him, the contents plundered, and the poor 
 man might count himself lucky if he got back his hat minus 
 the brim. " Oh, you rascals! " lisps "Feed the Ravens," with 
 a wink and a " poor body" to the victim. He would say to a 
 countryman, while supplying him with some of his com- 
 modities, " Eh, Jock, you were awfu' blate wi' Jenny last 
 night ; but noo wi' thae you can face her like a Lammermoor 
 lion." 
 
 The hour for racing, however, arrives, the course is cleared, 
 the railings lined with all manner of carriages and crowds of 
 spectators ; the grand stand is filled to overflowing, the judge 
 takes his place, the weighing is done, and the trial spin is 
 over. But why need we describe what is so well-known ? Be- 
 tween the races the tents are filled, the musicians tune up, 
 the stand proprietors call out their wares, and all goes merry 
 as a marriage bell. At night the town is crowded, and the 
 fun goes on " fast and furious " until midnight, when a little 
 quietness is got in preparation for the coming day. 
 
 The first of the races held at Stirling took place on 7th, 8th, 
 
THE STIRLING RACES. 53 
 
 and 9th October, 1806, and were a great success. On October 
 7th, £50, given by the Magistrates of Stirling, was won by Mr 
 Baird's "Bess," beating Mr Millar's "Aurora." October 8th, 
 £50, for all ages, won by Mr Baird's " Juno," beating Mr Best's 
 "Fairy." The Linlithgow and Stirlingshire Hunt Stakes — 3 
 subscribers, 5 guineas each — won by the Hon. Captain Flem- 
 ing's " Tom Pipes," beating Captain Hamilton's " Scogie " and 
 Mr Graham's "Fidget." October 9th, £50, for all ages, won 
 by Mr Baird's " Newblythe," beating Mr Best's "Juno" and 
 Mr Millar's " Aurora." The stewards for the next year's races 
 were the Duke of Montrose, Viscount Primrose, Mr Graham of 
 Airth, and Mr Stirling of Keir. 
 
 Ramsay of Barn ton. 
 
 The disappearance of Mr Ramsay gave the death-blow to the 
 Stirling Races. Some pranks had taken place on the railway 
 near Falkirk, Mr Ramsay being fixed on as the leader in 
 the "ploy," and he left the country. Some time thereafter 
 his death was announced, and his body brought home and in- 
 terred, and although there was considerable doubt in the 
 minds of the public as to his death, it was, alas, too true. The 
 sporting Mr Ramsay was out of existence, and Stirling Races 
 have been dormant ever since. Sir William Don, an Aberdeen- 
 shire landowner, a man over six feet six inches in height, was 
 one of his companions in the railway affair. He took to the 
 stage, and the writer saw him play in " Toodles " at the 
 Theatre Royal, Dunlop Street, Glasgow. 
 
 Miss Meek. 
 
 Among the many visitors to Stirling Races was a Miss Meek, 
 who drove from Glasgow in a four-horse carriage (with out- 
 riders) filled with " Unties. She put up at Gibb's Inn, until 
 some county ladies complained, and threatened to leave if she 
 and her band were allowed to remain. The writer was sub- 
 sequently in a situation at Turner's Court, Argyll Street, Glas- 
 gow (the house is now the Cobden Hotel), his employers' 
 counting-house window looking into the court. One day a 
 
54 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 member of the firm, pointing to an old woman below, told him 
 that was the famous Miss Meek. She had over her arm an 
 old sack, and with a bit of wood was searching the street refuse 
 for rags, paper, or any other thing for which she could get a 
 penny. 
 
 Burke's Racing Fiasco. 
 
 On Saturday, 29th September, 1848, the streets of Stirling 
 were crowded by numerous respectable parties of pleasure- 
 seekers from Perth, Dundee, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and other 
 towns, who had been induced to visit the " ancient rock " from 
 its having been extensively announced through the country, by 
 means of placards and advertisements in the public papers, that 
 Mr Burke, of London, proposed to drive four-in-hand from 
 Stirling to the race course, and afterwards ride the same horses 
 over forty hurdles and clear twenty-four miles within an hour. 
 It had been also announced that two races were to take place, 
 the one for a cup of one hundred sovereigns, and the other for 
 a cup of twenty-five sovereigns. 
 
 Although early on Saturday the whole affair seemed likely 
 to prove a hoax, yet thousands congregated on the ground, 
 many of them trusting to its being a bona-fide match, from Mr 
 Burke being well-known to the sporting world as having on 
 several occasions performed some wonderful feats in matches 
 against time. There had been no particular hour mentioned 
 for the match coming off, but it seemed to be generally under- 
 stood that 2 o'clock was to be the hour. At 4 o'clock, how- 
 ever, there was no appearance of Mr Burke or his four-in-hand, 
 and the hopes of the thousands on the ground that there would 
 be some sport were only buoyed up by the appearance of some 
 hurdles across the course, and the appearance of a thorough- 
 bred walking about in his clothing and mounted by a light 
 jockey. 
 
 Shortly thereafter Mr Burke appeared upon the ground, and 
 proposed that the sports of the day should commence with a 
 private match he had made with a gentleman in the neighbour- 
 hood for £10. To this the gentleman at once agreed, and, 
 taking out his purse, proposed that the money should be 
 staked. Mr Burke said there was no necessity for this, as 
 
THE STIRLING RACES. 55 
 
 they could easily settle after the race was run, but to this the 
 gentleman decidedly objected. Whereupon Mr Burke ordered 
 his jockey to walk about for five minutes, and if the other 
 horse was not mounted by that time, to go over the course, 
 and he would then win the match by a walk over, at the same 
 time declaring the other only wanted to back out. 
 
 By this time, however, the assembled crowd, already 
 irritated by the length of time they had been delayed, and 
 becoming disgusted with the shuffling conduct displayed by 
 Burke, at once proceeded to show their sense of his conduct 
 by knocking him down and giving him a good pummelling. 
 Fortunately for him, through his own exertions and the assist- 
 ance of several gentlemen, he managed to get to the saloon of 
 the grand stand, otherwise he must have been seriously in- 
 jured, as his assailants seemed determined to wreak their 
 vengeance upon him to the utmost extent. 
 
 On his taking refuge in the saloon, the mob began to attack 
 it, and attempted to force an entrance, causing considerable 
 damage. So serious did the affair now appear that a messen- 
 ger was sent to the Castle for the assistance of the military, 
 and in a short time a detachment of the 93rd, numbering a 
 hundred men, was on the ground, when quietness was at once 
 restored ; Mr Burke, disguised in the coat of one of the gentle- 
 men present, and wearing a fur cap belonging to one of the 
 police, managed to escape from the ground without detection, 
 and so ended his " extraordinary match " and cup races. 
 
 It may have been, on Mr Burke's own showing, perhaps to 
 a certain extent doubtful whether the match was intended, or 
 whether a hoax, with a good deal of the swindle mixed with it, 
 was alone aimed at. 
 
 Undoubtedly he brought to town on the Monday previous 
 four race horses, and they could scarcely be termed " broken- 
 down coursers," seeing that "Pawnbroker" (a famed horse of 
 that time) was one of them, and these horses were in regular 
 training throughout the week. But it was said that one, if 
 not more, of the horses had been removed from Glasgow with- 
 out the consent, or even knowledge, of the owners, and certain 
 it was that the owner of " Pawnbroker " came to Stirling the 
 
56 OLD STIRLING, 
 
 preceding day, and took his horse off to Glasgow. Mr Burke 
 had also engaged the different railway trains, which arrived in 
 Stirling at a suitable hour, by which he cleared about £60, and 
 this being followed by the fact that no match or race came off, 
 so fully convinced the crowd that the whole was a barefaced 
 imposition, that they betook themselves to " Jeddart justice," 
 and gave Mr Burke what he in that case richly deserved. 
 
 Melville Terrace Trees. 
 
 In 1816 the trees on both sides of Melville Terrace, at that 
 time Melville Place, were disposed of by the Town Council to 
 a carpenter, and were saved from the hatchet only through the 
 public-spirited interposition of the late Mr Murray, of Pol- 
 maise. The following verses were at the period composed by 
 a lady resident in the Terrace. They are entitled — 
 
 The Humble Petition or the Old Trees of Melville Place 
 to the Magistrates and Town' Council of Stirling, the 
 Trustees of the Roads, &c. 
 
 1816. 
 
 The eyes are dim, the heads are low, 
 
 The hands are cold that brought us here ; 
 
 Prescriptive right we soon might show, 
 For we have stood the hundredth year. 
 
 Another hundred let us stand, 
 
 The beauty of your town we'll be. 
 Consent not that, with murd'rous hand, 
 
 The axe be laid unto the tree. 
 
 O ye, who in your hands have now 
 Power to condemn, and power to save, 
 
 Need ye be told how oft to you 
 In early life we pleasure gave? 
 
 Soon as ye were released from school 
 How oft, in troops, our shades below, 
 
 Have belted button to a bool, 
 
 To climb our very highest bough ! 
 
MELVILLE TERRACE TREES. 57 
 
 The daring elf was aye our care, 
 
 Its tiny footsteps to sustain; 
 Though poised at times, as in mid-air, 
 
 Yet safely it came down again. 
 
 When Melville Place was but a name, 
 
 A spot the townsmen meant to feu, 
 From far and near the bidders came : 
 
 Our beauty was the charm that drew, i 
 
 And, ever and anon, we've been 
 
 To all who built beneath our shade, 
 A constant and a powerful screen 
 
 From eastern blasts that oft invade. 
 
 Our humble merit do not scorn ; 
 
 On twig more slender than the line 
 By which our topmost leaves are borne 
 
 Connexion of ideas twine. 
 
 To some, perchance, our forms recall 
 
 The dear loved spot that gave them birth, 
 
 A tree that near their father's hall 
 Was rooted in their native earth. 
 
 To some, when autumn browns the vale, 
 
 And lays our leafy honours low, 
 A whisper floats upon the gale, 
 
 "How frail the state of man below." 
 
 A leaf that hangs on naked spray, 
 
 And lightly trembles to the blast, 
 May warn the thoughtless of decay — 
 
 That here their day will soon be past. 
 
 In spring, when nature's charms abound, 
 
 And leaves break forth upon the tree, 
 The meditative mind has found 
 
 The hope of immortality. 
 
 For though man's race in dust may lie 
 Like leaves when scattered on the ground — 
 
 Through faith your hopes will soon descry 
 Eternal spring, beyond life's bound. 
 
 Another hundred let us stand, 
 
 The beauty of your town we'll be ; 
 Consent not that, with murd'rous hand, 
 
 The axe be laid unto the tree. 
 
58 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 Old Faces. 
 
 NOTABLE CITIZENS OF STIRLING. 
 Provost William Anderson. 
 
 1793-1830. 
 
 mONOTONOUS as is the stream of human affairs in 
 general, particularly in a small provincial town, 
 there does occasionally appear an individual whose 
 singularities attract public attention more than 
 the even course of his compeers, and stamp him with the 
 designation of an eccentric. 
 
 Such a man was Provost William Anderson, for many years 
 the only agent the King's Edinburgh printers had for the sale 
 of Bibles, &c, in the West of Scotland. He was also permitted 
 to print Shorter and Proof Catechisms and the Book of Pro- 
 verbs as school books. The Provost and a brother and sister 
 were triplets, who all arrived at years of maturity. The Pro- 
 vost, educated from the funds of Allan's Hospital, was 
 apprenticed to a bookseller, and after having learned this pro- 
 fession, carried it on in his native place in such a manner as to 
 obtain a much larger share of business, as well as a more exten- 
 sive trade connection, than usually falls to the lot of a 
 provincial bookseller. He was for many years the oldest book- 
 seller in Scotland, and being universally esteemed, a number of 
 the trade presented him with his portrait, which afforded him 
 great satisfaction. It was afterwards engraved, and a copy, 
 purchased by his successor in business, and richly gilded, was 
 suspended in the shop — a circumstance which pleased the Pro- 
 vost so much that few days passed on which he did not call in 
 to see it. 
 
 In one thing he resembled the no less gruff but more stern 
 Dr Johnson, as he thought it a luxury to be wheeled in a post- 
 chaise. The greatest pleasure he enjoyed in his later years was 
 
NOTABLE CITIZENS OF STIRLING. 59 
 
 an annual sojourn of two months at Bridge of Earn, where he 
 was quite the lion of the place, and in the inn held the dignity 
 of president, whatever might be the rank of the parties present 
 at the dining-table. This, to him, was to enjoy life in perfec- 
 tion, and formed the very highest item, in his estimate, of 
 human blessedness. 
 
 Among his other dignities, the Provost was for many years 
 a Justice of the Peace. On one occasion, when presiding, the 
 names of certain subscribers to some public function, and who 
 had not implemented their promises, were to be called over in 
 open court, with the intention of affronting them out of their 
 dues. The Provost, anxious that every person should hear the 
 names of the delinquents, ordered silence, and called upon the 
 Clerk to proceed, when that functionary — a bit of a wag — rose, 
 and, clearing his throat with a decorous a-hem, read in a slow 
 and sonorous tone, " William Anderson, Esq., Provost of Stir- 
 ling, and Justice of the Peace." "Whisht, whisht, sir; what's 
 that you're saying ? There is your two guineas, and let us hear 
 no more of that.' 
 
 In municipal politics the Provost was Liberal according to 
 the narrow policy of his day, and in national affairs decidedly 
 Ministerial, believing that as the Ministry was the choice of 
 the King, it was always well chosen, and that it was the duty, 
 as well as to the interest, of a royal burgh to support the 
 Ministry of the day, because then, he concluded, he was sup- 
 porting the constitution. 
 
 As a Magistrate, the Provost had one qualification of great 
 value: he was an excellent " Buff the beggar," for, although 
 himself educated upon charity, he heartily hated a poor man, 
 considered poverty a crime, and on that account exerted him- 
 self to put it down. At ten every forenoon he appeared in 
 Broad Street, and with a formidable sloethorn cudgel over his 
 shoulder, backed with his singularly forbidding countenance, 
 surrounded with a grotesque drapery of grizzled locks, the back 
 part of which was tied in a queue, he was the terror of the 
 mendicant, and with laudable impartiality chased sorners and 
 beggars of every class from the purlieus of his favourite haunt. 
 He was elected Provost in 1793, 1794, 1813, 1814, and 1829 
 during the sixty years he was dabbling in municipal politics. 
 
60 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 When the burgh was disfranchised, he actively exerted himself 
 to bring about the desirable result, and succeeded, much to the 
 benefit of the public charities of the place. 
 
 The most singular idea the Provost cherished, and that for a 
 long series of years, was that he might die Provost ; and the 
 reason he assigned for this was as preposterous as the wish was 
 extravagant, namely, that the procession at his funeral would 
 be the finest thing in the world. " Bless you, sir," he said to 
 a friend when conversing on the subject, " only think what a 
 fine thing it will be for the whole Town Council, and the Town 
 Clerk with his ink-horn, preceded by the Town Officers, and 
 followed by the Constables, with the Guildry and Seven Trades, 
 and myself the principal person in the cavalcade." So entirely 
 was his mind engrossed with this absurd idea, that it is only 
 surprising he did not wish, like Charles II., to see his funeral 
 obsequies enacted while he was still alive. 
 
 However, in accordance with his wish, the whole pantomime 
 was actually exhibited before the public gaze, and thus was 
 turned into ridicule the most serious transaction connected 
 with our earthly pilgrimage. As if to exaggerate this curious 
 conceit, a pompous programme was drawn up of the order of 
 procession, in which the Seven Trades were introduced in the 
 following manner : (1), The officer of the Trade ; (2), The mem- 
 bers of the Incorporation, four and four; (3), The old deacon 
 of the Trade ; and this pomposity was observed with the 
 skinners and fleshers, although it was well-known that at that 
 time these two trades consisted only of two members each. 
 The funeral cortege came down St. John Street and Spittal 
 Street, turning into Baker Street by Bank Street, and then up 
 to the churchyard by Bow Street and Broad Street. The coffin 
 was carried shoulder-high, and was covered by the Guildry 
 mortcloth, on which was deposited the Provost's cocked hat. 
 While the procession was passing up Baker Street, near to the 
 " Bishop's Close," a hen which had got closed in by the crowd, 
 and could find no way of escape, took to her wings and perched 
 on the cocked hat, cackling in an outrageous manner. 
 
NOTABLE CITIZENS OF STIRLING. 61 
 
 Provost Galbraith. 
 
 1832-1846. 
 
 The earlier part of Provost Galbraith's life was passed in the 
 army, in which he attained the rank of Captain. He served for 
 twenty-four years under the late Duke of Kent, father of Her 
 Majesty Queen Victoria, and under his immediate command in 
 Nova Scotia. He was for thirteen years Adjutant of the Duke's 
 regiment, the 1st Royal Scots, and gained the high esteem of 
 His Royal Highness as a good soldier and most zealous and 
 efficient officer. Captain Galbraith saw active service with his 
 regiment in the winter of 1813-14, when, owing to the severity 
 of the weather, the troops suffered greatly, no less than 120 
 men of the battalion perishing in a snow-storm while traversing 
 the forest of Schrieverdinghen. In the attack on Bergen-op- 
 Zoom, 8th March, 1814, the Royal Scots, rushing to storm the 
 water port, became exposed to the guns of the Arsenal, and 
 were so hemmed in on every side that the whole battalion, after 
 a brave resistance, were taken prisoners. It is recorded that 
 to save the colours of the regiment from becoming trophies to 
 the enemy, Lieutenant Galbraith swam out under heavy fire 
 and sank them in the Zoom. 
 
 His regiment being stationed in Stirling Castle in 1811-12, 
 led to Captain Galbraith marrying the elder daughter of Bailie 
 Gibb, and thus allying himself with a Stirling family of very 
 ancient lineage, which has been clearly traced back for a num- 
 ber of centuries. A gravestone of this family in the old portion 
 of the Cemetery has the date 1579 ; another stone adjoining it, 
 bearing also the name of Gibb, is inscribed 1525. 
 
 Captain Galbraith retired from the army in 1822. In 1830 
 he became connected with municipal affairs, when, under the 
 old elective system, he was elected a Councillor for one year, and 
 was at the same time appointed third Bailie. In 1831 he was 
 again elected a Councillor, and became second Bailie. He was 
 returned to the Council, and advanced to the dignity of Pro- 
 vost in 1832 — the last year of the old system of municipal 
 election. He did not stand for re-election in 1833 — the year 
 
62 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 when the Municipal Reform Act came into force — but was re- 
 turning officer at the first election under the new system. He 
 re-entered the Council in 1834, and was again chosen Provost ; 
 likewise in 1837, 1840, and 1843, at the expiry of the respective 
 triennial terms for which he was returned, and was at the head 
 of the poll on each occasion, except in 1843, when Mr George 
 Mouat had a majority over him of one vote. Captain- Gal- 
 braith thus served as Provost of Stirling for thirteen years, 
 twelve of them consecutive. 
 
 During his Provostship he had the honour, as chief repre- 
 sentative of the municipal authorities, of receiving Her Majesty 
 the Queen on the occasion of her first visit to Scotland, and 
 presenting to her the keys of the ancient and royal burgh, a 
 function which it was unanimously agreed he discharged in an 
 eminently dignified and befitting manner. The Provost took 
 occasion to bring under Her Majesty's notice the relations in 
 which he had stood to Her Majesty's father. 
 
 Provost Galbraith finally retired from public life on account 
 of failing health. On his death, in September, 1847, he was 
 accorded — in recognition of the regard and esteem in which he 
 was universally held, both in his public and private capacity — a 
 public funeral, at which the whole community of Stirling may 
 be said to have assisted, embracing all the public associated 
 bodies, private citizens of all ranks, and the scholars of the 
 various public schools, as well as the military in the garrison. 
 
 In every relation of life the subject of this sketch displayed 
 most estimable qualities. He was an efficient and courageous 
 soldier, an upright and conscientious Magistrate, a sincere 
 friend, hospitable, genial, and courteous in the highest degree ; 
 affectionate, loving, and indulgent in his family circle. He led 
 a blameless life, and was eminently " Vir integer, scelerisque 
 purus." 
 
 Provost Dick. 
 
 1858-1861. 
 
 Provost Dick was a native of Stirling, and, along with his 
 father and brothers, successfully conducted a woollen factory 
 in the Craigs. In 1830 he first entered the Council as Deacon 
 
NOTABLE CITIZENS OF STIRLING. 63 
 
 of the weavers, and, under the Reform Bill, was elected a mem- 
 ber of Council in November, 1833, and chosen Bailie, which 
 office he held for many years. Mr Dick retired from the Coun- 
 cil in 1849, but returned in 1857, and sat as a common Coun- 
 cillor for a year, when he was unanimously chosen Provost, 
 which office he held for three years. In November, 1861, he 
 finally retired, and died on 22nd April, 1865, aged 79. 
 
 Mr Dick was a (Commissioner of Supply and a Justice of the 
 Peace for Stirlingshire, and took a lively interest in county 
 business. Apart from this, however, he had strong literary 
 and antiquarian tastes, and was an extensive collector of 
 ancient coins. He was accustomed, in his early days, to go 
 much about Ayrshire, and had an enthusiastic admiration for 
 Burns and all connected with him. 
 
 Having intimate acquaintance with the history of Stirling, he 
 delighted to tell old stories of " The Rock." He contributed 
 a series of papers to the "Stirling Journal," entitled, " Stirling 
 Heads of the Olden Time," which possessed much interest, 
 giving, as they did, a vivid picture' of by-gone days. Every- 
 thing connected with the past had a strong attraction for him, 
 and few men knew better than he about the old families of 
 Stirling. The first stained-glass window in the West Parish 
 Church was erected to the memory of Provost Dick by his 
 relatives. 
 
 Provost John Murrie. 
 
 1861-1867. 
 
 This estimable gentleman died at his residence, Murray 
 Place, 19th January, 1881. Born at Methven, Perthshire, in 
 March, 1818, he entered the service of the National Bank of 
 Scotland, in the Perth branch, in his 14th year. From thence 
 he went to Dundee, Inverness, and Kirkcaldy, always ascending 
 in position. In 1845 he opened a branch at Burntisland as 
 agent, and there his business capacity pointed him out as a 
 suitable person for managing the municipal affairs of the burgh, 
 and for three years he filled the Provost's chair. 
 
 In 1848 he removed to Stirling, being appointed joint agent 
 of the National Bank with the late Mr Patrick Connal, and on 
 Mr Connal's retirement in 1853 succeeded to the sole agency. 
 
64 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 On coming to Stirling he at once took a warm interest in the 
 institutions of the town, commencing his municipal career in 
 1856, and so satisfied were the electors with his performance of 
 duty that in 1861 he was raised to the Provostship, retiring in 
 1867. 
 
 Provost Murrie was one of the gentlemen who started the 
 Volunteer movement in Stirling, and was the first Captain of 
 the 2nd Stirlingshire Artillery Volunteers. He was one of the 
 original directors, and latterly chairman of the Stirling and 
 Bridge of Allan Tramways Company. He was also a member of 
 the first School Board in Stirling, and an honorary Sheriff- 
 Substitute. Occupying the post of elder in the West Church 
 (which owed much to his liberality), he frequently represented 
 the Burgh and Presbytery of Stirling at the General Assembly. 
 The " troops of friends " he had were the natural results of his 
 genial disposition, his easy accessibility, his readiness to aid, 
 and his desire to do good to all with whom he came in contact. 
 
 Provost Rankin. 
 
 1867-1870. 
 
 Provost William Rankin died at Sauchie House, Baker 
 Street — now the Boys' Industrial School — on 7th January, 
 1875, at the great age of 87. Born at Falkirk in 1788, he came 
 to Stirling about the year 1814, and commenced business as a 
 cork-cutter in Baker Street, and subsequently went into the 
 china trade, which he carried on with considerable success. 
 From the first he took a deep interest in the improvement of 
 his adopted town, so that for the last fifty years of his life his 
 name was a household word in Stirling. He was instrumental, 
 along with Dr William Forrest, in getting a good supply of 
 water for the town. He was also one of the founders of the 
 School of Arts, and was president when he died. He gave valu- 
 able assistance to Mr William Drummond in the laying out and 
 beautifying of the Cemetery. An elderly " Son of the Rock," 
 now in America, writing to the publisher of this volume, says — 
 " I suppose it is much changed, but no doubt Stirling remains 
 beautiful as ever, and to no one is it more indebted than to 
 Bailie Rankin, who had the interest of the town at heart." 
 
NOTABLE CITIZENS OF STIRLING. 65 
 
 One of the important events in his life was a visit he paid to 
 Rome, of which he gave an account in a little book, entitled, 
 " Rome : Its Temples, Palaces, and Public Buildings." He also 
 took great interest in the Macfarlane Museum, Bridge of Allan. 
 It is also to him the people of Stirling are indebted for the 
 Smith Institute, as it was entirely through his exertions that 
 Mr Smith was induced to sign his will before last going abroad. 
 
 He took deep interest in the struggles that ended in Catholic 
 Emancipation ; in the passing of the Reform Bill ; and the 
 repeal of the Corn Laws. He was present at the trial of Baird 
 and Hardie for the Bonnymuir Rising, procuring admission by 
 disguising himself as a young lawyer. For many years Mr Ran- 
 kin was a Town Councillor and Magistrate, occupying the Pro- 
 vost's chair for the three years preceding 1870, when he retired 
 from public life. He stood election twelve times, and in ten 
 was successful. 
 
 Mr Rankin's services were not unappreciated, his fellow 
 townsmen, on 23rd January, 1873, presenting him with his 
 portrait, painted by Sir George Harvey, R.S.A. 
 
 Provost Robert Anderson. 
 
 1879-1882. 
 
 A native of Clackmannan, after serving his apprenticeship in 
 Alva Mr Anderson came to Stirling about 1850. After working 
 as a journeyman for some years, he entered into partnership 
 with Mr James Johnston, their joinery workshop being in 
 Murray Place, behind where Mr John Brown's grocery shop is 
 now situated. On Mr Johnston retiring to take up the wood 
 merchant's business of the late Mr James Reid, in Abbey Road, 
 Mr Anderson continued in his own name until failing health 
 compelled him to retire. 
 
 Provost Anderson commenced his municipal career in 1868, 
 and in 1869, when the town was divided into wards, he was 
 apportioned to Baker Street, of which he was a representative 
 until his retiral from the Council. In November, 1870, he wag 
 chosen a Magistrate, and in 1879 elected to the Provost's chair. 
 The principal feature of his Provostship was the initiation of 
 E 
 
66 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 the scheme for the blocking of the streets. When a young man 
 he took deep interest in the working-men's friendly societies in 
 the town. He died 4th January, 1889, aged 66. 
 
 Bailie John Christie. 
 
 Died 1st December, 1881. 
 
 Born in Stirling in 1817, the eldest of a family of ten, after 
 receiving a sound education he entered the service of Mr 
 William Graham, who had his ironmongery shop at the foot of 
 Bank Street. He was a most ingenious youth, and his reading 
 was not only of an omniverous character, but it may actually 
 be said that he devoured books, and applied himself with in- 
 domitable courage and industry to the study of the various 
 sciences. The construction of a microscope was a feat which 
 gave him immense gratification. Phrenology was another of 
 his studies, and his acquaintance with this subject pointed him 
 out as a suitable assistant when, by permission of the Crown, a 
 cast was taken of the head of Allan Mair, the last person 
 executed in Stirling. 
 
 The limits of Stirling being too small for Mr Christie, he got 
 employment in Walsall, Staffordshire, where, an election taking 
 place, and he being an earnest worker in the cause of reform, 
 he wrought hard for that party, having Mr Cobden and Mr 
 John Bright among his colleagues. Returning to Stirling in 
 1841, Mr Christie commenced business in a shop which stood 
 where Messrs W. & A. Johnston, King Street, have their 
 drapery establishment, removing in 1854 to handsome and 
 commodious premises in Murray Place, which' had not till then 
 a single shop with any pretensions to beauty, and with only a 
 few decent buildings. 
 
 Mr Christie first stood for the Town Council in 1856, and was 
 returned third on the poll, there being no wards at that time. 
 In 1861 he resigned his seat, having to go to Australia on busi- 
 ness, but in 1863 he was again returned to the Council, and 
 afterwards promoted to the Magistracy. To Mr Christie is 
 due a great part of the credit for the restoration of Cambus- 
 kenneth Abbey Tower, as also the alterations on the Guild Hall. 
 
NOTABLE CITIZENS OF STIRLING. 67 
 
 His acts of kindness were many, most of them only known to 
 himself ; he was always ready with advice or assistance, and it 
 was one of his gentle traits that he took no offence when his 
 counsel was not followed. In private life he was the most 
 entertaining of companions. 
 
 Bailie Andrew Drummond, Dean of Guild. 
 
 Died 8th March, 1885. 
 
 Born in Stirling in 1806, Mr Andrew Drummond was one of 
 the brothers of Mr William and Mr Peter Drummond, after 
 mentioned, and commenced business in Baker Street along 
 with his brother James, afterwards removing to No. 1 King 
 Street, where a large trade, more especially in tartan drapery 
 goods, was done. Mr Drummond for some time acted as 
 Secretary and Treasurer of the Stirling Steamboat Company. 
 In 1852 he was chosen Dean of the Guildry, also entering the 
 Town Council the same year. In 1857 he was elected a Magis- 
 trate, but retired the following year, and did not seek re- 
 election. He never ceased, however, to take a lively interest 
 in local affairs. 
 
 Bailie Yellowlees. 
 
 Died 6th November, 1886. 
 
 Born at Parkly, near Linlithgow, in 1799, his father being a 
 farmer and small proprietor there, he was the youngest of seven 
 children, all of whom, except one, lived to be octogenarians, 
 and remarkable for physical stature and strength. His father 
 giving him the choice of any trade or profession excepting a 
 lawyer, he chose the leather trade, for which Linlithgow has 
 been so long famous. After prosecuting his trade at Falkirk, 
 he became manager to Mr Paterson of Tullibody, with whom he 
 kept up a life-long intimacy. In 1825 he began business in 
 Stirling, and shortly thereafter had an experience which he 
 always regarded as a special providence in his history. He 
 had found reason to transfer his bank account from the old 
 
68 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 Stirling Bank to the then newly-opened Commercial Bank, and 
 had scarcely done so when the Stirling Bank failed, bringing 
 ruin on many of its customers. Mr Yellowlees took an active 
 part in both municipal and imperial politics, and was, on 5th 
 November, 1833, elected a member of the first Town Council 
 after the passing of the Reform Act. He continued to take an 
 interest in municipal matters until his retiral in 1870, hav- 
 ing been between those dates for twenty-five years a member 
 of the Town Council, and for eleven of them a Magistrate of 
 the burgh. 
 
 Along with Dr W. Forrest Mr Yellowlees took active part in 
 securing a suitable supply of water from the Touch Hills for 
 the burgh ; was a Water Commissioner for many years, and on 
 his retiral from the Town Council and Water Commission, was 
 presented by both bodies with special acknowledgments of 
 his long and valuable services. He was President of the Stir- 
 ling Sabbath School Teachers' Union, and for a quarter of a 
 century, along with the late Mr William Harvey, watchmaker, 
 conducted a Sabbath School at Causewayhead. He was a 
 Trustee of the Stirling Tract Enterprise, and Director and 
 Chairman of the Stirlingshire Building and Investment Society, 
 as well as of the Industrial School. 
 
 The principal traits in the character of Bailie Yellowlees were 
 his upright and sterling honesty. He was ever faithful to his 
 convictions of right and duty, and, conscientious even" to stern- 
 ness, he never failed to have the courage of his opinions, the 
 frank avowal of which always commanded respect, although it 
 often failed to ensure popularity. In his capacity of Magis- 
 trate, his strong and clear common-sense, and the shrewd 
 judiciousness with which he balanced facts and supported his 
 opinions, made him invaluable on the bench or as a counsellor 
 and friend. 
 
 Bailie John MacEwen, Dean of Guild. 
 
 Died 8th April, 1887. 
 
 Bailie John MacEwen commenced life as a writer in Stirling, 
 but afterwards joined his brother, Daniel, in the grocery busi- 
 
NOTABLE CITIZENS OF STIRLING. 69 
 
 ness. On August 20th, 1830, he was admitted a Guild brother, 
 and in 1853 was chosen Dean of Guild. In November, 1854, 
 he was returned to the Town Council, and promoted to the 
 bench in November, 1856. Mr MacEwen, had he chosen, 
 might have been Chief Magistrate, but he declined the office. 
 He was a man of sterling honesty and uprightness as a 
 merchant. 
 
 Bailie Shearer, Dean of Guild. 
 
 Died 24th January, 1890. 
 
 Robert Stewart Shearer was one of the best known resi- 
 denters in Stirling. A native of Bridge of Allan, he came to 
 learn the bookselling business in the shop of his uncle, the late 
 Mr John Shearer, postmaster and stationer, King Street. 
 After serving his apprenticeship, he commenced business in the 
 shop in tKat street now occupied by Mr Crockart, gunsmith, 
 from which he removed to the premises on the opposite side, 
 where the business is still carried on by his son. Mr Shearer 
 was twice Dean of Guild, and was a Magistrate of the burgh 
 for one term. When Dean of Guild he succeeded in getting 
 the Corporation to vote £1000 to assist in erecting the large 
 Public Halls in Albert Place. He was also instrumental in pre- 
 serving for the town " John Cowane's Chest " (now in the Guild 
 Hall). He was also compiler and publisher of a series of 
 popular tourist guides to Stirling and district. Of an anti- 
 quarian turn of mind, Mr Shearer took not a little interest in 
 relics of the past, and was a contributor to the " Transactions 
 of the Stirling Natural History and Archaeological Society." 
 
 Mr Shearer was a man with strong religious convictions, and 
 in a lively way conscious of the responsibilities that surround 
 every human life. This shaped the course of his own life into 
 active every day usefulness for the general well-being of the 
 town in which he lived, and for the assistance of those who 
 had not been so fortunate in worldly circumstances. What- 
 ever duty he felt called upon to do, he engaged in with untiring 
 energy until the object he had in view was attained. 
 
70 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 Bailie Low, Dean of Guild. 
 
 Died 27th January, 1890. 
 
 Mr Thomas Low was in his seventy-first year at the time of 
 his death. He entered the Town Council in 1864, continuing 
 until 1872, when he retired. He was again elected in 1876, 
 and finally retired in 1879. He was Dean of Guild from 1867 
 to 1870, and again from 1876 to 1879. In 1870 he was proposed 
 as Provost against Mr George Christie, but retired, and was 
 elected First Bailie. Mr Low was very popular, both as a 
 Magistrate and as Dean of Guild, for his open honesty and 
 plain speaking. In connection with the Guildry he devised 
 not a few liberal things, and succeeded in increasing the weekly 
 amount paid to the pensioners of Cowane's Hospital. He was 
 also successful in getting the much-admired stained-glass win- 
 dow erected in the Guild Hall, to the memory of John 
 Cowane, the founder of Cowane's Hospital. He also did good 
 service as a director of Stirling Royal Infirmary by suggesting 
 improvements which have proved valuable to the management. 
 His liberality was not confined to his trusteeship, as he was 
 ever a generous subscriber to any worthy object. In social 
 life Mr Low's company was much enjoyed, his conversational 
 powers being excellent ; he was also gifted with a fine musical 
 ear, and could sing a song with taste. He was a man of strong 
 common sense, undoubted integrity and straight-forwardness, 
 and one who had always the interest of the ancient burgh at 
 heart. 
 
 Bailie James Millar. 
 
 Died 7th April, 1890. 
 
 A native of Gargunnock, in 1825 Mr Millar came to Stirling 
 to learn the baking business with Mr Samuel Forrester, Broad 
 Street. He afterwards spent some years in Glasgow and 
 Greenock, coming back to Stirling in 1835 and commencing 
 business in Baker Street, and, with half-a-century's persever- 
 ance, built up the extensive connection which still bears his 
 
NOTABLE CITIZENS OF STIRLING. 71 
 
 name in Stirling to-day. When a young man Mr Millar took 
 an active interest in political matters, and in the agitation in 
 favour of the Reform Bill of 1832, took a prominent part in the 
 " City of the Rock." Mr Millar commenced public life in 1848, 
 when he entered the Town Council, of which he remained a 
 member till 1873. He was Convener of the Seven Incorporated 
 Trades for a number of years, till he was appointed Bailie in 
 1867. He was also one of the Captains of the High Constables 
 of Stirling. In connection with the erection of the Albert 
 Halls he took an active part, as well as in the Royal Infirmary. 
 He was also Chairman of the Stirling Combination Poorhouse 
 Board, succeeding the Right Hon. Lord Balfour of Burleigh. 
 Mr Millar was locally famed for his success as an arbiter. How 
 much litigation he prevented during the course of his long and 
 useful career it would be difficult to determine, and if ever the 
 epitaph, " Blessed are the peacemakers," deserves to be written 
 on the tombstone of any one, the memory of ex-Bailie Millar is 
 entitled to be so honoured. 
 
 Bailie James Gray. 
 
 Died 2nd May, 1890. 
 
 Mr Gray was born at Slamannan, where his father was a 
 farmer. After serving his apprenticeship with a seedsman in 
 Falkirk, he came to Stirling to the firm of Messrs William 
 Drummond & Sons. After 14 years' service there he started 
 business in the Craigs, and raised there the extensive seed, 
 grain, and feeding stuff business of James Gray & Co. Despite 
 the demands upon his time by his wide trade connection, Mr 
 Gray found leisure to take part in objects connected with the 
 public weal. Shortly after coming to Stirling he allied himself 
 with the Temperance movement, and was always ready to lend 
 his countenance to the furtherance of the cause. Whilst many 
 philanthropic and other agencies had in him a warm friend and 
 generous contributor, he took special interest in the welfare of 
 the young, and succeeded Mr Peter Drummond in the super- 
 intendentship of the Free North Church Sabbath School, being 
 a zealous office-bearer in that congregation. Along with a 
 
72 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 number of other gentlemen he lent valuable assistance in 
 establishing the Stirling Working Boys' and Girls' Religious 
 Society. He was called upon to enter the Town Council on 
 18th March, 1878, for Port Street Ward ; was elected Bailie in 
 1884, and was promoted to First Bailieship in 1885. 
 
 Mr. John Davidson, Writer, Dean of Guild. 
 
 Died 2nd April, 1875. 
 
 Born in Stirling about the year 1814, Mr Davidson served 
 his apprenticeship in a law office here, and after studying in 
 Edinburgh for some years, returned to Stirling, and was in 
 course of time assumed as a partner in the business where he 
 had served his apprenticeship, the firm being Hill, Cathcart & 
 Davidson. A separation taking place, Mr Davidson carried on 
 business alone. In 1861 he was appointed Collector of Taxes 
 and Distributor of Stamps, and in 1874 was appointed, along 
 with Mr Stevenson, agent for the British Linen Bank. Mr 
 Davidson was always a peacemaker, and at the beginning of 
 any case counselled against litigation, and, unless the case was 
 of a glaring nature, systematically advised compromise, which 
 in many cases resulted in saving to both parties. 
 
 Mr Davidson was a Town Councillor for a number of years, 
 and was also Dean of Guild. With a clear head, good judg- 
 ment, sterling honesty, and great resource in conversation, he 
 acquired a considerable influence among all classes — indeed he 
 became an undoubted favourite, always the same happy, cheer- 
 ful, and warm-hearted man. He displayed at all times great 
 tact and sensitiveness to an extreme degree of the feelings of 
 others. He was the poor man's friend, and his kindness was 
 at all times devoid of ostentation or patronage, while his ser- 
 vices and purse were always at the call of every good cause. 
 
 Mr. George Mouat, Dean of Guild. 
 
 Died 24th July, 1893. 
 
 Mr George Mouat was a Son of the Rock, having been born 
 here in 1803, and at the period of his death had nearly com- 
 
NOTABLE CITIZENS OF STIRLING. 73 
 
 pleted his 90th year. Educated at the Grammar School, he com- 
 menced business as a silk mercer in the shop presently occupied 
 as a chemist's in the Municipal Buildings. In the same year, 
 being just 21 years of age, he entered the Guildry Incorporation, 
 and at the date of his death had been a member of that body 
 for the long period of 69 years. He served for some years in the 
 Town Council, and was twice elected Dean of Guild. During 
 one of these terms — 1845 — he carried into effect the planting 
 with trees of the north-eastern slope of the Abbey Craig. He 
 was also a member of the High Constables of Stirling, and took 
 considerable interest in the body. 
 
 Possessed of a wonderfully acute and retentive memory, Mr 
 Mouat was an excellent raconteur, and his knowledge of men 
 and affairs connected with Stirling was very extensive. Indeed, 
 in his later years, nothing delighted him more than recounting 
 the transactions of the various bodies with which he was con- 
 nected, as well as giving reminiscences of events in the earlier 
 part of the century. 
 
 Sir John Hay, Bart. 
 
 The intelligence that Sir John had died at his residence 
 in Edinburgh on 15th June, 1862, was received with general 
 expressions of regret, not only in Stirling, but throughout the 
 entire midland district. Sir John held the office of Sheriff- 
 Substitute of Stirlingshire for the long period of 28 years, 
 from the duties of which — discharged with acknowledged ability 
 — he retired eighteen months previous to his decease. He was 
 familiar, kind, and even simple in his manners and disposition, 
 and his urbanity and invariable cheerfulness made him highly 
 popular among all classes. 
 
 Many characteristic anecdotes of Sir John will still be 
 remembered by his legal and other friends. He was an excel- 
 lent type of the "good old country gentleman," and his jokes 
 and witticisms had the ring of the genuine coin. He was held 
 in high respect by the legal practitioners of Stirling, with whom 
 he necessarily came much in contact ; and his abilities as a 
 judge have been freely and frequently recognised. His 
 
74 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 familiar face, so well-known to all our townspeople, was long 
 missed. 
 
 Sir John was descended from the younger son of Hay of 
 Dalgery (a cadet of the noble house of Errol), who, soon after 
 the Reformation, acquired the estate of Park, a part of the 
 abbey lands of Glenluce, in Wigtonshire. On the decease of 
 Sir Thomas, the fourth baronet, in 1794, without issue, the 
 estate of Park devolved upon his sister, while the baronetcy 
 reverted to his cousin, the descendant of James Hay, Esq., 
 second son of Sir Charles, the second baronet; and at the 
 decease of Sir William, the sixth baronet, the title devolved 
 upon his cousin, the late Sir John, who was the only son of 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Hay of the Royal Engineers, who fell at 
 the Helder. 
 
 Sir John was called to the Scottish bar in 1821, and received 
 the appointment of Sheriff-Substitute of Stirlingshire on 
 January 24th, 1834. He married, 30th June, 1836, Sarah 
 Beresford, daughter of John Cousins, Esq., of Weymouth, and 
 had issue six sons and two daughters. Lady Hay predeceased 
 Sir John, who was succeeded in the baronetcy by his eldest 
 surviving son, Arthur Graham. 
 
 " OWER THE WATER TAE CHAIRLIE." 
 
 From amongst the many humorous anecdotes which might be 
 given concerning Sir John, we select one which reveals perhaps 
 more than any other his pawkiness. On one occasion, having 
 before him a culprit who had been previously convicted, he 
 concluded his awarding of punishment with the remark, " Noo, 
 mind, if ever ye come back again, it'll be " (whistling the air) 
 " Ower the water tae Chairlie." 
 
 ONE OF SIR JOHN'S DECISIONS. 
 
 A merchant in town had between terms discharged his female 
 servant, who brought an action for wages and board. On the 
 
 case being called in Court, Mr M pled that he could not 
 
 keep the pursuer, as she was a glutton. Sir John asked him 
 how much it would take to keep her each week. " Would five 
 shillings do? " k * Oh, a great deal more than that, Sir John," 
 
NOTABLE CITIZENS OF STIRLING. 75 
 
 was the reply. " Would six shillings do ? " Oh, more than 
 that." "Would seven shillings do?" "Yes, about that, Sir 
 John." "Then, Mr M — — you'll pay your servant her wages 
 and board wages at the rate of seven shillings per week until 
 the term." 
 
 SIR JOHN AND THE TAILOR. 
 
 One day a tailor was returning from his garden, situated in 
 Dumbarton Road, having under his arm, with unconscious 
 ostentation, a head of veritable cabbage, when, meeting an 
 acquaintance on the Back Walk, he gravely informed him that 
 this was the first cabbage he had had that year. Sir John, 
 who happened to be passing at the time, looked at him, and 
 said that " He was sorry to hear he had had such a poor spring 
 trade.'' 
 
 SIR JOHN AND WILLIE DE GRASSE. 
 
 Willie, a harmless body who went about the town and country 
 with a donkey, dealing in any little thing by. which he could 
 make a living, had got into a scrape of some kind which brought 
 him before Sir John. Willie was convicted, and sentenced to 
 thirty days' imprisonment. De Grasse, poor man, was in a 
 great state as to what would come over his donkey, and began 
 crying. " I'll take care of your cuddy, W T illie," said Sir John, 
 which he did, keeping it at his stable in Upper Bridge Street, 
 where Willie, on recovering his liberty, received it greatly im- 
 proved, and supplied with a new set of harness. 
 
 SIR JOHN AND MR C 
 
 Sir John was not ashamed to carry home any purchase he 
 made, and liked to " take down " anyone whom he thought 
 carried too high a head. While settling an account for a pur- 
 chase he had made in a butcher's shop, Mr C , a well-known 
 
 and very dashing writer in town, happened to be passing. Sir 
 
 John hailed him, and on Mr C going in, he was handed a 
 
 gigot of mutton to hold until Sir John received his change. 
 Having got this, instead of relieving the writer of his load, he 
 took hold of his arm, led him out of the shop and along one of 
 the principal streets, when, apologising for his neglect, he re- 
 
76 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 leased Mr C 's arm, took his parcel, and departed, chuckling 
 
 like a "clucking hen." 
 
 SIR JOHN AND HIS " DOOS." 
 
 At the time Sir John resided at Upper Bridge Street he kept 
 a large number of pigeons. Being at that time much afflicted 
 with sleeplessness, he occasionally rose very early in the morn- 
 ing and took a walk. One morning Mr Wordie's household in 
 Viewfield Place was awakened by a loud ringing of the door 
 bell. On one of Mr Wordie's sons raising the window and look- 
 ing over, he saw Sir John with a lighted lantern in one hand 
 and a bag in the other. On being asked what his requirements 
 were, he said he wanted some " peas for his doos." Sir John 
 had to wait until six o'clock, and go to the stables before he 
 got his supplies. 
 
 William Galbraith, Town Clerk. 
 
 Died 24th February, 1861. 
 
 William Galbraith, Esq. of Blackhouse, was one of our most 
 prominent citizens, as for many years he filled with much 
 distinction important public offices connected with both the 
 County and Burgh of Stirling. Appointed Town Clerk in 
 1820 (succeeding John M'Gibbon, Esq. of South Lodge, who 
 had been Town Clerk for 54 years) and Sheriff Clerk in 1835, he 
 thus for the long period of over 40 years discharged the onerous 
 duties, and that to the utmost satisfaction of the governing 
 bodies of Stirling. During his long term of office many difficult 
 questions came before the Boards, and in almost every case his 
 advice was found to be at once ready and correct. He gave 
 undivided attention to whatever was brought before him, always 
 showing anxiety to protect and advance the interests of the 
 burgh. Mr Galbraith not only served the Boards long, but it 
 may be said he died as he lived, in the midst of activity and 
 usefulness. In any sphere of life he would have exercised in- 
 fluence : in that in which he moved he was excelled by none. 
 
 An able lawyer, of literary taste, superior scholarship, cul- 
 tivated manners, possessed of much knowledge of the world, 
 
NOTABLE CITIZENS OF STIRLING. 77 
 
 full of kindly good humour, skilled in the art of influencing and 
 guiding the minds of others, and devoted to the interests of the 
 community of which he formed so distinguished a member, few 
 men have wielded so noiselessly and with such general satis- 
 faction a power such as that which, in his public position, Mr 
 Galbraith was entrusted with. His was one of those minds 
 which place their possessors in the van of other men with whom 
 they are connected; and to which other men, whilst made to 
 feel their perfect freedom of agency, unconsciously adopt and 
 submit themselves. Mr Galbraith was for some time an officer 
 of the Stirlingshire Yeomanry. 
 
 Alex. S. Logan, Sheriff of Forfar. 
 
 A. S. Logan, Esq. (familiarly known as " Sandy " by his 
 friends), advocate, Sheriff of Forfar, died in Edinburgh on 2nd 
 February, 1862. Mr Logan was the eldest son of an excellent, 
 much loved old man, long Relief Minister of St. Ninians, of 
 which place and its people his gifted son told endless and 
 delightful stories. Mr Logan studied both in Glasgow and 
 Edinburgh, was called to the bar in 1833, and died in his 51st 
 year. 
 
 It is not easy to speak of him without being open to the 
 charge of exaggeration, as he was a man of unregulated powers 
 and strange mixtures. He could not be known without learn- 
 ing this; and no one listening to him, for even ten minutes, 
 would ever forget him. He took a warm interest in the pros- 
 perity of Stirling and everyone connected with it. 
 
 His occasional visits to the courts here will still be remem- 
 bered by many with pleasure — his wit, always ready to sparkle 
 out, and his quiet humour in questioning witnesses and address- 
 ing a jury being admirable. One of his earliest and most 
 splendid forensic efforts was in behalf of Alexander Millar, or 
 " Scatters," who, for murder, was tried at Stirling in 1837. Mr 
 Logan took particular interest in this man, who had from his 
 youth been of a wild, wayward, and impulsive disposition. The 
 great exertions he had made to save his life were, however, 
 unsuccessful, and Millar was executed ; but as an evidence of 
 the zeal Mr Logan manifested, and the fidelity, springing from 
 
78 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 his warmth and nobleness of heart, with which he had defended 
 him, it may be mentioned that when he afterwards saw a bust 
 of Millar in the shop of Mr Forbes, bookseller, he stood for a 
 moment looking at it, the tears involuntarily dropping down 
 his cheeks. 
 
 As an example of the early genius of Mr Logan, and his 
 attachment to literature, in 1827, when Mr G. F. Stanley had 
 fitted up a theatre at the Shore Road, Stirling, Mr Logan, at 
 the time attending classes, produced a dramatic satire on the 
 temperance movement, which was accepted by the manager. 
 The satire, however, proved so keen, and the wit so pointed, 
 that the very ability of the production was the occasion of its 
 collapse, as it only appeared on the boards for a single night. 
 The manager fully appreciated it, and the players were loud in 
 its praise, but the ridicule and satire had such " telling " effect 
 that it had of necessity to be quashed. 
 
 Mr Logan was highly esteemed by the legal profession in 
 Stirling, and was much resorted to for written opinions, and 
 many vexed questions were amicably settled on the strength of 
 his legal opinions. 
 
 The Rev. Dr Frew, St. Ninians, says — " I remember walking 
 with him in my early time here, between this and Laurelhill 
 gate, by way of Torbrex. He pointed to Laurelhill House as 
 we passed, and said, ' I have two objects of ambition : first, a 
 seat on the bench; second, Laurelhill and grounds, if they 
 should ever come into the market.' One part of his ambition 
 certainly would have been gratified but for his too early death. 
 He would have attained to the dignity of the bench, and his 
 mature and chastened age, with his great genius, might now 
 have been lending fresh lustre to a position which has been 
 adorned by so many great names. I remember him bringing 
 the judge and dignitaries of the Circuit Court, then in session 
 at Stirling, out here one Sabbath day to worship in the Auld 
 Relief Kirk, where his father had ministered so long." 
 
 Robert Sconce, Sheriff=Substitute. 
 
 Sheriff Sconce died at 19 Melville Terrace on 3rd October, 
 1878. Admitted a procurator in 1830, he entered into partner- 
 
NOTABLE CITIZENS OF STIRLING. 79 
 
 ship with the late John Sawers, and in 1835 was appointed 
 joint Procurator-Fiscal with him. After Mr Sawers' death 
 he continued to discharge the duties in an acceptable manner 
 to all concerned, besides conducting an extensive private legal 
 business. 
 
 In 1861 Sheriff Robertson, previously stationed at Falkirk, 
 was appointed to succeed Sir John Hay at Stirling, and was 
 in his turn succeeded at Falkirk by Mr Sconce, who remained 
 there until 1865, when he was translated to Stirling. He was 
 a very retired gentleman, and took little or no part in the 
 affairs of the town, but those who had the pleasure of his 
 acquaintance esteemed him as a gentleman of a kindly disposi- 
 tion, and willing at all times to lend a helping hand to those 
 who solicited his aid. In his legal capacity he was also held in 
 great respect, not only for the great attention and care 
 bestowed upon matters brought before him, but also for his 
 amiability of manner and desire to discharge his duties in an 
 impartial manner. 
 
 Mr. James Mathie. 
 
 On 18th August, 1881, died Mr James Mathie, writer and 
 banker. Born near Craigend in the year 1797, he was there- 
 fore in his 84th year at the time of his decease. After receiving 
 his education at the parish school, which under the old regime 
 was capable of sending forth good scholars, he entered the 
 office of Mr Robert Campbell, writer, Stirling, grandfather of 
 Mr J. W. Campbell, banker. At the close of his apprentice- 
 ship he removed to Glasgow, where, in the Town Clerk's office, 
 he obtained a large insight into his profession. Returning to 
 his native district in 1825, he was admitted as a procurator 
 before the Stirling Sheriff Court on 4th November. About the 
 same time he commenced business on his own account in Baker 
 Street — or Baxter's Wynd, as it was then called, a much more 
 important place for business than it is now — his younger 
 brother, Mr John Mathie, being associated with him later, and 
 the firm of J. & J. Mathie took a leading position in the town, 
 which it continues to maintain at the present day. 
 
80 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 The office of Town Chamberlain falling vacant in 1830, Mr 
 Mathie was appointed to fill the vacancy, and for upwards of 
 half a century he discharged the duties with much acceptance. 
 He also acted as Factor for Cunningham's Mortification ; and 
 when the Police Act was adopted, he was naturally chosen as 
 Police Treasurer. 
 
 On the removal of Mr M'Vicar, agent for the Union Bank of 
 Scotland, to Partick in 1858, Mr Mathie was appointed agent. 
 In 1863 he was appointed interim Sheriff-Substitute ; in 1874 
 a Justice of the Peace; and in 1866 the local Society of Solici- 
 tors and Procurators appointed him Dean, and every year 
 thereafter he was re-appointed. 
 
 While avoiding the more prominent path of life, Mr Mathie 
 was ever ready to take his share in any work for the public 
 benefit. He was Treasurer for the Caledonian Society ; he was 
 also one of the founders of the Ragged School, to which 
 he was a liberal contributor ; he likewise took great interest in 
 the Horticultural Society. He w^s long a member of Erskine 
 II. P. Church, and afterwards of Allan Park Church. 
 
 High in the esteem of all who knew him, and well-known as 
 a useful member of the community of Stirling, the close of his 
 long and honourable career created a general feeling of regret, 
 which was shown by his funeral being one of the largest ever 
 seen in Stirling, deputations being present from the Free- 
 masons of all the surrounding district, the Society of Solicitors 
 and Procurators, and the Provost, Magistrates, and Town 
 Council. The shops were closed on the route, and a large 
 number of spectators lined the streets as the cortege passed. 
 
 Mr. John Dick Mathie. 
 
 Little more than a year after the death of Mr James Mathie 
 died his brother, Mr John Dick Mathie, the date of his death 
 being 29th November, 1882. Born in Port Street, where his 
 father carried on the trade of a dyer close beside the town's 
 burn, the name, John Dick, was that of his paternal grand- 
 father, the late Provost Dick being his cousin. 
 
 After receiving his education at Stirling Grammar School, 
 
NOTABLE CITIZENS OF STIRLING. 81 
 
 he entered the office of Mr Robert Campbell, writer, where his 
 brother also served his apprenticeship. Thereafter he went to 
 Glasgow, where he devoted some time to his profession, in 1828 
 joining his brother in partnership. He was an excellent 
 business man and successful pleader in the law courts. 
 
 His extraordinary talents as an election agent brought him 
 into fame, and in this work he stood pre-eminent. He took an 
 active interest in local politics in 1828, when what was called 
 the " Young Party " entered the Town Council through the 
 Guildry, and were the means of destroying for ever the power 
 of the Fleshers' Incorporation. He took great interest in the 
 revival of the Stirling Races in 1836, and succeeded Mr Robert 
 Sawers as Secretary of the Race Committee ; he was also 
 Secretary for the Fishing Club, and Clerk to the Guildry. 
 
 He was kind and obliging, and in social intercourse a most 
 agreeable companion. He was the last survivor of a small 
 circle — mostly belonging to the legal profession — which in the 
 olden time used to meet in "Noah's Ark" (Johnny Buchans, 
 a famed house in its day, now 7 St. John Street, but greatly 
 improved), for the purpose of spending the evening together. 
 He was a capital story-teller, and his electioneering experiences 
 supplied him with an infinite number of amusing reminiscences. 
 The sayings and doings of the Stirling " characters " he would 
 often relate with great gusto and a keen appreciation of their 
 peculiarities — all, however, in a kindly way, and with no desire 
 to hurt anyone's feelings, however humble he might be. 
 
 Rev. Dr. John Smart. 
 
 Died 4th November, 1845. 
 
 Dr Smart was born at Eckford Moss, Roxburgh, on 23rd 
 February, 1764, of very humble parents, his father being a 
 labouring man, but one who was greatly esteemed for his 
 intelligence, probity, and sturdy independence by all who 
 knew him. Dr Smart entered the University of Edinburgh in 
 1781, and was licensed by the Presbytery of Kelso on 23rd 
 September, 1788. After receiving several calls, he accepted 
 F 
 
82 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 that from Stirling, where he was ordained on 24th June, 1789. 
 Dr Smart received many calls, among them one in January, 
 1797, to be colleague and successor to the celebrated Rev. Mr 
 Shirra of Kirkcaldy, but nothing could make him break with 
 his first love, with whom he continued until laid aside through 
 illness in the beginning of 1845, one of his last acts being the 
 baptising of his grandson, the youngest son of the Rev. Mr 
 Smart of Leith. 
 
 Dr Smart died at Elm Row, Edinburgh, the house of his son, 
 Campbell Smart, and was buried in front of Erskine Church. 
 The scene in Stirling at his funeral was exceedingly solemn as 
 the great procession moved through the streets, all the shops 
 being shut. In short, every one seemed to feel that he had lost 
 a friend, and the community a leader and guide. He was only 
 the fourth minister who presided over this congregation since 
 the famous Disruption in 1732, when the Rev. Ebenezer 
 Erskine left the Established Church with his congregation, 
 and he was in the eighty-fourth year of his age and the fifty- 
 seventh of his ministry. 
 
 Rev. Alexander Leitch, M.A. 
 
 This reverend gentleman died at 7 Albert Place, Stirling, on 
 17th April, 1868, in the 66th year of his age, and forty-third 
 of his ministry. Born in Glasgow in February, 1803, he 
 entered the University of that city when only 10 years of age, 
 and, after a regular course of study, took the degree of M.A., 
 and was licensed by the Presbytery of Glasgow in 1823. For 
 some time he taught a school at Broughty Ferry, and preached 
 his first sermon in St. James' Church, Glasgow. Afterwards 
 Mr Leitch, on 25th July, 1825, was ordained minister at Gart- 
 more. In November, 1832, he was translated to the third 
 charge at Stirling, and as minister of that charge preached 
 once each Sabbath in the East and West Churches, but when 
 the North Church was built, in 1842, he became minister of 
 the West Church. Leaving that church at the Disruption in 
 1843, he preached in the Guild Hall — where he gathered a 
 large congregation — and afterwards in the South Church. 
 
NOTABLE CITIZENS OF STIRLING. 83 
 
 As a minister of Stirling he is affectionately remembered. 
 His ordinary pastoral visitation, and his visits to the bedsides 
 of the sick and dying were assiduous and persevering, and were 
 both tenderly and heartily rendered. He was a faithful pastor 
 and teacher, and was familiarly known by the affectionate 
 name of "Daddy." 
 
 Rev. Robert Henderson. 
 
 Died 16th February, 1875. 
 
 Mr Henderson was born in 1797, his father being a physician 
 in Dundee. He entered St. John's College, Cambridge, in 
 1818, and took his ordinary degree of M.A. in 1821, no 
 University career being, in those days of strict seclusion, open 
 to the very few Scotchmen then undergraduates at Cambridge. 
 In 1822 he was ordained Deacon and Priest by the Bishop of 
 Bangor and Lincoln, acting for the Archbishop of Canterbury, 
 in whose diocese he served for six years as curate of Little 
 Chart and Hadlow. In 1828 he was brought to Scotland by 
 family, affairs, and became curate to Bishop Gleig, Stirling. 
 On Bishop Gleig's resignation in 1832, Mr Henderson was 
 appointed his successor. During his incumbency the congrega- 
 tion grew and nourished, and a new church was built and filled. 
 Mr Henderson achieved the difficult task of living on kindly 
 terms with Christians of all denominations, without sacrificing 
 his principles or his attachment to his own church. In 1868, 
 after 46 years of service in the church — forty of which he spent 
 in Stirling — he resigned the incumbency. 
 
 Rev. William Findlay. 
 
 Died 4th November, 1881. 
 
 A native of Kinclaven, Perthshire, after his University career 
 Mr Findlay went to Canada, returning to this country about the 
 time of the Disruption, when he was presented to the third 
 charge of the Parish of Stirling by the Town Council, his in- 
 duction taking place on 18th January, 1844. Mr Findlay con- 
 
84 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 tinued to occupy the North Church pulpit until 1855, when he 
 was promoted to be minister of the second charge; later on 
 receiving the appointment of Chaplain to the Garrison. 
 
 Mr Findlay was of tall and commanding stature, with robust 
 and well-knit body. His utterance was rapid, vehement, and 
 impulsive, and his whole bearing in the pulpit indicated a quick, 
 fiery, energetic nature which would not be trifled with, but 
 would resent every encroachment upon his dignity, or inter- 
 ference with his rights. The preaching of Mr Findlay, though 
 a little behind the fashion, was by no means behind in point of 
 weight or practical influence. There was no playing at fast 
 and loose with the grand old verities of the Bible, and in his 
 heart he was not so stern as his outward appearance denoted. 
 
 With the military Mr Findlay was a great favourite, and he 
 ever manifested kindly interest in their welfare. 
 
 Rev. Dr. Paul M'Lachlan. 
 
 Died 21st August, 1883. 
 
 Monsignor M'Lachlan, D.D., died at Doune in the 79th year 
 of his age and the 53rd of his priesthood. This venerable priest 
 was born at Bellachnochan, Braes of Glenlivat, Banffshire. In 
 his youth Dr M'Lachlan was noted for his piety and precocious 
 talents, in consequence of which his ecclesiastical advisers re- 
 quested him to enter the seminary of Aquahorties, as an 
 aspirant to the priesthood. This he did, and was soon after- 
 wards transferred to France, where he continued during the 
 remainder of his studies. He was ordained priest in August, 
 1831, and returned to Scotland, shortly after his arrival being 
 appointed missionary in Edinburgh. After spending some time 
 there he received the charge at Falkirk, and afterwards at 
 Stirling, where he laboured for many years, discharging the 
 duties of a missionary with unremitting zeal and fidelity, and 
 also making himself useful as a member of the Parochial and 
 School Boards. He opened a mission in Doune, where he 
 built a splendid church and presbytery. Ultimately he took 
 up his residence in Doune. Monsignor M'Lachlan's piety and 
 
NOTABLE CITIZENS OF STIRLING. 85 
 
 devotion to his duties, his talents and his refined manners made 
 him very popular in Stirling and Doune. In 1878 the Pope 
 conferred on him the honour of Doctor of Divinity, and after- 
 wards the dignity of Monsignor. 
 
 Rev. John Steedman. 
 
 Died 20th February, 1884. 
 
 Mr Steedman was born at Milnathort, Kinross-shire, in 1814, 
 and received the elements of his education in his native place. 
 On making up his mind to become a minister, he went to the 
 University of Edinburgh, and on the completion of his course, 
 he accepted a call to Erskine Church, Stirling, as colleague of 
 Dr Smart and Mr David Stewart, his induction taking place on 
 17th August, 1842. 
 
 Mr Steedman was no ordinary man. Possessed of a natur- 
 ally strong intellect, which, along with a commanding appear- 
 ance, a firm grasp of Gospel truth, and a powerful utterance, 
 he became one of the most distinguished ministers of the 
 United Presbyterian Church, and a worthy successor of the 
 able men who had filled the pulpit of the mother Secession 
 Church in Stirling. Mr Steedman was a keen controversialist, 
 and found employment for his energies in this direction in the 
 great discussions which took place on the subject of volun- 
 taryism. One of the latest of his appearances was in 1879, 
 when he preached on a Sabbath afternoon in his own church at 
 a special service in commemoration of the origin of the con- 
 gregation of the Secession Church, on which occasion he gave 
 a very interesting narrative of Ebenezer Erskine's life and 
 times. For several years he was laid aside from active duty 
 on account of enfeebled health. 
 
 Charles Rogers, LL.D., F.S.A. (Scot.). 
 
 Although not a " Son of the Rock," there were few more 
 devoted citizens than the Reverend Dr Rogers, and the im- 
 portant part he played in municipal politics, together with the 
 
86 , OLD STIRLING. 
 
 active interest he manifested in the welfare of Stirling, entitle 
 him to honourable mention in a volume such as this. 
 
 The son of the parish minister of Dunino in Fifeshire, he was 
 born there on the 18th day of April, 1825. After a preliminary 
 training in the parish school he passed to the University of St. 
 Andrews, where he prosecuted his studies with a view to the 
 ministry. On receiving license he acted as assistant in various 
 charges, and was subsequently appointed minister of the North 
 Church, Dunfermline. After a short term of office there, he 
 resigned, and, following a brief stay at Kinross, removed to 
 Bridge of Allan, where he remained for some years. In 1855 he 
 was appointed to the chaplaincy of Stirling Castle, and he 
 accordingly took up his residence in the royal burgh. 
 
 One of the best works of Rogers' life was, what he terms in 
 his autobiography, "The Restoration of Stirling." He took a 
 prominent part in the formation of the " Valley Cemetery," and 
 he also devised "The Stirling Improvement Society," but this 
 movement collapsed. In 1861 he was returned to the Town 
 Council, and for some time assisted in municipal matters. 
 
 The great work in which he was interested was the erection 
 of a National Monument to Wallace. It is unnecessary here to 
 enter into the controversial point as to whether he actually 
 originated the movement which ultimately attained success, 
 but it may be said, with perfect fairness to all concerned, that 
 he did no little to carry the work to a completion, and the bust 
 placed in the Entrance Hall of the Monument on the Abbey 
 Craig was a well-merited recognition of services rendered. 
 
 In Stirling he was unfortunate in his relations with some 
 other public men, and on that account the labours in which he 
 was engaged on behalf of the burgh have either been obscured 
 or forgotten, and indeed it may be said that, to many of the 
 younger citizens at least, Dr Rogers is not even a name. 
 
 In literature he occupies an important place, and we have 
 space here merely to mention some of his works. In 1844 he 
 edited a volume of Sir Robert Aytoun's poems ; and during his 
 residence in Bridge of Allan he issued " A "Week at the Bridge 
 of Allan," and conducted a magazine for some time — " The Spa 
 Directory." He edited "The Modern Scottish Minstrel," a 
 work extending to six volumes, and giving information regard- 
 
NOTABLE CITIZENS OF STIRLING. 87 
 
 ing very many Scottish poets. During his residence in Stirling 
 he established " The Stirling Gazette " — a weekly which did not 
 long survive. In 1869 he published " Scotland : Social and 
 Domestic," and "The Life and Songs of the Baroness Nairne." 
 Two years later he produced " Monuments and Monumental 
 Inscriptions in Scotland ; " and in 1874 he edited "Boswelliana : 
 the Commonplace Book of James Boswell." These were fol- 
 lowed by a number of volumes of antiquarian interest relating 
 to Scottish ecclesiasticism. 
 
 After leaving Stirling he resided in various places, sub- 
 sequently removing to Edinburgh, where he died on 18th 
 September, 1889. 
 
 His is one of the " old faces ; " he took no little interest in 
 the " old places ; " and he could tell with effect some of the 
 " old stories " of Stirling. 
 
 Rev. Alexander Beith, D.D. 
 
 For well nigh forty years this reverend gentleman was one of 
 Stirling's most prominent citizens, and his death — on 11th May, 
 1891, in the 93rd year of his age — was deeply regretted by a 
 wide circle, as, not only was he, at the time of his decease, the 
 " Father " of the Free Church, but he was the oldest ordained 
 clergyman in Scotland. Of a commanding figure, he will doubt- 
 less be remembered by older residents as he walked to and from 
 church, with plaid of shepherd check thrown over his shoulder, 
 and a rustic walking-stick in hand, as well as by his pulpit 
 ministrations, which were ever full, rich, fresh, and telling. 
 No one could listen to him without being convinced of the 
 earnestness of the preacher, whilst the energy he displayed in 
 the pulpit was such as is not seen nowadays. His sermons 
 were ever of a truly evangelical type, and as a lecturer he 
 greatly excelled, not only in the Sabbath services, but in the 
 courses he delivered on week-days, those on "The Pilgrim's Pro- 
 gress " being especially rich expositions. He was also an author 
 of some repute, the best known and most widely circulated of 
 his writings being " Sorrowing, yet Rejoicing : a Narrative of 
 Successive Bereavements in a Minister's Family " (his own), 
 
88 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 published in 1839, and passing through several editions. As 
 early as 1824 Mr Beith wrote a treatise on the Baptist contro- 
 versy, and afterwards a Catechism — the former in Gaelic, the 
 latter both in Gaelic and English. " The Two Witnesses 
 Traced in History" appeared in 1846; in 1850, "Scottish 
 Reformers and Martyrs ; " " Christ Our Life " — a series of 
 lectures on the first six chapters of the Gospel of John — was 
 issued in two volumes in 1856 ; " The Scottish Church in her 
 Relation to Other Churches at Home and Abroad," in 1869; 
 "A Highland Tour with Dr Candlish," in 1874; in 1877, 
 " Memories of Disruption Times ; " and in 1880, " The Woman 
 of Samaria," besides various other writings of a minor nature. 
 
 By some people — who did not know the Doctor personally — 
 he was considered to be of a haughty and overbearing disposi- 
 tion, and to a certain extent there was something of this nature 
 in his manner, kindly and sympathetic as he was, but in his 
 earlier years, when he was a parish minister, and that of a 
 Highland country district, the clergyman was looked upon as 
 something more than an ordinary mortal, and was to a large 
 extent not only spiritual, but legal and medical adviser as well, 
 and no doubt something of the feeling engendered by this, 
 coupled with his ardent and earnest nature, clung to him in 
 after life. But, withal, he was " the old man eloquent," as well 
 as the warm-hearted Christian friend and pastor. To rich and 
 poor alike he was, in cases of sickness, a constant and kindly 
 attendant, his ministrations at such times being most 
 acceptable. 
 
 Born at Campbeltown on 13th January, 1799, Mr Beith was 
 entered as a student at Glasgow University on 20th November, 
 1811, and after some time spent as a tutor, was licensed as a 
 preacher on 7th February, 1821, delivering his first sermons — 
 both in Gaelic and English — in Campbeltown the following Sab- 
 bath. In March he was elected minister of the Chapel of Ease 
 in Oban, where he rapidly became popular and successful ; and 
 in 1824 first minister of Hope Street Gaelic Church, Glasgow, 
 where the sitting accommodation (for 1500 persons) was soon 
 found inadequate for the worshippers, amongst them many of 
 the leading families in the City. In 1826 he was presented, by 
 the Earl of Breadalbane, to the parish of Kilbrandon, Argyll- 
 
NOTABLE CITIZENS OF STIRLING. 89 
 
 shire; and in 1830, by Lord Glenelg, to that of Glenelg, 
 Inverness-shire, special circumstances in each case making it 
 manifest that he should accept the appointments ; and in 1839 
 he accepted a call to be minister of the First Charge in Stirling. 
 
 At the time Mr Beith came to Stirling there were only two 
 Established Churches, the West and the East, and three minis- 
 ters, the third minister preaching in both churches every Sab- 
 bath, and dispensing two Communions every year, while the 
 first and second ministers had only one service each Sabbath, 
 and one Communion. This arrangement, coupled with the 
 unsatisfactory state of matters arising out of there being a 
 general Session for the whole parish, was not to Mr Beith's 
 liking, and he took steps for the erection of a third church, 
 which culminated in the building of the present North Parish 
 Church in 1842. In speaking, at a later period, on the state 
 of matters above referred to, he said — " I might have taken my 
 stipend, and been contented with this order of things, and 
 gone on and on and on ; but where would my conscience have 
 been? If I was to obey conscience, I must prepare for the 
 storm. I could then easily understand how other ministers 
 were so ready to accept calls to go elsewhere ; and I confess to 
 you, what I never said in public before, that when proposals 
 were made to me to be removed to Edinburgh, to one of the 
 charges there, and made three times, the question of conscience 
 at the time of the Disruption was not stronger with me than 
 when I was called to decide whether I should go, and quit 
 the state of things in Stirling, or stay and fight against it, and 
 try, at least, to reform things. I stayed, and in a short time 
 gathered about me many influential friends." 
 
 As above noted, the present North Established Church was 
 erected in 1842 by Mr Beith and ten of his friends in Stirling, 
 and he was again selected to enter an empty church, which, 
 however, in a year was nearly filled, and then came the Dis- 
 ruption. Very strongly imbued with Free Church principles, 
 Mr Beith had done immense service for the cause, not only in 
 the neighbourhood of Stirling, but further afield, and was one 
 of the body of over 400 who marched to Tanfield Hall, and his 
 portrait is included in the historical Disruption picture. Now, 
 however, his attention was directed to how matters would fare 
 
90 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 with his own congregation, and on his arrival from Edinburgh 
 on the Saturday evening he found they had secured the Corn 
 Exchange, where service was conducted for about a year, when 
 what was known as " the little church " was opened, this being 
 situated on ground now occupied as railway sidings immediately 
 behind the Baptist Church. Here Mr Beith ministered for 
 eight years, the necessity, meanwhile, for a larger building 
 becoming more and more pressing. He himself shrank from 
 initiating the erection of a third church, but his congregation 
 took the matter in hand, the result being the building of the 
 present Free North Church, which was opened on 27th 
 February, 1853, the collection taken that day amounting to 
 £1360, and entirely freeing the congregation from debt. 
 
 In 1850 Princeton University, U.S.A., conferred the degree 
 of Doctor of Divinity upon Mr Beith, and in 1858 he was 
 Moderator of Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland. The 
 Doctor regularly conducted two lengthy services every Sabbath, 
 together with a week-day lecture, taking, besides, a prominent 
 part, not only in Presbyterial and general ecclesiastical matters, 
 but in public affairs as well, but, in 1869, following upon a 
 severe illness, he was induced to avail himself of the services of 
 an assistant. So popular was Dr Beith that his name served as 
 an undoubted recommendation of the excellence of his assist- 
 ants, so much so that in the eight years during which he was 
 thus aided, no fewer than twenty-one young men were 
 appointed, some of whom now fill important positions, pro- 
 fessorial and other. 
 
 In June, 1871, Dr Beith's ministerial jubilee was celebrated, 
 the services on the occasion including a sermon preached by his 
 relative, Dr Elder, of Rothesay, Moderator of Assembly ; a 
 public dinner in the Union Hall, to which 120 gentlemen sat 
 down j a children's meeting in the afternoon ; and a great 
 gathering in the Corn Exchange in the evening, when Mr Peter 
 Drummond presided, and addresses were presented from the 
 Free Presbytery of Stirling, and from the congregation, to- 
 gether with his portrait, painted by Mr Norman M'Beth, 
 A.R.S.A. ; a timepiece as a memorial of the love and esteem in 
 which Mrs Beith (who died in 1866) was held, and a tea service 
 for Miss Beith. These, however, were by no means the first 
 
NOTABLE CITIZENS OF STIRLING. 91 
 
 tokens of regard which had been manifested for Dr Beith and 
 his family by the congregation, as in 1843 an insurance policy for 
 £1000 was secured by a single payment, and handed to Mrs 
 Beith. (In 1841 the Highlanders attending the Rev. Mr Beith's 
 Gaelic services presented him with an elegant piece of plate, 
 with Gaelic inscription, expressive of their gratitude for his 
 voluntary services in preaching to them in their own language 
 every alternate Sabbath, and in which he had not disappointed 
 them for a single day since the commencement. Mr Peter 
 M'Dougall made the presentation.) 
 
 Towards the end of 1876 Dr Beith intimated his intention of 
 retiring from the active duties of the pastorate, and on 26th 
 April, 1877, Rev. John Chalmers, M.A., of Ladyloan Free 
 Church, Arbroath, was inducted as colleague and successor. 
 Dr Beith having removed to Edinburgh, attached himself to 
 Free St. George's congregation, and died, as already noted, on 
 Monday, 11th May, 1891, being interred in Stirling Cemetery 
 on the Friday following, a conspicuous monumental column 
 being^ subsequently erected over his grave by his family. In 
 the words of Dryden, as quoted by Dr Ross Taylor, Glasgow, 
 while preaching Dr Beith's funeral sermon in the Free North 
 Church — 
 
 M Of no distemper, of no blast he died, 
 But fell, like autumn fruit that mellowed long, 
 Even wondered at because he dropped no sooner. 
 Fate deemed to wind him up for fourscore years, 
 Yet freshly ran he on ten winters more ; 
 Till, like a clock worn out with eating time, 
 The wheels of weary life at last stood still." 
 
 Dr. Alexander Johnston. 
 
 Died 27th September, 1857. 
 
 By the death of Dr Alexander Johnston, Stirling and sur- 
 rounding country lost a good friend as well as a skilful physician. 
 He was long and deservedly at the head of his profession in the 
 town, his services being equally available to rich and poor, and 
 
92 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 not for a great many years did any one go down to the grave 
 in Stirling so universally regretted. A general favourite, and 
 the very beau ideal of a medical man, even in his external 
 appearance, his venerable grey head according fully with his 
 profession and established character, he died at the age of 58. 
 The Doctor was naturally of a lively and even hilarious disposi- 
 tion, often giving expression to the keenness of his perception 
 in what would sometimes be called boisterous mirth, but which 
 was quite natural to him. He was not a mere hum-drum, 
 orthodox doctor, but had feelings which he could, and did ex- 
 press in a way exactly his own, and which never gave offence. 
 
 Dr. Robert Harvey. 
 
 Died 24th May, 1867. 
 
 Dr Harvey, eldest son of Mr Archibald Harvey, manu- 
 facturer, was born in Stirling on 8th May, 1797, and received 
 his education at the Grammar School, under the super- 
 intendence of the celebrated Dr Doig. Leaving Stirling when 
 very young, he went to London, where he obtained the post of 
 surgeon in the East India Company's service, in the ships of 
 which he made a number of voyages to the East Indies and 
 China. On leaving that Company he returned to Stirling, and 
 commenced practice as a doctor, in which position he was very 
 popular. Dr Harvey was a general favourite, his genial smile 
 and happy countenance being in themselves a help to the con- 
 valescence of his patients. 
 
 Dr. David Findlay. 
 
 Died 3rd December, 1874. 
 
 Dr Findlay was the son of a farmer, and was born in the 
 parish of Kinclaven, Perthshire, in February, 1821. He was 
 educated at the University of Edinburgh, and after practising 
 some time at Denny, came to Stirling in 1849. During an 
 epidemic in 1874 Dr Findlay had been most assiduous in his 
 
NOTABLE CITIZENS OF STIRLING. 93 
 
 labours, more especially among the poorer classes, and his con- 
 stant and conscientious attendance to the duties of his profes- 
 sion so greatly undermined his health that, when the fever 
 laid hold upon himself, he soon became its victim. Dr Findlay 
 literally died a martyr to his profession, and by the poor 
 especially he was greatly missed. By night and by day he was 
 ever ready to answer the call of distress, and the poorest 
 patient never appealed for his help in vain. Underneath a 
 somewhat abrupt and rough manner he had a genial and kindly 
 nature, so that he was greatly beloved by all the families with 
 whom his duties brought him into contact. He was a younger 
 brother of the Rev. Wm. Findlay, of the West Parish Church, 
 Stirling. 
 
 The following lines were written by a friend after Dr Find- 
 lay's decease : — 
 
 "REQUIESCAT IN PACE." 
 
 He rests ; his noble work is done, 
 Eternal rest he's nobly won ; 
 With high, with low, with rich, with poor 
 His memory green will long endure. 
 
 He rests ; and many a helpless one 
 Will sigh in vain for him that's gone — 
 For him who spent his strength to save 
 The poor and needy from the grave. 
 
 He rests ; who toiled night and day 
 To keep pale death from life away, 
 To raise the suffering, cheer the sad, 
 To raise the dying from their bed. 
 
 He rests ; who fought on to the end, 
 In every sense a faithful friend ; 
 His mind, his life, his all he gave 
 To keep, to succour, and to save. 
 
 He rests ; no more to walk abroad — 
 No more we'll hear his kindly word ; 
 With sad hearts we his loss deplore — 
 Peace to his spirit evermore. 
 
 -J. D. 
 
94 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 Dr. William Hutton Forrest. 
 
 Died 20th March, 1879. 
 
 Dr W. H. Forrest was a native of Stirling. Born in 1799, he 
 received his education in Stirling and Edinburgh, taking his 
 degree as surgeon in 1818. A short time afterwards he went 
 to one of the Southern States of America, where he remained 
 till 1822, when he returned to Stirling. The Doctor always 
 had a strong interest in his native town, and did everything he 
 could for its improvement, and evinced a warm solicitude for 
 the comfort of its inhabitants. In 1825 he assisted in the 
 formation of the School of Arts, and for many years was princi- 
 pal attendant at the Stirling Dispensary. Doctor Forrest may 
 also be said to have been the promoter of the Stirling Fishing 
 Club. It was also greatly through his exertions that the town 
 was provided with a supply of excellent water, in recognition 
 of which services he was presented, in September, 1857, with 
 a silver tea service. The Doctor also took a prominent part in 
 the improvement of the sewerage system of the burgh, which 
 had formerly been very defective, the effects of that improve- 
 ment producing a general desire for greater cleanliness. Old 
 and dilapidated houses disappeared, and more improved build- 
 ings and streets were formed. 
 
 The Doctor was one of those strong-minded and intrepid 
 individuals, who fearlessly encounter every difficulty, and allow 
 no obstacle to interfere with the carrying out of any enterprise 
 for the general benefit which they have entered upon. He 
 was unflinching in his efforts for the public weal, and went 
 straight onwards in his course, undeterred by the cavillings of 
 narrow-minded prejudice on the one hand, or of bitter jealousy 
 on the other. His aim was uninfluenced by all petty considera- 
 tions of place or power ; he sought his own good in the welfare 
 and comfort of the whole community. 
 
NOTABLE CITIZENS OF STIRLING. 95 
 
 Dr. Andrew Beath. 
 
 Died 18th December, 1879. 
 
 The subject of this notice was born in Edinburgh about the 
 beginning of the century, and was at first intended for the 
 Church. After attending the University he entered the Royal 
 Navy as a surgeon, serving for two or three years on the West 
 Indian station. Returning home, he practised for some time 
 in Edinburgh, and about 1830, along with his brother, he came 
 to Stirling, and began business in partnership. During the 
 cholera visitation in 1832, both gentlemen rendered good ser- 
 vice by attending patients in the Guild Hall, which was con- 
 verted into a hospital. In a short time they had got into a 
 large practice, mainly the result of Dr Andrew Beath's popu- 
 larity and skill. His brother having returned to Edinburgh, 
 Andrew was left in sole charge of the Stirling practice, which 
 increased greatly. In 1845, after the passing of the Poor Law 
 Act, Dr Beath was appointed medical officer for the parish. 
 In private life the Doctor was the most genial of men, and hav- 
 ing a fund of anecdote and information about Stirling in for- 
 mer days, he was an exceedingly agreeable companion. 
 
 44 Citizen" Jaffray. 
 
 " The Citizen " died on 13th May, 1828, in the 79th year of 
 his age. His being distinguished by the cognomen, " Citizen," 
 arose from his hailing, with great satisfaction, the beginning of 
 the French Revolution, and in this name he took more pleasure 
 than in plain William. He was born, brought up, married, 
 reared a family, and died in the same house. 
 
 But it was not such circumstances that rendered William 
 Jaffray distinguished : his mind had a wider range, and when 
 inoculation was attracting attention, " the Citizen " began 
 experimenting. Having succeeded, he persuaded some neigh- 
 bours to allow their children to undergo the operation, and 
 this, being attended with success, afforded him much gratifica- 
 
96 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 tion. He also operated on some adults with good effect, and 
 in this manner was conferring lasting benefits upon his country. 
 His experience, however, convincing him that inoculation was 
 not a perfect remedy for smallpox, he hailed with ecstasy the 
 discovery made by Dr Jenner ; and, being on terms of intimacy 
 with a medical practitioner in town, asked about the process. 
 When the medical man demanded of him the use he meant to 
 make of this knowledge, he answered that he intended to inocu- 
 late the bairns in Cambusbarron, his native village. " Weel, 
 then, Wull," said the doctor, "in order to procure a supply of 
 matter, when you go home you may rub the dog's mouth with 
 butter, and let the cat lick it." Upon this "the Citizen" 
 turned on his heel, and after going home, wrote to a Dr Bryce, 
 in Edinburgh, who furnished him with some of the best works 
 on the subject, a supply of matter, and the necessary operating 
 instruments. 
 
 Every Friday, either in the house of a friend or in his own 
 ware-room, did he wait for hours, for the purpose of supplying 
 his weavers with work or vaccinating their children. Nor did 
 he confine his exertions in this good cause to Stirling and 
 Cambusbarron, but made itinerating tours to the towns and 
 villages around. In this way he frequently, after walking from 
 six to nine miles, vaccinated from 80 to 120 children. On these 
 tours — as in all his labours in the cause of humanity — his ser- 
 vices were entirely gratuitous ; and his labours were so 
 abundant, and conducted so successfully, that he was able to 
 say with truth, twelve years before his death, that he had 
 vaccinated some 13,000 children, not one of whom, so far as his 
 knowledge extended, ever took smallpox. 
 
 It was very gratifying to " the Citizen " that his neighbours, 
 in his native village, almost wholly allowed him to vaccinate 
 their children. There were, however, two families — one at each 
 end of the village — who resisted the innovation as a new-fangled 
 invention to oppose, as they ignorantly imagined, the designs 
 and workings of Providence ; but his object was accomplished 
 in a very effectual manner, as, upon the next visitation of the 
 distemper, each of the two families, although at opposite ends of 
 the village, was infected, and one in each died, whilst every 
 other family in the place escaped. 
 
NOTABLE CITIZENS OF STIRLING. 97 
 
 It is very questionable if any poor man ever rendered him- 
 self so useful to the public, or conferred such lasting benefits 
 upon society. If the calculation be a just one, that out of 
 every four children born one died of smallpox ; and that during 
 the last twelve years of his life " the Citizen " vaccinated 3000 
 children, which, added to the 13,000 above-mentioned, gives 
 16,000 — one-fourth, or 4000, would be the number of lives this 
 one man was instrumental in saving. The motive which stimu- 
 lated " the Citizen " was as generous and disinterested as his 
 zeal and perseverance were laudable ; for at the time he com- 
 menced operations the fee for inoculating was half a guinea, 
 a sum he considered calculated to prevent its general adoption. 
 
 So zealous a vaccinator, and one who had so much to recom- 
 mend him to public notice, was not likely to be long concealed, 
 although he was stigmatised by the local authorities as a 
 "friend of the people," and consequently, in their silly judg- 
 ment, an enemy to the Government and the governors. The 
 National Vaccine Establishment, immediately after its erection, 
 opened a correspondence with him. On one occasion a large 
 package, addressed " To William Jaffray, near Stirling, Scot- 
 land/' and indorsed, " On His Majesty's Service," came to 
 town. The post-master, anxious for the safety of "the 
 Citizen," concealed the package, and despatched a messenger to 
 inform him that he had better get under hiding for a time, as 
 a suspicious-looking package lay in the Post Office addressed to 
 him, and indorsed as above ; but what was the surprise of the 
 post-master when " the Citizen " appeared with his messenger, 
 and demanded the package. 
 
 It is singular that while Jaffray was in open correspondence 
 with the National Vaccine Establishment (which acted directly 
 under the Government), and was lauded by them as a patriot 
 and benefactor to the race, he should be treated, by the 
 legal authorities in Scotland, as an enemy to social order, and 
 a wrong-headed fellow, whom it was perfectly right and proper 
 to put down as a disturber of the public peace. " The Citizen " 
 from this time was never troubled for his political sentiments, 
 and was henceforth considered a privileged person. 
 
 The Vaccine Establishment created him a corresponding 
 member, with power to receive and transmit through the Post 
 G 
 
98 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 Office packages indorsed, " On His Majesty's Service ; " then 
 they supplied him with fresh variolous matter, together with a 
 new assortment of instruments for conducting operations, and 
 shortly after voted him, at the public expense, a handsome 
 silver cup, richly embossed, with a suitable inscription. After 
 the lapse of a few years he was constituted an honorary mem- 
 ber of the Vaccine Establishment, a diploma being sent him, 
 an honour enjoyed, because deserved, by only a few. Upon 
 these the old man set particular value, and considered them as 
 heirlooms. 
 
 Another exploit of " the Citizen " was the release of a female 
 negro, brought from the West Indies to assist in taking charge 
 of her master's family. Between Stirling and Glasgow, whence 
 her proprietor was to see her shipped off, " the Citizen " and a 
 Mr Cunningham, belonging to Glasgow, having understood that 
 she was proceeding to Jamaica, concluded she was returning to 
 slavery, detested by both, and came to the resolution of com- 
 municating to the young woman the knowledge that no one 
 could set foot on British ground and remain a slave. They 
 then told her she was quite free, and at liberty, upon arrival 
 in Glasgow, to follow her own inclinations ; but as she was an 
 utter stranger, if she chose, they would take her to a Magis- 
 trate, and have her liberty officially and publicly acknowledged. 
 Upon her arrival she followed " the Citizen " and his friend, 
 who, after they had got her liberty publicly recognised, exerted 
 themselves effectually in procuring employment for her, with- 
 out which her freedom would have rather been a curse than a 
 blessing. 
 
 " The Citizen " was the first in his native village, excepting 
 a young lady, who carried an umbrella, which he exhibited in 
 his progress to church the first Sabbath after he had it, his wife 
 keeping at a distance behind, for fear she should be called 
 proud, and that she might learn the opinion of the neighbours 
 on this new-fangled invention. " If I save, by my umbrella," 
 said "the Citizen," "my new hat, while my laughing neigh- 
 bour is getting his drenched with rain, let the winner laugh." 
 
 " The Citizen " took great pleasure in teaching blackbirds and 
 starlings to perform tunes, the reward he sought for this labour 
 being a large price for the feathered songster, says a cool cal- 
 
NOTABLE CITIZENS OF STIRLING. 99 
 
 culator — no ! but that it might be placed in the street of some 
 populous town to charm the lieges. A great part of his 
 attention was occasionally given to flowers, which he cultivated 
 with care for a time, but his thirst for curiosity and novelty soon 
 gave place to something else, which ere long shared the same 
 fate, the last hobby being always better than that which pre- 
 ceded. Bees he admired at first as a curiosity, but was under 
 the necessity of descending ultimately to what was to him the 
 ignoble idea of making them the means of profit ; yet it is 
 questionable if ever they afforded him much good in this way, 
 as, from his peculiar temperament, he could not bestow upon 
 them the care required at certain seasons, nor would he allow 
 any one to dictate to him in this matter. However, he received 
 from them a large fund of amusement. 
 
 Another characteristic of the worthy " Citizen " was, that 
 when any of his acquaintance died, and he was not invited to 
 the funeral, he concluded he had been forgotten, and getting 
 his black coat, with his best hat and staff, sallied forth with the 
 erect carriage peculiar to himself, and which at once bespoke 
 the dignity of his mind and the lightness of his heart. "The 
 Citizen " had great aversion to seeing his wife with a hat. A 
 mutch of the first quality he would willingly allow, but hats he 
 abhorred. He and his wife were, on one occasion, going to 
 Edinburgh, and, calling at a friend's house on the way, the 
 friend's wife did not think it proper for Mrs Jaffray to visit the 
 metropolis in her mutch, and pressed her to adorn her head 
 with her hat. " The Citizen " said nothing at the time ; but 
 when on the road, he seemed like a person who had lost his 
 companion. At last he made a dead stand, and, looking 
 earnestly into his wife's face, said, " Preserve me, is that you, 
 Meg ? " and ever after he was wont to say that his wife never 
 had a hat on but once, and he lost her on that occasion. 
 
 But our sketch must come to a close. The first intimation 
 of a direct nature, which reminded " the Citizen " that his life 
 was drawing to its termination, was a fall he got in returning 
 from church one evening. His journeys were now less exten- 
 sive, and performed with greater trouble to himself, and he 
 was frequently compelled to apply for medical advice. The 
 doctor sometimes looked in when not called, just to see " the 
 
100 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 Citizen," and on one occasion, in the month of April, when the 
 ground was still very damp, he found his patient reclining at 
 full length upon the grass, apparently enjoying a clear blink of 
 sunshine, and watching the working of his bees. The doctor 
 rated him as the most incorrigible patient he ever had, but " the 
 Citizen " leaped up, and with well-feigned vivacity, declared 
 " he was determined to bring himself up hardy." He was 76 
 years of age at this time. 
 
 When drawing near the close of life, his medical attendant 
 was most assiduous in his visits, and was frequently accom- 
 panied by another gentleman of the same profession. Once, 
 when both were present, they proposed that the patient should 
 be blistered. To this " the Citizen " seemed to submit with 
 resignation while the doctors were present, but no sooner did 
 the application begin to make itself felt, than he indignantly 
 tore it from his breast, declaring that " the two young chields 
 had come to try their experiments on him, but he would take 
 care of them," and immediately the plaster was lying on the 
 floor. Nor could any persuasion bring him to allow it to be 
 re-applied. In a few days he peacefully passed away. 
 
 The last incident we shall mention exhibits " the Citizen " 
 as equally desirous of benefiting society by his death as he had 
 proved himself the friend of humanity during his life. About 
 the time of his last illness, the country was much agitated 
 by the horrors committed in Edinburgh by Burke and his 
 fellows, which irritated the people very much against the 
 medical profession. " The Citizen," sympathising with the 
 faculty, regretted the scantiness of subjects for dissection, and 
 requested that his own body should be assigned for this pur- 
 pose, which, however, was not required. 
 
 Once more, " the Citizen " was an exemplary attendant upon 
 the public ordinances of religion. In theory, indeed, his 
 religious sentiments were tinged with a certain extravagance, 
 which seemed quite congenial to his mental taste, and which 
 was, like his other failings, harmless, and characteristic of the 
 man. For " even his failings leaned to virtue's side." 
 
NOTABLE CITIZENS OF STIRLING. 101 
 
 Dr. David Doig. 
 
 Dr Doig, Rector of the Grammar School of Stirling for up- 
 wards of forty years, ^was a very accomplished scholar, and to 
 him Hector M'Neil, who was a pupil of the Doctor, and lived 
 for a considerable time at Viewfield House, Stirling, in 1795 
 dedicated the (at that time and for long after) famous poem, 
 " Will and Jean." 
 
 Dr Doig had a profound knowledge of the Greek and Latin 
 languages, both of which he wrote wi£h classical purity, and 
 had made himself master of Hebrew, Arabic, and other Oriental 
 languages, and was well read in the literature of the East. He 
 wrote the articles on " Mythology," " Philology," and 
 " Mysteries " in the " Encyclopaedia Britannica," and was 
 author of other works, both in prose and verse, together with 
 some criticisms, in the " Edinburgh Magazine," on works pub- 
 lished by Lord Karnes, then residing at Blair Drummond, who, 
 having found out the critic, instead of being enraged at him, 
 sent the Doctor a kind and special invitation to come and dine 
 with him. The Dominie was marvellously surprised at an 
 invitation coming to him under such circumstances from his 
 lordship, but took courage, and resolved to accept. It was 
 thought by the Provost and Magistrates, whom the Doctor had 
 taken advice from, that it was a compliment both to Doctor 
 Doig and also to the town. So he proceeded to Blair Drum- 
 mond House. Espying him at the porch, out came the learned 
 lord, holding out both his hands, and saluting Doctor Doig — 
 " Come away, come away ; I'm right glad to see you, you 
 bitch" (a word which was very familiar to him). "0 my 
 lord," said the Dominie, " I've been often called a dug (Doig) 
 before by the young brats in the town of Stirling, but I protest 
 I've never been called a bitch till now from such distinguished 
 lips." 
 
 Dr Doig was a particularly intimate associate of Mr Ramsay, 
 of Ochtertyre, the friend of Burns, who, in his " Commonplace 
 Book," under date 27th August, 1787, thus writes : — " At Stir- 
 ling — Supper — Messrs Doig the schoolmaster ; Bell, and Captain 
 
102 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 Forrester of the Castle. Doig, a queerish figure, and something 
 of a pedant; Bell, a joyous fellow, who sings a good song; 
 Forrester, a merry, swearing kind of man, with a dash of the 
 ' sodger.' " The inhabitants of Stirling respected Dr Doig so 
 much that they erected an elegant tombstone over his grave 
 at Stirling. M'Neil has the following lines respecting him : — 
 
 The shades of dim twilight descend on the plain, 
 
 The pale moon gleams faint on the grave, 
 The voice of affliction tunes friendship's sad strain, 
 
 Re-echoed thus back from the cave. 
 
 Vain mortals, whom learning and genius elate, 
 
 Enthusiasts who pant for a name ; 
 Yon village bell, tolled by the mandate of fate, 
 
 Proclaims— What avails lettered fame ? 
 
 He's gone ! to whom learning (though humble his lot), 
 
 Full smiling, unclosed all her store, 
 Called genius to brighten the ardour of thought, 
 
 And light paths untrodden before. 
 
 Alas ! ye fond Muses, where now dwell your strains, 
 
 To these haunts will ye never return ? 
 Mute, save when remembrance, with all her dark train, 
 
 And friendship thus wails o'er the urn. 
 
 Yet, yet shall the strains (if such strains shall survive 
 
 The sunshine of life's fleeting day) 
 Record, what, if drooping, perchance may survive, 
 
 The minstrel of some future day. 
 
 Hector M'Neil, it may be mentioned, was also author of " My 
 Boy Tammy " (believed to have been composed in reference to 
 the married life of Major Sparks and his lady, with whom he 
 resided at Viewfield House), " The Links of Forth," " Bygane 
 Times," " The Wee Thing," and " Mary of Castlecary." 
 
 Mr. Robertson, Bow Street. 
 
 The Rev. Mr Ormond, in his " Kirk and a College in the 
 Craigs," mentions one of his elders, George Robertson. He 
 lived in the Coffee House Close, Bow Street, and dealt in all 
 
NOTABLE CITIZENS OF STIRLING. 103 
 
 manner of wooden articles. Mr Robertson was very little, one 
 of the neatest men who walked the streets of Stirling, and was 
 the last in town to wear knee-breeches. It is told of him, that 
 when courting the lady who became his wife', he took her to a 
 property which he possessed, and, pointing to it, said — 
 
 ' ' When you are mine 
 All these are thine." 
 
 Two of his sons were writers in Glasgow, and one of them be- 
 came Town Clerk of Go van. 
 
 Willie Dawson. 
 
 Many will remember William Dawson, broker, who lived for 
 many years at the Castlehill, in the house at one time the 
 residence of Provost Buchan. Dawson was a " Willie A'thing," 
 and it was indeed a very strange article he could not supply. 
 A story is told of two wags, one of whom made a bet that Willie 
 could not supply an article he would ask for. On going to the 
 Castlehill, Willie was asked for a " sentry box," which appeared 
 to be beyond him ; but after the gentleman left the house and 
 was some way down Barn Road, a " halloo " was heard, and on 
 going back to Dawson, he was told by him his housekeeper 
 had put him in mind that there was one in a loft on the other 
 side of the street, which was really the case, he having bought 
 it at one of the periodical sales of condemned stores in the 
 Castle. 
 
 Willie was a farm-servant when a young man, and was a 
 capital trainer of coursing dogs, one or two of which he always 
 kept. Many a story he told of the scrapes he got into through 
 keeping them. He was also a first-rate shot with the smooth- 
 bore gun, and it required to be one who was " up early " who 
 could beat him, even when up in years, and many a cheese, 
 ham, and bun he gained at the Handsel Monday shootings at 
 Craigmill, Causeway head, or Drip Bridge. Willie was a regular 
 attender at sales of farm stock, crop, or furniture, a general 
 favourite, and, though counted " near," was always ready to 
 
104 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 pay his share of the "lawin." He was also a regular attender 
 at ploughing matches, and a capital judge of the work done. 
 
 The reference above to the sales of condemned stores at the 
 Castle calls to mind another general dealer, " Dan " Sharry, a 
 genuinely typical Irishman, possessed of a goodly amount of 
 that rollicking humour which characterises the true son of " the 
 Emerald Isle." "Dan" was a pretty extensive purchaser of 
 such stores, and dealt also in old wool and waste, and his 
 humorous sallies tended not a little to enliven the montony 
 of auction sales. 
 
 Samuel Milligan, Supervisor of Excise. 
 
 One of Stirling's more notable citizens some half a century 
 ago was Mr Samuel Milligan, Supervisor of Excise, who resided 
 in Queen Street. He was of a pawky, humorous disposition, 
 and was not only a favourite amongst the older section of the 
 community, but made great friends with the youth of the 
 town, always getting them to "shake hands" with him by 
 means of the little finger, on no account suffering them to do 
 otherwise, at the same time addressing them in some jocular 
 way. As smuggling and illicit distilling were carried on not so 
 very long ago, even in the very heart of the town — in one case 
 the apparatus being fitted up in a dairy boiler-house, from 
 whence the liquor was carried away in milk-cans on Sabbath 
 mornings !— the officers had to be very wary and wily, and Mr 
 Milligan had not a few good stories to tell concerning the 
 " tricks " he and his men had been successful in bringing to 
 light. 
 
 On one occasion a Highlander came into Stirling with a " wee 
 keg " wrapped up in his plaid. After calling at all the places 
 he was in the habit of supplying, without getting it sold, he 
 met a person who told him he knew one who would " be sure 
 to take it," and gave him the address of Mr Milligan in Queen 
 Street. The poor body accordingly went there, was shown in, 
 and told the Supervisor what he had got. He soon found he was 
 in the hands of " the Philistines," as his " wee drappie " was at 
 
NOTABLE CITIZENS OF STIRLING. 105 
 
 once confiscated. In the circumstances, however, he was told 
 to be off, and warned that he would not escape so easily if 
 found in a scrape again. 
 
 Another story concerning Mr Milligan has it that one of the 
 gaugers had been in the habit of taking a drop too much, and, 
 as excise officers are not the best-liked men in the world, he 
 was soon reported to his Supervisor, who said that unless he 
 saw him the worse for drink himself he would do nothing. The 
 tale-bearer soon had an opportunity, and informed Mr Milligan, 
 who made his way to the official's house. On being ushered in 
 he found the tale too true — the gauger being u gey fou." Mr 
 Milligan said he would require to report him, as he could not 
 have men on his staff who got drunk. Making an effort, the 
 gauger started to his feet, exclaiming, " If I am drunk, my 
 books are not drunk," handing them for inspection. Mr 
 Milligan looked them over, and found them in perfect order, 
 and finding, on inquiry, that the officer had gone through a 
 very heavy day's work, he at once pardoned him, but warned 
 him as to his future conduct. 
 
 Ebenezer Johnstone, Journalist. 
 
 Died 25th October, 1864. 
 
 Mr Johnstone — who commenced " The Stirling Observer " on 
 15th September, 1836, in premises situated at 38 Baker Street, 
 with 395 subscribers,* which number very rapidly increased, 
 notwithstanding that the price of the newspaper was then 4d. — 
 was in many respects a man of notable character, and was well 
 known in Stirling, not only from his residence in town, and for 
 the interest he took in all public matters, but for his gruff 
 though downright honesty of purpose. His father, George 
 Johnstone, was a woollen cloth manufacturer in Galashiels, and 
 came of a branch of the numerous families of Johnstones of 
 Annandale ; while his mother was the daughter of a blacksmith 
 in the parish of Little Dunkeld, and he boasted that he was 
 allied both to the Borderers and the Highlanders. 
 
 Mr Johnstone appears to have been in his earlier years con- 
 nected with the Forfarshire Militia, and about the year 1812 
 
106 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 he opened a school in Stirling, the duties of which he dis- 
 charged in a kind yet firm manner. When thirty years of age 
 he commenced business as a bookseller and printer, and among 
 other works he published about that time were " A Picture of 
 Stirling," and "The County Almanack," the latter continuing 
 valuable for many years as a book of reference. Among his 
 later literary efforts were an article on " Stirling " in " The 
 Edinburgh Encyclopaedia," and a pamphlet on " Prophecy." 
 
 One of the founders of the Stirling School of Arts, Mr John- 
 stone gave his services, along with other prominent townsmen, 
 as an occasional lecturer in connection with that institution, 
 which was productive of not a little good in its day. Self- 
 taught, but endowed with indomitable perseverance and energy, 
 Mr Johnstone made the best of his talents. His general know- 
 ledge was not only extensive but accurate, and he possessed a 
 most retentive memory, which in emergencies never failed him. 
 Botany was a subject to which he devoted not a little attention, 
 and in the pursuit of this science he was very successful. It is 
 right to add that Mr Johnstone was all his life a consistent 
 Liberal, both in politics and religion ; and, though strong in 
 the expression of his opinions, was greatly respected by men of 
 all parties. 
 
 For a long period of years Mr Johnstone was a member of the 
 Town Council, and took a specially prominent part in its work, 
 more particularly from about the year 1834. In that year he 
 made a speech on the contribution paid from the burgh funds 
 towards the expense of the communion elements in the 
 Established Church, and unfair means were used to prevent 
 a report of the speech appearing in "The Stirling Journal," 
 then the only newspaper in town. The Rev. Dr Bennie also 
 took occasion to denounce Mr Johnstone from the pulpit, or at 
 least Mr Johnstone thought he was referred to, although the 
 minister denied it, and in the Council the rev. Doctor sneeringly 
 alluded to the Councillor as originally a private soldier in the 
 Forfarshire Militia. Mr Johnstone published a pamphlet in 
 reply, which was very spirited, and was signed, "Ebenr. John- 
 stone, 19 years ago Private Soldier in the Forfarshire Militia." 
 There can be little doubt that in consequence of the treatment 
 he received in the controversy about the communion money, 
 
NOTABLE CITIZENS OF STIRLING. 107 
 
 Mr Johnstone conceived the happy idea of starting a newspaper 
 of his own, which was conducted by him with considerable 
 energy until November, 1860, when he sold the property. On 
 various other occasions Mr Johnstone is reported as having 
 taken a leading part in matters concerning the welfare of the 
 inhabitants of Stirling, and was indefatigable in probing to the 
 bottom any subject he took in hand, his colleagues on more 
 than one occasion awarding him special thanks for the infor- 
 mation he had afforded them. He was fearless, and at times 
 scathing, in his denunciation of what he deemed reprehensible, 
 whether in individuals or public bodies, but exercised a kindly 
 and considerate disposition to those he considered worthy and 
 deserving. 
 
 Chief=ConstabIe Alexander Meffen. 
 
 Died 7th January, 1867. 
 
 " Sandy " Meffen was a native of Aberdeen, and commenced 
 life as a worker in a mill. Early in life he enlisted in the 78th 
 Highlanders, which he left after some years' service, and joined 
 the Glasgow Police Force. There his steady and intelligent 
 conduct was so much appreciated that, on leaving that city to 
 undertake the duties of chief detective officer at Dunblane, he 
 was presented with a valuable testimonial by his brother 
 officers. After a few years' service in Dunblane he was appointed 
 Police Superintendent, and later — on the new regulations com- 
 ing into force — to be Chief -Constable of Stirlingshire. Mr 
 Meffen was much respected throughout the shire, and stood 
 high in the estimation of the county gentlemen as an active 
 and intelligent officer : those still living (they are now very few) 
 who had the pleasure of meeting him in a social capacity can 
 never forget his happy manner. He was at his best when, 
 duty over, he took the chair in '" Nelly's " (Peter Fisher's), 
 surrounded by a bailie or two, some town councillors, and a 
 number of merchants, with the little kettle always steaming 
 ready for the next round of toddy, which had to be played for 
 by " selling the mare," or at " Simon says, Thumbs up." 
 
108 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 Mr. William Drummond. 
 
 Mr William Drummond, of the well-known firm of Wm. 
 Drummond & Sons, seedsmen, died at Rockdale on 25th 
 November, 1868, in the 76th year of his age. He was the eldest 
 son of the founder of the firm, and his long term of life was 
 spent within sight of the spot where he was born. How dis- 
 tinguished he was for benevolence of nature, bountiful 
 liberality, gentleness of manner, and inoff ensiveness of life ; 
 how he gave himself to forward the interests of the town, and 
 how he employed his skill and artistic taste in ornamenting 
 localities with which he was familiar, all connected with the 
 town well knew. His humble and unobtrusive piety ; his readi- 
 ness for every good work ; his open-handedness ; his catholic 
 spirit, combined with unflinching adherence to principle, every 
 one who enjoyed the privilege of his friendship could testify of. 
 
 Mr Drummond's knowledge of the history of our country, 
 in its many sufferings for truth's sake, formed his special study, 
 awakened his deepest sympathies, and found expression in the 
 erection of statues of Reformers and Martyrs which so greatly 
 beautify our Cemetery and other parts of the town. He spent 
 a great deal, both of time and money, in the interests of the 
 Cemetery, and almost up to the day of his death he might have 
 been seen, like pious James Hervey, meditating amongst the 
 tombs, and contemplating the further ornamentation of " Goal's 
 Acre." He also took deep interest in the erection of the 
 National Wallace Monument. 
 
 On two occasions Mr Drummond was offered the freedom of 
 the burgh, but on conscientious and private grounds he declined 
 the honour. Steadfast and immovable he was in the work to 
 which he set his hand; he never looked back. Onward and 
 upward his progress was. He was always kind to the poor. 
 And more perhaps than any man of his time was it true of him, 
 that his left hand knew not what his right did. He left a bright 
 example. May there be many to follow it. 
 
NOTABLE CITIZENS OF STIRLING. 109 
 
 In Jftemoriam. 
 
 Wm. Drummond, Esq., Rockdale Lodge. 
 Died 25th November, 1868. 
 
 Another breach in the goodly band, 
 
 Another empty place ; 
 Another song in the spirit-land, 
 
 A song of free, full grace ; 
 Another voice in the tumult stilled, 
 
 Another tone of love ; 
 Another heart of kindness chilled, 
 
 To beat more warm above ; 
 Another arm in the strife brought low, 
 
 Another wrestler laid ; 
 Another soul, thro' a bewildering throe, 
 
 In Heaven's own garb arrayed. 
 
 So fade they as the falling leaf, 
 
 So pass they like the storm, 
 So sink they as the setting sun, 
 
 In many a varied form. 
 And o'er their graves affection's tears 
 
 In pearly dew-drops fall, 
 And heart that braved the blight of years, 
 And hopes that mocked a myriad fears, 
 
 Lie shrouded in grief's pall. 
 
 To-day we lay, 'mid weeping skies, 
 With saddened hearts and tearful eyes, 
 
 His honoured head beneath the sod, 
 Whose loving hands made fair with flowers, 
 And sculpture bright, and fairy bowers, 
 
 The beauteous acre of our God ; 
 Whose liberal heart to Jesus' feet 
 Did joy, with gratefulness most meet, 
 
 Its golden gifts to bring ; 
 Whose modest soul shrunk back from fame, 
 And gloried only in the name 
 
 Of Christ — the Church's King. 
 
110 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 Why should we mourn, tho' from the land 
 
 His soul hath passed away, 
 Led by a Father's unseen hand 
 
 Through darkness up to day ? 
 He meekly bore the smiting, 
 
 And he kissed the chas'ning rod, 
 For his spirit knew no fighting 
 
 With the purposes of God ; 
 And he taught how calm the passing 
 
 Of the Christian's life may be, 
 For he gladly heard the summons, 
 
 " Home thy Father calleth thee." 
 
 Thomas Stuart Smith. 
 
 Died 31st December, 1869. 
 
 Thomas Stuart Smith, to whom Stirling is indebted for the 
 Smith Institute, had the misfortune to be for some time un- 
 acknowledged by his parents. His mother he was never certain 
 of, but Thomas Smith, whose brother was a well-known 
 merchant in Stirling (their mother being sister of Alexander 
 Jaffray, Provost of Stirling, who had succeeded to the estate 
 of Glassingall, near Dunblane, and through whom it descended 
 to Thomas Stuart Smith), afterwards recognised him as his son. 
 
 Thomas Smith the elder was in the year 1821 in the employ- 
 ment of a London Canadian Company, where he made the 
 acquaintance of Thomas Gait, the novelist, who was then 
 secretary to the Company. He also at that time acquired the 
 friendship of Professor Owen, the distinguished naturalist, who 
 accompanied him to France in 1827, when he had with him a 
 boy about 13 years of age, and whom he represented to be his 
 son, and wished to place at school, under the care of a M. 
 Montenaries of Bourbourg. Professor Owen frequently, during 
 that and the "following year, saw the boy in the company of his 
 father, who seems to have taken every means for his welfare, 
 Before leaving France he saw his friend, Mr Robert Cassells, at 
 Dunkirk, introduced his son to him, and begged him to pay all 
 possible attention to the boy. With Mr Cassells he also left 
 money for his son's use. 
 
NOTABLE CITIZENS OF STIRLING. Ill 
 
 On leaving England for the West Indies in 1828 Mr Smith 
 placed funds in the hands of Mr Auld, secretary of the Scots 
 Corporation in London, to enable him to pay the expenses of 
 his son's education. It is believed that he was accidentally 
 drowned off the island of Cuba in 1834. Any estrangement 
 between Thomas Smith and his brother, Alexander, seemed to 
 have been overcome, and in May, 1836, Mr Auld wrote to Mr 
 Alexander Smith, telling him for the first time of the existence 
 of his nephew, of his successful efforts as an artist, and of the 
 lad's desire of still further prosecuting his studies. Alexander, 
 with little knowledge of art, was still shrewd enough, by what 
 had been represented to him, to take an interest in his nephew, 
 and generously provided him with a sufficient annual allowance. 
 
 From 1836 to 1849 Thomas Stuart Smith resided in Italy, 
 working hard at his profession. His allowance, however, ceased 
 on the death of his uncle, which took place at Glassingall in 
 July, 1849, and as he left no will — this, it was supposed, having 
 been accidentally destroyed a little before his death — there was 
 no one left who could prove his title to it, and the estate, 
 therefore, became the property of the Crown. 
 
 Having left Italy, Mr Smith proceeded to London, where he 
 applied to Professor Owen, whom he recollected as having been 
 his father's friend, and who, being convinced of his identity, at 
 once interested himself on his behalf. Getting other influence 
 on his side, Mr Smith, after the lapse of seven years, received 
 a donation from the Crown of the estate of Glassingall and 
 Canglour, and resided at Glassingall for a time, but not being 
 successful as a " Scotch Laird," disposed of the property and 
 returned to London, where he took up his residence at Fitzroy 
 Square, and where he spent the remainder of his life in painting 
 and acquiring pictures. 
 
 Mr Smith having made known his intention of founding a 
 public institution in Stirling, and afterwards having consulted 
 with Provost Rankin and Dr Barty, Dunblane, the various 
 details were arranged, and his wishes embodied in a testa- 
 mentary writing on 12th November, 1869. He thereafter re- 
 turned to France, and died very suddenly at Avignon on 31st 
 December, 1869. 
 
 Mr Smith was a genial and instructive companion, exceed- 
 
112 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 ingly kind of heart, and passionately devoted to the love of 
 art, the collection of paintings now on the walls of the Institute 
 which bears his name affording evidence of this, and in the 
 getting together of which he spared neither trouble nor 
 expense. 
 
 Mr. William Wordie. 
 
 Died 9th October, 1874. 
 
 Mr Wordie was a " Son of the Rock," his father being the 
 general carrier between Stirling and Glasgow long prior to the 
 advent of railways. While the business remained exclusively 
 in the hands of his father, it attained to comparatively little 
 importance, but when the subject of our sketch took it in hand 
 it soon began to assume dimensions not previously calculated 
 upon. Soon after the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway was 
 opened, by which his ordinary carrier traffic was in great 
 measure superseded, he established a system of railway goods 
 vans between the terminal and roadside stations, and from the 
 latter the goods were distributed over a large area of country, 
 collecting being done in the same way. When Stirling was 
 brought into close communication with the outer world by the 
 opening of the Scottish Central Railway, Mr Wordie secured 
 the contract for the cartage at the station, and thus there was 
 established a connection whose range now extends from Port- 
 patrick and Stranraer in the south of Scotland, to Thurso and 
 John o' Groats in the extreme north : as the rhyme went — 
 
 "You find Wordie & Co. 
 Wherever you go." 
 
 For a time there was a good deal of uphill work, but in the 
 end success was attained, and the business of Wordie & Co. has 
 become one of the greatest of the kind at home or abroad. Mr 
 Wordie was universally esteemed amongst those who knew him. 
 
NOTABLE CITIZENS OF STIRLING. 113 
 
 Sir George Harvey, P.R.5.A. 
 
 Died 22nd January, 1876. 
 
 Sir George Harvey was born at St. Ninians in 1805, his father 
 — a most worthy man — being a watchmaker there. Appren- 
 ticed to Mr M'Laren, bookseller, (now No. 5) Bow Street, 
 Stirling, Sir George's love of art showed itself in- the con- 
 tinual use of pencil and brush, one of his first attempts being 
 a group of fish, which was exhibited in the window of his 
 employer's shop. In his eighteenth year the desire of his heart, 
 to enter upon a regular course of artistic training, was gratified 
 by his being enabled to study at the Trustees' Academy in 
 Edinburgh, where he remained two years. 
 
 It is no small tribute to his talent that he became an original 
 Associate of the Scottish Academy, established at that time. 
 Sir George's first picture, " A Village School," was exhibited in 
 1826 at the Edinburgh Institution, and the following year he 
 had no less than seven pictures on exhibition. On the death 
 of Sir John Watson Gordon, in 1864, he was elected to ' the 
 presidentship of the Scottish Society, and the honour of knight- 
 hood followed in 1867. Sir George was a generous but keen 
 critic of art, caring only for the best; exceedingly kind to 
 young students, and often, if he found them deserving, giving 
 substantial help in more ways than one. Some of the best 
 known of his works are " Quitting ' the Manse," "A Highland 
 Funeral," " Curlers," and " Covenanters Preaching." 
 
 James Hogg, Journalist. 
 
 Died 25th September, 1876. 
 
 James Hogg was born at Cowden, in the parish of Madderty, 
 
 Perthshire, on 24th January, 1823. His maternal ancestors — 
 
 the Murrays — had been tenants on the Abercairney estate for 
 
 several hundred years. When three years of age his father 
 
 H 
 
114 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 removed to Edinburgh, and subsequently to Leith, from whence 
 after a time he removed to Inverkeithing, in Fifeshire. Mr 
 Hogg was educated chiefly in Edinburgh, where he attended the 
 University for three sessions, 1842-1845, with great distinction, 
 especially in classical and philosophical studies. The certificate 
 granted him by Professor Wilson is characteristic alike of the 
 Professor and student : — " Mr James Hogg was one of the best 
 and most distinguished of the class. — John Wilson." Before 
 leaving the University Mr Hogg had already entered on the 
 career of a teacher, as during the summer vacation of 1844 
 he acted as assistant at the school at Inverkeithing. This was 
 the period of the Disruption excitement, when the Free Church 
 was planting churches and schools all over the country. To 
 one of these schools — at Kirriemuir — Mr Hogg was appointed in 
 1845. From there he was transferred to the charge of the 
 school at Kinross, and thence to Kincardine-on-Forth. From 
 all these places came emphatic testimony to the value of his 
 work as a teacher, the esteem in which he was held by his 
 fellow-townsmen, and the affection cherished for him by his 
 pupils. 
 
 In 1853 he left Kincardine to enter on his connection with 
 the " Stirling Journal," a connection which lasted nearly the 
 half of his too short lifetime. In 1858 he acquired half of the 
 property of the paper, and from October, 1867, was sole pro- 
 prietor. His function as a public critic necessitated many a 
 controversy. He was never afraid to take a side or to speak 
 his mind, but, though he dealt many a heavy blow, at men not 
 less than at institutions, no one ever did, or could accuse him 
 of personal malice. His scorn of pretence and meanness was 
 intense and outspoken ; but he was a true friend of modest 
 merit, and misfortune never appealed to his sympathy in vain. 
 His generosity was open-handed and unbounded, and how 
 tender-hearted and true his friends could tell. 
 
 He had an ardent love for all out of door and field sports, 
 and was himself an adept in most of them, angling, boating, 
 athletics, and especially his favourite pastime, curling ; and 
 these he did much to promote in this neighbourhood. He was 
 in 1868 one of the vice-presidents of the Royal Caledonian 
 Curling Club. To him, along with Mr Carswell of Paisley, is 
 
NOTABLE CITIZENS OF STIRLING. 115 
 
 the Royal Club indebted for their revised rules. He was one 
 of the originators of the Stirling Castle Club, and the piece of 
 ground selected by him is one of the finest ponds in Scotland. 
 
 Mr Hogg was for some years a Town Councillor, and, as such, 
 did some good work; he was also an officer in the Volunteer 
 Artillery Corps. In social and other gatherings he was the life 
 of the meetings, his jokes and repartee being of the choicest. 
 
 Mr. Peter Drummond, 
 
 Founder of " The Stirling Tract Enterprise." 
 
 On 9th July, 1877, Mr Peter Drummond died at Wardie 
 Road, Edinburgh, whither he had gone to reside. Born in the 
 parish of St. Ninians in February, 1799, at an early age he 
 entered his father's business as seedsman, and retired in 1852 
 in order to devote his whole attention to the work of the Stir- 
 ling Tract Enterprise. The Stirling Agricultural Museum was 
 originated by him in 1831, and was an object of great interest, 
 its institution being so successful that the Highland and 
 Agricultural Society presented the firm with their gold medal 
 for the originality and carrying out of the project. 
 
 The Stirling Tract Enterprise — which has a world-wide 
 celebrity, and brought Mr Drummond much more prominently 
 before the public — was unconsciously commenced by him in 
 1848. For some years he had been grieved to learn the amount 
 of Sabbath desecration in the neighbouring village of Cambus- 
 kenneth, and for a time, along with several friends, did what 
 he could, by speaking to individuals, and occasionally address- 
 ing as many as would gather round him in the open air, to per- 
 suade them of the. evil of their course. The thought occurred 
 to him it might be of use to issue a plain, pointed tract, a copy 
 of which might be put into the hands of all who visited Cambus- 
 kenneth on the Lord's Day. That thought was the beginning 
 of the Stirling Tract Enterprise. Immediately Mr Drummond 
 set about the compilation of a suitable tract, and had 10,000 
 copies thrown off, which within a month were exhausted, and 
 applications from all quarters were so numerous, that Mr 
 
116 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 Drummond resolved to issue another edition — this time of 
 100,000 copies, however, and, within a few months, a third 
 edition had to be issued — also of 100,000 copies. The practical 
 result, so far as concerned the direct object of the movement, 
 was an immediate and most marked diminution in the amount 
 of Sabbath desecration at Cambuskenneth. 
 
 The success of this little effort took him by surprise. So he 
 felt constrained to go forward — again in a direction to which 
 local circumstances seemed providentially to point. Mr Drum- 
 mond had a tract prepared on theatre-going, and showered 
 copies of it oyer the town, and with special profusion among the 
 crowds drawn by the music of the band to the doors of the 
 theatre. The result was even more marked than in the first 
 instance, the players in a day or two leaving the town, and not 
 returning for years afterwards. Again successful, he again 
 went forward. For a long time in Stirling, as elsewhere, " the 
 Races " had been a fruitful source of dissipation and crime, and 
 it was resolved to bring the tract power to bear in this con- 
 nection also. Tracts and large posting bills were prepared and 
 wrought, if possible, with even more than the former determin- 
 ation and energy. And, although far from claiming for that 
 agency the full credit of what soon followed, other providential 
 circumstances having aided in producing the result, yet in its 
 own place it told powerfully, and now for many years horse- 
 racing has been unknown in Stirling. Nor was the good done 
 in these connections confined to the locality, as demands for 
 copies of the various tracts poured in from all quarters. 
 Altogether, the sphere of usefulness widened so rapidly, that 
 within three years Mr Drummond found to his amazement that 
 no fewer than three millions of tracts had been put in circula- 
 tion. While he wondered whereunto this would grow, a further 
 impetus of an extraordinary kind was given to the work by the 
 institution of the system of book-postage. 
 
 In accordance with the uniform experience of all such under- 
 takings, the periodical soon followed the tract, in March, 1853, 
 the first number of the " British Messenger " being issued, and 
 a large circulation speedily secured. In 1857 he commenced 
 another now well-known publication of the Enterprise, viz., 
 the " Gospel Trumpet," specially as a large type religious paper 
 
NOTABLE CITIZENS OF STIRLING. 117 
 
 for the aged, and for the large numbers in town and country 
 who could only read with difficulty, and it rose to sixty 
 thousand copies monthly before the close of the first year. So 
 large indeed was the amount of work now done, that the local 
 Post Office required to be enlarged, and its staff increased, 
 simply to meet the growing demands of the Enterprise. For 
 the same reason Mr Drummond was constrained to seek larger 
 premises for his operations. The place of business he had 
 leased had become too small for the accommodation of the 
 business staff he had found it needful to engage. In March, 
 1862, the staff of the Enterprise entered on possession of new 
 premises. Mr Drummond at the same time made provision 
 for handing over the whole property of the Enterprise to 
 Trustees, with a view to its permanent maintenance as an 
 evangelistic agency. A third monthly publication, " Good 
 News," was begun in 1862. Its design was to supply reading 
 of an evangelistic character, which should be sufficiently simple 
 and pointed to be of use in general mission work, and also in 
 Sabbath schools. 
 
 From that time onwards the work has gone forward, ever 
 striking out new lines of usefulness as the growing needs of the 
 times have demanded. But the work was extending so rapidly 
 that it soon outgrew the limits of the place in which it was being 
 carried on, and it became evident for a second time that larger 
 premises must be secured. In 1887 the Depot in King Street 
 was sold, and the foundation-stone of the new Depot in Dum- 
 barton Road laid. The building, with nearly double the accom- 
 modation of its predecessor, was soon completed, and in May, 
 1888, the work of the Enterprise was transferred to its new 
 home. In 1893 a still further addition to the premises was 
 rendered necessary. Special mention must be made of the 
 gratuitous circulation of its publications by the Stirling Tract 
 Enterprise. This has formed a prominent feature from the 
 beginning. Grants are made to clergymen, missionaries, and 
 open-air preachers, to Sabbath schools, temperance societies, 
 &c. ; and in this way many millions of the papers have been 
 circulated, chiefly amongst the outcast and neglected of our 
 population in town and country. Of the good effected in this 
 way, numerous encouraging testimonies have been given. One 
 
118 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 notable feature during recent years has been the recognition of 
 the need for tracts as a means of spreading the Gospel on the 
 Continent of Europe. A large number of French tracts have 
 been issued, and there are also tracts in German, Italian, 
 Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Danish and Norwegian, Swedish, 
 and Slovenian ; so that now the Stirling Enterprise has Gospel 
 messages to send throughout the greater part of Europe, which 
 they can read in their own tongue. 
 
 At the celebration of the jubilee of the Enterprise in October 
 1898, it was reported that something like 470 millions of publi- 
 cations had been issued altogether, over 20 millions being 
 issued during the twelve months preceding. Of these, nearly 
 170 millions had been given away in grants for work at home 
 and abroad, the value of which was £84,248 17s. ; and towards 
 this contributions to the amount of £68,835 had been received, 
 the difference of £15,413 having been met by the business 
 department. 
 
 Mr Drummond was in many respects a remarkable man. Of 
 a warm and sympathetic nature, he was ever ready to extend 
 what aid he could to young men, and not a few have reason to 
 revere his memory on this ground. He was also genuinely 
 simple, sincere, and kindly in his personal religion, and 
 possessed of a rare energy, strong moral courage, and indomit- 
 able perseverance in his efforts to combat evil, in whatever 
 form it presented itself. The young had also in him one of the 
 most painstaking and thoughtful instructors, and the cause of 
 Sabbath schools in and around Stirling owed much to his 
 efforts. For many years he was the superintendent of the Free 
 North Church school, whilst other schools considered them- 
 selves highly favoured when they had a visit from him. He was 
 also an elder in the above church. As a religious speaker Mr 
 Drummond was in some respects inimitable, and no one who 
 heard his impassioned and earnest utterances could ever forget 
 him, or have doubt as to his sincerity. By rich and poor alike 
 was he greatly beloved, and, on his removal to Edinburgh in 
 1874, on account of failing health, his fellow-townsmen pre- 
 sented him with his portrait, painted by Mr Norman Macbeth, 
 and an address inscribed on vellum, " in token of their respect 
 
NOTABLE CITIZENS OF STIRLING. 119 
 
 for his character, and in appreciation of his lifelong labours in 
 the cause of Christian truth." 
 
 Mr. Henry Drumtnond. 
 
 Died 1st January, 1888. 
 
 Mr Henry Drummond (father of the late Professor Drum- 
 mond, author of " Natural Law in the Spiritual World," &c.) 
 was born on 27th July, 1809, the eighth son of Mr William 
 Drummond, of Coneypark Nurseries, and for many years — 
 from the withdrawal of his brother Peter in order to give 
 attention to the business of the Stirling Tract Enterprise — the 
 active head of the local branch of the firm of Wm. Drummond 
 & Sons, seedsmen and nurserymen, Stirling and Dublin. His 
 business relations were characterised by a straight-forwardness 
 and uprightness which were very marked, while in private his 
 society was greatly esteemed, and no one could be long in his 
 company without learning that in Mr Drummond they had a 
 friend on whose counsel they could most implicitly rely. 
 
 Mr Drummond took little interest in municipal matters, the 
 only public office he held being membership in the Burgh School 
 Board for six years. He was also a Justice of the Peace for 
 the county, vice-president of Stirling Royal Infirmary, and held 
 office in several societies connected with the town and neigh- 
 bourhood, being a trustee of the Stirling Tract Enterprise, of 
 the Stirling branch of the National Security Savings Bank, and 
 of the Stirlingshire Friendly Assurance Society; president of 
 the Stirling Auxiliary of the National Bible Society, and of the 
 Stirling branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. He 
 was also a member of the Kirk Session of the Free North 
 Church, the affairs of that congregation having in him a warm 
 friend and willing helper. Of the Stirling Young Men's 
 Christian Association he was honorary president, and by the 
 young men of that institution greatly esteemed; and also 
 honorary president of the Stirling Sabbath School Teachers' 
 Union, Sabbath school work having his hearty advocacy, his 
 experience as superintendent of a school in Cambusbarron 
 
120 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 enabling him to speak with some degree of authority. Nor was 
 he content with the attendance of the children, but their after- 
 life was watched with interest. The annual meetings for the 
 young in connection with the Stirling Christian Conference 
 were always presided over by him, his presence at these meet- 
 ings being acceptable in a high degree. He was spoken of as 
 " The Children's Friend," his genial humour, his kindly face, 
 his genuine humanity, and his intense earnestness enabling him 
 to hold a gathering of children, no matter how large, spell- 
 bound. The Stirling Working Boys' and Girls' Religious 
 Society for long received considerable support, financial and 
 other, from Mr Drummond, and he was for some time its 
 president. The Stirling Ragged and Industrial Schools had 
 also in him a warm friend, and he was a member of the manag- 
 ing committee. Indeed, with nearly every agency of a religious 
 or philanthropic character in town he was identified in some 
 way or other, and his generosity was unstinted, more especially 
 where the religious and social well-being of his fellows was 
 concerned. It was only after he had passed mid life that Mr 
 Drummond became a public speaker, and on one occasion, at an 
 agricultural gathering in the North, where he was introduced 
 as Mr Drummond of Stirling, he said he was " not the speaking 
 Drummond " (referring to his brother Peter). Very rapidly, 
 however, he came to the front as a platform speaker, more 
 especially at social gatherings, where his addresses were always 
 enjoyed, and fortunate indeed were those agencies which 
 secured his services, which he gave ungrudgingly. 
 
 Mr Drummond's wish was that his funeral should be con- 
 ducted privately, but on a request being preferred to the 
 relatives by the Town Council that they might be permitted to 
 attend officially, the request was acceded to. 
 
 Mr. Daniel Ferguson, Bone=5etter. 
 
 Daniel Ferguson (" Danny "), the well-known bone-setter, 
 died on 29th June, 1888, at the advanced age of 85. The 
 deceased was a wood sawyer, but, having inherited his father's 
 skill in bone-setting, he educated himself, and attended medical 
 
NOTABLE CITIZENS OF STIRLING. 121 
 
 classes in Glasgow University. His practice of bone doctor 
 rapidly increased, and for many years he paid periodical visits 
 to Glasgow and Dundee, where crowds of people attended his 
 reception rooms for treatment. Some remarkable cures were 
 attributed to his skill, and in not a few instances he succeeded 
 after the regular faculty had failed. Scarcely a Saturday 
 passed that carts from the country did not bring to his door 
 afflicted persons of the humbler classes, and his wonderful fame 
 attracted patients from long distances. In private life Mr 
 Ferguson was much esteemed, and his death caused general 
 regret. A very handsome monument, with medallion portrait 
 of the "Doctor," may be seen in the Cemetery, erected by 
 patients and admirers. 
 
 As far back as 1841 Mr Ferguson's services were appreciated 
 and recognised, as in April of that year he was entertained to 
 supper, and presented, on behalf of upwards of thirteen hun- 
 dred subscribers with a set of surgical instruments, in 
 mahogany case, together with a purse containing 130 
 sovereigns, "asa mark of the esteem in which the subscribers 
 held his zealous and efficient services in the cure of sores, dis- 
 locations, and compound fractures, along with the respect 
 which they held for his private virtues." 
 
 Andrew Wilson, Bannockburn. 
 
 Died 22nd February, 1890. 
 
 A long and useful life was lived by Andrew Wilson, Rector 
 of the Wilson Academy, Bannockburn. A native of Berwick- 
 shire, he commenced teaching at the early age of 15, and 
 intending to devote himself to the ministry, he attended the 
 University of Edinburgh, where he distinguished himself and 
 carried off several prizes. Such, indeed, was his enthusiasm for 
 education that he induced two of his brothers to take a full 
 collegiate course, but all three ultimately became teachers. 
 Mr Wilson was first appointed to Buckhaven School, then to 
 Pathhead, Kirkcaldy, where among his pupils were the Rev. Dr 
 
122 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 Blair, Dunblane, and Captain Wylie, the famous blockade 
 runner during the American Civil War. In 1849, Mr Wilson 
 was appointed rector of the newly-opened James Wilson 
 Academy, Bannockburn, a situation which he held for thirty 
 years. As a teacher Mr Wilson gained a high reputation in 
 the district, his services being especially in demand for the 
 tuition of those who were desirous of a University training, 
 and to his conscientious labours many have been indebted for 
 their subsequent success in their profession or business. In 
 every charitable and benevolent agency he took a part, and he 
 loved nothing better than to visit the sick and perform those 
 kindly offices which his honourable position, his high character, 
 and his natural disposition eminently fitted him to discharge. 
 
 A FEW LOCAL POETS. 
 William Sinclair. 
 
 1811-1870. 
 
 "«-£^^OET" SINCLAIR, the author of "The Battle of 
 (a\j Stirling Bridge," was born in Edinburgh in 1811. 
 Jl Of his parents little is known; his father was a 
 
 ^ trader, and it is enough to say they were respect- 
 
 able. After receiving the rudiments of education he was 
 apprenticed, in his fourteenth year, to a bookseller. Fortun- 
 ately for him, his employer had an extensive circulating library, 
 and of this the future poet made good use, for he was a wide 
 reader. While yet an apprentice he courted the muse, con- 
 
A FEW LOCAL POETS. 123 
 
 tributing to various newspapers and popular periodicals, and 
 these attracting the notice of Christopher North, some of his 
 effusions were granted a place in " Blackwood's Magazine." 
 After completing his apprenticeship he seems to have followed 
 a somewhat divisive course, as we next find him employed as 
 clerk to a Dundee lawyer. Here, however, he appears also 
 to have been at sea regarding an occupation ; for, after a short 
 spell of drudgery amid quills, deeds, and red tape, he began 
 to look for employment of a different nature. Soon he received 
 the desired appointment, and proceeded to Liverpool to fill 
 a situation in Her Majesty's Custom House, being, after a short 
 term, transferred to Leith. While in Leith he gave to the 
 world the bulk of his verse, in 1843 publishing " Poems of the 
 Fancy and Affections," the only collected work that came from 
 his pen. 
 
 Being of a changeable disposition, he grew weary of Custom 
 House duties, the consequence being that he relinquished his 
 post and removed to Stirling, during his residence here filling 
 the post of reporter on the staff of the " Stirling Journal," and 
 it was while in Stirling that he published his most famous song. 
 At a demonstration held in connection with the building of the 
 National Wallace Monument on the Abbey Craig, the late Dr 
 Charles Rogers intimated that he would give a copy of his 
 " Modern Scottish Minstrel " for the best song commemorative 
 of the battle of Stirling Bridge. Of the pieces sent in for 
 competition, William Sinclair's was deemed the best, and he 
 was accordingly awarded the prize, the song, set to music by 
 Mr Marquis Chisholm, being sung by Mr Stembridge Ray at 
 the banquet held in connection with the laying of the founda- 
 tion-stone of the Wallace Monument on 24th June, 1861. 
 Since then it has become familiar in every clime where Scottish 
 foot has trod. 
 
 In 1870 Sinclair died at Stirling, and was interred in Stirling 
 Cemetery, where a suitable monument marks the spot. Sin- 
 clair, although his lot has been that of an obscure bard, is much 
 above the average minor minstrel. His poems are character- 
 ised by deep reflective thought and powerful imagery; and if 
 the sun of fortune had shone upon him he would undoubtedly 
 have taken place as one of the first of our minor poets. 
 
124 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 THE BATTLE OF STIRLING BRIDGE. 
 
 To Scotland's ancient realm 
 
 Proud Edward's armies came, 
 To sap our freedom and o'erwhelm 
 
 Our martial force in shame. 
 "It shall not be," brave Wallace cried; 
 " It shall not be," his chiefs replied ; 
 
 "By the name our fathers gave her, 
 Our steel shall drink the crimson stream, 
 We'll all her dearest rights redeem, 
 
 Our own broadswords shall save her." 
 
 With hopes of triumph flushed, 
 
 The squadrons hurried o'er 
 Thy bridge, Kildean, and heaving rushed 
 
 Like wild waves to the shore. 
 " They come, they come," was the gallant cry; 
 " They come, they come," was the loud reply. 
 
 "O strength, thou gracious Giver; 
 By love and freedom's stainless faith, 
 We'll dare the darkest night of death — 
 
 We'll drive them back for ever." 
 
 All o'er the waving broom, 
 
 In chivalry and grace, 
 Shone England's radiant spear and plume, 
 
 By Stirling's rocky base. 
 And stretching far beneath the view, 
 Proud Cressingham, thy banners flew, 
 
 When, like a torrent rushing, 
 O God ! from right and left the flame 
 Of Scottish swords like lightning came, 
 
 Great Edward's legions crushing. 
 
 High praise, ye gallant band, 
 
 Who, in the face of day, 
 With daring heart and fearless hand 
 
 Have cast our chains away. 
 The foemen fell on every side, 
 In crimson hues the Forth was dyed, 
 
 Bedewed with blood the heather : 
 While shouts triumphant shook the air — 
 " Thus shall we do — thus shall we dare. 
 
 Wherever Scotsmen gather." 
 
A FEW LOCAL POETS. 125 
 
 Though years like shadows fleet 
 
 O'er the dial stone of time, 
 Thy pulse, O freedom, still shall beat 
 
 With the throb of manhood's prime. 
 Still shall the valour, love and truth, 
 That shone on Scotland's early youth, 
 
 From Scotland ne'er dissever; 
 The shamrock, rose, the thistle stern, 
 Shall wave around her Wallace cairn, 
 
 And bless the brave for ever. 
 
 THE ROSE IN THE BURIAL GROUND. 
 
 Meekly thou bend'st thy lowly head 
 To airs that lingering breathe around, 
 
 And shedd'st thy sweetness o'er the dead, 
 Thy tears on holy ground ; 
 
 And, longing for the blessed light, 
 
 Dost chide the tardiness of night ! 
 
 Where the serene are lying low— - 
 
 The brave their last lone bed have made — 
 
 How passing beautiful art thou, 
 In silence and in shade, 
 
 Thou type of fond remembrance set — 
 
 O'er one whom memory treasures yet ! 
 
 Thou speak'st of long lost memories — 
 Of pleasure, in her golden noon, 
 
 Of hopes that blossomed to the skies, 
 And withered all too soon ; 
 
 Of the deep anguish of the soul — 
 
 The shattered wheel, the broken bowl. 
 
 And gentler thoughts than these — oh, yes ! 
 
 The sigh of love, the tear of grief 
 Shed o'er thee ; with the tender kiss 
 
 Imprinted on thy leaf; 
 The heart's best blessings, though the grave 
 May close on them we cannot save. 
 
126 OLD STIRLING 
 
 An only sister may have brought 
 Thee in this simple beauty here. 
 
 Perchance a sorrowing mother sought 
 Her lost child's lowly bier ; 
 
 She loved him — and she wished to prove 
 
 To others how intense that love. 
 
 It may be that he sleeps, whose name, 
 bright and unsullied, blameless, free, 
 
 Might have descended on the stream 
 Of years — to immortality : 
 
 Enough, the final die is cast ; 
 
 The dream, the aspiration past ! 
 
 It matters not : the crowd may pass 
 Thee by unheeded ; with the wane 
 
 And rise of moons, the long lank grass 
 Shall wreathe the stone again; 
 
 And other hearts shall mourn their woes, 
 
 Even where the Good and Great repose ! 
 
 R. M. Stupart. 
 
 A Stirling poet, now nearly forgotten, and whose book of 
 poems, " The Bard of Strilia," is but rarely seen, was Mr Stup- 
 art, writer, who resided in his own property at the head of 
 King Street, lately rebuilt by Messrs M'Aree Brothers, and 
 who was uncle of the late John Stupart, for some time Super- 
 intendent of the Burgh Police. His poems are of average 
 quality, his best piece being ''An Address to the Auld Brig." 
 He also wrote " The Farmers' Sabbath," after the style of 
 Burns' "Cottar's Saturday Night; " "Auld Handsel Monday," 
 which gives a capital idea how that day used to be kept ; " The 
 Demagogue," " Praying Willie's Petition," which was said to 
 have reference to Bailie Jaffray, a much-respected citizen who 
 had a grocer's shop near the head of Baker Street. Another 
 of his pieces referred to "Ragman Johnnie," who occupied 
 that shop at the foot of the Vennel Close, Baker Street, long 
 occupied by the deceased ex-Bailie Watt, baker. Johnnie and 
 his wife dealt in earthenware, with which they travelled the 
 district, and were thriving in this way for a time; but both 
 
A FEW LOCAL POETS. 127 
 
 becoming addicted to liquor, they were soon reduced to circum- 
 stances of poverty, from which, however, they were reclaimed 
 through the refusal of the landlady of a public-house (" Luckie " 
 Corbie's, where they had spent a goodly part of their earnings), 
 to lend them half-a-crown to enable them to purchase some 
 bargain they had seen in the market. A soldier advanced the 
 money to Johnnie, and from this dated the reformation of 
 Johnnie and his wife, who soon accumulated a fair amount of 
 this world's gear, and enjoyed peace, comfort, and respect. 
 The poem is too long to insert entire, but part seven (which 
 we append) tells the end of Johnnie and his wife — 
 
 Doun the hill, fu' sweet thegither, 
 
 John and Mary slipped on; 
 Time and tide there's nane can tether, 
 
 Auld age mak's the twa to moan. 
 
 Twa score years they had been married, 
 
 Lyart locks bedeck ilk head ; 
 Here nae langer Mary tarried, 
 
 Now she's numbered wi' the dead. 
 
 Lang and waefu' Johnnie mourned, 
 
 Pearly tears ran frae his e'e, 
 Greeting sair he o'er her mourned. 
 
 When he saw his wine dee. 
 
 Sair he sighed, and sad lamented, 
 
 Sair he grat about her death, 
 Sair he graned, and, quite demented, 
 
 Wished that death had ta'en them baith. 
 
 In the grave he greetin' lowered her, 
 
 Let her down wi' cannie care ; 
 Sair that day he sorrowed for her 
 
 Grat, puir chield, in sad despair. 
 
 Some few years puir Johnnie toddled, 
 
 Unco frail, about the toun, 
 But aye countin' o'er the bodies, 
 
 Gatherin' siller aye, the loon. 
 
 Three score years and ten he numbered, 
 
 Three score years and ten he saw, 
 Then fu' soundly Johnnie slumbered, 
 
 For grim death took him awa'. 
 
128 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 Many cam' to Johnnie's funeral, 
 
 To attend him to the grave, 
 Deep in blacks, for the auld scoun'rel 
 
 On the hats the crape did wave. 
 
 What a gatherin' o' gentry 
 
 Was that day frae a' aroun' ; 
 Lots o' braw folks frae the country 
 
 Cam' that day into our toun. 
 
 And auld Stirling's dandy Bailies, 
 
 Wi' their Provost at their head, 
 Cam' in blacks — gude worthy fellows — 
 
 Mourning for Rag Johnnie dead. 
 
 And in mourning cam' our clergy, 
 
 A' the black coats there were seen, 
 Screedin' graces at his dredgy, 
 
 Sic a sadness ne'er was seen. 
 
 In a hearse and four they drove him, 
 
 Slow and sadly, to his grave ; 
 Now he sleeps in silent slumber, 
 
 And the grass does o'er him wave. 
 
 Farewell now to Ragman Johnnie, 
 
 Farewell to the Gipsy Fair, 
 Farewell to his cart and pony, 
 
 Farewell to his earthenware. 
 
 Farewell now to Ragman Johnnie, 
 
 Farewell to his rags and hair, 
 Farewell to his dru'ken cronies, 
 
 Farewell now, ye cantie pair. 
 
 Farewell aye to Ragman Johnnie, 
 
 Farewell to our evening fun, 
 Farewell to his face sae bonnie, 
 
 For Rag Johnnie's race is run. 
 
 Mr Stupart also wrote over a dozen songs, some of them 
 connected with the district. 
 
A FEW LOCAL POETS. 129 
 
 David Taylor. 
 
 1817-1867. 
 
 David Taylor, known in the locality in which he lived as " the 
 St. Ringans Poet," was born at Dollar, in Clackmannanshire, 
 and was the child of somewhat unfortunate circumstances. His 
 father, also named David Taylor, was a builder in Auchter- 
 muchty, in Fifeshire. As such he seems to have met with 
 success, and in the course of time " wooed and won " the 
 daughter of a supervisor in Cupar Fife. Some time after the 
 marriage Taylor eloped with his domestic servant, Janet Eadie 
 by name, and settling down in Dollar (man and wife of course 
 in the eyes of the world), the subject of our sketch was born 
 to them on 4th April, 1817. Shortly after his birth the family 
 removed to St. Ninians, and here the poet spent the greater 
 part of his life. Taylor, after receiving what education was 
 considered necessary, was apprenticed to the handloom weav- 
 ing, which calling afforded him the means of subsistence. 
 
 During his early years he began to clothe his thoughts in 
 verse, his compositions generally finding publicity in the 
 "Clackmannanshire Advertiser." While resident in St. Ninians 
 he contributed to the " Poets' Corner " of " The Stirling Obser- 
 ver " and "The Stirling Journal," also contributing to the 
 " Alloa Journal " during the time he was employed in Alloa. 
 His premier song is undoubtedly " The Proof o' the Puddin's the 
 Preein' o't," and, although perhaps it is not so well known now 
 as formerly, it will always be regarded as an admirable specimen 
 of our Doric song. Not a few of his effusions had a purely 
 local significance, and were accorded hearty reception, " St. 
 Ringan's Glaur " being one of the most taking. 
 
 In addition to his claim as a poet, Taylor deserves some 
 notice as a musician. In the winter months he divided his 
 time and energies between weaving tartan and teaching music. 
 For a long time he conducted a singing-class at Chartershall, 
 and from thence went forth not a few who have made names for 
 themselves in the world of music. Taylor was much given to 
 I 
 
130 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 the composing of psalm tunes, and the history of his music is 
 interesting. A choir, which met in Stirling once a week for 
 practice, were the poet's critics, and after having written out 
 a piece he set off on the choir practice night, manuscript in 
 hand. It was then sung over in presence of the choir and 
 conductor, whereupon corrections were suggested, considered, 
 and, if approved, adopted. One of his melodies, and the best 
 — "The Grey Hill Plaid"— finds a place in "The National 
 Choir." 
 
 Taylor died a comparatively young man. In the summer of 
 1867 he was employed in a mill at Alva, and it was during this 
 time that he met his death. The 10th July was a warm day, 
 his web was completed, and, leaving two boys to loom another, 
 he proceeded to the Devon to bathe. Failing to return, the 
 alarm was raised, and after some search his body was discovered 
 in the river, that Devon he had so often celebrated in song. 
 
 In 1893 Mr William Harvey collected his poems, and with a 
 short memoir, notes and glossary, issued them in book form. 
 The reception accorded the volume in St. Ninians was very 
 hearty, and showed that the poet was remembered with kindly 
 feeling. He finds a place in a work issued some time ago under 
 title, " The Poets of Clackmannanshire," and he is also included 
 in Mr D. H. Edwards' " Modern Scottish Poets," while as a 
 musician he is remembered in Baptie's "Musical Scotland." 
 
 Taylor's poems and songs evince considerable power. In 
 satire he is strong and forcible, but in his calmer moments, 
 when his lyre is strung for its own sake, his work is char- 
 acterised by felicity and grace. 
 
 THE PROOF O' THE PUDDIN'S THE PREEIN' O'T. 
 
 Tune—" Rock and the Wee Pickle Tow." 
 
 Young Maggie looks weel, neither foolish nor vain, 
 But love keeps folk whiles frae the seein' o't ; 
 
 I'll ken better after I mak' her my ain, 
 For the proof o' the puddin's the preein' o't. 
 
 We think lassies at first gentle, modest and kind, 
 
 Like goddesses, lovely, exalted in mind : 
 
 But will we think sae when in wedlock we're joined? 
 The proof o' the puddin's the preein' o't. 
 
A FEW LOCAL POETS. 131 
 
 I maun tak' the lassie for better for waur, 
 
 My fortune nane need try the spaein' o't, 
 For wha can pry into futurity far? — 
 
 The proof o' the puddin's the preein' o't ; 
 I'll study to please her as weel as I can, 
 And gie her my siller to ware when its wan ; 
 I think she will follow economy's plan — 
 
 But the proof o' the puddin's the preein' o't . 
 
 She says what is best to do aye she will try, 
 
 But what if she's tryin' the leein' o't? 
 However, I'll come to the truth by and by, 
 
 For the proof o' the puddin's the preein' o't. 
 But takin' a wife is a serious joke, 
 It's something like buyin' a pig in a pock ; 
 She may be a gude ane, she may be a mock — 
 
 The proof o' the puddin's the preein' o't. 
 
 Dougal Graham. 
 
 1724-1779. 
 
 It is notable that a number of those who are known as 
 " Glasgow Characters " were natives of Stirlingshire. " Haw- 
 kie," the Trongate Demosthenes, was born at Chartershall, 
 near Stirling ; Jamie Blue, the Goose-dubs Cicero, was born 
 at Killearn ; and Dougal Graham, the Skellat Bellman, was 
 born under the shadow of Stirling Castle. 
 
 The little village of Raploch, about one mile westward from 
 Stirling, and just at the foot of the rock on which Stirling 
 Castle stands, claims Dougal as her son. The date of his birth 
 is somewhat uncertain, but it must have been about 1724. He 
 was born of extremely poor parents, who could afford him little 
 or no education. Dougal, however, managed to pick up a 
 smattering of both reading and writing, and so equipped him- 
 self for his after life. His first employment was that of herd, 
 and he was for some time engaged in farm service at Campsie. 
 This life, however, was not suited to his tastes, and when he 
 had saved sufficient money, he invested in a packman's outfit, 
 and began touring through the country. He was on the road 
 
132 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 when Prince Charlie's army was marching southwards, and, 
 meeting the soldiery just when they had crossed the Forth at 
 the Ford of Frew, a little above Stirling, he attached himself 
 to them, and shared their subsequent wanderings. It is sup- 
 posed, however, that he did not, owing to deformity, which 
 was great, engage in active warfare, but rather remained as a 
 camp follower, selling his packman's stock to the soldiers, and 
 hoping to be recognised as a faithful adherent if Charlie should 
 attain his ambition. He was a spectator, says a biographer, of 
 the victory of the insurgents at Prestonpans; participated in 
 the fruitless expedition to the heart of England; was with 
 them when the skirmish occurred at Clifton ; saw the fight on 
 the South Muir at Falkirk; and was in the retreat to the 
 north, where, at Culloden, on 16th April, 1746, the rising was 
 irretrievably crushed by Cumberland. 
 
 Leaving the Jacobites at Culloden he made his way to Glas- 
 gow, where, it is said, he learned printing and set up a press 
 in the Saltmarket. About 1770 the Magistrates of Glasgow 
 appointed him " skellat " bellman, which position brought him 
 a salary of ten pounds a year and a picturesque attire. In this 
 position he continued until his death, which took place on 
 20th July, 1799. 
 
 The most ambitious of his poetic effusions was the " Rhyming 
 Chronicle of the Last Jacobite Insurrection," which was pub- 
 lished shortly after Dougal left the Highland army, by James 
 Duncan, a printer in the Saltmarket. Although of no great 
 merit, it enjoyed a wide circulation and ran through many 
 editions. It gives interesting descriptions of several incidents 
 connected with the rising, and humorous pen portraits of many 
 of the persons concerned. He was also the author of several 
 other poems, one of which, entitled " Turnimspike," was highly 
 spoken of by no less a person than Sir Walter Scott. In 
 addition to his verses he wrote many prose chap books. These, 
 for the most part, were grossly obscene, but they suited the 
 taste of the age in which they were written, and may be read 
 with profit even yet as illustrations of Scottish life, for, as 
 Motherwell said, "Dougal's pictures of manners, modes of 
 thinking and conversation are always sketched with a strong 
 and faithful pencil." 
 
A FEW LOCAL POETS. 133 
 
 TURNIMSPIKE. 
 
 (Tune — " Clout the Caudron.") 
 
 Hersell pe Highland shentleman, 
 Pe auld as Pothwell Prig, man; 
 
 And mony alterations seen 
 Amang te Lawland Whig, man, 
 
 Fa a dra, diddle diddle dee, &c. 
 
 First when she to te Lawlands came, 
 Nainsell was driving cows, man; 
 
 There was nae laws about him's nerse, 
 About te preeks or trews, man. 
 
 Nainsell did wear the philabeg, 
 Te plaid pricked on her shouder ; 
 
 Te guid claymore hung py her pelt ; 
 Her pistol charged with pouder. 
 
 But for whereas these cursed preeks, 
 Wherewith her legs pe lockit ; 
 
 Ohon that ere she saw the day ! 
 For a' her heughs pe prokit. 
 
 Every thing in te Highlands now 
 
 Pe turned to alteration; 
 Ta sodger dwall at our door cheek, 
 
 And tat pe great vexation. 
 
 Scotland be turned a Ningland now, 
 The laws pring in te caudger ; 
 
 Nainsell wad dirk him for his deeds, 
 But oh ! she fears te sodger. 
 
 Anither law cam after tat, 
 Me never saw the like, man, 
 
 They mak' a lang road on te crund, 
 And ca 'him Turnimspike, man. 
 
 And wow she be a ponny road, 
 Like Loudon corn rigs, man, 
 
 Where twa carts may gang on her, 
 And no prak ither's legs, man. 
 
134 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 They charge a penny for ilka horse, 
 In troth she'll no' pe sheaper, 
 
 For nought but gaun upon the ground, 
 And they gie her a paper. 
 
 They tak' te horse then py te head, 
 And there they mak' him stand, man ; 
 
 She tell them she has seen the day 
 They had nae sic command, man. 
 
 Nae doubt nainsell maun draw her purse; 
 
 And pay him what him like, man; 
 She'll see a shudgement on his toor, 
 
 That filthy turnimspike, man. 
 
 But she'll awa' to ta Highland hills, 
 Where deil a ane dare turn her, 
 
 And no come near to turnimspike, 
 Unless it pe to purn her. 
 
 SOME "ORRA" FOLK. 
 "Ponte." 
 
 / ■''■•'HE tacksman of the Shore dues being informed one day 
 
 >^ I that there was an old man, clothed in rags, lying at 
 
 (^ J the lime-kilns — which then stood in the now enclosed 
 
 ^■^ ground of the Government Works — on going there he 
 
 found it to be too true. Mr P mentioned the matter to 
 
 some gentlemen, with the result that the man was removed to 
 lodgings in town and clothed. And what a change! A tall, 
 straight, and gentlemanly-looking person, with long grey hair 
 and good features, although that was about all that could be 
 said in his favour. For some time previously he had lodged 
 about St. Ninians, the late Mr Ramsay of Barnton having 
 
 \ 
 
 \ 
 
SOME "ORRA" FOLK. 135 
 
 given him a dole to live upon, and he was in the habit of wander- 
 ing about the burns on Sauchie estate with a fishing-rod. It was 
 said he had at one time been a solicitor; had been elected M.P. 
 for Pontefract, but been unseated. It was also reported he 
 had driven his " four " to the races, but had run through his 
 money and credit and been cast off by his connections. He 
 was very kindly treated by the Stirling folks, and lodged for a 
 time in a house at 17 Baker Street. The late Sir John Hay 
 was a frequent visitor to Mr Ferguson (" Ponte ") when he got 
 too frail to leave the house, and on these occasions it was a 
 sight to see Sir John — who was very stout — being pushed up 
 the steep and narrow stair. Very few enquiries were made 
 concerning " Ponte," who died as he lived, a venerable-looking, 
 but foul-tongued old man. He was a constant attender at the 
 Small Debt Court, and paid great attention to the cases. 
 
 Johnny Buchan and Others. 
 
 Johnny Buchan's public-house (which went by the name of 
 "Noah's Ark") at the "Backraw," or St. John Street, was a 
 favourite rendezvous of members of the Town Council, as well 
 as of many merchants and legal gentlemen of the town. 
 Johnny was a little man, who knew full well what he was about. 
 Many a trick was concocted in his house, Bailie Steel being 
 one of the leading spirits. When Johnny died, " Nelly's" — a 
 shop a few doors above the Industrial School entry in Baker 
 Street, and kept by Peter Fisher— became the " howff." Many 
 a merry night was spent there, with a late Chief-Constable of 
 the County as chairman. The little back room was always 
 filled, toddy round was the rule, for which they "sold the 
 mare," or played " Simon says, Thumbs up." It was amusing 
 to see bailies, councillors, merchants, and others, some of them 
 bordering on seventy years of age, as anxious as schoolboys at 
 the "selling of the mare," or holding up their thumbs for 
 "Simon" to say, "Thumbs up," "Thumbs down," or "Wiggle- 
 waggle." The little kettle, or "Nelly," as it was christened, 
 was kept always steaming on the hob ready for use. We doubt 
 
136 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 there are but few now alive of those who gathered there. 
 Peter, the host, died at Falkirk some years ago, aged 93. It 
 was he who supplied the schoolboys with " scrapings " from his 
 shop higher up the street, he having been a confectioner before 
 starting the public-house. 
 
 M'Cracken's Inn, with entrance from King Street next the 
 Union Bank, and Duncan M'Laren's house in Port Street, were, 
 forty years ago, great resorts of the townspeople. What 
 quantities of sweet ale were drunk there, a thing never asked 
 for now. John Chrystal's house, near the end of Port Street, 
 was the meeting-place of the 11th (or Highland) Company of 
 Rifle Volunteers, John being a member of the corps. He was 
 a stocking and hose weaver, and supplied the Highland regi- 
 ments. Many nights of fast and furious fun were spent in 
 " John's." 
 
 One of the pipers of the 11th Company, well-known in town, 
 and a great favourite, was sitting with others in one of the 
 boxes on a prohibited day, when the bells began ringing for 
 afternoon service. " Davie " started up, saying that he had for- 
 gotten to take Nicol Reid's place in the precentor's box in the 
 West Church, and was out of the house like a shot. Davie got 
 to the church in time, and did duty with the first psalm. The 
 minister, the Rev. Wm. Findlay, then prayed, and afterwards 
 gave out another psalm, but the day being warm, and what 
 he* had got in " John's " taking effect, Davie was in a sound 
 sleep. Dr Findlay, brother of the minister, went up to the box, 
 thinking he had taken unwell, but all he could do was to signal 
 to his brother to go on with the service, the precentor taking 
 his rest till the congregation was dismissed. Davie was a grand 
 precentor as well as a good piper, and often led the psalmody 
 when the militia were embodied. 
 
 "Cocky" Riddel. 
 
 A worthy tradesman, named Riddel, a tinsmith, who went by 
 the cognomen of "Cocky," had his shop in an old building — 
 opposite Bank Street — which was taken down and re-built by 
 Messrs Young, bakers. Riddel was an elder in the West 
 
SOME "ORRA" FOLK. 137 
 
 Church before the Disruption, when the Rev. Robert Watson 
 was minister. One Sabbath Mr Watson intimated a meeting 
 of the members of the congregation to consider the best means 
 of warming the church. The meeting was accordingly held, at 
 which "Cocky" stood up, and, addressing the gathering with 
 all seriousness, said, " Minister and friends — My way of looking 
 at it is, that the best way of warming the members would be 
 by putting in a barrel of good strong ale at the end of the 
 church, and that it should be distributed through the congrega- 
 tion in mugs to those who wanted it." This proposal was, of 
 course, received with laughter, and the heating gone about in 
 another manner. 
 
 A Bit of Sharp Practice. 
 
 On an occasion in the " fifties," when the town fishings were 
 
 being exposed to let (in the Court House), Mr P , one of the 
 
 partners of a firm who were lessees of the fishings for a long 
 period, was deputed to be the bidder at the roup. On the 
 fishing being " put up " the bidding lay between Mr P— — and 
 a person from Edinburgh, whom he suspected of being a "white- 
 bonnet." Mr P — — , who had not the best of tempers, after 
 bidding beyond what was agreed upon by the partners, turned 
 to the Edinburgh party, and told him that he was " not worth a 
 
 damned farthing." A short time after, Mr P was served 
 
 with a Court of Session summons, damages five hundred 
 pounds, which summons put him in a fix. After consideration 
 it was agreed that he should go to Edinburgh and engage an 
 agent, which was accordingly done. The agent, after making 
 enquiries, found that the pursuer was an undischarged bank- 
 rupt; some of his debts were brought up; he was then put 
 safely in the Calton Jail, and kept there until he withdrew the 
 action. 
 
 Isaac Spyron, 
 
 Alluded to in the lines written in reference to " Tammy " Chal- 
 mers, was, as there noted, for a time the official town drummer 
 and crier. Isaac was an old servant of the town, and was on 
 
138 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 the scaffold when Allan Mair was executed. Some of the wags 
 annoyed him by saying it was he who had acted as hangman, 
 and, "if a' stories are true," he had a hand in the matter. His 
 son, William — a splendid-looking soldier — was Sergeant-Major 
 of the 42nd Royal Highlanders, and died in Stirling Castle. 
 'We remember poor Isaac walking after the coffin, leaning on 
 the arms of the Provost and one of the bailies. When old age 
 came upon him, he got very "crusty," and, as hinted at by 
 Taylor, many a scene took place on the streets between him 
 and Chalmers. 
 
 Elegy 
 
 On the Death of DANNY M'VEAN, Town Officer 
 and Bellman, 1854. 
 
 The bell has been toll'd for the bellman so bold, 
 An' Danny M'Vean is noo laid in the mould, 
 An' there's weepin' an' wailin' 'mang women an' men, 
 For they'll a' ken the want o' auld Danny M'Vean. 
 
 Afore he'd have wanted the clink o' the bell 
 He'd have risen, I'll wager, an' rung it himseP ; 
 For he likit his due, an' he grudged it to nane, 
 So blest be the slumber o' Danny M'Vean. 
 
 Ower a' the town-officers Dan bore the bell, 
 He was aye 'mang the foremost, an' aye like himsel' ; 
 Frae the vera first day he could toddle his lane 
 His path was straightforward aye, Danny M'Vean. 
 
 Whae'er heard him speak after jowin' the bell 
 Wad ken that he made e'en his grammar himsel' ; 
 For the great Lindley Murray he caredna a preen, 
 A wonderfu' speaker was Danny M'Vean. 
 
 O Death, ye grim tyrant, ye've noo gi'en a shock 
 Tae the auld town o' Stirling that sits on a rock ; 
 For ne'er since the day she'd a king o' her ain 
 Has she suffered a loss like auld Danny M'Vean. 
 
 In a' the haill Terrace there wasna a craw 
 But put on his mournings an' groan'd out his " Ah !" 
 The kye ca' hame mooin', the dogs were in pain, 
 An' yowl'd a' the nicht lang for Danny M'Vean. 
 
SOME "ORRA" FOLK. 139 
 
 The heart-broken Cooncil stood roond him in raws, 
 The Bailies grat audibly — an' they had cause ; 
 An' the Provost, wi' tears happin' doon frae his een, 
 Cries, " Whaur are ye noo ringin', Danny M'Vean?" 
 
 The minister meant, like an eloquent man, 
 Tae gi'e us a sermon, next Sunday, on Dan ; 
 But the text an' the sermon escapit him clean, 
 His heart was sae wae for auld Danny M'Vean. 
 
 " Tickler" Lyon. 
 
 This old man, who was commonly called " Tickler " (the 
 name having descended to him from his father, who was a 
 noted breeder of game-cocks, and who was always expressing 
 himself as to some of these being " ticklers," denoting some- 
 thing good or out of the ordinary run), died in March, 1851, 
 aged about ninety. James was a " character," and was the last 
 male member of a family once numerous and influential in the 
 town. At one time there were no fewer than ten persons 
 belonging to it of the same name, either in, or qualified for 
 the Town Council, which must have been a great thing in such 
 a small community as that of Stirling then was. James could 
 reckon property in the churchyard belonging to his forebears 
 as far back as 300 years ; in short, with the exception of one 
 family, the Davies, the Lyons were the only ones who could 
 claim great antiquity in the town. Numerous as they were, 
 they were all engaged in one single branch of business — the 
 leather trade, and were either tanners, curriers, saddlers, or 
 shoemakers (as James was himself), and perhaps, in old times, 
 glovers. With them there was "nothing like leather." 
 
 In 1715, when the rebels under the Earl of Mar were 
 approaching Stirling, it is affirmed that one of the Lyons, who 
 then lived at Raploch, went out under the Duke of Argyle 
 with seven sons, all fine young men above six feet high, to 
 encounter the rebels at Sheriffmuir, and tradition says that, 
 of the whole eight, only the old man returned, and when he 
 told his wife of the death of her sons, her reason gave way. 
 
 James was a jovial son of Crispin, and set up his stall at the 
 
140 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 corner of Cowane's Yard. Here he whistled and sang, devoting 
 many hours to the rearing of starlings, blackbirds, and 
 thrushes. As they were constantly under the tongue and eye 
 of their master, his " blackies " and "mavies " were famed for 
 the depth, mellowness, and variety of their tones. James had 
 also a cuckoo clock of which he was very proud, and which was 
 a great source of delight to the boys attending the public 
 schools in the neighbouring yards, who endeavoured to be pre- 
 sent as the hours struck, when the wondrous cuckoo came 
 forth and performed. All these things were very gratifying 
 to James, though the persistence of " the laddies " sometimes 
 annoyed him ; yet, upon the whole, they were on the very 
 best of terms. 
 
 His last years were as comfortable as circumstances 
 admitted, and he died in the attic flat of the house in Broad 
 Street, once the residence of Sir John Dinely. He liked to be 
 called " the last king of the forest." This was not, however, 
 strictly true, though he always spoke of it as such, for he left a 
 son, but as he seldom came about the town, his father considered 
 himself the last of the Lyons', and his son as only a degenerate 
 branch of the same stem, and whom he did not care about 
 acknowledging as a true Lyon. 
 
 " Blind Alick." 
 
 Alexander Lyon, a scion of one of the families referred to 
 in the preceding sketch, was blind from his birth, and his 
 intellect, with the exception of one faculty, was an entire 
 blank. For a lengthened period he daily perambulated the 
 Back Walk from morning till dusk without any attendant, and 
 yet without being known to stumble. He always carried in his 
 hand a key, and had also several snuff-boxes, which he got filled 
 in the shops in town, one of the places in particular being 
 " Snuff Wricht's," King Street. The extraordinary retentive- 
 ness of his memory attracted visitors from every quarter, while 
 the wonderful ascendancy of this one faculty, amidst the chaos 
 of the others, engaged the consideration of more than one 
 moralist. The voice of an individual who had once addressed 
 
SOME "ORRA" FOLK. 141 
 
 him could not, by any lapse of time, suffer obliteration. He had 
 heard the Scriptures read in the schools he was in the habit 
 of visiting, and could repeat almost the entire sacred volume, 
 beginning at any chapter or verse. Yet no explanation of any 
 passage he might be desired to quote could lead him to com- 
 prehend its meaning. He lived by the alms of the public and 
 the bounty of the compassionate, and was found dead in bed 
 in 1836. 
 
 As affording but one example of his verbal acquaintance with 
 Scripture, it is related that "Tammy" Chalmers, who was 
 famed as Stirling's bellman, and who forms the subject of the 
 next sketch, attended, when a youth, the Rev. James Gil- 
 fillan's Bible Class in Viewfield Church. On one occasion a 
 verse of Scripture was given out by the minister for proof, 
 without any reference as to where it was to be found. 
 Chalmers searched the Bible for the passage for several days, 
 but failed to find it, and at last bethought himself of applying 
 for assistance to " Blind Alick," when the following conversa- 
 tion ensued : — 
 
 Chalmers — Eh, man, Alick, I'm in an awfu' strait. 
 
 Alick— Hoo's that, Tammy? 
 
 C. — I've a verse to prove for the minister, an' I dinna ken 
 whar it is. 
 
 A.— It'll be i' the Buik. 
 
 C. — Ou', ay, it's i' the Buik; but I canna fin't. 
 
 A.— What is't ? 
 
 Chalmers then repeated the words, and Alick in an instant 
 gave chapter and verse, which were verified by the boy on the 
 spot, by reference to the Bible which he had with him. 
 
 BLIND ALICK. 
 
 [The following lines are said to have been written by Mr 
 William Finlayson, slater, Stirling, in 1828.] 
 
 Light may arise and light recline, 
 
 Sun, moon, and stars, and comets shine ; 
 
 Wonders may float the boundless main, 
 And air and earth still more contain. 
 
142 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 You can these things admire and see ; 
 
 How bless' d indeed compared with me, 
 Who ne'er beheld fair nature's face, 
 
 Nor any of my kindred race. 
 
 Shut from the lively ways of men, 
 
 In darkness here I stray ; 
 No moon to guide my steps by night, 
 
 No sun to cheer by day. 
 
 With me relentless darkness dwells, 
 Thick as the shades of night ; 
 
 No morning dawn to cheer my way, 
 Or shed a pleasant light. 
 
 Concealed from me for ever here 
 
 The works of God do lie, 
 Until that blissful morning dawn 
 
 That wafts me to the sky. 
 
 Then from the slumbers of the tomb 
 
 I shall awake and see 
 Wonders to me unseen — unknown — 
 
 All full disclosed to me. 
 
 What now though darkness may enfold, 
 And horrors round me dwell, 
 
 The brightness of Jehovah's face 
 Shall every gloom dispel. 
 
 Then with the radiant sons of light 
 
 Inheritance I'll have, 
 When Death shall yield his ancient power, 
 
 And vanquished be the grave. 
 
 Lo, here in solitude I walk, 
 
 Seasons no comfort bring ; 
 My key's my only guide and staff, 
 
 And this the song I sing — 
 
 " Arise, my soul, in lofty strains 
 
 From this forlorn abode ; 
 Exert of life what now remains 
 
 To seek and love thy rod. 
 
 "Ascend aloft from where thou stand'st 
 
 To Pisgah's vast domain, 
 And see from thence the Promised Land, 
 
 Where saints in glory reign. 
 
SOME "ORRA" FOLK. 143 
 
 " Though temporal blindness may enfold, 
 
 And darkness dwell around, 
 Yet doth thy powers all light behold, 
 
 Through faith's triumphant sound. 
 
 "I'll see the King in glory placed 
 
 In that, O awful day, 
 When fire and water, air and earth, 
 
 To smoke shall melt away. 
 
 " Then shall these eyes shine like the sun, 
 
 Though now in darkness seal'd, 
 When this my earthly course is run, 
 
 And mysteries are revealed." 
 
 "Tammy" Chalmers, Letter = Writer, 
 Billposter, and Bellman. 
 
 " Tammy ," who was notable in more respects than one, was 
 a native of St. Ninians, and learned the trade of a carpet 
 weaver. Dull times, however, kept him in very poor circum- 
 stances, and when the " crier " of St. Ninians got into some 
 trouble through one of his " cries," " Tammy " was considered 
 a most suitable person to take his place. Having " a gey guid 
 conceit o' his pooers," he accepted the post, his first proclama- 
 tion being prohibiting the taking — or theft — of slates from the 
 Temperance Hall. He had frequently to officiate in the 
 neighbouring villages, where he was saluted by the boys with — 
 " A guid crier, but a horrid bad bell." As " Tammy's " circum- 
 stances did not allow of his buying a new one, after cogitating 
 a bit he came to the conclusion to appeal to the " St. Ringans 
 folks " to provide it. Accordingly a public meeting, or social 
 was held, to which admission was charged for, and by this means 
 Chalmers got his bell. After a time he was appointed bellman 
 of Stirling, and for many a day rung his St. Ringans " present " 
 on our streets. 
 
 The name of the public crier frequently figures in documents 
 of no mean importance, and the services of such a functionary 
 were highly valued by our former Town Councillors. For many 
 years, however — and for what reason is not known — a drum had 
 
144 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 been used in preference to the euphonious sound of the bell. 
 It would appear, also, that Irishmen — at one time — were pre- 
 ferred to most public situations in Stirling. In proof of this a 
 proclamation was pretty freely posted on the walls of the town 
 at the time the late Rev. Archibald Bennie was removed to 
 Lady Yester's Church in Edinburgh. It was in nearly the 
 following terms : — 
 
 " Whereas, by the resignation of the Rev. Archibald Bennie, 
 the first Ministerial Charge of the Parish of Stirling has become 
 vacant ; and whereas the charge is in the gift of the Town 
 Council, no candidate should apply who is not provided with 
 proper documents to show that he is by birth and education, as 
 well as habit and repute, an Irishman, and that for the following 
 cogent reasons, namely, that the burgh has been, and still is, 
 very faithfully served by a whole batch of Irish functionaries, 
 viz., his Honour the Provost, his sub-Honour, the Jailer, and 
 two Subalterns ; the Town Drummer, a most admirable crier ! 
 and the two Leeries. Neither of which offices, in the opinion 
 of Bailie Frosty-Face, could be fairly filled by an inhabitant of 
 Stirling. Scotsmen, therefore, whatever be your qualifications, 
 you are sure of disappointment if a single Irishman is pitted 
 against you, though his brogue be as broad as Ballyporeen itself, 
 and his outward man like Paddy of Cork, with his coat buttoned 
 behind, and his hair growing through his hat ! 
 
 God Save the Queen ! " 
 
 Happily, however, the days of exclusive privileges were over, 
 and the humble Thomas Chalmers, by the mere force of his 
 eloquence, made his way into public favour and usefulness 
 without having to lean on the precarious patronage of civic 
 dignitaries. We do not know what " Tammy " would have 
 stuck at — poetry or prose. By attending the Sheriff and Police 
 Courts, he got a " smattering " of law, so that he could at times 
 give " advice " to good purpose. He was also letter-writer for 
 the poorer classes. Some people used to have a " chaff " with 
 " Tammy," but it took a pretty clever one to get the better of 
 him, as he was always able to give as good as he got ; and often 
 with interest. Such was the universal approbation of his ex- 
 hibitions as public bellman of Stirling, that a number of the 
 
SOME "ORRA" FOLK. 145 
 
 inhabitants presented him with a handsome uniform, with 
 cocked hat, of which he was very proud. " Tammy " got a 
 very sudden call, and Stirling still remembers kindly the best 
 and most original bellman she ever possessed. 
 
 On one occasion portraits of some of Stirling's " characters " 
 were exhibited for sale in the shop window of the late Mr Miller, 
 bookseller, Port Street. One of these was a photograph of the 
 bellman, but this was too great an indignity for Chalmers. On 
 seeing it he marched into Miller's shop, and, under pain of legal 
 proceedings, insisted on the withdrawal of the portrait alike 
 from the window and from sale. But " Tammy," notwith- 
 standing his own opinion, was relegated to the place of worthy, 
 and the illustration in the present volume will convey to the 
 reader an impression of Stirling's " immortal " bellman. 
 
 The following " Address to the Stirling Bellman " was written 
 (after seeing him in his new official dress) by David Taylor, the 
 St. Ringans poet. 
 
 Immortal bellman ! What do I behold ? 
 
 The outward man adorned from top to toe ! 
 How great the change ! Thou lookest proud and bold. 
 
 To do thee honour, I before thee bow. 
 
 Pink of Perfection, praised be thine attire, 
 
 Thy speckled breeches, vest, and coat so blue — 
 
 Neck of the latter red as glowing fire — 
 And grand cocked hat, a marvel great to view. 
 
 King of odd fellows, rarest of the rare, 
 Oh, what a sight thou art to human eyes ; 
 
 No wonder people at thee gape and stare, 
 For thou wert born the people to surprise. 
 
 No more the humble Chalmers of St Ninians ; 
 
 Thou from it fled'st, and with thee bore the bell ; 
 Yea, like an eagle soaring on swift pinions, 
 
 Thou took'st thy flight, high on the Rock to dwell. 
 
 Strong-lunged inhabitant of Buchan's Close,* 
 
 Thyself and garb I love so uniform. 
 No man's so honoured, Isaac's f getting cross ; 
 
 Whene'er ye meet there is a thunder storm. 
 
 * 5 St John Street. 
 
 t Isaac Spyron, the official Town Drummer. 
 K 
 
146 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 War-waging, brave, illustrious new-comer, 
 So high in standing, who can put thee down? 
 
 And, by the powers, if thou art chosen drummer, 
 Thou'lt drum old Isaac fairly out of town. 
 
 Renowned street orator, long may'st thou live 
 To use thy vocal powers, which raised thy fame, 
 
 And when thy dress is done, thy friends will give 
 To thy dear self, " another of the same." 
 
 A FEW OF STIRLING'S "NOTABLES." 
 
 IN most, if not every town, as well as in many villages 
 throughout the country, there has always been at least 
 one individual who was marked by some peculiarity — 
 physical or mental — which separated him from his 
 fellows, and made him the object of commiseration to some, 
 and, to the unthinking and unfeeling, the butt for ridicule or 
 practical joking. Up till about a quarter of a century ago such 
 individuals were more frequently to be met with than they are 
 now-a-days, as those mentally afflicted are for the most part 
 confined in lunatic asylums, consequent upon some outbreak on 
 their part, generally, however, resulting from annoyance to 
 which they were subjected by thoughtless people. 
 
 Looking back over a period of years extending to half a 
 century, the writer can recall a goodly number of those who 
 were either not altogether " compos mentis," and, being street 
 wanderers, came in for more than the ordinaiy attention ; or, 
 on account of some very marked peculiarity, were regarded as 
 of that class generally included under the term "worthies." 
 
A FEW OF STIRLING'S "NOTABLES." 147 
 
 44 Wee To wan." 
 
 Added to this, there was about several that which charac- 
 terised them as oddities, " Wee Towan " being one of the out- 
 standing figures which come before our mind's eye very pro- 
 minently, his diminutive size and waddling gait, his broad blue 
 bonnet with its red " toorie," and a collection of pipes, pipe- 
 heads, and other etceteras underneath it ; his watch-fob with 
 a large bunch of seals and other trinkets dangling in front ; or 
 the impediment in his speech, causing his utterances to be 
 almost unintelligible to a stranger, all serving to characterise 
 him as belonging to the class of individuals to whom the term 
 oddity may be applied. 
 
 Lowrie Millar. 
 
 Amongst the earliest local " characters M we have recollection 
 of may be named Lowrie Millar, a one-armed man, who 
 hawked coal through the town. In Lowrie's house he was but a 
 secondary individual, as " the grey mare was the better horse," 
 and he, poor man, had just to do as he was bidden. As his 
 " cattle " were never any great shakes, he was continually in 
 the market for a fresh beast ; and, as he would be setting out 
 in view of a purchase, his wife would dismiss him with the 
 words, " Ha'e, Lowrie, there's five shillings ; see an' get a guid 
 yin when ye' re at it." 
 
 "Tippling Act" Jock " Kawr." 
 
 Only very old people will remember Jock. It was reported 
 he had taken advantage of the " Tippling Act " at some time, 
 had got " taivert," and was unable to do anything to earn a 
 living. He used to appear on the street, stand a minute, then, 
 putting his fingers in his mouth, give a shrill whistle, and finish 
 up by calling out, " Tippling Act, Tippling Act ! " He was 
 heard one day in St. Mary's Wynd saying to himself, " I've got 
 
148 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 a gill no' tae say Tippling Act, and I've got sixpence no' tae 
 say Tippling Act ; but I will say Tippling Act. J 
 
 Willie ("Troughy") Orr. 
 
 Who among the old folks does not remember Willie, with his 
 sleeved moleskin waistcoat and broad blue bonnet? He did 
 errands for the carters and carriers who put up at Sandy 
 Neilson's in King Street. Willie was said to be of a greedy 
 disposition, and very fond of a dram, and when he became 
 intoxicated was made a butt of by boys. 
 
 "Tammy" Forfar, 
 
 Who was occasionally employed as a printer's pressman, was a 
 very respectable body, but of diminutive stature. He was 
 peaceable and agreeable when let alone, but when any of the 
 trades-fellows took out their foot-rules to measure him then he 
 " showed his teeth." Forfar was very fond of the lasses, who 
 got great fun with him by encouraging his foibles. 
 
 "Maikey Toy" (Malcolm Taylor), 
 
 Who served in the 71st Regiment, and was present with that 
 famous corps at the battle of Waterloo, was another little man, 
 who did messages for Mr Finlayson, flesher, Baker Street. 
 When " Maikey " was under the influence of liquor he put him- 
 self into a "mighty fluster," and let the lieges know that he 
 was an old soldier and a Waterloo hero. 
 
 John Brooks, "The Hangman." 
 
 John lived in "Snuff Wricht's " close, King Street. An 
 execution was to take place in Edinburgh, and John applied 
 for the job, but although his services were not required, the 
 name stuck. He had been a soldier, and it was said he had 
 acted as finisher of the law while abroad. 
 
A FEW OF STIRLING'S "NOTABLES." 149 
 
 "London John," or "Coal John," 
 
 Was a respectable and extremely polite individual. The 
 courtly manner in which he made a bow was especially notable, 
 and might have been copied by a dancing-master with profit. 
 John always wore a surtout and tall hat, and, on occasions, 
 black cloth gloves. He made a living by putting in coals, 
 and by doing errands for several merchants. 
 
 "Deil" Roy 
 
 For some years was a somewhat conspicuous figure on our 
 streets, being tall and of slouching gait, and as a street porter 
 was generally to be found lounging at a corner. 
 
 "Stulty Andrew." 
 
 Andrew Wilson was a native of Falkirk, but occasionally 
 made the " Rock " his place of abode. Though a genuine 
 Scotsman, Andrew had all the rollicking humour and as much 
 of the blarney as any son of the " Emerald Isle." Why he was 
 dubbed " Stulty " we are not aware, as we never saw him with 
 a crutch, but having lost his left leg, he was furnished with a 
 wooden one, with which he stumped about the streets. 
 Andrew was " everything by turns, and nothing long," as the 
 one day he might be selling delf, with a frame of a pony and 
 a ramshackle cart, whilst the next (by reason of the sudden 
 demise of the pony, perhaps) he might have been seen working 
 as a navvy, and wheeling a barrow with the best of them. But 
 Andrew's chief role was as a ballad-monger, when he might 
 have been seen perambulating the streets calling his wares, 
 and occasionally indulging in a stave or two, accompanied by 
 some humorous balderdash of his own. The Fair, however, 
 was the time to see Andrew at his best. He had a poor voice, 
 and as poor a collection of songs, but he did his best, his 
 favourite being — 
 
150 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 Whar ye gaun, my bonny lass? 
 
 Whar ye gaun, my honey? 
 Right modestly she answered, I'm 
 
 Gaun an errand tae my mammy, 
 With my rolling eye. 
 
 Then to see him at his inimitable break-down at the end of a 
 verse " was a caution." It was a mere skip, in which the iron 
 shod on the wooden leg played a prominent part, the " jig " 
 being accentuated by a thud on the street, and the finale was 
 reached, the wooden leg raised, and the stick which he carried 
 in his hand was brought down with a whack upon it. Andrew 
 was indeed a merry one, and many witty sallies and humorous 
 sayings he gave vent to, no one joining more heartily in the 
 guffaw than himself. 
 
 " Humphy Geordie." 
 
 George Sutherland was a native of the Castlehill, and a 
 weaver to trade, and most industrious. Dull times, however, 
 sent him to procure a living by other means. He was always 
 willing to work, and took up with the men about the Flesh 
 Market, which did not tend to the improvement of his morals. 
 " Geordie " was for a long time a great favourite of the late 
 Mr Peter Drummond, and, as he had a good voice, led the 
 psalmody on many occasions at the street-preachings. The 
 dram was " Geordie's " ruin ; and when he had " a drop in " he 
 became cantankerous and rendered himself very obnoxious to 
 passers-by. For a long time he eked out a living by selling 
 sheeps' heads, " trotters," &c, as well as by doing errands 
 from the 'buses and tramway cars. 
 
 Jock Macewen, 
 
 Or, as he himself pronounced the name, Mackeown, though 
 certainly " no' a' there," was possessed of a wonderful memory, 
 and could repeat, word for word, the sermons and prayers of 
 the Rev. Dr Binnie, of the Cameronian Kirk in the Craigs, 
 
A FEW OF STIRLING'S "NOTABLES." 151 
 
 which he attended with regularity, as he did several houses in 
 and around the town on account of the food he was provided 
 with. Jock's great subject, however, was his forthcoming 
 wedding with Princess Beatrice (Princess Henry of Battenberg) 
 and his correspondence with the Queen on the matter, the 
 nuptials only being delayed on account of the Princess' youth. 
 For a time he would disappear from town, only to return in 
 some quaint garb, mayhap his trousers cut short in the legs, 
 the ends tucked under his stockings, which would be held by 
 gaily-coloured ribbons, with pretty lengthy ends fluttering 
 about ; a bright coloured waistcoat, a black coat, with shining 
 buttons, a slouch hat, ornamented and adorned with a string 
 of narrow ribbon, and he was always ready to stand and repeat 
 a Bible chapter, a psalm, a prayer, or a portion of a sermon, 
 or answer any enquiries concerning Royalty and his connection 
 therewith, as often as not volunteering information on the 
 point with great volubility. 
 
 " Blind Tom." 
 
 Although not a native of Stirling, " Tom " had been for a 
 goodly number of years one of the most familiar figures about 
 town, his favourite haunts being the neighbourhood of the 
 Castle Esplanade and the Back Walk outskirting the Cemetery. 
 " Tom " was an Irishman, and, like most other blind people, 
 several of his perceptions were exceedingly keen. A notable 
 circumstance about " Tom " was that when once he was spoken 
 to by a person, the voice of the speaker was remembered, even 
 although some time should elapse before the next conversation 
 took place. And not only so, but the place and the subject 
 of conversation were not forgotten either. " Tom " was a 
 player on the flute, and was in request at weddings and other 
 gatherings. 
 
 Donald Dow, 
 
 The favourite of both boys and girls, though still with us, is 
 quite helpless. In the daytime he sits by the fire, occasionally, 
 on fine days in summer, being carried out and placed in a chair 
 
152 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 on the green. He is very kindly treated by the parties with 
 whom he is boarded. For many years Donald perambulated 
 the streets of the town, touching his cap to one and all, and 
 always ready to give the time-of-day to whoever asked for it 
 from his watches, of which he had a variety. Quiet and in- 
 offensive, he was taken kindly notice of by townspeople and 
 strangers alike. He attended Mr Peter Drummond's out-door 
 preachings, and also some of the churches, and in singing made 
 up for quality by vigour, as those who sat near him knew. 
 
 " Bummin' Jamie," 
 
 Or, "Jamie, the Bee," is also still alive. Jamie received the 
 cognomen from a habit he had of making a humming sound as 
 he walked. He was in great request among shopkeepers, being 
 always ready to carry a message, and as he was a big, stout 
 fellow, he could take a "big lift." When idle he went about, 
 usually with a straw in his mouth, " bumming " as he sauntered 
 along. He was also a first-rate street " crier," his voice having 
 been heard — on a quiet day, and with the wind in the right 
 direction — on the Cause way head road. The boys annoyed 
 Jamie considerably, and as, when roused, he had a nasty 
 temper, the authorities had to send him to Larbert Asylum, 
 where he is in good health and quite contented. 
 
 *?<*>>• 
 
MUNICIPAL. 153 
 
 MUN ICIPAL 
 
 Burgherism. 
 
 C-^ S far back as the reign of James VI. a cloth called 
 •^vl shalloon was manufactured in Stirling to considerable 
 
 J \^ extent, afterwards giving way to vast tartan manu- 
 ^^ ^ facture, which in turn has also decayed. Under the 
 influence of these advantages, many wealthy burghers have 
 from time to time arisen in Stirling. It was no rare sight, in 
 the beginning of the century, to see signs over shop-doors, 
 ornamented by a huge figure 4, denoting that the proprietors 
 sold goods from all the four quarters of the globe, or, as was 
 piquantly interpreted, that they had fourpence of profit upon 
 the shilling's worth of their commodities. The emblem — the 
 corners of which were always curiously adorned with St. 
 Andrew's crosses, and which, in Scotland, was understood to 
 give token of the enviable character of a merchant — may yet 
 be seen on many of the gravestones in the old church-yard, as 
 the only mark of honour or dignity that could be bestowed. 
 
 There was in those old times a sort of comfortable burgherism 
 (if we may be allowed the phrase) about the better class of the 
 inhabitants of Stirling, which, alas, has long since passed away, 
 as well as the primitive system of implementing bargains by 
 wetting of thumbs, and sundry other simple practices. An 
 illustration of these is found in what is said to be an authentic 
 anecdote concerning a former treasurer of the town, whose 
 mode of keeping accounts was, perhaps, one of the most 
 original ever known. The venerable citizen, it is said, hung up 
 
154 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 an old boot on each side of his chimney, into one of which he 
 put all the money he received, and into the other the receipts 
 or vouchers for the money he paid away, balancing his accounts 
 at the end of the year by emptying his boots, and comparing 
 the money left in the one with the documents deposited in the 
 other. 
 
 Town Council Politics. 
 
 A great political battle was fought in 1774, and another in 
 1784, the Council being then divided, as it generally is, into 
 two parties. The more powerful distinguished themselves by 
 the name of "The Royal Twelve," the number they consisted 
 of ; and the mob, not to be behind, honoured the minority with 
 the title of "The Holy Nine/' huzzaing them in their 
 processions. 
 
 A "Backstairs" Councillor. 
 
 About a century ago, in a west highland glen, in a small 
 cot around which grew more heather than cabbage-stocks, was 
 born Hugh Ross. Hugh's destiny brought him to the low- 
 lands, and, coming to Stirling, he began "cork" as a slater. His 
 vernacular easily told his nativity, and to the last it was easy 
 to see that he was " heeland " by his pawkiness and cunning 
 fawning. " Carrot-headed Hugh," as he was named, made 
 matrimonial proposals, was accepted by a widow, the daughter 
 of a Guild brother, and so became qualified, by the " Water 
 Charter," for rising to a post of honour at the Council table. 
 There may be still a few living who would know parties who 
 had come in contact with this " backstairs " Councillor, who, 
 having fallen from the roof of a house in Bow Street in 1803, 
 while following his occupation of slater, was killed on the spot. 
 
 Hugh made his first appearance at the Council table in 1789, 
 when the Banks's and Little Johns were keenly contending for 
 supremacy, and to the latter he nailed his colours. Having 
 been " cut " the following year, he re-entered by the " back 
 stairs " again in 1793 ; got cut in 1794, and re-appeared in 
 
MUNICIPAL. 155 
 
 1795 and 1796, serving his patrons with the utmost fidelity, 
 who had, for the time being, fairly established themselves as 
 the premum mobile. The servility of this Councillor was such 
 that, when a motion was proposed and met by an amendment, 
 he was sure to qualify his vote by a singular admission of his 
 weakness. " What Pailie Littlejohn pe say I say too." Thus 
 to the fascination of a name he surrendered his judgment with 
 obsequious innocence. 
 
 On the occasion of electing a Provost, a member of Council, 
 in joke, proposed Hugh for the honour, which was duly 
 seconded, and, to carry on the fun, each one round the table 
 was in turn giving his vote in the same way ; when the Town 
 Clerk, seeing the serious position affairs were assuming, 
 started up, exclaiming, " For God's sake, gentlemen, beware 
 of what you are doing ; for if you proceed further, Hugh Ross 
 will certainly be your Provost, and no one will be able to unseat 
 him." This put a sudden end to the joke, and Hugh for ever 
 lost his chance of being Provost of the burgh. 
 
 It is not a little singular that, amid the strife of party, 
 helped by such sycophants as Hugh Ross, the debts of the 
 burgh, instead of increasing, should have been diminishing. 
 In 1795, being under commission by the Court of Session, the 
 debts amounted to £6293 13s. 6^d. ; in 1790, under the restored 
 charter, to £4744 9s. 5£d. ; two years after they were £1000 
 less ; and at the Michaelmas returns of 1797 they amounted 
 only to £2934 9s. 5jd. It is observable, too, that during this 
 period the Town Council had expended upon improvements in 
 the burgh no less than £7000, a condition of things we are 
 apt to wonder at, for it has universally been allowed that the 
 Town Councils of the olden times were none of the purest and 
 self-denying, receiving from us of the nineteenth century very 
 little credit for their public spirit and economy. 
 
 Anecdote of Pre= Reform Times. 
 
 In September, 1827, the Stirling Guildry — who had the right 
 of election of four of the members of the Town Council — sent 
 as representatives the following gentlemen, viz., Alexander 
 
156 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 Mouat (Dean of the Guildry), William Forbes, Peter Stoddart, 
 and William Wright, all men of advanced views and indepen- 
 dent opinions. In the course of the years 1827-28 these mem- 
 bers of the Council formed a party for reforming the close 
 corporations, and soon obtained a number of adherents. The 
 Convener of the Seven Incorporated Trades — William Miller, 
 tailor — having died, the reform and anti-reform parties in the 
 Council stood equal, there being ten on either side. Provost 
 Buchan threw in his lot with the reformers, but it was 
 necessary, before any action could be taken, to secure a 
 majority, and by some means or other the Deacon of the Tailors 
 was gained over from the other side. Unfortunately, however, 
 the deacon got involved in business difficulties, and was obliged 
 to take refuge in the Sanctuary of Holyrood. Here he was 
 maintained for several months at the cost of the reform party, 
 and his affairs were arranged in time to allow him to take 
 part in the election at Michaelmas, 1828. 
 
 On the morning of the Council meeting the " young party " 
 breakfasted together in the Provost's house in Lower Castlehill 
 (the house opposite Allan Park IT. P. Church Mission Hall), and 
 afterwards marched to the Town House in Broad Street. The 
 first business was to fill the vacancy in the Council caused by 
 the death of Convener Miller, and the reform party succeeded 
 in carrying John Stewart, hammerman (whose smithy stood on 
 the ground in King Street now occupied by ex-Bailie Menzies' 
 premises), a victory which enabled them to eject all their 
 opponents from office. There was great rejoicing in the burgh 
 over the defeat of the anti-reformers, the bells being rung and 
 a procession taking place, in which a pole was carried with a 
 fleshers apron fixed half-mast high, the fleshers at that time 
 being the predominant incorporation of the Seven Trades, and 
 their deacon the leader of the anti-reform party. 
 
 The Burgh Buildings. 
 
 In the beginning of the century the site of the Burgh Build- 
 ings in King Street was occupied by the Meal Market, a stone 
 wall with a large red-painted gate facing what was then called 
 
MUNICIPAL. 157 
 
 Quality Street. When the question of doing away with the 
 Meal Market came up in the Town Council in 1815, it divided 
 the members into two parties, viz., the Broad Street party, 
 headed by Provost Anderson, and the Low Town party, headed 
 by Bailie (afterwards Provost) Gillies. On the vote being 
 taken, the proposal to abolish the Meal Market was carried by 
 the narrow majority of one, and it was resolved to build an 
 Athenaeum. It was originally intended to give the first floor 
 of the building for a County Hall, but the county people re- 
 fusing to subscribe towards the erection, this intention was 
 departed from. 
 
 The foundation-stone was laid with masonic honours in pre- 
 sence of a large assemblage, the prayer on the occasion being 
 offered up by the Reverend John Russell (Burns's " Black 
 Russell "), one of the ministers of the East Church. The open- 
 ing took place on 17th January, 1818, the shops on the ground 
 floor being sold to Patrick Connal, merchant, and the shop to 
 the right (or east) was first occupied by Miss Fletcher, haber- 
 dasher ; the shop facing the Corn Exchange being taken by 
 Messrs Drummond & Sons, seedsmen. 
 
 The premises were afterwards purchased by Messrs A. & J. 
 Mouat, drapers, who opened the shops right through, and 
 carried on business there for many years. The first floor was 
 let to the Stirling Subscription Reading-Room, and the top 
 flat to the Stirling Library. In 1873 the Council resolved to 
 occupy the building themselves, and the Reading-room was 
 converted into the Town Clerk's office, while the place occupied 
 by the Library was fitted up as the Council Chamber. 
 
 The statue of Wallace (for which the arched portico was 
 built in 1859) was executed by Mr Handyside Ritchie, and was 
 presented to the town by the late Mr William Drummond. 
 
 Names of Streets. 
 
 At the Town Council meeting on 20th November, 1843, Bailie 
 Rankin stated that there were two places in town that had no 
 names, namely, from the foot of King Street to the foot of 
 Friars Wynd, and from there to the foot of Queen Street. He 
 
158 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 also said there were two county gentlemen who took a deep 
 interest in the prosperity of the town — one of them, as was 
 well-known, being the instigator of the movement for the 
 thoroughfare being made. He would therefore submit that 
 the space from the foot of King Street to the Royal Hotel be 
 called Murray Street (after the grand-uncle of Colonel Murray 
 of Polmaise) ; and from the Royal Hotel to the foot of Queen 
 Street, Ramsay Street (after Mr Ramsay of Barnton) ; and 
 from the Royal Hotel down to Mr Henderson's buildings at the 
 top of Forth Place, be named Maxwell Street, after Mrs 
 Murray. This was agreed to, and it was also agreed to name 
 two places in Dumbarton Road Albert Place and Victoria Place 
 respectively, after the Prince Consort and Queen Victoria. 
 
 Drummond Place owes its name to the late Mr Peter Drum- 
 mond ; George Street, formed in 1876, was called after Provost 
 George Christie; and James Street commemorates Bailie 
 James Ronald, who built the first house in the street. 
 
 Orchard Place received its name in a very quiet way. James 
 Gentles, slater, had removed to a house there, but not being 
 pleased with its then name of " Dirten Tide," had a small 
 board painted with the words, " Orchard Place " (the district 
 having at one time been an orchard), which he affixed to a 
 house at the end of the street, and no one objecting, the name 
 was recognised by all. 
 
 Shops of Last Century. 
 
 Up till the end of last century the shops in the town used 
 to be long narrow arches or pends, frequently without a fire- 
 place in them. In these the shopkeepers sat from morning till 
 night waiting for customers. The reason for building the 
 under part of houses in the form of arches was to make them 
 more durable, and to render the under part, where the shops 
 were, more strong and proof against fire and nocturnal 
 depredations. 
 
MUNICIPAL. 159 
 
 Wolf Crag: The Burgh Arms. 
 
 During the reign of Donald V., near the end of the ninth 
 century, two Northumbrian princes, named Ostrict and Ella, 
 had acquired by conquest all south of the Forth from Stirling 
 and toward the eastern coasts. The town of Stirling was 
 under the rule of these Anglo-Saxons some twenty-eight years. 
 During this period the Danes, under their magical flag, the 
 " Black Raven," had visited Britain for pillage. Pursuing 
 their depredations to the north, each town inhabited by Anglo- 
 Saxons was as well guarded and watched as could be for the 
 approach of such reckless spoilers, and at the " South Port," 
 the south entry into Stirling, a sentinel was set. One night 
 fatigue had overcome the man on duty, and he fell asleep at 
 his post, but was awakened by the growl of a wolf, which had 
 left the woody wilds and climbed on a rock in the immediate 
 neighbourhood. He awoke in good time to perceive some of 
 the northern hordes on the approach, and timeously alarmed 
 the garrison, who speedily caused the invaders to retreat. The 
 incident of the cries of the wolf was regarded as a favourable 
 omen, and the crag received the name of " Wolf Crag." 
 
 Mottoes having been introduced into England by the Saxons, 
 the Northumbrian Anglo-Saxons adopted the design of the wolf 
 recumbent on a rock, as the armorial bearings of the town. In 
 an ancient seal belonging to the burgh, it is understood there 
 are seen seven stars set in the sky ; and the rock on which 
 reclines the wolf is strewn with branches of trees, apparently 
 indicative of the Druidical or Pagan idea of heaven superin- 
 tending the affairs of this part of " Sylvae Caledonia." — The 
 Reformers' Gazette, 27th May, 1854. 
 
 The Provost's Dress. 
 
 In contrast with the robe now worn on special occasions, it 
 may be of interest to know that the dress of the Provost in 
 olden times was a black gown, fastened under the chin, narrow 
 at the top, and gradually increasing in dimensions as it came 
 to the bottom ; he also wore bands like a clergyman. 
 
160 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 The Dean of Guild's Chain. 
 
 The present chain of office pertaining to the office of Dean 
 of Guild was first worn by Ebenezer Bow, the then Dean of 
 Guild (and who had his place of business near the head of King 
 Street), on the occasion of the visit of George IV. in 1822. 
 
 The Town Officers' Uniform or Livery. 
 
 On gala days and public occasions the Magistrates and Town 
 Council were preceded by fire formidable personages, four of 
 them town officers and the other the town drummer, attired 
 in their gaudy livery of scarlet, their heads adorned with cocked 
 hats, and bearing halberts, the brightness of which, however, 
 intimated that they had very little duty to perform except 
 that of show. 
 
 The frontispiece of this volume, while affording the reader 
 some conception of the picturesquely quaint character of the 
 dress worn by the town officers " at publick parades," does not 
 convey an adequate idea of its richness. In the " Burgh 
 Records," under date 20th July, 1607, an entry appears as 
 follows: — "Ordinis the thesaurare to provyde and furnes 
 George Crawfurde, drummare, and Johnne Forbes, pyper, ilk 
 ane of thame, with breikis and schankis of ryd stemmyng (a 
 woollen cloth) ; " and again, under date 2nd June, 1622, there 
 is the following : — " The counsell ordines the thesaurare to by 
 and furnes to the foure officiares and to the drummare and 
 pyper, ilk ane of thame, ane garment of rid Ingleshe kaser 
 (cashmere), viz., coit, breikis, and shankes, with whyte knett- 
 ingis, wrocht in guide fassoun." As early as 1520 there is a 
 record of the appointment of seriandis, or officers of the burgh, 
 but the above is the first occasion on which the livery is spoken 
 of, and it is incomplete in detail, no mention being made of 
 the shoes, hats, swords, or halberts. The furnishing of these, 
 however, is now and again referred to. On 10th May, 1647, 
 " It is statut and ordainit that everie gildbrother provyd ane 
 
MUNICIPAL. 161 
 
 halbert and have the same in his buithe, and those that wantis 
 bnithes to have it in thair houses, .... ilk persone under 
 the payne of fyve punds." On 17th August, 1663, "The 
 thesaurer is appoynted to send to Holland for twentie new 
 halbertis for the townes use ; " and on 1st April, 1738, " The 
 councill .... agree that the officers be furnished and 
 provided with new swords mounted with brass handles, to be 
 worn by them on all publick occasions in time comeing ; 
 . . . . and that the price of the whole four be six pound 
 starling." 
 
 The livery of the Guildry Officer is a green coat and vest, 
 green knee-breeches, white stockings, shoes with buckles, and 
 tall hat ; facings, yellow. That of the Trades Officer is similar 
 to the above, but dark blue, with red facings. 
 
 The Trades' " Blue Blanket." 
 
 The " Blue Blanket " of the Seven Incorporated Trades is 
 a banner about 2| yards square, and is made up of ribbons 
 and silk, eight inches broad, sewed together, of a dingy flesh- 
 colour and faded sky-blue, with a St. Andrew's Cross in white 
 silk from corner to corner. The upper edge is stretched on a 
 piece of wood, the ends of which are fixed to poles for carrying. 
 The Convener is provided with a sash of rich white silk, 2£ 
 yards long, having a fringe eight inches deep, and he wears 
 an ancient sword on great occasions. He walks under the 
 banner, the floating ends of which are held by ribbons, the 
 "Blanket" requiring four craftsmen to bear it aloft. The 
 tradition is that when Mary Queen of Scots granted the charter 
 of privilege, on 16th April, 1556, to the Stirling Trades, she 
 presented them with a banner made by herself and her maids 
 of honour. Having the banner unfurled at the Cross in 
 Broad Street was the signal for the Trades to fly to arms and 
 rally round the Convener, each burgess being required to bring 
 along with him two pecks of meal and a bag of onions for his 
 subsistence while his services were required. The " Blanket " 
 was kept in a strong oak box furnished with seven locks, each 
 deacon having a key, so that all had to be present before the 
 box could be opened. 
 L 
 
162 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 High Constables and Town Guard. 
 
 The Magistrates were assisted in the preservation of peace 
 and good order in the burgh by a regularly organised body, 
 called High Constables, who were governed by a captain, two 
 lieutenants, a treasurer, and a secretary, the whole (including 
 the office-bearers) numbering thirty-six, and acting voluntarily 
 — which they did to the letter — to a set of printed regulations 
 furnished by the Magistrates, under whose control they were 
 placed. They could be depended on to act promptly in any 
 case of emergency. Besides the Constables, eight of the in- 
 habitants mounted guard each night, following each other in 
 rotation until the duty had gone round the whole community. 
 A sergeant had command of the night guard, and had a regular 
 salary. The inhabitants performed this duty mostly by substi- 
 tutes, there being always parties ready to engage, although 
 the pay was only one shilling each night. They perambulated 
 the streets twice or thrice each night, and if an individual was 
 found who had been making " too free " with liquor, if peace- 
 able he was allowed to go, often on condition of his standing 
 a treat all round ; but if obstreperous, then the guard-house 
 was his domicile for the night. 
 
 The Town Guard and the Lady. 
 
 On one occasion the sergeant of the town guard was sur- 
 prised, while mustering his forces, by observing among them 
 a big stout personage, who was to all appearance a stranger, 
 at least to him, and on his asking for whom he attended, he 
 was told, "for myself." He then asked the name, when he 
 
 was utterly confounded on being told that she was Mrs D , 
 
 who lived in St. Mary's Wynd. She was dressed in a man's 
 topcoat and cap, and carried a formidable " rung," and as her 
 size and strength were superior to any there, she would have 
 been a great acquisition to his force. But as a female guardian 
 was not the rule, she was told so, and that she would require to 
 
MUNICIPAL. 163 
 
 provide a male substitute. To this, however, she made firm 
 refusal, and the sergeant had to go without one of his men 
 that night at least. 
 
 The Town Guard in an Awkward 
 Predicament. 
 
 The inhabitants of Broad Street were alarmed one night by 
 loud cries and signs of a commotion on the street. On windows 
 being opened, the " bold guard " were each seen lying on the 
 street and three or four men standing over them. It was 
 nothing more serious, however, than that a number of officers 
 from the Castle, who had been at a party in town, had got 
 " elevated," and for a " lark " attacked the guard and laid them 
 on their backs on the street. They knew, however, how to 
 mend matters, which they did to such extent that the guard 
 were on the lookout for some time after, so that the operation 
 might be repeated. 
 
 Walking the Marches. 
 
 On 18th March, 1611, it is minuted that the Council 
 " Statutes and apointes ane visitatione of the tounes merches 
 to be yeirlie on the Mononday nixt, and immediatelie following 
 the electioun and admissioun of the provost, baillies, and 
 counsall, and on the Mononday nixt efter the feist of Peashe, 
 yerlie." Forty-two years later the subject is again dealt with, 
 as appears under date 28th February, 1653 : — "The counsall hes 
 condiscendit that fra this tyme furthe the tounes mertche be 
 perambulat and gone threw yeirlie upoun the first Taysday of 
 Mertche and that they shall begin the morae, being the first 
 Taysday of Mertche this year, and for that end the baillies, 
 deane of gild and convenar, withe the haill counsall and sutche 
 old men and young men as salbe wairnit to attend thame are 
 to wait on the morne and meit together in the morning." 
 
 The place of meeting for the walkers has always been "The 
 Whins," but, like other ancient landmarks, "The Whins" have 
 long ago disappeared, and the name only remains. "The 
 
164 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 Whins " existed where the grounds of the West Free Church 
 and the Territorial School now are, at the lower end of Upper 
 Bridge Street. 
 
 Old Style of Celebrating the King's 
 Birthday. 
 
 On the occasion of the King's birthday, the members of the 
 Stirling Guildry, the Seven Incorporated Trades, and others 
 assembled in Broad Street, on the invitation of the Town Coun- 
 cil, for the purpose of drinking His Majesty's health. The 
 party formed three sides of a square in front of the Town 
 House, with a military band in the centre, and a firing party 
 from the Castle outside. The Magistrates and Council met 
 in the Council Chamber (now the Parochial Board-room), and 
 afterwards came down stairs to take part in the demonstration. 
 Glasses were served out, and a round of wine allowed for each 
 of the three toasts usually drunk, a feu-de-joie accompanying 
 the cheering. After the last toast the glasses were tossed up 
 in the air, that is, if not seized by some one in the outside 
 crowd, who thought it a pity to waste the crystal. The expense 
 of the entertainment was borne by the Common Good. The 
 custom was discontinued during the reign of William IV. 
 
 The Burgh Records contain several references to these birth- 
 day celebrations, of which the following may be cited as 
 examples : — 
 
 October 14th, 1685. — Item, to the officers for proclaimeing 
 the King's birthday, £2 8s. ; tuell load of coals for the bon- 
 fyres, £3 12s. ; for ane tarr barrell to the fyre, 12s. ; to the 
 drummer and pyper that day, £6 ; to Walter Dick for ringing 
 the bells, £1 4s. ; for 10 dusson beer glasses that day, £10 ; 
 to bailie Miller for wyne that day, £21 8s. ; to bailie Keir for 
 small whyte wyne, £6 16s. ; two dussone of pypes, 2s. 8d. ; 
 eight four unces shugar, 24s. ; 5£ unces tobacco, 9s. 2d. ; to 
 the men that served at the cross, £1 ; to the officers and toune 
 guaird, £3 12s. 
 
 29th July, 1708. — Approves of fyve pound fyve shillings 
 payed out by the treasurer for glasses throune up at the cross. 
 
MUNICIPAL. 165 
 
 19th July, 1715. — Approves of a particulare accompt of 
 publick spendings for the burgh in baillie Burd's, and of liquors 
 gott therefrom to the councill house and crosse upon the King's 
 birth day, from 22 March to 28 May both last inclusive, extend- 
 ing to 100 pound 7 shilling 10 pennies Scots. 
 
 Origin of the Ten o'clock Bell. 
 
 Feb. 6, 1612. — The brethrun of the Kirk aggreis and givis 
 thair full consent to the ordinance of the Councell, command- 
 ing that na persone be sein upone the gaites, nor drinkand in 
 tavernes, aill housis, nor in na uther housis at any time after 
 ten houris at evin ; at the quhilk hour ane bell is appointed to 
 be rung for advertaisment besyd uther advertaisments be the 
 knock and uther wayes. 
 
 Locking the Burgh Gates. 
 
 Of course it is not now known if the Long Causeway was so 
 much frequented in the evenings by the lads and lasses of the 
 burgh in 1603 as it certainly is by those of the present day, 
 but if so, they of the earlier date would require to take good 
 care that they did not allow themselves to be so much en- 
 grossed in one another as to become oblivious of the flight of 
 time, else they might find themselves in an awkward predica- 
 ment, as on 9th September, 1603, it is recorded that the Council 
 " Ordinis the brig porte to be locket nychtlie at ten houris, and 
 the keyes thairof to be brocht oulklie to ane bailyie." 
 
 The Friday Cattle Market. 
 
 Stirling, 11th March, 1794. 
 
 By Order of the Magistrates of the Burgh of Stirling. 
 
 These are to give notice that, in order to accommodate the 
 public, the Magistrates propose that a Weekly Market for 
 Black Cattle should be held on Friday, within the town of 
 Stirling, at the ordinary Market Place, betwixt John Graham's 
 
166 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 house and the Factory near the Bridge, commencing upon the 
 First Friday in April, and to continue in all time coming. 
 
 Proclamation on Sunday Observance. 
 
 By Order of the Provost and Magistrates of the Burgh, the 
 Sheriff, and Justices of the Peace of Stirlingshire. 
 
 Whereas, the open profanation of the Lord's Day, in the 
 town and immediate neighbourhood, is found to be much on 
 the increase, and has become a serious grievance in various 
 ways, chiefly through the culpable and very criminal neglect 
 of parents and masters allowing their children and servants, or 
 apprentices to profane the Sabbath in the streets and fields 
 in all directions, and by bathing in the river, with other sports 
 and amusements ; many others, more advanced in society, have 
 been in the practice of resorting to certain fruit gardens, in the 
 season, some drinking and rioting in a manner shocking to those 
 around them ; all indulging in the gross profanation of that 
 sacred day, to a degree quite unprecedented in this town and 
 neighbourhood. And the Magistrates, Sheriff, and Justices 
 being determined strictly to enforce the law against all 
 flagrant breaches of the Lord's Day, have ordered the Town 
 Officers, Sheriff Officers, and Constables of the county to appre- 
 hend, or duly report to the Procurator-Fiscal, all such daring 
 transgressors who may be found after this public intimation, 
 that they may be prosecuted with the utmost rigour. 
 
 The Magistrates, Sherili, and Justices therefore call upon 
 all classes to aid them in this important branch of their duty, 
 by repressing offenders as far as in their power, or duly report- 
 ing them, and to exert themselves in this matter, in which the 
 honour of God and the best interests of the community are so 
 deeply involved. 
 
 The Magistrates, Sheriff, and Justices do also command and 
 enjoin all inn-keepers and other retailers of liquors, to shut up 
 their houses during Divine service on the Lord's Day, and that 
 they shall not harbour idle and disorderly persons in any 
 manner of way ; otherwise their licenses will be taken from 
 them, and they will be otherwise punished as the law directs. 
 
 Given at Stirling, the fourth day of July, 1827 years. 
 
MILITARY. 167 
 
 Military. 
 
 "Here to-day, gone to-morrow." 
 
 eN the first flat of the house, 17 Baker Street, Mr Stir- 
 ling, watch and clockmaker, had his place of business. 
 Many clocks with his name on the dials are still to 
 be seen. His goods were displayed in the win- 
 dows, from one of which, on an iron rod, hung a large 
 model of a watch. One night this model disappeared, and no 
 trace of it could be got, though at the time it was supposed to 
 have been carried off by some workmen in one of the coach- 
 works. About a month after its disappearance, a large parcel 
 from the south was delivered to Mr Stirling, and on his opening 
 it he was agreeably surprised to find his lost model, newly done- 
 up in first-class style, and having the legend painted on the 
 dial— 
 
 " Here to-day, gone to-morrow." 
 
 A regiment quartered in the Castle had received " marching 
 orders," and on the night previous to leaving, some of the 
 officers had been out on "a lark," and, having unhooked the 
 watch, had taken it with them. Mr Stirling had it re-hung, 
 and for many a day it was a conspicuous object in the street. 
 The legend very fittingly describes the position of the soldier, 
 who, from the nature of his profession, is sometimes hastily 
 called upon to change his place of residence. 
 
 Before the advent of railways, the military, when moving 
 from place to place, went on foot, and it was a great event 
 with the youngsters when a change of regiments took place in 
 the Castle, or when one in passing through the town, remained 
 
168 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 over night, and the men were billeted on the inhabitants. Mr 
 Thomson (father of Mr James Thomson, watchmaker, Bow 
 Street) was for a long period billet-master, his house being 
 a couple of doors above the Industrial School entry, the stair 
 then entering from the street. On arrival, the regiment was 
 drawn up in line on the street, and each man received his billet, 
 and, although circumstances might be such in a household as 
 to render reception of the soldiers exceedingly inconvenient, 
 there was no appeal from the order issued, and provision had to 
 be made by the householder as suited him best. 
 
 75th (Stirlingshire) Regiment: 
 First Battalion Gordon Highlanders. 
 
 Frae auldest dates whilk stories tell, 
 The Gordons aye ha'e "borne the bell;" 
 "By Daud!" rang o'er ilk battle's yell, 
 And their blades aye foremost tae. 
 
 Fu' mony a foeman sair has rued 
 That ere he roused the Gordons' bluid, 
 Their mark on ilka Ian' is guid — 
 
 Langsyne, and aye will be. 
 
 — MTNTOSH. 
 
 The First Battalion of the Gordon Highlanders (the old 75th, 
 or Stirlingshire Regiment), which has a splendid record to its 
 credit, was raised in 1787, by Colonel Robert Abercromby of 
 Tullibody, Clackmannanshire, for service in the East Indies, 
 the men being chiefly drawn from the country districts of 
 Stirlingshire. It was embodied in Stirling in the following 
 year, and has thus been a corps of the British army for con- 
 siderably over one hundred years. The early career of the 
 75th was highly distinguished, although it did not take any 
 great part in the European wars waged by us during the early 
 years of the century. In the past, as in the present, India has 
 been the chief scene of its glorious achievements : there in its 
 early days it fought shoulder to shoulder with that famous 
 quartette, the 71st, 72nd, 73rd, and 74th. 
 
MILITARY. 169 
 
 In more recent times (1857) it formed part of Sir Colin Camp- 
 bell's force for the Relief of Lucknow. Its colours testify to its 
 Indian services, they bearing the words " India " (with the 
 Bengal tiger) " Seringapatam " (1799); also "Delhi" and 
 " Lucknow" for the Mutiny of 1857. During the Egyptian 
 War of 1882 the old 75th was strongly in evidence. At the 
 battle of Tel-el-Kebir it gave a good account of itself, as was 
 shown by its severe losses — some half-dozen being killed and 30 
 wounded. 
 
 In the Soudanese War, which followed the latter campaign, 
 it played a great part against the Dervish forces, and formed 
 part of the oblong square that relieved Tokar. At Tamai they 
 had a desperate struggle with the "Fuzzy Wuzzies " of the 
 Soudan, and greatly helped to save the British square. A 
 description of the scene is thus given in a stirring poem by one 
 of our minor Scottish poets : — 
 
 They say that Scotland's sons retired when through the smoke and 
 
 flame, 
 With sword and hideous yell the dusky demons came, 
 We do not say the u Sixty-Fifth" true British courage lack, 
 But they fell into confusion and bore the " Black Watch " back. 
 
 Yet steadily our sons retired before the rebel crew, 
 A frown was on each Scottish face, but what could brave men do ? 
 Tho' Scottish mountaineers can fight, and nobly know to die, 
 Still Caledonia's plaided host can never learn to fly. 
 
 But, ha ! the first brigade comes on, and brightly shines their steel, 
 The " Gordons" they are in the front, and soon the rebels reel ; 
 Like autumn leaves, full low the Soudanese are laid 
 By the gallant lads that proudly wear the green and yellow plaid. 
 
 Up till 1881 the 75th was largely composed of Englishmen, 
 due to its being frequently stationed in England, but since the 
 introduction of the territorial system in that year it has 
 assumed something like its national character. Speaking of 
 the territorial system brings to mind a little prank gone into 
 by the regiment in 1881. They were stationed in Malta when 
 the new system was introduced, and the event was commemor- 
 ated in the following curious manner. In the garden of one of 
 
170 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 the bastions, overlooking the quarantine harbour, was erected 
 an elaborate tombstone with this inscription : — 
 
 LXXV. 
 
 Erected by Major Vandeleur's Company of the 75th 
 (Stirlingshire) Regiment. Malta, 1881. 
 
 Here lies the fine old 75th, 
 
 But under God's protection, 
 They'll rise again, in kilt and hose, 
 
 A glorious resurrection. 
 
 For by the transformation power 
 
 Of our Parliamentary laws, 
 We go to bed the seventy-fifth's, 
 
 And rise the ninety-twa's. 
 
 The reverse bore the name of the Colour-Sergeant and four 
 Sergeants of the above company. As the tombstone must 
 have cost from £12 to £15, it is evident there was esprit de 
 corps enough to make the gallant company pay for its little 
 joke. 
 
 In conclusion we may mention that it is from the 2nd 
 Battalion that the name " Gordon Highlanders " is derived. 
 This gallant battalion was raised in 1794 by George, Marquis of 
 Huntly. The then Duchess of Gordon used to go about the 
 feeing 'markets of the North enlisting soldiers for the 92nd 
 (then the 100th), and it is said she used to offer the ploughmen 
 lads, along with the " shilling," the sweet bonus of a kiss. 
 
 His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales is honorary Colonel 
 of the 3rd Battalion, the Royal Aberdeenshire Militia. The 
 facings of the Gordons are yellow. 
 
 The Officers of the 75th erected a handsome granite cross in 
 the reserved portion of the Cemetery at Stirling, with the 
 following inscriptions : — 
 
 On the side facing the Esplanade — 
 
 India, Seringapatam, Delhi, Relief of Lucknow. The 75th 
 (Stirlingshire) Regiment, served with the army which besieged 
 
MILITARY. 171 
 
 and took the city of Delhi. It subsequently formed part of 
 the forces which relieved the Forts of Alghur and Agra, and 
 garrison of Lucknow. 
 
 a.d. 1857-8. 
 "Thine, O Lord, is the glory and the victory." 
 
 On the top of the pillar is the emblem of the regiment, 
 The Tiger. 
 
 And on the side facing the Cemetery — 
 
 In memory of Colonel R. D. Halifax ; Captains E. W. J. 
 Knox, A. Chancelor ; Lieutenants A. Harrison, J. R. J. Fitz- 
 gerald, C. R. Rivers, E. V. Briscoe, G. C. W. Faithful, W. 
 Crozier ; Surgeon J. Coghlan ; and 13 sergeants, 9 corporals, 3 
 drummers, and 216 private soldiers of the 75th (Stirlingshire) 
 Regiment, who fell during the Indian Mutiny, a.d. 1857-8. 
 
 Erected by the Officers of the Regiment 
 and by their old comrades. 
 
 Shield with crown on top, 75th and Stirlingshire in centre, 
 with thistles. 
 
 79th, or Cameron Highlanders. 
 
 The 79th (the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders) was also 
 embodied at Stirling. A letter was granted (dated 17th 
 August, 1793) to Alan Cameron, Esq of Erroch, in the county 
 of Inverness, for the purpose of raising a Highland regiment of 
 foot, to be numbered 79; and on the 30th January, 1794, the 
 full strength of 1000 was effected, and Cameron promoted to 
 the Lieutenant-Colonelcy of the corps. After receiving its 
 colours the Regiment marched from Stirling to Portpatrick, en 
 route for Belfast. On inspection before leaving there were on 
 the ground 30 sergeants, 20 drummers, 2 pipers, and 700 rank 
 and file. 
 
172 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 Declaration of War. 
 
 April 7th, 1854. 
 
 On Saturday morning, 7th April, 1854, Sheriff-Substitute Sir 
 John Hay having received orders from Government to declare 
 reprisals against Russia at the Cross of Stirling, the ceremony 
 accordingly took place at 2 o'clock. A short time before that 
 hour a large crowd assembled in Broad Street before the Court 
 House, amongst whom were many prominent citizens, with the 
 Sheriff, the Provost, Magistrates, and Council within the en- 
 closure. The town officers and the soldiers lined the stairs of 
 the Court House, and a number of flags were displayed near the 
 entrance. Precisely at 2 o'clock the procession, headed by the 
 Sheriff and Provost Sawers, left the Court House, preceded by 
 the band of the 82nd Regiment, and the town officers in their 
 antique and brilliant uniform, and bearing their halberts. The 
 procession halted at the site of the ancient cross, and a circle 
 being formed, with the soldiers keeping back the crowd, Sir 
 John Hay proceeded to read aloud the proclamation of war, 
 which had been already published in the newspapers. At the 
 commencement of the proceedings the whole of the gentlemen 
 forming the procession uncovered, remaining so till the con- 
 clusion of the reading. After the concluding words, " God 
 Save the Queen,' 7 a loud cheer broke from the assembled crowd, 
 prolonged and repeated, and answered by those who crowded 
 the windows of the Court House and the adjoining houses. The 
 band having played the National Anthem, the procession fell 
 into order, and, preceded by the band and officers, proceeded 
 to Port Street, where, on reaching the site of the ancient Burgh 
 Gate, the ceremony was again gone through amidst great 
 enthusiasm. 
 
 Fall of Sebastopol. 
 
 September, 1855. 
 
 As soon as intelligence of the Fall of Sebastopol reached the 
 town, the authorities ordered all the bells to be rung, and 
 
MILITARY. 173 
 
 nothing could exceed the excitement which prevailed. Busi- 
 ness, if not altogether suspended, was at least neglected or 
 forgotten, and people of all ages might be observed hurrying 
 to and fro, making inquiries and congratulating each other on 
 the success of the allied arms. As evening advanced numer- 
 ous coloured lights were burned in the middle of King Street, 
 and about 8 o'clock a bonfire was kindled, which, in presence 
 of an immense concourse of spectators, was kept burning till 
 11. Fuel was brought from all quarters of the town, several 
 carts being burned, but it is impossible to describe the various 
 wooden materials which were indiscriminately given to the 
 flames amid wild huzzas. The whole of a mason's shed in Port 
 Street was broken into fragments and carried to the fire by the 
 crowd, and part of the wooden paling surrounding " the Black 
 Boy " fountain at the end of Port Street was also taken for a 
 similar purpose. A reaping machine was only saved by its 
 weight from being sacrificed, and an attempt to carry a boat 
 up from the river was frustrated. Pigeon-houses seemed to be 
 in high favour with the mob, and were ruthlessly torn down. 
 Mr Archibald France, smith, gave cart-wheels, naves, and 
 every other stick that could be spared from his premises to 
 keep up the bonfire, while others took the pilfering from their 
 premises in the greatest good humour. Such a mass of 
 material, it may be readily imagined, occasioned a conflagration 
 which was observable for many miles around the town. Be- 
 tween 9 and 10 o'clock a cry of "off hats " was made, when 
 those who had the hardihood to keep their "tiles" on their 
 heads were speedily saved the trouble of uncovering, as hats 
 were knocked off in all directions by the crowd, and many a 
 valuable " castor " had the honour of celebrating by aid of the 
 flames the Fall of Sebastopol. 
 
 At 11 o'clock the authorities, thinking that every latitude 
 had been allowed for a display of loyalty, caused a hose to be 
 attached to one of the fire-plugs, and in a few minutes the fire 
 was extinguished, and the spectators retired to their homes. 
 
174 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 Peace of 1856. 
 
 On Monday, 29th March, 1856, at noon the public bells were, 
 by order of the Provost and Magistrates, set a-ringing, but 
 nothing could exceed the heartfelt rejoicing in the minds of 
 many, whilst the pealing of the bells announced, as far as the 
 loud-tongued messengers could reach, that, for the present at 
 least, " Wild war's deadly blast was blawn." Scarcely had the 
 sound of the bells — which had been ringing for half-an-hour — 
 ceased to vibrate in the ears of the inhabitants, than a tele- 
 graphic message was received by the military authorities in the 
 garrison, ordering a salvo of one hundred and one guns to 
 be fired from the Castle. The greatest promptitude was 
 evinced on receipt of this communication, and, exactly at 2 
 o'clock, the cannon commenced to roar forth their welcome of 
 "gentle peace." The bells were again set a-ringing, and con- 
 tinued for an hour. 
 
 Immediately on the order to the garrison becoming known, 
 the Magistrates, the Sheriff -Substitute (Sir John Hay, Bart.), 
 and a number of the principal inhabitants went up to the 
 Castle, where the Royal Standard having been hoisted, the 
 band of the Highland Borderers played " God Save the Queen," 
 amidst great enthusiasm. 
 
 At half -past 9 o'clock a number of the officers of the 42nd 
 Royal Highlanders, the Highland Borderers, the Berwickshire 
 Artillery, and other gentlemen, accompanied by a gay and 
 fashionable assemblage of ladies, met in the large hall of the 
 Golden Lion Hotel. Major Wilkinson of the 42nd (in the 
 absence of the commandant of the garrison, Colonel Maitland) 
 proposed the health of Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen, 
 which was received with great enthusiasm. The band of the 
 Highland Borderers and the pipers of the 42nd were in attend- 
 ance, and dancing was kept up with much spirit until an early 
 hour in the" morning. In the garrison the non-commissioned 
 officers and men had also private parties. 
 
 The public rejoicings were manifested in a manner not to be 
 mistaken, and in a way that will long be remembered by all 
 
MILITARY. 175 
 
 who witnessed the display. About 9 o'clock a bonfire was 
 kindled at the head of King Street, and from time to time 
 great quantities of timber continued to be heaped upon the 
 flames. Nor were the parties who brought the* fuel at all 
 scrupulous as to where it came from, or to whom it belonged. 
 A boat, newly repaired and painted, and belonging to Mr 
 James Sinclair, The Shore, was seized, and, without the least 
 compunction, consigned to the flames : in fact the depredators 
 threatened, and, indeed, attempted, to carry the unfortunate 
 watchman who had, as a matter of precaution, been placed in 
 charge of the boat, and offer him, along with it and its gear, 
 on the general altar which u the people had set up." 
 
 An attempt was made to get the people to adjourn to the 
 Valley, but without success. At all the entrances to the town 
 numbers of men might be seen carrying loads of timber on 
 wheelbarrows, or on their shoulders, and the palings surround- 
 ing " the Black Boy " fountain were again completely torn up 
 and given to the flames. Sign-boards and other insignia of 
 trade were torn down and pitched into the fire without any 
 consideration. As evening wore on the crowd grew more riot- 
 ous, throwing stones at the constables and others, when a 
 considerable force of the authorities assembled, and, with the 
 assistance of a hose, succeeded in extinguishing the fire, and 
 thus effectually putting a stop to the unruly demonstration. 
 
 Apprehended Fenian Disturbance 
 in Stirling. 
 
 Some parties, taking advantage of the Fenian disturbances 
 in other parts of the country, attempted to alarm the Stirling 
 public by spreading information to the effect that a large body 
 of Fenians were to assemble on a given day at the Sheriffmuir. 
 It appears a boy had found, near the Railway Station, a pocket- 
 book containing an American cent, two letters, and address 
 cards of several hotels in America, and as both the letters con- 
 tained information as to an intended gathering on the Sheriff- 
 muir, they were at once handed to the Provost. The whole 
 
176 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 affair looked like a hoax, but the authorities appeared to think 
 differently, and policemen were put on the watch at Stirling 
 Bridge, the staff of the Stirlingshire Militia were placed under 
 arms, and the sentries at the Castle doubled. Whatever 
 amount of faith may have been placed in the story, there can 
 be no doubt it had just that air of probability about it which 
 will obtain ready credence from most people. It was well- 
 known that one night the year before, the county police 
 discovered a body of Irishmen going through some military 
 evolutions in the vicinity of the Raploch. The discovery gave 
 rise to considerable talk at the time, and the supposed Fenians 
 apparently got alarmed, as they did not again venture upon 
 training in the open fields. But whether or not the Fenians in 
 town had any bona-fide intention of imitating the " Chester 
 movement," it was quite certain that for the Militia Store — 
 with its six hundred stand of arms — to be left unguarded at 
 night was a great temptation. Nothing could have been 
 easier than for a body of Fenians — approaching from the Back 
 Walk, or coming through the pass of Ballangeich — to march 
 up to the store, batter in the door, arm themselves, and 
 decamp ere the military could be brought to the rescue. An 
 attack on the Castle was, of course, not at all to be appre- 
 hended, but considerable mischief might have been done if a 
 close watch had not been kept on the powder magazine. The 
 Militia staff were on duty for two nights, but no trace of a 
 Fenian was discovered. It was therefore concluded as all but 
 certain that the apprehended gathering on Sheriffmuir was a 
 hoax, the work of some scamp who thought it a great joke 
 needlessly to alarm the police and military authorities, and 
 oblige them to adopt measures for the public safety which 
 were not at all required. 
 
 The Volunteers. 
 
 On 23rd May, 1859, Provost Dick first brought before the 
 Town Council the notice for forming volunteer companies, and 
 on the 8th of July a public meeting was held in the Court 
 House for the purpose of enrolling members. After addresses 
 
MILITARY. 177 
 
 by Provost Dick, Robert Graham Moir, Esq. of Leckie ; James 
 Morrison, Esq. of Livilands ; Robert Campbell, Esq., writer; 
 and Robert Sconce, -Esq., Procurator-Fiscal, 47 names were 
 adhibited to the roll, and by August the number was increased 
 to between 70 and 80. 
 
 The drill-ground was the High School yard, and the first 
 officers of the company were R. G. Moir, Captain ; Robert 
 Sconce, Lieut. ; and Alex. Wilson, jun., Bannockburn, Ensign. 
 Some prospects were held out that the company would have 
 the honour of being among those who would act as Guard of 
 Honour to Her Majesty at the opening of the Glasgow Water- 
 works at Loch Katrine, but something came in the way to 
 prevent their taking part in the ceremony. They were, how- 
 ever, along with the Artisan Company — which had in the 
 meantime been formed — present at the Review in the Queen's 
 Park, Edinburgh, in 1860. A Highland Company was after- 
 wards formed, but after many vicissitudes, it was amalgamated 
 with the 2nd, or Artisan Company. 
 
 An Artillery Corps, which has always been a success in Stir- 
 ling, was formed later, of which the late Provost Murrie was 
 captain. 
 
 The Volunteer movement becoming popular so rapidly, not 
 a few of the youth of Stirling became imbued with a martial 
 spirit, and this, fanned no doubt to some extent by the sight 
 of their seniors drilling in the quadrangle of the High School — 
 the janitor of which, Sergeant Anderson, was the first instruc- 
 tor — led speedily to the formation of the Stirling High School 
 Cadet Corps, who, in uniform — tunic and glengarry, and carry- 
 ing dummy rifles — took part, amongst the public bodies of 
 Stirling, in the procession at the laying of the foundation-stone 
 of the National Wallace Monument on 24th June, 1861. 
 
 The Douglas Room Fire. 
 
 Shortly after 11 o'clock on Sabbath night, 18th November, 
 
 1855, amidst a drizzling rain, smoke was seen rising from the 
 
 quarters in Stirling Castle occupied by the officers of the 90th 
 
 (Stirlingshire) Regiment of Militia. On the cause being dis- 
 
 M 
 
178 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 covered, -Sergeant-Major Veitch, of the 42nd Regiment, 
 ordered the bugler to sound the alarm, and in a short time 
 hundreds of men were on the spot, some of the Berwickshire 
 Artillery (then in the Castle) being the first to enter the burn- 
 ing building, but had no success in staying the progress of the 
 fire, the flames by this time lighting up the quadrangle. The 
 Castle engine was manned by willing hands, but the fire still 
 raged with fury, and it did not add to the comfort of those 
 present to know that within eight or ten yards of the burning 
 building the regimental gunpowder magazine was situated, 
 containing five or six barrels of gunpowder, while about fifty 
 or sixty yards off stood the principal magazine, containing some 
 eight hundred barrels. Fort-Major Peddie and Gunner Harmer 
 (who died some time after from the effect of injuries received) 
 who had charge of the gunpowder magazine, were speedily on 
 the spot, and unremitting in their exertions as to every pre- 
 caution against such a dreadful danger. 
 
 About half-past 12 the town engine also commenced to play 
 on the flames, one of the brigade, James Gentles, taking a 
 conspicuous part, and placing himself in positions of extreme 
 peril. Between 1 and 2 o'clock the fire was raging fiercely, and 
 spread rapidly to the contiguous apartments. About this time 
 Lieutenant Dawson, one of the officers of the Berwickshire 
 Artillery, ascended to the roof by a ladder, cut away some of 
 the connecting beams, and after coming down procured a relay 
 of men and used every exertion to save the Douglas Room. 
 For a long time the flames hovered around this ancient room, 
 so surrounded with historical associations, but, unfortunately, 
 it was completely burned. As the fire extended, holes were 
 broken in the roof, and water poured through to cool the 
 adjoining walls. It was intimated that a box of valuable 
 jewellery, the property of Ensign Boyd, of the Stirlingshire 
 Militia, was in one of the rooms, and a private of that regi- 
 ment, who was formerly a slater in Edinburgh, volunteered to 
 save the property. In the most daring manner he passed 
 through the smoke and flames to the spot indicated, and 
 succeeded in his purpose, his face, however, being scorched 
 during his progress. A large portion of the roof fell in about 
 3 o'clock, at which time the flames were seen for many miles 
 
MILITARY. 179 
 
 around, and at 5 the remaining portion fell. What was known 
 as the Governor's House — in all, some eighteen apartments — 
 was completely gutted, and was, in fact, a ruin. Ensign 
 Fowkes, who lost all his belongings, including a considerable 
 sum of money, was afterwards named " Guy Fowkes," as it 
 was said the fire had originated in his quarters, and some of 
 the other officers were in a similar plight. The mess plate of 
 the Stirlingshire Militia was fused and lost, and, besides the 
 building, one thousand pounds worth of private property was 
 destroyed. The fire was subdued about 8 o'clock on Monday 
 morning. , 
 
 A Brave Fellow. 
 
 In a preceding page, under the heading of " Some Orra 
 Folk," reference is made to "Tickler" Lyon, a member of a 
 family bearing one of the most ancient names to be found in 
 the parish registers of Stirling. There were two families of 
 them, known respectively as the " White " and the " Black " 
 Lyons. The latter have now died out, and the last male repre- 
 sentative of the " White " Lyons accompanied a draft to the 
 Crimea in 1854. A few months before he had enlisted in 
 the 42nd Royal Highlanders, and naturally wished to see some 
 service. He, therefore, requested to be allowed to join the 
 service company of his regiment, then before Sebastopol, but 
 on being reminded that he was only a recruit, and that his turn 
 would come by and bye, the pluck of the young " Tick " was 
 fairly roused, and vented itself in something like the following 
 address to his superiors — 
 
 "Sir, although only a recruit, I am an old soldier. The 
 1 White ' Lyons of Stirling have long been celebrated for 
 bravery in the field. One of my forefathers, along with seven 
 stalwart sons, joined the standard of the Earl of Mar in 1715, 
 and the old man was the only one of them that left the field of 
 Sheriff muir with his life. In 1745 the ' White ' Lyons took part 
 with ' Bonnie Prince Charlie ; ' one was caught and hanged in 
 Carlisle ; another was banished to the plantations ; some 
 suffered imprisonment and torture from festering wounds; 
 
180 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 while others escaped to their homes. A Lyon will never dis- 
 grace the colours of the Royal Highlanders. Please to put 
 cJown my name, sir, as I mean what I say." 
 
 His appeal, so well enforced, was irresistible : James got a 
 slap on the shoulder, and an approving look from both Ser- 
 geant-Major and Doctor, had the satisfaction of seeing his 
 name added to the number forming the draft, and was told to 
 go and make himself comfortable. 
 
 "The Roosh." 
 
 Many still alive will recollect " The Roosh," but few are 
 aware of how he became a soldier. Neilson, who was well- 
 known in Stirling, and belonged to the stable interest for some 
 time, when on a " spree," and reduced to an empty pocket, 
 made use of a ruse of his own, and offered to enlist. Her 
 Majesty's shilling was the Alladin's lamp for him, and his 
 height being just under the standard, an hour or two saw him 
 a free man again, the shilling being, as matter of course, 
 " melted." On one of these occasions the shilling was accepted 
 with great pleasure, but on his proceeding to the Orderly-room 
 for test of height with all the confidence of a man who knows 
 what he is about, bump came poor " Roosh's " head against the 
 arm which he used to pass under with all freedom. " Am I 
 growing yet ? " exclaimed the bewildered soldier, for such he 
 now was to all intents and purposes. " The Roosh " was a cute 
 fellow, but he had not taken into account the lowering of the 
 standard from 5 ft. 6 in. to 5 ft. 4 in. during the Crimean War. 
 
 Stirling Claims Garibaldi. 
 
 In 1859, Stirling was put forward as being the birth-place of 
 the Italian patriot, Garibaldi. A correspondent of the Glas- 
 gow "Bulletin" stated that James Anderson, a pensioner of 
 the 42nd, had informed him, while on an angling excursion on 
 the banks of the Allan, that " his grandfather, James Garrow, 
 was a shoemaker at the Auld Brig o' Stirling, who often 
 
MILITARY. 
 
 181 
 
 mended my shoes ; and his son, Bauldy, 'listed in our regiment, 
 and was present at many a hard battle alang wi' myseF. He 
 got a severe wound at Toulouse, and, under the care of a pretty 
 Italian girl, a servant to a noble family, got quite recovered of 
 the bullet, but not so easily of the wound made by her dark 
 eyes. They were married, and had one child. Ere I left 
 France he went, along with the family, to Italy. They could 
 never call him Garrow, but Garibaldi, and his son, I am certain, 
 is the present great commander." 
 
 Cfcfi + ttp 
 
 + 
 
 * 
 ^3- 
 
 ^e + 3^ 
 
182 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 Crime and Criminals. 
 
 C—<^ LTHOUGH Stirling is quite on a par with other 
 £-kI places, so far as petty misdemeanours are concerned, 
 1 \^ in the matter of serious crime we have every reason 
 ^^ ^ for congratulation, as for a long period no offence of 
 a grave character has called for the attention of the authorities, 
 or stirred the community. A glance at the " Stirling Burgh 
 Records " brings before the reader various offences and crimes, 
 and the punishments meted out to criminals ; but, although 
 like offences prevail to a greater or less extent at the present 
 day, the sentences imposed are by no means so severe as those 
 therein noted. For instance, we read of certain persons hav- 
 ing been " in amerciament of bloud and trublance ; " of another 
 (a woman, Marioun Ray) " amerciat for trubling of Agnes 
 Hendersoun, calland hir theiff, landlowpair, and that scho suld 
 lay the pynt stoup on hir chef tis ; ordanis for penitioun that 
 thair be maid ane standand gest furth fra the heid of the tol- 
 buitht, with ane pillie, ane tow and ane creile, and scho be put 
 in the creile and hyng thair during the will of the provest and 
 baillies ; " and " William Duchok, amerciat for trubling Merione 
 Aikman," is, among other things, adjudged " to drink wattir 
 xxiiij houris becaus he wes drunkin quhen he missaid hir." 
 Then we have accounts of " pykars," or thieves ; " resettars of 
 pykry ; " " common flyttars," " common lieris," booth-breakers, 
 " idle and sturdy e vagaboundis and common pykeris and evill 
 levaris," and amongst the punishments awarded are the follow- 
 ing, viz., for theft, to have their " lugis nalit to the trone;" 
 to " byrne hir cheek and banis hir the toun ; " to be " hangit 
 
CRIME AND CRIMINALS. 183 
 
 quhill he war deid ; " and, for a repetition of the offence, certain 
 criminals were " to be drownit without further accusatioun ; ? ' 
 and rogues and vagabonds were to be " scurgit through the 
 toune, and burnt on the shoulder, exiled and banisht this burgh 
 and libertie thairof for ever; and gif ever ony of the saidis 
 persouns be fund agane thairin to be hangit or drowned, but 
 assyse or dome of law." The following has been culled as an 
 example of what prevailed during the period spoken of as 
 
 "The Good Old Times." 
 
 Upon the twilt day of August, 1579, William Trumbell and 
 William Scot were hanged at the Cross of Stirling " for making 
 certain ballates, quhilkis were thocht liable to saw discord 
 amongis the nobilitie, and this was thocht ane new preparative, 
 seing none had been execut for the like before. Notwith- 
 standing quhearof in the shailing of the pepill from the 
 execution, there were ten or twelff inventive and despytful 
 letters fund in process, tending mickle to the dispraise of the 
 Erie of Mortum and his predecessouris." 
 
 Coming to a more recent period, we have an account of 
 
 The Last Public Whipping in Stirling. 
 
 Friday, the 2nd of July, 1830, was a day to be remembered 
 in the history of Stirling. The early part of the day was 
 occupied by the civic authorities in proclaiming His Gracious 
 Majesty King William IV. as the sovereign of these realms, and 
 the next duty was to see the sentence of law carried into effect 
 against two notable offenders, named M'Kenzie and Ord, who 
 had been convicted before the Sheriff-Depute of Stirlingshire, 
 for an atrocious assault, on the 28th November, 1829, on the 
 person of Alexander Baird, wright, Stirling ; and also cruelly 
 assaulting, on the 30th of the same month, William Ward, 
 Sergeant of the Town Guard. The Magistrates had taken the 
 precaution of swearing in a hundred special constables, in- 
 structing them to be present during the punishment of the 
 culprits, and to co-operate with the High Constables. 
 
184 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 At half-past 1 the High Constables met at the Court House 
 in Broad Street in obedience to the order of the Magistrates, 
 and on the roll being called by Captain Robertson, not one was 
 found absent. The special constables met in the same room, 
 when both parties moved into Broad Street, where they were 
 separated into four divisions, forming a hollow square. The 
 first division was under the care of the first lieutenant, Mr 
 Henderson ; the right of the treasurer, Mr Smith ; the left of 
 the secretary, Mr George Mouat;and the rear of the second 
 lieutenant, Mr James Drummond. Captain Robertson took 
 his station in the centre, and ably superintended the move- 
 ments of the whole body. At 2 o'clock the criminals were 
 brought from the jail, and attached to a cart within the square 
 formed by the constables. The crowd in Broad Street was 
 estimated at between four and five thousand people, who 
 pressed excessively on the authorities, but by the exertion of 
 the constables such a barrier was formed as completely pre- 
 vented any interruption to the sentence being carried out. 
 
 The prisoners were to receive thirty-six lashes each, the first 
 twelve in front of the Court House, which were duly inflicted ; 
 the procession then moved down Baker Street to the foot of 
 Bank Street, where the second punishment was served; it 
 then moved down to King Street, where, in front of the 
 Athenaeum, the remaining portion was inflicted, and the 
 criminals were returned to the jail by way of Spittal Street. 
 The Magistrates, Sheriff-Substitute, and other civil authorities 
 attended at the several stations to see that the sentence was 
 fully and properly carried into effect. On the return of the 
 constables and officials to the Court House, the Sheriff- 
 Substitute addressed Captain Robertson, complimenting that 
 gentleman and the entire body of constables in the warmest 
 terms for the excellent arrangements they had made in sup- 
 porting the public authorities on this and on every other 
 occasion when their services were required, and expressed a 
 hope that the determination they had shown to preserve the 
 peace of the burgh would have the effect of preventing such 
 outrages in the future. 
 
 The punishment did not seem to produce much effect upon 
 the minds of these young but hardened offenders, who, during 
 
CRIME AND CRIMINALS. 185 
 
 the whole proceedings, exhibited such a want of moral feeling 
 and sense of shame as could scarcely have been expected in such 
 youthful criminals. The spectators conducted themselves with 
 much propriety, showing no disposition to riot, and seeming to 
 regard the criminals with much astonishment. Such a punish- 
 ment had not been inflicted in Stirling for many years previous 
 to this time, and it is gratifying to be able to record that no 
 such punishment has since disgraced our local annals. 
 
 "Drumming Out" of Women. 
 
 One of the most remarkable sights ever witnessed in Stir- 
 ling was the " drumming out " of some loose women from the 
 town in the year 1848. Some days previously the Town 
 Officers were securing and having the women confined in the 
 guard-house (there were no police in Stirling in those days). 
 When all had been secured, the Provost, Magistrates, and High 
 Constables paraded in Broad Street, and were formed into 
 processional order, the Town Officers with their halberts going 
 first, then the Provost and Magistrates, and after them the 
 High Constables in open order, with the " fairies " (their aprons 
 over their heads, and weeping very bitterly) within their ranks. 
 After them came Isaac Spyron, the town drummer, who, when- 
 ever the procession started, began a long roll on his drum, 
 continued at intervals as they walked at dead march pace down 
 town to the beginning of Melville Terrace, where they were 
 ordered to " flit," but by the time the Magistrates had reached 
 Dalgleish Court, Baker Street, on their return, the mournful 
 maidens were leaping over the upturned earth where the work- 
 men were engaged in laying the water pipes, screaming and 
 laughing in the forefront. 
 
 A Magistrate in a Fix. 
 
 One morning in September, 1850, sometime about the " wee 
 short hour ayont the twal," Janet Richardson, better known 
 as "Milk Jenny," was apprehended, along with a male com- 
 
186 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 pardon, accused of disturbing the neighbours, and other out- 
 rageous conduct, and on being brought to the guard-house — a 
 feat of considerable difficulty, as Jenny was somewhat cantan- 
 kerous — she deposited a pledge of 5s. as a warrant that she 
 would appear in the hour of cause. The hour came and so did 
 Jenny ; the charge was fully substantiated, and she was 
 amerced in a fine of 10s., besides all expenses. With the 
 apparent intention of depositing the fine in the hands of the 
 sitting Magistrate (Bailie Steel), Jenny moved round the 
 wooden barricade of the dock, the officers present making room 
 for her most gallantly. A few moments, however, showed that 
 Jenny had other intentions than of paying the fine in the legal 
 coin of the realm : she had evidently adopted, with a slight 
 alteration, the remarkable expression of another heroine : — 
 
 " To-morrow for paying, to-day for revenge," 
 
 and ere any one could interfere, she flew at the bailie, as an 
 eye-witness expressed it, "just like a terrier at a badger." 
 Now began the row comical. The bailie, with all the calmness 
 which his critical situation permitted him to exercise, was hold- 
 ing his dog, which accompanied him to the bench, lest it might 
 inflict summary punishment on the Amazonian Jenny, who 
 was thus defying the law on its very throne ; and the officers 
 and other attendants of the Court endeavouring to subdue the 
 virago, a regular melee ensued, in which numerous bites, 
 scratches, both long and deep, and other minor wounds were 
 given and received. Numbers at last prevailed, and Janet, 
 with arms and legs securely strapped, was consigned to limbo, 
 to await her trial for assaulting a Magistrate, and showing so 
 " striking" contempt of court. 
 
 Execution of Baird and Hardie. 
 
 The carrying out of the sentence adjudged on these notable 
 men occasioned, as may well be imagined, no small amount of 
 interest, not only in Stirling, but throughout the greater part 
 of the country, as well on account of the attendant circum- 
 
CRIME AND CRIMINALS. 187 
 
 stances as of the crime with which they were charged. It is 
 recorded that from the period of their condemnation they were 
 almost daily attended (in Stirling Castle, where they were con- 
 fined) by the Rev. Mr Bruce, the Rev. Dr Wright, and Mr 
 Small of Stirling ; and by the Rev. Mr Heugh, Back o' Toun 
 Kirk. But such was the rapid advancement they had made 
 in the Christian life that some of those gentlemen acknow- 
 ledged they visited the prisoners rather to learn thai) 
 communicate instruction, rather to witness the triumph of 
 divine faith than to perform any extraneous service. 
 
 It was the wish of the prisoners to spend their last night on 
 earth in private prayer, but some of their relatives had ex- 
 pressed desire to spend the night along with them. This 
 request being complied with, the night was spent in reading 
 portions of the Scripture, in prayer, and conversation ; and so 
 cool and collected were the prisoners — nay, so" cheerful and 
 happy did they seem to be — that they were more like saints 
 made perfect in bliss than men about to undergo ignominious 
 death. Hardie desired to know from his relatives whether 
 they had prepared a strong coffin to take his body to Glasgow, 
 and even examined his winding-sheet, which he discovered they 
 had brought with them from Glasgow. 
 
 About 4 in the morning, the two men lay down in bed to- 
 gether, and slept soundly till 6. At that hour, agreeably to 
 their own request, they were awakened, washed and dressed 
 themselves, and engaged in singing the first four verses of the 
 51st Paraphrase ; Baird reading from the 15th chapter of 1st 
 Corinthians. He then engaged in an agony of prayer, the pur- 
 port of which was that the Almighty would strengthen their 
 faith, and stand by them at the approaching trying hour. 
 This was probably one of the most powerful, comprehensive, 
 and affecting prayers ever offered up. The reverend gentle- 
 men, who had now entered the cells and heard it, could not 
 repress their emotion nor subdue their tears. 
 
 At 1 o'clock (the execution being fixed for 2) they requested 
 to be allowed, as they passed to the scaffold, to take a glimpse 
 of those taken with them at Bonnymuir, and to bid them a last 
 farewell. This scene was touching in the extreme. Some 
 eighteen or twenty youths were grouped around the windows 
 
188 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 of their prison, and both Hardie and Baird addressed them in 
 most affectionate and endearing terms, assuring them that, 
 though suffering, they were not evil-doers ; and that the cause 
 for which they suffered would sooner or later prevail. After 
 this they were all permitted to embrace each other, and it was 
 with considerable difficulty that some of them were torn away 
 from that sad and solemn embrace. 
 
 Immediately after this Hardie and Baird were conducted to 
 the Castle gates, where the hurdle was in waiting to receive 
 them, and drive them to the place of execution in Broad Street, 
 which street, and all near it, was crowded to excess, the gallows 
 being surrounded by a body of military, consisting of the 13th 
 Regiment of Foot and a troop of the 7th Dragoon Guards, the 
 guns of Stirling Castle pointing almost directly down upon 
 them from the ancient ramparts. When the prisoners were 
 taken from the hurdle to mount the scaffold, they chanted 
 together the first four verses of the last Hymn. Hardie walked 
 nimbly to the scaffold; and looking up, exclaimed, "Hail, 
 messenger of eternal rest ! " Baird followed, and for a few 
 moments both knelt together in prayer. They then addressed 
 the assembled and excited multitude, greater by far than any 
 ever seen before at an execution in Stirling. Baird took 
 speech first in hand. These were his words, as he stood erect 
 upon the scaffold : — 
 
 " Friends and countrymen — I dare say you will expect me to 
 say something to you of the cause which has brought me here ; 
 but on that I do not mean to say much, only that what I have 
 hitherto done, and which has brought me here, was for the 
 cause of truth and justice. I declare I never gave my assent 
 to anything inconsistent with truth and justice. What I would 
 particularly direct your attention to is, to that God who is 
 Judge of all mankind, and of all human actions, and to Jesus 
 Christ, the Saviour of men. I have never hurt any one, I have 
 always led an innocent life, and as that is well-known to those 
 who know me, I shall say no more about it. I am not afraid of 
 the appearance of this scaffold, or of my own mangled body, 
 when I think of the innocent Jesus, whose own body was nailed 
 to the cross, and through whose merits I hope for forgiveness." 
 
CRIME AND CRIMINALS. 189 
 
 Hardie then stepped forward, and in the most dignified tone, 
 reciprocated the sentiments of his companion, Baird. He was 
 adding the following words in a commanding voice, amidst 
 breathless silence, " My dear friends — I declare before my God, 
 I believe I die a martyr in the cause of truth and justice," when 
 at these expressions a shout of applause was set up by the 
 vast excited multitude. The military instantly prepared as if 
 for action, the dragoons unsheathed and brandished their 
 swords; many of the audience screamed, and, struck with 
 terror, fled. The scaffold itself became almost a moving mass 
 of excitement. Hardie was interrupted in the middle of his 
 address. The Sheriff (Ronald Macdonald of Staffa) ran up to 
 him on the boards of the scaffold, and told him plainly that 
 he could no longer permit him to continue haranguing the 
 audience in that manner ; and if he persisted, that he (the 
 Sheriff) would instantly command the executioner to do his 
 duty. Hardie, on this, civilly bowed, and said, " My friends, 
 I hope none of you have been hurt by this exhibition. Please, 
 after it is over, go quietly home and read your Bibles, and 
 remember the fate of Hardie and Baird. ' He then kissed his 
 companion, Baird ; they shook each other by the hand, so far 
 as their bonds permitted them ; and, as they had previously 
 and mutually arranged between themselves, Hardie took now 
 the signal, a white cambric handkerchief, into his hands, and 
 drawing nearer, if possible, to the side of Baird, he uttered, in 
 a firm, calm voice, the words, " Oh death, where is thy sting P 
 Oh grave, where is thy victory?" and at the last expression, 
 dropped the signal. The bolt fell, and the last moving sight 
 of them was swinging together, and momentarily and convul- 
 sively attempting to catch each other again by the hands, but 
 in vain. After the lapse of half-an-hour, the executioner, in his 
 black domino, again appeared, and, with other aid, stretched 
 the bodies on the block, then, taking aim with his uplifted axe, 
 after several strokes severed their heads from their bodies ; 
 and, holding them up, mumbled out the words with consider- 
 able trepidation — " This is the head of a traitor ; this is the 
 head of another traitor," and then threw them from him to 
 the coffin underneath. The vast assembly shuddered and 
 groaned at this, and then began slowly to disperse. 
 
190 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 On 20th July, 1847, the remains of Hardie and Baird were 
 exhumed from their graves at Stirling, and carried to Sighthill 
 Cemetery, Glasgow. 
 
 "Shades of the slaughtered! shall the blood 
 Spilt on the block be ever dim? 
 Behold ! the blushing crimson flood 
 Hath called for vengeance unto Him ! 
 Your tears and agony and sighs 
 Have risen entreating to the skies ; 
 And lo ! your last exulting hymn, 
 In dying tones, 'mid tumult sung, 
 In Heaven's high palaces hath rung." 
 
 At a later period, an attack having been made on the memory 
 of General Graham, Lieut. -Governor of Stirling Castle, for 
 alleged cruelty to Hardie and Baird and the other prisoners, 
 and this attack indirectly including Major Peddie, the Fort- 
 Major, whose duty it was first to receive the prisoners and see 
 after their safety or supervision, much indignation was felt 
 at these accusations against General Graham, and the most 
 unwarrantable ones (by implication) against Major Peddie, be- 
 cause, amongst the last words of Hardie and Baird on the 
 scaffold, they desired the Sheriff attending their execution " to 
 express to General Graham and Major Peddie our sense of 
 gratitude for the humanity and attention which they have 
 always shown to us. ;; This led to the following interesting 
 letter from Major Peddie — 
 
 Stirling Castle, 8th March, 1859. 
 
 My Dear Sir,*— The perusal of your very graphic " Old 
 Reminiscences " has given me much gratification, and has quite 
 refreshed my recollection of the stirring events you so well 
 narrate. They will be new and surprising to the present 
 generation of Glasgow people. My present intrusion is caused 
 by your promise of giving an account of the conflict at Bonny- 
 muir; and to speak of the gallant and humane conduct of 
 Lieutenant Edward Hodgson, of the 10th Hussars, who com- 
 manded the party. Although he had seen Baird and others 
 deliberately aim and fire at himself, he cantered up to the wall. 
 Baird took a stone from the wall to dress his flint. The Lieu- 
 
CRIME AND CRIMINALS. 191 
 
 tenant had his horse killed under him as he leaped over, his 
 sergeant severely wounded, but he succeeded in capturing the 
 whole party. The only wound then inflicted was a severe 
 sabre cut on the frontal bone of a powerful man, Alexander 
 Hart. A lad, Alexander Johnston, escaped into a morass, and 
 fired his pistol as fast as ever he could load ; when the brave 
 and generous officer, Hodgson, perceived it, he shouted out to 
 his troops, " Save the life of that spirited young boy! " 
 
 In my former letter I alluded to the general bearing of Baird. 
 When he was brought into the Castle, he stepped from amongst 
 the other prisoners, and, addressing me, said, " Sir, if there is 
 to be any severity exercised towards us, let it be on me. I am 
 their leader, and have caused them being here. I hope that 
 I alone may suffer." He added, " They have not had much to 
 eat since they left Glasgow. I beg you will be kind enough 
 to order food for them." Throughout he never shrank from 
 the position he then assumed. I send you a copy of a song sent 
 me by Allan Murchie, one of the prisoners, of which he was not 
 a little vain, and which the respited prisoners sang with great 
 glee. 
 
 Thanking you for your former kindness, which I highly 
 appreciate, believe me, my dear sir, your faithfully, 
 
 W. PEDDIE. 
 
 To Peter M'Kenzie, Esq., Glasgow. 
 
 BONNYMUIR 
 
 (By One of the Condemned). 
 
 1 Although our lives were ventured fair 
 To free our friends from toil and care, 
 The British troops we dint to dare, 
 And wish'd them a' good mornin'. 
 
 It's with three cheers we welcom'd them 
 Upon the Muir or Bonny Plain, 
 It was our rights for them to gain 
 Caused us to fight that mornin'. 
 
192 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 With pikes and guns we did engage ; 
 With lion's courage did we rage — 
 For liberty or slavery's badge 
 Caus'd us to fight that mornin'. 
 
 But some of us did not stand true, 
 Which caus'd the troops them to pursue, 
 And still it makes us here to rue 
 That e'er we fought that mornin'. 
 
 But happy we a' ha'e been 
 Since ever that we left the Green, 
 Although strong prisons we ha'e seen 
 Since we fought that mornin'. 
 
 We're a' condemned for to dee, 
 And weel ye ken that's no' a lee, 
 Or banish' d far across the sea 
 For fightin' on that mornin'. 
 
 If mercy to us shall be shown 
 From Royal George's kingly crown, 
 We will receive't without a frown, 
 And sail the seas some mornin'. 
 
 Mercy to us has now been shown 
 From Royal George's noble crown, 
 And we're prepared, without a frown 
 To see South Wales some mornin'." 
 
 ALLAN MURCHIE, 
 
 Prisoner in Stirling Castle, 1820. 
 
 An Incident at the Trial of Baird and 
 Hardie. 
 
 At one important stage of the trial, Serjeant Hullock, in all 
 his fury against the prisoners, attempted to browbeat Francis 
 Jeffrey, the eloquent and high-minded counsel, who generously 
 undertook to lead the defence without fee or reward. Jeffrey 
 had objected to the appearance of Hullock in the case at all, 
 
CRIME AND CRIMINALS. 193 
 
 contending that as this was a Scottish case, no English barrister 
 had a right to conduct it. The Court, however, decided other- 
 wise, ruling that as Scottish counsel were heard at the bar of 
 the House of Lords, so Mr Jeffrey could be heard even in cases 
 of treason at York. Be that as it may, Hullock went on rather 
 defiantly against Jeffrey; and what will hardly be credited 
 now-a-days, the Lords Commissioners interdicted and pro- 
 hibited the press from printing any of the evidence, or any of 
 the speeches of counsel, till the whole of the trials were over, 
 and that under "the most severe punishment." Mr Serjeant 
 Hullock, at some stinging observation of Mr Jeffrey, lost com- 
 mand of his temper, and again replied insultingly. Jeffrey sat 
 down, knitting his brows, and called for note paper to be 
 brought to him instantly. Ronald Macdonald of Staff a and 
 Iona was at that moment sitting in Court. He was, in fact, 
 Sheriff of the county of Stirling, and then attending to his 
 official duties in that Court. He was a keen Tory, but had a 
 warm heart, and great regard for Jeffrey personally. His 
 Highland blood became aroused on behalf of Jeffrey at one part 
 of Hullock's assault ; so he quickly wrote, and threw across 
 the table of the bar to Jeffrey, a note to this effect — "Challenge 
 
 the ; I'll be your second, anywhere out of this county." 
 
 Jeffrey leaped across the table and grasped the hand of Staffa. 
 The Court in a moment saw what was going to take place : a 
 duel, undoubtedly, at the end of that awful trial. But the 
 Lord President interposed ; and Hullock was made to apologise 
 to Jeffrey, which he did with all the frankness of an English- 
 man. They became afterwards the warmest friends. 
 
 Execution of "Scatters." 
 
 Alexander Millar, " Scatters," a cooper to trade, but who 
 did not work, and was a determined poacher, was tried, con- 
 victed, and hanged in Broad Street, for the murder of William 
 Jarvie, Wester Shieldyard, Denny, on 2nd November, 1836. 
 The name " Scatters " was given him from the manner in 
 which he loaded his gun, so that the pellets spread in a greater 
 degree when the gun was fired. His agility was wonderful, 
 N 
 
194 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 and a wall was shown at Denny, about 7 feet high, which he 
 had been seen on one occasion to clear several times. On 
 another occasion, on urgent business, he accomplished a 
 journey from a part of Stirlingshire to Greenock, a distance of 
 47 miles, in the marvellously short space of eight hours, or 
 about six miles an hour. Millar's sole talk while lying under 
 sentence of death was about his running feats, and he men- 
 tioned to a gentleman who had called to see him, that if the 
 authorities would take him down to the Bridge, and give him 
 a couple of yards start, he would allow them to catch him if 
 they could. 
 
 He was 19^ years of age, but his callousness may be shown 
 by an incident which occurred. The joiner who was to make his 
 coffin desired to see him, and the governor of the jail, not wish- 
 ing to hurt the poor fellow's feelings, asked him to measure 
 a pane of glass that was broken in the window. " Oh," said 
 Millar, " there's no use for that way in bringing him in ; I 
 know what he wants; I will stretch myself out, and let him 
 measure me for my last garment." When asked if the joyous 
 shouting of a number of children attending a school in the 
 vicinity of the jail annoyed him, he answered, "No;" he liked 
 the sports of children, and wished he was like them, as all their 
 cares were fled when their food and play were secured. He was 
 hanged on 8th April, 1837. While Rev. Mr Leitch engaged in 
 prayer, Millar was observed to get his shoes unloosened, which 
 he kicked with great force into the street. An old woman in 
 Denny, whom he accused of being a witch, had, on one occasion, 
 told him that he would die with his shoes on, and he wished to 
 frustrate the prophecy. 
 
 Execution of Allan Mair. 
 
 Allan Mair, a white-haired old man, was well-known in the 
 county of Stirling. He had been brought up to farming, but 
 his temper became such that those who trespassed upon his 
 farm at once ran if they saw " the auld deil and his dug." He 
 wasted most of his means in raising trespass actions against 
 neighbours, but, poor and hated as he was, the parish granted 
 
CRIME AND CRIMINALS. 195 
 
 him a small allowance in the twilight of his life. Like most 
 bad men, Mair acted as a fiend towards his wife, who was a 
 doited auld body, at the time of this tale 85, while Mair was 
 84. He thrashed her almost daily, locking the door before he 
 started this work. 
 
 On Sunday, 14th May, 1843, the pair were residing at 
 Candie-End, Muiravonside, and Mair, after night had closed in, 
 began beating his wife, her cries being heard by neighbours, 
 who, as the cries died away to groans, whispered, " There's 
 dathe in the auld body's cup noo." Some one informed the 
 police, and the old man was apprehended. 
 
 On 19th September, the Circuit Court was held in Stirling. 
 On being asked by Lord Moncrieff — "Are you guilty or not 
 guilty?" Mair rose, and, with a shake in his voice, shouted — 
 " Ma lord, I'm — I'm no' guilty ; in f ac', I deny the name o't ! 
 It wasna me that did it, as true's Goad's in heeven! It was 
 Sandy Nimmo that cam' in at the bole and did it ! Noo, that's 
 as true as ye are there, ma lord!" 
 
 Evidence having been led at great length, showing the revolt- 
 ing cruelty of the wretch, one of the witnesses stating that the 
 fiend was never known to have spoken a kind word, the fore- 
 man of the jury said in a trembling voice — " Our unanimous 
 verdict is that the panel is guilty of murder as libelled." His 
 lordship then said — " Allan Mair, your case has been calmly 
 and deliberately considered before a jury of your country- 
 men " 
 
 " Ay, a fine set o' men !" 
 
 "What's that you say, sir?" 
 
 " Ay, I'm just saying that they are a fine set o' men!" 
 
 "The unanimous verdict," continued the judge, "they have 
 returned is that they find you guilty of the awful crime of 
 murder." 
 
 Sentence of death was then passed, the execution being fixed 
 for 4th October. The old man stamped his feet, glared at the 
 jury, and as he passed out a deep curse burst from his throat. 
 
 On the morning of his execution Mair, stiff, wearied, and 
 anxious, rose and dressed himself as best he could. He looked 
 up at the barred window, and as he saw some birds he groaned, 
 
196 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 " Oh, that thae birds could bear my soul aloft ! But I am 
 afraid it is to hell I am going!" 
 
 At that moment Rev. Mr Stark entered and asked how he 
 felt. 
 
 " Feel, sir ! I canna tell ye hoo I feel ! I canna think that 
 in twa 'oors' time I'll be lying on the braid o' my back a deid 
 man ! Oh, sir ! I suppose there's nae ither o't ? Eh ? Speak ! 
 Nae paurdon has come ?" 
 
 And as the minister shook his head tears ran down the 
 seamed face of the old man. 
 
 "Brother," said the minister, "try and improve the little 
 time you have in this world by accepting the words of Him 
 with whom pardon lies. Remember He has said, " Though 
 your sins be as scarlet, yet you shall be made whiter than the 
 snow.' " 
 
 V Ay ! ay ! but I'm ower black to be made white," and a look 
 of terror was in his face. 
 
 " No ! no ! There is no sin too heinous for our Heavenly 
 Father to forgive! Don't you acknowledge your transgres- 
 sion, brother?" 
 
 " I suppose sae ! I suppose sae ! Whit 'oor is't ?" he asked, 
 turning to the jailer. 
 
 " Half -past seven." 
 
 " Then the hangman will be here in a wee-ock ! Dae ye 
 think they'd let me speak on the scaffold ?" 
 
 " Would it be wise ?" asked the clergyman, sad of heart, for 
 he now began to think that his ministrations had been of little 
 avail. " brother ! remember it is death you have to 
 meet ! Remember that there is yet time at this last half -hour 
 to come to Him who can blot out all sin!" 
 
 "Ay! ay!" groaned the prisoner. "That's what the Guid 
 Buik says! Then — then — I'll try to think — I'm — I'm gaun to 
 heaven ; " and he cried like a child, between his sobs exclaiming 
 — u Oh whit an injustice ! Whit an injustice to a puir, white- 
 haired auld man!" 
 
 The cell door just then creaked, and the hangman stepped 
 in. 
 
 " Now, sir !" he said in a cold voice, " get up till I bind you !" 
 
 "Whit! whit!" gasped the old man, and he quaked with 
 
CRIME AND CRIMINALS. 197 
 
 terror as he looked up at the executioner. " Are ye come 
 already for me ?" 
 
 11 Yes, and the time is short ! Get up, please, and let me 
 bind you!" 
 
 The jailers lifted him up, but he could not stand. 
 
 " This is very awkward," said the hangman ; " how am I to 
 get him to the scaffold ?" 
 
 "Ay, that's the question," hissed the old man between his 
 chattering teeth. "Deil a fit will I walk to my dathe!" 
 
 " Then you'll be carried," said the executioner. Extra jailers 
 were summoned, and the old man was half carried to the Court 
 Room. The spectacle was most saddening. There the jailers 
 allowed the hoary-headed man to sit. The Rev. Mr Leitch, 
 who had joined the company, was almost bereft of speech, but, 
 mastering his excitement, gave out the two first stanzas of the 
 51st Psalm, and as he glanced at the prisoner before commenc- 
 ing to sing, his heart almost sank, for the old man's teeth were 
 set hard, and there was a look as black as a thunder cloud on 
 his face. "Oh let us sing these words!" burst from the 
 minister's throat, and turning away his head, he sang in a 
 quivering voice — 
 
 After Thy loving kindness, Lord, 
 
 Have mercy upon mo ; 
 For Thy compassions great, blot out 
 
 All mine iniquity. 
 
 Me cleanse from sin, and thoroughly wash 
 
 From mine iniquity ; 
 For my transgressions I confess, 
 
 My sin I ever see. 
 
 But the prisoner's lips were sealed. The executioner now 
 stepped forward, and said, "This is the last I'll bind you with," 
 and as the strap tightened, the old man cried, 
 
 "Augh, man, ye needna dae't sae ticht! I'm no' gaun to 
 offer ony reseestance! My only wish is that it was a' by." 
 
 For the first time he glared at the crowd, endeavoured to 
 rise, but could not, and from his lips there came a curse. Then 
 the hangman tried to slip white gloves on his hands, but Mair 
 hoarsely cried, "Naw! naw!" 
 
198 OLD STIRLING 
 
 An arm chair was procured, and the jailers carried him under 
 the drop. Just as the hangman was placing the noose round 
 his neck, Mair cried, 
 
 " Let me speak to the crood ! I've something to say to 
 them. People, wan an' a', listen to me! I caw upon the hale 
 company o' ye, great as it is, and mair especially those wha 
 cam' frae my ain parish, to listen to what I ha'e to say, as I've 
 no' been gien a single opportunity ever since I was grippit and 
 ludged in jile to prove that my innocence was as clear as the 
 
 noonday sun! The minister o' the parish invented lees 
 
 lees against me! He took them to the poopit, brocht them 
 into his examination, and even brocht them to my 
 cell efter I was condemned, and upbraided me wi' them! 
 The constable that took me wudna alloo me to bring awa' ony 
 papers frae my hoose which micht ha'e spoken in my favour. 
 The Fiscal and Sheriff in Fa'kirk prevented me frae proving my 
 innocence. They wudna alloo me to bring witnesses wha could 
 easily ha'e cleared me frae the crime wi' which I am unjustly 
 charged, and as unjustly condemned. They wudna even alloo 
 me to write a bit letter to thae witnesses, and I declare that for 
 thae reasons I am quite certain that Goad frae heevin' will rain 
 doon fire and brimstane upon them and destroy them! For 
 that reason I apply a' that is contained in the hunner an' ninth 
 psalm against them. Thase Nimmos, thase folks wha leeved 
 in the east door, and were the richt guilty perties, foreswore 
 themsel's, and brocht me to the place I am now in, to be 
 punished as a murderer! Folks, yin an' a', mind I'm nae 
 murderer ! I ne'er committed murder, and I say it as a deein' 
 man wha is juist aboot to pass into the presence o' my Goad ! 
 I say again I was condemned by the lees o' the minister, by the 
 injustice o' a sheriff and fiscal, and by the perjury o' the wit- 
 nesses. I trust for their conduct that a' thase parties shall be 
 owertaen by the vengeance o' Goad, and sent into everlasting 
 damnation ! The witnesses wha spoke against me I curse them 
 a' wi' the curses in the hunner and ninth psalm. Each an' a' 
 o' them spoke against me wi' a lying tongue ! They compassed 
 me aboot wi' words o' hatred, and focht against me withoot a 
 cause ! They ha'e rewarded me evil for good. Set Thou a 
 wicked man ower them, and — Haud on a wee, hangman, till 
 
CRIME AND CRIMINALS. 199 
 
 I'm dune ! — and let Satan staun at their richt haun' ! Let 
 their days be few ; let their children be faitherless ; let their 
 
 weans be continually vagabonds and " 
 
 The surging crowd became indignant, and out of angry 
 throats came the shouts — "Dispatch him! Awa' wi' him! 
 Oot o' the world wi' him!" and the officials, fearing delay 
 would be dangerous, nodded to the hangman to do his duty. 
 He drew the white cap over the culprit's face, and as it passed 
 his mouth the people standing by heard the words — " Let them 
 be clothed in shame ! I curse them a', a', a'." The bolt was 
 drawn, Allan Mair was hanging by the neck. The open- 
 mouthed crowd were hoarse with cheering ; but the tumult 
 suddenly ceased. They were awe-struck. The hanged man 
 had raised his hand to the back of his neck. He had next 
 seized the rope and was trying to save himself. " Good God!" 
 cried the people, " he's burst his bands asunder, and means to 
 save himself!" The hangman drew away the man's hand, 
 pulled his legs, and amidst a guttural sound from his lips, and 
 a yell from the excited crowd, Allan Mair's head fell to the 
 side, and he was dead. 
 
200 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 Notable Events. 
 
 C—^ LTHOUGH Stirling has played a by no means un- 
 £-Kl important part so far as civic matters are concerned, 
 I \^ we do not propose to chronicle all such events, but 
 ^^ ^ content ourselves with recording the doings attend- 
 ant upon a few of the more prominent which took place half-a- 
 century or so ago, and which, on that account, are apt to be 
 forgotten. 
 
 The New Bridge. 
 
 The foundation-stone of the New Bridge was laid with much 
 pride, pomp, and circumstance, with all the usual parade and 
 formality of masonic honours, and amid the plaudits of thou- 
 sands of spectators, on the 8th September, 1831. The building 
 was executed by Mr Mathieson, from a design by Robert 
 Stevenson, Esq., civil engineer. 
 
 Queen's Coronation and Laying of 
 Foundation Stone of Corn Exchange. 
 
 On the 5th July, 1838, the coronation of Her Majesty Queen 
 Victoria was celebrated, a procession being formed at the 
 Esplanade, which started amidst a salvo of guns from the Castle 
 batteries. Proceeding through the principal streets of the 
 town to the Corn Exchange, the foundation-stone was laid by 
 Provost Galbraith, copies of "The Stirling Observer" and 
 
NOTABLE EVENTS. 201 
 
 " Stirling Journal," with the coins of the realm, being placed 
 in the cavity. Dinners took place — in Gibb's Inn, presided over 
 by Mr Chrystal, senior ; in the Royal Hotel, Mr Steel, Dean 
 of Guild, presiding ; the Royal Arch Masons dined in Stirling's 
 Coffee House, Bow Street ; the High Constables in the Eagle 
 Inn, Captain James Henderson, chairman, and Mr George 
 Mouat, croupier; and the Provost, Magistrates, and Town 
 Council in the Guild Hall. Bonfires were lit in Broad Street 
 and King Street. 
 
 The Queen's Visit in 1842. 
 
 13th September. 
 
 On the occasion of Her Majesty's first visit to Scotland, she 
 was accompanied by the Prince Consort, and it having been 
 arranged to include Stirling in the programme of visits on the 
 way south, every preparation was made to give the Royal 
 visitors a cordial welcome to the ancient abode of Her 
 Majesty's ancestors. Believing that a detailed account of the 
 events connected with Her Majesty's visit will be perused with 
 interest, we have here reproduced an abridged report of the 
 proceedings. At every place manifestations of loyalty were 
 abundant, and as the Royal party approached Stirling it was 
 seen that the demonstrations were as joyous as they had been 
 anywhere else. 
 
 , ENTERING STIRLINGSHIRE. 
 
 The inhabitants of Dunblane were not a whit behind their 
 neighbours in giving proofs of their loyalty and affection to- 
 wards their young Queen and her Consort. A flag was hoisted 
 on the top of the Cathedral spire ; a very handsome arch, 
 erected by Mr Stirling of Kippendavie, at the entrance to 
 Dunblane ; at the gateway of Holme Hill, the residence of 
 Mrs Moray, sen., of Abercairney, there was also a very tasteful 
 arch ; and at Anchorfield several banners were displayed. The 
 Cathedral bells commenced ringing from an early hour, and 
 
202 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 continued at intervals until Her Majesty had entered Stirling- 
 shire. 
 
 Along the road by Dunblane and Bridge of Allan, triumphal 
 arches, flags, &c, were to be seen at every conspicuous spot; 
 felled trees were planted opposite the doors of cottages, and 
 evergreens ornamented every door and window. There was 
 also an arch at St. Blane's Rood, at the entry to Kippenross. 
 The Royal party drove rapidly past the almost princely 
 residence of Keir, when, just at the spot where the splendid 
 scenery of this quarter first opens upon the view, another arch 
 had been erected with an appropriate inscription, and here Mr 
 Stirling of Keir, the lord of the manor, at the end of his beauti- 
 ful avenue, waited on horseback to receive Her Majesty. 
 Close by were drawn up the people connected with Deanston 
 Works, to the number of 1,500, almost every second person 
 carrying a small flag or coloured pennon, the females at one 
 end of the line and the males at the other, with the band of 
 the establishment in the centre. Passing these, at the march 
 of the counties of Perth and Stirling was the Sheriff of Perth- 
 shire, ready to confide Her Majesty to the care of the Sheriff 
 and Lieutenancy of Stirlingshire, who were there on horseback 
 to escort her onwards. Besides Mr Handyside, the Sheriff, 
 there were present — Mr Murray of Polmaise, Vice-Lieutenant ; 
 Sir Michael Bruce, Bart, of Stenhouse ; Sir Gilbert Stirling, 
 Bart, of Larbert ; Mr Forbes of Callendar, M.P. ; Mr John- 
 stone of Alva, Deputy-Lieutenants, in their uniform ; Mr A. 
 C. Maitiand, in the rich full dress of the Queen's Bodyguard; 
 Sir Henry Seton-Steuart, and many other gentlemen of the 
 county. 
 
 At Bridge of Allan there were three arches — one at Philp's 
 Inn, one at the Toll, and one at the Reading-Room, where was 
 suspended a gilded bee-hive, with a busy bee with gold body 
 and silver wings, and the motto, " How doth our good Queen 
 bee improve each shining hour." When the Royal party came 
 in sight of Airthrey, the seat of Lord Abercromby, Lord- 
 Lieutenant of the county, a small battery, which his lordship 
 had erected upon an eminence within his policy, gave intima- 
 tion to the longing myriads in Stirling of the approach of Her 
 Majesty and suite. At Airthrey Lodge there were two fine 
 
NOTABLE EVENTS. 203 
 
 arches, one of which, being composed of silver fir, and forty- 
 five feet high, had a particularly fine effect. Here Lord Aber- 
 cromby had placed himself to see Her Majesty pass, being 
 totally unfit for any active exertion. The party then rolled 
 quickly along by Causewayhead, and when near the Bridge the 
 cortege stopped and changed horses. At this spot a number 
 of carriages were collected, among the rest a large temporary 
 machine, erected upon carriage-wheels by Mr Henry Kinross, 
 coachmaker to Her Majesty, whose place of business not being 
 upon the line Her Majesty would follow in passing through 
 the town, devised this mode of testifying his loyalty. It was 
 a large structure, highly decorated with evergreens, and orna- 
 mented with a crown composed of dahlias and other flowers, 
 and capable of containing seventy people standing. 
 
 ARRIVAL IN STIRLING. 
 
 As the Queen appeared at the Bridge, a royal salute was fired 
 from the Castle guns, and by this time the horsemen in attend- 
 ance had increased to nearly 200. The Stirlingshire Yeomanry 
 Cavalry had, through their Colonel, Mr Murray of Polmaise, 
 tendered their services to aid in protecting Her Majesty's pro- 
 gress through the county ; and the Stirling Troop, all in plain 
 clothes, under command of Mr Smith of Deanston, lined and 
 patrolled the road from Keir. As the Royal carriage passed 
 each trooper fell in behind, and on the way from Causeway- 
 head about 50 gentlemen from Clackmannanshire, with the 
 Sheriff of that county at their head, joined in like manner 
 to do honour to their Queen. 
 
 At the Bridge a triumphal arch had been erected by the 
 Magistrates, surmounting the barrier at which the keys of the 
 burgh were to be presented. It was a massive and elegant 
 structure, principally composed of heather, evergreens, and 
 boughs of trees, the arch resting on a neat castellated turret 
 on either side, under which were respectively placed paintings 
 of Her Majesty and Prince Albert ; in the centre, the Royal 
 Arms of Scotland, with the word " Welcome " underneath ; 
 and on the summit a fine large floral crown, with a flag bearing 
 the arms of the town. Four neatly-dressed boys were stationed 
 
204 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 on various parts of the erection, who, as the Queen passed 
 underneath, amidst the plaudits of the multitude, waved 
 several small flags on which was inscribed the word " Wel- 
 come." On the outside of the arch were erected two plat- 
 forms. On the westmost one stood the Provost, Magistrates, 
 and Town Council, and behind them the clergymen of all 
 denominations, in their gowns and bands, and, next to these, 
 the burgh school-masters. On the opposite one was a bril- 
 liant galaxy of youth and beauty. At and within the arch were 
 stationed the Guildry, with the Dean at their head, and James 
 Lucas, Esq., bearing the standard. Each of the members 
 carried a small pennon. The Dean wore also the gold chain and 
 medal belonging to his office, and a very old ring, set with 
 precious stones, bearing the inscription : — " Yis for ye Diene 
 of ye Geild of Stirling." 
 
 Next to the Guildry were stationed the Seven Incorporated 
 Trades, headed by Mr William Grant, Deacon Convener, whilst 
 each of the Trades was presided over by its own Deacon, and 
 had its peculiar banner. Mr James Thomson also bore the 
 standard of the whole Trades, known by the name of the " Blue 
 Blanket." Each member also wore a rosette of blue and white, 
 the Corporation colours. The Deacon of the Weavers bore a 
 very curious and ancient spear, or halbert, given by Queen 
 Mary, and probably the only one remaining of the ancient 
 weapons received when they appear to have been remodelled 
 as a military corps. Immediately after the Trades, a very 
 large number of excisemen belonging to the Stirling collection, 
 under the command of Collector Halliburton and Supervisor 
 Milligan, took their station, to manifest their loyalty and 
 attachment to their Royal Mistress. 
 
 The Magistrates were seated in splendid equipages, em- 
 blazoned with the town's arms, the first carriage being 
 occupied by the Provost (George Galbraith, Esq.) and Bailie 
 Rankin; Mr William Galbraith, Town Clerk; and Mr James 
 Mathie, Chamberlain. They wore full Court dress, and it is 
 recorded that their appearance was very becoming and digni- 
 fied. The other Magistrates and Council occupied the remain- 
 ing carriages, and carried white wands. 
 
NOTABLE EVENTS. 205 
 
 PRESENTATION OF ADDRESS TO THE QUEEN. 
 
 On reaching the arch, by command of Her Majesty her 
 carriage stopped, whereupon the Provost stepped forward, and 
 addressed the Queen as follows : — 
 
 " May it please your Most Gracious Majesty, 
 
 "As Provost of Stirling, I beg leave to approach your 
 Majesty with sentiments of the most profound respect, and in 
 the name of the Magistrates and Town Council of your 
 Majesty's Royal Burgh of Stirling, together with the whole of 
 the inhabitants, to offer our most sincere and heartfelt wel- 
 come to this part of your Majesty's dominions in Scotland, 
 and to assure your Majesty of our devoted loyalty and attach- 
 ment to your Royal person and government. We hope your 
 Majesty has received pleasure and gratification in the short 
 tour you have made through this part of your hereditary 
 dominions of Scotland, and that at no very distant period you 
 will be graciously pleased again to visit this country, and favour 
 your Scottish subjects with another opportunity of testifying 
 their attachment and veneration to your Majesty's Royal 
 person and government. We sincerely pray that the Almighty 
 may long spare your precious life to reign and rule over this 
 nation." 
 
 PRESENTATION OF THE BURGH KEYS. 
 
 After the reading of the address, the Chamberlain handed 
 the Provost the town keys (being silver, of a very ancient and 
 curious form), borne upon a crimson velvet cushion, which the 
 latter presented to Her Majesty, and said, " And now give me 
 leave, with the most profound respect and devotion, to place 
 at your disposal the keys of your ancient and Royal Burgh of 
 Stirling." 
 
 Her Majesty graciously replied — " We are assured that they 
 cannot be in better hands, and it affords us much pleasure 
 again to return them to your keeping." 
 
206 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 PRESENTATION OF THE FREEDOM OF THE BURGH 
 TO PRINCE ALBERT 
 
 The Provost then, addressing himself to His Royal Highness 
 Prince Albert, said — 
 
 " May it please your Royal Highness, 
 
 " I beg most respectfully to address your Royal Highness in 
 the name of the Citizens, Town Council, and Magistrates of 
 Stirling, to offer our hearty welcome to your Royal Highness 
 to Scotland. We duly appreciate the condescension you have 
 manifested in accepting the Freedom of the Town, and we will 
 be delighted to reflect that your Royal Highness's name is 
 added to the roll of the Burgesses of Stirling. The many 
 virtues which adorn your character, and the very great amenity 
 of your manners, has endeared your Royal Highness to the 
 hearts of all Her Majesty's loving and loyal subjects. Permit 
 me, in the name of those whom I have the honour to represent, 
 to wish your Highness good health and every happiness that 
 this world can afford. And now allow me to place in your 
 hands a box containing the Freedom of the Royal Burgh of 
 Stirling." 
 
 His Royal Highness was pleased to reply — 
 " My Lord Provost, 
 
 " I am very proud of the honour you have now conferred upon 
 me, and request you will present to the Magistrates and Town 
 Council my best thanks for this mark of their esteem." 
 
 The burgess ticket presented to Prince Albert was enclosed in 
 a silver box, which was placed within another box formed of a 
 portion of oak wood from the house of the celebrated George 
 Buchanan, in Mar Place, Stirling. 
 
 A PERSONAL INCIDENT. 
 
 This part of the ceremony having been finished, the Provost 
 again turned to the Queen, and said — " Permit me one word of 
 your Majesty. I had the honour to serve for twenty-four 
 years under your Majesty's lamented father, his late Royal 
 
NOTABLE EVENTS. 207 
 
 Highness, the Duke of Kent; and it gives me peculiar 
 pleasure that, as Provost of this Burgh, I should now have the 
 honour of receiving your Majesty, under the immediate com- 
 mand of whose revered father I served in Nova Scotia, and was 
 for thirteen years the Adjutant of his regiment, during the 
 whole of which time I had the honour to enjoy much of his 
 patronage, countenance, and favour." To this Her Majesty 
 replied that she was happy to find, as Provost of this Burgh, 
 one who had so long served under her revered father. 
 
 Immediately on the conclusion of this part of the ceremony, 
 the Royal cavalcade began to move. The carriages of the 
 Provost, Magistrates, and Council — preceded by the Newhouse 
 Band — advanced in front of Her Majesty, who was immediately 
 followed by the other Royal carriages. Behind the latter, the 
 members of the Guildry — with the Milton Band at their head 
 — advanced in procession. The Guildry was followed by the 
 Seven Incorporated Trades of the burgh, who fell into the 
 procession as it advanced into the town. After the Trades 
 came the Excisemen. 
 
 As the cavalcade approached the town, Her Majesty was 
 everywhere hailed with the most rapturous cheering, waving 
 of handkerchiefs, and every other demonstration of loyalty and 
 attachment. The route taken by the procession was along 
 the west end of Cowane Street, and up St. Mary's Wynd and 
 Broad Street to the Castle, and on emerging from St. Mary's 
 Wynd into Broad Street the scene was of the most gay and 
 animated description. Every window presented a group of 
 joyous faces, eagerly waiting for a glimpse of Royalty, and as 
 Her Majesty's carriage drove into the street, such a burst 
 of cheering broke forth as the walls of old Stirling had never 
 before heard. Her Majesty was obviously greatly delighted, 
 and acknowledged the huzzas and waving of handkerchiefs by 
 repeated bowing and smiling towards both sides of the street. 
 
 INSPECTION OF THE CASTLE. 
 
 On arrival at the Castle — the entrance to which was laid 
 with crimson cloth — the Royal party alighted, and were re- 
 ceived by Sir Archibald Christie, Deputy Governor, and saluted 
 
208 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 by a guard of honour of the 42nd Royal Highlanders, the pipers 
 striking up the Queen's Anthem. Her ■ Majesty having ac- 
 knowledged the salute, proceeded through Queen Anne's Gate, 
 which anciently formed the outer portal of the Castle. The 
 batteries had been laid with crimson cloth, in anticipation of 
 Her Majesty paying them a visit, but want of time precluded 
 her from inspecting these, and witnessing one of the finest 
 scenes in Britain. On reaching the upper square, the Parlia- 
 ment House and the Chapel Royal were pointed out. 
 
 At the Governor's house — the Douglas Room — there were in 
 attendance to receive Her Majesty and the Prince, Lady 
 Christie and the Misses Christie ; Colonel Tytler, Fort Major ; 
 Sir George Murray, colonel of the 42nd Royal Highlanders ; 
 Miss Murray ; Deputy Fort-Major Peddie ; the Countess of 
 Mar ; the Honourable Miss Abercromby ; the Honourable Mrs 
 Lefroy; Lady Seton Steuart, and the Misses Steuart. Her 
 Majesty descended to the Garden, and viewed the magnificent 
 scenery from the terrace, and had the various places of interest 
 pointed out to her. On the King's Knot being pointed out, 
 Her Majesty was graciously pleased to order that it should be 
 carefully preserved. Her Majesty and the Prince throughout 
 showed that they were well acquainted with the history of the 
 interesting spot they had visited. 
 
 THE "GUDEMAN O' BALLANGEICH." 
 
 After the party had partaken of cake and fruit, the Governor 
 directed Her Majesty's attention to an old chair with the in- 
 scription on white satin — " The identical chair on which James 
 V. sat when the following circumstance, narrated in the 
 Statistical Account, happened — Being once benighted when 
 out a-hunting, and separated from his attendants, he happened 
 to enter a cottage in the midst of a moor at the foot of the 
 Ochil Hills, near Alloa, where, unknown, he was kindly re- 
 ceived. In order to regale their unexpected guest, the gude- 
 man (i.e., landlord, farmer) desired the gudewife to fetch the 
 hen that roosted nearest the cock, which is always the plump- 
 est, for the stranger's supper. The King, highly pleased 
 with his night's lodgings and hospitable entertainment, told 
 
NOTABLE EVENTS. 209 
 
 mine host at parting, that he should be glad to return his 
 civility, and requested that the first time he came to Stirling 
 he would call at the Castle, and inquire for the Gudeman o' 
 Ballangeich. Donaldson, the landlord, did not fail to call on 
 the Gudeman o' Ballangeich, when his astonishment at finding 
 that the King had been his guest afforded no small amusement 
 to the merry monarch and his courtiers ; and to carry on the 
 pleasantry, he was thenceforth designated by James with the 
 title of King of the Moors, which name and designation have 
 descended from father to son ever since, and they have con- 
 tinued in possession of the identical spot, the property of Mr 
 Erskine (now Earl) of Mar, till very lately." Her Majesty 
 smiled to Sir Archibald, and bore off the printed cloth. 
 
 Her Majesty also entered the Chapel Royal, the scene of 
 the baptism of Prince Henry, eldest son of James VI., and 
 first Prince of Wales of the Stuart line, being received by the 
 Rev. Mr Watson, chaplain to the garrison, surrounded by most 
 of the clergymen of the town, among whom were the Rev. 
 Messrs Beith, Cupples, Stewart, Gilfillan, MacKray, Marshall, 
 Henderson, Steedman, and M'Kerrow, from Bridge of Teith. 
 Crossing the upper square, and entering the lower, the military 
 again saluted, Mr Abercromby, who carried the colours, lower- 
 ing them as Her Majesty passed, and at the drawbridge Her 
 Majesty took leave of the Governor. As Her Majesty was 
 about to start, Miss Christie, the Governor's daughter, pre- 
 sented her with a panoramic view of the scene, her own 
 pencilling. 
 
 The procession moved down town to the Burgh Gate in Port 
 Street, where a triumphal arch was erected, and here the 
 Magistrates took leave of Her Majesty. The Yeomanry of the 
 county were stationed on the outer side of the arch, ready to 
 escort her to the eastern boundary of the county, and Her 
 Majesty then set forward at a rapid pace. 
 
 THE DAYS FESTIVITIES. 
 
 The Magistrates and a number of townsmen returned to the 
 Town House, in Broad Street, where Her Majesty's health 
 was pledged. The company afterwards proceeded to the 
 O 
 
210 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 Bowling Green, where the Guildry and Trades were assembled, 
 and the same toasts were again proposed and responded to. 
 Immediately thereafter nearly 400 of the poor of the town 
 were entertained to refreshments in the Bowling Green, each 
 person being supplied with a pie, bread and cheese, and table- 
 beer, followed by a pint of strong ale. After dinner dancing 
 took place, kept up with much spirit • then an ox, which W. R. 
 Ramsay, Esq. of Barnton, had presented, and which was being 
 roasted in the Valley, was ready to be served out, when each 
 received a portion, and returned to their homes. At 4 o'clock 
 a large party of the inhabitants sat down to dinner in the 
 Guild Hall — Provost Galbraith being in the chair, and W. R. 
 Ramsay. Esq. of Barnton, croupier. The Milton instrumental 
 band was present. In the evening a ball took place in the 
 Corn Exchange. 
 
 THE STIRLING WEAVER AND SIR ROBERT PEEL. 
 AN INCIDENT OF THE QUEEN'S VISIT. 
 
 During Her Majesty's progress down Baker Street the crowd 
 was very great, and the respect of the people for their Queen, 
 or the force of dragoons which accompanied Her Majesty's 
 carriage, could hardly prevent the dense living mass from being 
 impelled upon Her Majesty's coach. It was quite impossible, 
 however, to prevent some little obstruction to the carriages 
 which followed, and when the one containing Sir Robert Peel, 
 the Earl of Aberdeen, and two ladies, approached, the crowd 
 was driven upon it, and one man, to save himself from being 
 trodden down, laid his hands on the side. Upon this Sir 
 Robert, who was seated next the man, asked him what he 
 meant. The man told him the reason, showing him the 
 necessity ; " But," continued he, " as I am accidentally brought 
 into conversation with the Prime Minister, I beg to tell you, 
 Sir Robert, that if you do not repeal the Corn Laws, the work- 
 ing people, as well as the manufacturers of this country, will 
 be entirely ruined, as trade has fallen, and is still falling so 
 low, that nobody can live by it, in consequence of the high 
 price of provisions, caused by the Corn Laws, and also the 
 
NOTABLE EVENTS. 211 
 
 limited amount of foreign trade, resulting from the monopoly 
 in corn." 
 
 Sir Robert, hearing the man speaking so quietly, looked at 
 him, and said, "You seem a respectable man, and are well 
 clothed ; what are you ? " 
 
 "lama weaver," replied the man ; " and if I am well clothed, 
 it is the fruit of former savings ; but my pockets are now, and 
 have been for months, empty ; my meal-barrel at home is also 
 empty, as well as the cupboard; my house is also beginning 
 to get empty, and when that is finished, my good clothes must 
 follow ; and then, neither I nor many others will have a coat 
 to go to church or to honour the Queen when she appears 
 among us." 
 
 Sir Robert answered, " You should tell these things to Her 
 Majesty." 
 
 "No," said the man; "I have no access to the Queen, but 
 you have, and are, besides, Prime Minister, and I am telling 
 you, that if the Corn Laws are not totally repealed, you will 
 drive the country to such an extremity, as that neither you, 
 the Ministry, nor even the Queen, will be safe. If," con- 
 tinued he, rising in confidence as he got along, " you suspected, 
 Sir Robert, that any harm was intended you when I seized the 
 carriage, you are greatly mistaken. No, Sir Robert, the 
 people of Stirling will protect you much better than those 
 dragoons could do, and see you safely out of the town, without 
 hurting a hair of your head; but, remember, the Corn Laws 
 must be repealed, totally repealed, or the country will either 
 be ruined or rise in rebellion, or both. Good morning." 
 
 THE OMNIUM GATHERUM SOCIETY AND THE 
 QUEEN'S VISIT. 
 
 This ancient society, it may have been observed, did not 
 take part in welcoming Her Majesty, and the reason therefor 
 is found in the following extract from the minute-book of the 
 body, copied verbatim et literatim : — 
 
 Stirling, 9 September, 1842. 
 
 At a Meeting regularly warned, and held in the Trades hall 
 
212 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 for the purpose of taking the sense of the General body, as to 
 what steps should be taken to Compliment her Gracious 
 Majesty Queen Victoria, who is to pass from the North through 
 Stirling on her way back to Dalkeith Palace, thence to Lon- 
 don, along with her spouse Prince Albert. 
 
 Seven only having come to the Meeting ; after some discus- 
 sion we consider ourselves bound to testify in some way or 
 other, our sincere respect for Royalty, more especially that 
 Her Majesty has hitherto acted in a most liberal way, always 
 shewing a true and delicate sense of the dictates of Her high 
 station. It being not convenient for the body to walk in pro- 
 cession, they agree to meet in Hugh Fraser's house, and Drink 
 Her Majesty's health. The sum of one shilling for each mem- 
 ber to be taken from the funds of our end, and each member 
 to pay at least sixpence in addition, and whatsoever member 
 may attend, the same to be allowed by the Body, not to exceed 
 one pound. 
 
 God save the Queen. 
 
 WILLIAM MITCHELL, Deacon. 
 
 Forth and Clyde Railway. 
 
 On 12th January, 1854, the first sod of the Forth and Clyde 
 Junction Railway was cut by the Duke of Montrose. 
 
 The National Wallace Monument. 
 
 LAYING THE FOUNDATION-STONE. 
 
 On Monday, 24th June, 1861, Scotland at last made effort 
 to atone for neglect of the memory of the patriot, Sir William 
 Wallace, and if numbers and enthusiasm could make up in any 
 manner for that neglect, the effort proved a decided success, 
 for never had gathering so vast been seen in Stirling. From 
 early morning trains arrived from all parts, with municipal 
 bodies, Volunteers, and about 200 lodges of Masons, Odd- 
 
NOTABLE EVENTS. 213 
 
 fellows, Crispins, and others. 40 bands of music and pipers 
 innumerable discoursed martial and patriotic airs, " Scots Wha 
 Ha'e," "God Save the Queen," and the "Masons' Anthem" 
 being the favourites. Various estimates were made of the 
 numbers present, one being placed as high as one hundred 
 thousand, the procession itself extending fully two miles. Con- 
 spicuous in the line were 30 companies of Volunteers, repre- 
 senting as many regiments, and under command of Colonel 
 Griffiths, of the Scots Greys. The Commander-in-Chief had 
 granted permission for 400 soldiers being present, and 150 
 policemen were drafted to the district to preserve order and 
 prevent accidents on the top of Abbey Craig. 
 
 The bodies taking part in the procession assembled in the 
 King's Park, and moved off shortly after 1 o'clock, a signal-gun 
 being fired from the Castle, and the public bells ringing out 
 a merry peal. The line of route was crowded with spectators, 
 and at Causewayhead the assemblage was so dense as to make 
 the road impassable. The procession was headed by Lieut. - 
 General Sir James Maxwell Wallace, K.C.B., representative in 
 the male line of the Scottish hero, after whom came the Grand 
 Marshals, Captain Rochhead and Chief-Constable Meffen. 
 The various Artillery and Rifle Volunteers, Curling Clubs, 
 Gardeners' lodges, and Oddfellows' and St. Crispin lodges fol- 
 lowed ; and amongst the local bodies taking part were the 
 ancient Society of Omnium Gatherum ; the master and pupils 
 of Allan's and Cunningham's Mortifications ; the Stirling Cadet 
 Corps ; the Seven Incorporated Trades, with the " Blue 
 Blanket ; " the Convener Court ; the Guildry Officer carrying 
 the Stirling Jug ; the members of the Guildry ; the Town 
 Officials; the Town Chamberlain, bearing on a cushion the 
 silver keys of the burgh. The master-gunner of Dumbarton 
 Castle carried the sword of Sir William Wallace, and a servant 
 of the Earl of Elgin that of King Robert the Bruce. Another 
 sword of King Robert Bruce was sent by Sir James Walker 
 Drummond, Bart, of Hawthornden ; the sword of the Laird of 
 Lundin (supposed to have been used by him at the battle of 
 Stirling Bridge) was sent by Lady Willoughby d'Eresby ; and 
 the sword of the Black Douglas by William Campbell of Tullich- 
 ewan, whilst martial banners which had waved at Flodden, and 
 
214 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 numerous other memorials of many a bloody fray were to be 
 seen. The summit of the Craig was reached by the Grand 
 Master Mason and the Grand Lodge about 3 o'clock, and the 
 stone was then laid with the usual solemnities, the following 
 documents, in a crystal vase, being placed in the cavity of the 
 stone : — A copy of " Wallace, and His Times " (by James 
 Patterson) ; " Life of Wallace " (published by Murray & Son) ; 
 "Burns' Poetical Works" (Gall & Inglis) ; "Lady of the 
 Lake ; " "A Week at Bridge of Allan, &c. (by Dr Rogers) ; 
 " British and Masonic Calendar for 1861 " (compiled by Donald 
 Campbell, Esq.) ; " The National Wallace Monument — the Site 
 and the Design " (by Dr Rogers) ; inscriptions on vellum, with 
 list of Wallace Committee and Town Council of Stirling, list 
 of Grand Lodge ; circulars, programme, and poem on the 
 occasion of the ceremonial by Mr James Macfarlane, coins, 
 New Testament, and medal. 
 
 The Duke of Athole having completed the ceremonial, the 
 Union Jack was hoisted, and the booming of 21 guns from 
 Stirling Castle announced that the stone was laid. Then fol- 
 lowed a loud burst of triumph from the vast multitude which 
 environed the Craig and watched the proceedings. 
 
 The day's festivities were appropriately terminated with a 
 banquet in the Corn Exchange Hall. Sir Archibald Alison 
 presided, and the other speakers included Sir James Stuart 
 Menteith, Bart. ; Sir James Maxwell Wallace ; Colonel Archi- 
 bald Alison; Professor Blackie; Sheriff Glassford Bell; 
 Sheriff Tait ; and Mr Henry Inglis of Torsonce. 
 
 Hh* 
 
JACOBITICAL. 215 
 
 Jacobitical 
 
 TIRLING, from its position, has always, as is well 
 known, been regarded as of prime importance from a 
 strategical point of view, the records of the conflicts 
 which have been waged in its vicinity affording 
 abundant evidence of this fact. Mainly because of its position 
 in the centre of Scotland, and at the neck of land formed by 
 the Firth of Forth and the western hill country, all roads had 
 to converge in its neighbourhood, and it was long regarded as 
 the "Key to the Highlands." It was to effect the passage of 
 the Forth at Stirling that the Earl of Mar and the Jacobite 
 army advanced from Perth in the beginning of November, 
 1715, when they were met by the Royalists, under the com- 
 mand of the Duke of Argyle, at Sheriffmuir, and the famous 
 encounter took place which proved so disastrous to the 
 Jacobites, although both commanders claimed the victory, the 
 contention giving rise to the very clever ballad by the Rev. 
 Murdoch M'Lennan of Crathie, "The Race at Sheriffmuir," 
 which has it : — 
 
 " There's some say that we wan, 
 Some say that they wan, 
 Some say that nane wan at a', man : 
 
 But one thing I'm sure, 
 
 That at Sheriffmuir 
 A battle there was which I saw, man: 
 And we ran, and they ran, and they ran, and we ran, 
 And we ran, and they ran awa', man." 
 
216 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 An Incident of Sheriffmuir. 
 
 In 1852, Mr Alexander Wilson, shoemaker, Stirling, wrote 
 as follows : — " My grandfather, William Wilson, was born in 
 the farmhouse of Drumbrae, on the estate of Airthrey, at no 
 great distance from the field of Sheriffmuir. At the rebellion 
 of 1715, he was a lad of fifteen years of age, and learning that 
 the rebels under the Earl of Mar had met with the Royal 
 forces under the Duke of Argyle in the neighbourhood, on the 
 morning of Sunday, the 12th November, whilst it was still 
 dusk, he went to the top of a neighbouring hill, named Glentye, 
 from which the whole of the moor was discernible, and on 
 which a number of country people were stationed, attracted to 
 the spot, like himself, by curiosity. Being at no great distance 
 from both armies, he could see them distinctly. The High- 
 landers, who observed no regular order, he compared to a 
 large, dark, formless cloud, forming a striking contrast to the 
 regular lines and disciplined appearance of the Royal army. 
 After observing them for some space of time, an orderly 
 dragoon, sent by the Duke of Argyle, rode to the spot where 
 the spectators stood, warning them to remove from the posi- 
 tion, in which they were in as great danger as the combatants 
 themselves. My grandfather accordingly returned home, 
 listening with awe to the sharp report of musketry, intermixed 
 with the booming of cannon, which now informed him that the 
 battle had commenced. He had not been long in the house 
 when a dismounted dragoon made his appearance, requesting 
 to have his left wrist bandaged, so as to stop the blood. The 
 hand had been cut off, and his horse killed under him, and he 
 was on his way to Stirling to seek surgical aid. WTiile his 
 wishes were being complied with, he occupied himself in taking 
 some refreshments, till one of the farm servants came in and 
 warned him that four armed Highlanders were coming down 
 the hill in the direction of the house. The soldier, who had no 
 doubt been taught in the Marlborough school, and served 
 perhaps at Ramilies and Blenheim, immediately went out to 
 the front of the house, which concealed him from his enemies. 
 
JACOBITICAL. 217 
 
 Presently he heard by the footsteps that one was near, when he 
 instantly presented himself at the gable, and shot the foremost 
 Highlander with his carbine, then seeing that the others came 
 on in Indian file, with short distances between, he advanced to 
 meet them, dropping the second with a bullet from his pistol, 
 and cut down the third with his sword. The fourth, seeing the 
 fate of his comrades, took to flight. After this wholesale exe- 
 cution, the dragoon, with perfect coolness, returned to the 
 house, finished his repast tranquilly, said his thanks and adieus, 
 and went off in the direction of Stirling. The next morning 
 the country people were summoned to bury the dead. The 
 ground was thickly covered with cranreuch, and life still re- 
 mained in numbers of both armies, who begged earnestly for 
 water. But what struck my grandfather particularly, was 
 that the heads and bodies of a great many of the slain Royalists 
 were horribly mutilated by the claymores of the Highlanders ; 
 while on those of the Highlanders themselves nothing was 
 observed but the wound which caused their death. 
 
 The False Testimony. 
 
 James Stirling, of Keir, great-great-grandfather of the pre- 
 sent laird, married the eldest daughter of the fifth Lord 
 Blantyre. He was a Jacobite, compromised in the rising of 
 1715, yet, though said to have taken an active part in that 
 enterprise, when brought to trial it happened that the indict- 
 ment against him was limited to one point only, his appearance 
 at a certain treasonable meeting, which was, however, suffi- 
 cient to entail on him, if convicted, the full penalty for treason, 
 consequently his life and fortune depended upon one fact. If 
 he could prove an alibi, he was safe; but, otherwise, he was 
 sure to be condemned, with little hope of mercy. The princi- 
 pal evidence was that of an old and attached servant, who had 
 attended his master to the gathering, and who was an 
 extremely reluctant witness. Keir well knew that this man's 
 evidence would be conclusive against him, and so resigned 
 himself to his fate. But to his great surprise — only equalled 
 by the disappointment of the Judge-Advocate — the old servant, 
 
218 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 on being put on oath, solemnly swore that his master was not 
 at the Jacobite meeting, but was at the time in a place so far 
 distant that his presence there was quite impossible on the 
 day set forth in the indictment. The witness, questioned and 
 cross-questioned, maintained his statement with the most 
 unblushing effrontery, and told his story with such wonderful 
 consistency that nothing more could be said. Keir was 
 acquitted, and permitted to depart in peace for Perthshire. 
 When fairly on the road, with his faithful servant riding 
 behind him, he reined in his steed, and the following dialogue 
 took place between master and man : — 
 
 Keir — "I, no doubt, owe my life to your testimony, John; 
 but, Lord preserve me, how could you tell such an awful lie? 
 How could you forswear yourself in that barefaced manner? 
 You knew very well I was at that meeting, for you were riding 
 behind me, as you are doing this day." 
 
 John — " Weel do I ken that your honour was at the meeting, 
 and frankly do I confess that I did forswear myself ; but, then, 
 I thought it far safer for me to trust my soul to the mercy of 
 God than your honour's life in the hands of your enemies." 
 
 The Rising in '45. 
 
 Charlie is my darling, 
 My darling, my darling ; 
 Charlie is my darling, 
 The young Chevalier. 
 
 The Jacobite party had remained in a quiescent state previ- 
 ous to 1739, seeing no hope of their scheme being carried out, 
 but on the breaking out of war with Spain, a fitting oppor- 
 tunity was believed to have come for again striking a blow for 
 him they considered the rightful heir to the throne, thinking, 
 without doubt, France and Spain would lend their assistance. 
 
 By 1740 the partisans of the Stuarts had formed associations, 
 engaged to rise whenever assistance was sent from abroad, and 
 such having been agreed to by France in 1743, in February, 
 1744, a fleet, with an army of 15,000 men on board, was ready 
 
JACOBITICAL. 219 
 
 to sail. The British shores being comparatively unprotected, 
 the people were, in consequence, thrown into great alarm, but 
 a storm having arisen, which dispersed the fleet, all chance of 
 harm was avoided. Charles had, however, so great faith that 
 his appearance in Britain would at once rouse the enthusiasm 
 of the inhabitants, that he was with difficulty restrained from 
 setting sail in a fishing boat for Scotland. 
 
 Early in 1745 he made great exertions to induce the French 
 to espouse his cause, but without success ; and after many 
 repulses, a Mr Waters, a banker in Paris, advanced him 120,000 
 livres for the purpose of buying fusees, broadswords, gun- 
 powder, and other articles. A Nantes merchant also agreed 
 to take him to the coast of Scotland in a brig of 18 guns, which 
 he had fitted out to cruise against British trade. On the 22nd 
 of June (old style) the Prince embarked at St. Nazaire, at the 
 mouth of the Loire, on board the Doutelle, attended by seven 
 friends. The expedition sailed on the 2nd July, and, after 
 many adventures, cast anchor in Lochnanaugh on the 19th. 
 On the 25th he landed from the Doutelle at Borodale, belong- 
 ing to Clanranald, on the south side of the loch. From 
 Borodale he sent messengers to all the chiefs from whom he 
 expected assistance, Donald Cameron, younger of Lochiel, being 
 the first who came to him. He had been agent in the north of 
 Scotland for the exiled family, for which office he was well 
 qualified on account of his talents and the veneration in which 
 he was held by his countrymen. On the 11th August Charles 
 removed to the mansion-house of Kinlochmoidart, where he 
 was joined by a few of the other chiefs ; from thence, on the 
 18th, he went to Glenaladale, and afterwards, with twenty-five 
 persons, to Loch Shiel, near which he intended to raise his 
 standard. The Marquis of Tullibardine had the honour of 
 flinging to the breeze the standard, a large banner of red silk 
 with a white space in the centre. The Marquis then read a 
 couple of manifestos in the name of James VIII., and a com- 
 mission, in which James appointed his son Charles to be 
 Regent. 
 
 By this time Government had issued a proclamation, offering 
 £30,000 for Prince Charles, who, on learning this, offered a 
 like sum for the person of the Elector of Hanover. 
 
220 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 Sir John Cope, who had been appointed commander of the 
 Royal army, had, by the advice of the civil officers of the 
 Crown in Scotland, advanced to Stirling, where he rendez- 
 voused his raw troops, and from whence, after having received 
 permission at Edinburgh, he set out (on the very day Charles 
 raised his standard) for Stirling, to place himself at the head 
 of the troops. Leaving Stirling, he advanced by Crieff and 
 Amulree to Dalnacardoch, which he reached on the 25th, where 
 the difficulties of his campaign became more and more apparent 
 to him. His intention was to make for Fort Augustus, but he 
 found himself and his army intercepted by the insurgents, who 
 were marching to take possession of Corriearroch. Cope had 
 advanced to Dalwhinnie, about 20 miles distant from the 
 mountain, when he received intelligence of this, and on the 
 morning of the 27th August held a council of war, when it was 
 decided to turn aside and proceed to Inverness. 
 
 Charles, having thus got quit of the Royal army, made all 
 speed for the Lowlands, and on Friday, 13th September, 
 passed Doune on his way to the Ford of Frew, eight miles from 
 Stirling. An incident occurred near Doune which shewed 
 that he was, at least, elected sovereign of the ladies of 
 Scotland. 
 
 " Preein' " His Royal Highness' Mou\ 
 
 At the house of Mr Edmonstone of Cambuswallace, the 
 gentlewomen of the district of Menteith had assembled to see 
 him pass ; and he was invited to stop and partake of some 
 refreshment. He drew up before the house, and, without 
 alighting from his horse, drank a glass of wine to the health of 
 all the ladies present. The Misses Edmonstone, daughters of 
 the host, acted on this occasion as servitresses, glad to find an 
 opportunity of approaching a person for whom they enter- 
 tained so much reverence ; and when Charles had drunk his 
 wine and restored his glass to the plate which they held for 
 him, they begged, in respectful terms, the honour of kissing 
 his royal highness' hand. This honour he granted with his 
 usual grace, but Miss Clementina Edmonstone, cousin of the 
 
JACOBITICAL. 221 
 
 other young ladies, and then on a visit to Doune, thought she 
 might obtain a much more satisfactory taste of royalty, and 
 made bold to ask permission to " pree " his royal highness' 
 mou'. Charles did not at first understand the homely Scottish 
 phrase in which this request was made, but it was no sooner 
 explained to him than he took her in his arms and gave her a 
 hearty kiss, to the no small vexation, it is added, of the other 
 ladies, who had contented themselves with so much less liberal 
 a share of princely grace. 
 
 The Prince at Leckie House. 
 
 Aware that his progress would be opposed at the Bridge of 
 Stirling, Charles made his way to the Bridge of Frew, but, 
 before crossing, he sent intimation to the Laird of Leckie that 
 he expected to be with him next day. Leckie could have 
 dispensed with the royal patronage, but his loyalty keeping 
 him from refusing his hospitality, he despatched a note to the 
 Prince in the most fervid language of loyalty. The messenger 
 having been captured by some of Colonel Gardner's dragoons, 
 and the note read, George Moir, the Laird, was seized in the 
 middle of the night, conveyed to Stirling, and detained a 
 prisoner for two years. 
 
 The Prince having on Friday, 13th September, crossed at 
 "The Frew," arrived at Leckie House, where "Lady Betty," 
 the Laird's sister, apprised him of what had happened. The 
 best cheer the circumstances could command was, however, 
 provided, and dinner was partaken of. While engaged at the 
 hospitable board, a widow made her appearance in frantic des- 
 pair, appealing to Lady Betty concerning the gross injustice 
 and inhumanity done her by the stealing of some of her sheep. 
 She was a Widow Forrester, mother of six children, and tenant 
 in Beild, but was more familiarly known in the locality as 
 " Katie Paterson," that being her maiden name. The case was 
 a hard one, and Lady Betty laid it before the pseudo Regent. 
 Proverbial for his gallantry and his affability — for much of 
 which he was indebted to his continental education — he pro- 
 mised recompense afterwards. 
 
222 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 Young Lochiel, Chief of the Camerons, and Glencaimaig, of 
 the McGregors, hearing of the affair, the latter remarked, 
 "It'll be the Camerons." 
 
 " God forbid," said Lochiel ; "it's the M'Gregors." 
 
 "I'll wager one hundred guineas it's not the M'Gregors," 
 retorted Glencaimaig. 
 
 Upon this they left to ascertain, and as they ascended the 
 hill, loaded their pistols, vowing if they were Camerons, 
 Lochiel would shoot them ; if M'Gregors, Glencaimaig would. 
 As they passed onward they espied a Cameron with a woolly 
 burden on his shoulders. Lochiel fired, and shot him in the 
 left lung. He then addressed his retainers on the outrageous 
 proceeding of stealing from known friends, and gave warning 
 for the future. The wounded man was conducted as far as 
 Touch, when, getting faint from loss of blood, he was left, and 
 died the following day. 
 
 Mr Seton, the Laird of Touch, was then in a foreign clime, 
 though it was shrewdly guessed his feelings were more Jacobite 
 than otherwise ; still, as it was known he had made no com- 
 munication to his dependants, he was freed from the suspicion 
 of having taken hand in the rising. The wright, or house- 
 joiner, on the estate was an austere anti-Jacobite, and refused 
 to make the coffin for the dead man ; another joiner in the 
 neighbourhood, of the name of Mellis, whose principles were as 
 stern, but whose sympathy was more manly and humane, made 
 it, and superintended the interment. The body was deposited 
 near the bridge of Mill Burn, a little to the west of the mansion 
 house, and is still pointed out as "The Highlander's Grave." 
 When Mr Seton came home, among other things of review in 
 his absence, this circumstance was narrated to him ; he paid 
 off the unfeeling, demonstrative joiner, and inducted the more 
 compassionate man, whose descendants have now long been 
 associated with the district. 
 
 After leaving Leckie House the Highland army moved east- 
 wards, fetching a compass to avoid the guns of Stirling Castle, 
 and after passing over the field of Bannockburn, Charles spent 
 the night at Bannockburn House, the seat of Sir Hugh Pater- 
 son, a gentleman most enthusiastic in his cause. 
 
JACOBITICAL. 223 
 
 Stirling and the '45. 
 
 At the commencement of the rebellion the authorities of 
 Stirling were considerably exercised over the events which 
 were transpiring, the proclamation and arrival of King George, 
 and the alarm occasioned by the reports concerning the move- 
 ments of the Pretender. The Extracts from the " Burgh 
 Records " contain numerous entries which serve to prove that 
 Stirling was thoroughly loyal. At the time of the '45, how- 
 ever, doubt appears to have been pretty freely expressed 
 concerning the loyalty of the authorities, who surrendered the 
 town to the rebels, " the treachery of the Provost, and the 
 pusillanimity, disaffection, and cowardice of a few of the 
 inhabitants " being spoken of as the cause of the capitulation, 
 although the Magistrates and Town Council, immediately after 
 the publication of the report, adopted very elaborate measures 
 for fully explaining their position and actions. The 
 following is 
 
 Prince Charles' Summons for the 
 Surrender of the Town. 
 
 Charles, Prince of Wales, &c, Regent of Scotland, England, 
 France, and Ireland, and the Dominions thereunto 
 belonging. 
 
 "To the Provost, Magistrates, and Council of the town of 
 Stirling. 
 
 " Intending to take possession of our town of Stirling, we 
 hereby require and command you to give our forces peaceable 
 entry into and possession of the said town, and to receive us 
 as the representative of our Royal father, James the Eighth, 
 by the Grace of God King of Scotland, England, France, and 
 Ireland, and the Dominions thereunto belonging ; and as we 
 have a list of all the persons now in arms in the said town, 
 you are expressly required to deliver up to us all their arms, 
 
224 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 and likewise all cannon, arms, and military stores presently in 
 the said town ; assuring you hereby that if you refuse or delay 
 to receive us, or to deliver up the arms and military stores 
 aforesaid, and thereby oblige us to use that force which Pro- 
 vidence has put in our hands, after our discharging one cannon 
 against the said town, no articles of capitulation or protection 
 shall be given to any of the inhabitants for their persons, 
 goods, and effects ; and as the town is now blockaded on all 
 sides, if any person therein now in arms shall be apprehended 
 without the walls of the town, they shall be carried to 
 immediate execution. An answer to this is to be returned to 
 our quarters here by 2 o'clock afternoon this day. 
 
 "Given at Bannockburn, this sixth day of January, 1746. 
 
 "CHARLES, P.R." 
 
 This summons was received at 1 o'clock, and immediately 
 the Council and many of the inhabitants met, when it was 
 unanimously agreed to send two commissioners to ask time to 
 deliberate till next day at 10 o'clock, and this crave was acceded 
 to. " By far the greatest part of those present, and who are 
 known to be as zealously affected to his Majesty King George 
 as any in Brittain, gave it as their judgment that to continue 
 the defence of the place would be a dangerous and fruitless 
 attempt. . . . After long reasoning from the above 
 topicks the councill inclosed and aggreed to return the follow- 
 ing answer, — that as the message received was a summonds 
 of surrendry at discretion, the toun councill could not aggree 
 to any such surrendry, but that they would offer the following 
 terms : that there should be no demand made on the revenue 
 of the town, absolute safety to the inhabitants in their persons 
 and effects, particularly to those of them who had been in 
 arms, and that all arms, &c, in the town should be delivered 
 into the castle." This answer gave great displeasure, and 
 before the return of the deputies, at 8 o'clock at night, " the 
 rebells made 27 discharges of cannon from their battery on the 
 town. Next day the arms were conveyed into the castle by 
 nine in the morning, and the rebells entered the town about 
 three in the afternoon." General Blakeney, who held the 
 
JACOBITICAL. 225 
 
 Castle, on hearing what had been decided on, is said to have 
 sent to the Council the following message : — " Gentlemen, as 
 your Provost and Bailies think the town not worth their notice 
 to take care of, neither can I. I will take care of the castle." 
 General Blakeney being well provided with men and pro- 
 visions, the Castle was besieged. " By the 12th (January) the 
 rebels, having got all their cannon over the Forth, had broken 
 ground between the church at Stirling and a large house called 
 Mar's work, for erecting a battery there against the castle. 
 . . . . they discharged several platoons on the 26th, but 
 without doing any harm. But on the 27th they had two 
 batteries erected ; one at Gowan-hill, within forty yards of the 
 
 castle, and one at Lady's hill The battery at the 
 
 Gowan-hill was erected under cover of wool-packs. By the 
 fire from it the upper part of the walls of the castle was a little 
 
 damaged Upon the 1st of February the rebels 
 
 [after blowing up their powder magazine in St. Ninians church] 
 retreated precipitately from Stirling on the approach of the 
 
 King's army They forded the Forth at Frew, and 
 
 proceeded to Crieff The van of the King's army 
 
 entered Stirling on the 1st of February, as did the duke the 
 next day." 
 
 The advent of the rebels into the town occasioned not a little 
 trouble and annoyance to the inhabitants, by reason of plunder- 
 ing and other depredations, and the minutes and accounts for 
 the period bear evidence of considerable expense having been 
 caused. On 3rd May " The council having heard a petition 
 of Thomas Campbell craving reparation for some losses sus- 
 tained by him occassioned by the rebells being here, they allow 
 him thirty pound Scots on that account. Appoint their 
 treasurer to pay to John Hall, coalman, nine pound Scots for 
 his trouble and losses while the rebells were here." On 13th 
 September a claim for carts taken by the rebels was made, and 
 £30 was agreed to be given towards satisfying the losses ; and 
 on 2nd May, 1747, Andrew Johnstone, merchant and inn- 
 keeper, craved u allowance for the losses he sustained and 
 inconveniences he was put to," and " the council therefore 
 allow him thirty-six pound Scots on that account." 
 P 
 
226 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 St. Ninians and the Rebels. 
 
 The following has been taken from the minute-books of the 
 Parish of St. Ninians : — 
 
 1746. 
 It. Jan. 19 — No sermon, the Highlandmen being here. 
 It. Jan. 26 — No sermon, the Highlandmen being here. 
 
 St. Ninians, 13 February, 1746. 
 
 After prayer. Sedernt. — Min. and Elders. 
 
 Which day the Beddal was interrogate what of the Utensils 
 were left after the late burning of the church (which happn'd on 
 the first of the month of February, by the blowing up of the 
 Powder Magazine that was lodged in the church, belonging 
 to the rebel army, and by which the death of a considerable 
 number of the inhabitants and others was occasioned). Tho 
 Beddal replied, The Trams of the Litter were safe, as also the 
 mortcloths, saddle cloths and cloath of the Litter. They 
 ordered the Litter immediately to be repaired and a new Tent 
 to be made. The Beddal further represented that the 
 Highlandmen had earned off one of the mortcloths and the 
 pulpit cloth. 
 
 June 5th — The minister having gotten an order from the 
 Lord Justice Clerk to take up a List of all men within the 
 parish above sixteen who had not born arms in this unnatural 
 rebellion. The sessions appoint the Elders in their respective 
 quarters to bring in the Lists that the same may be transcribed 
 and transmitted to the Justice Clerk, and this to be done with 
 all expedition. 
 
 June 8 — An act of the Assembly was read enjoining a day of 
 solemn thanksgiving to be observed on the last Thursday of 
 June instant, being the 26th of that month, for the happy 
 deliverance from the late unnatural Rebellion. 
 
 It. June 26 — Collected by Henry Pow and James Aikman 
 being a thanksgiving day applied by the assembly for the 
 victory obtained over the Rebells at Culloden. 0006.07.00 
 
JACOBITICAL. 227 
 
 Blowing Up of St. Ninians Church. 
 
 The following extract is from the account-book of Prince 
 Charles : — 
 
 18 Jan., 1746 — Saturday — The Prince at Falkirk, whether he 
 ordered the corpses of Sir Robert Munro, of Colonel Whitney, 
 and some other officers belonging to Hawley's army, to be 
 brought and buried in the churchyard. 
 
 Jan. 22 — Wednesday at Bannockburn — 
 
 Paid for veal, £0 12 
 
 To hens, 34 at 8d., 12 8 
 
 To egges, 3 
 
 To a stone of common candles... 8 
 
 23— To Mr Don for wine, 17 
 
 To 39£ gall, ale, 3 6 
 
 To a boll of meal, 12 
 
 Feb. 1 — Saturday — The Prince and his army began their 
 retreat from Stirling, Bannockburn, &c. By an accident the 
 church of St. Ninians was blown up, there being a quantity of 
 powder lodged in it. Some country people and some High- 
 landers were killed by the blowing up of the church. 
 
 A Tradition of the '45. 
 
 Among the few tradesmen of Stirling who favoured the 
 Pretender was one John M'Ewen, more familiarly styled 
 " Jock," a shoemaker in Broad Street. So devoted was he that 
 he left his " lingles and his ellshins " to help his favourite, 
 and joined the Jacobites. As they journeyed southwards 
 " Jock " got tired of the campaign, and fearing that the cause 
 was not to be so very fortunate as he at one time imagined, 
 bade his " Pretendership " and followers good-bye on reaching 
 
228 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 Carlisle, and quietly pursued his way homewards, betaking 
 himself with " a calm sough " to his usual avocations. " Jock " 
 described some of the scenes he had witnessed to a few cronies 
 who gathered to listen to the scintillations of this son of St. 
 Crispin, and used to narrate with great emphasis any of the 
 victories of the " rebels," and dilate with seeming satisfaction 
 on the discomfiture of the Royalists, whether an individual or 
 regiment. He gloried in telling of the " reiving " propensities 
 of the Highlanders, and expatiated with merriment on the 
 occurrences which took place between these and plain country 
 wives when the contents of their "aumries" were laid under 
 contribution in order to satisfy the invading force. 
 
 Patiently listening to these narratives of rapine and injustice 
 sat his apprentice, William Morrison, a little boy not far in his 
 "teens," known as "little Willie." Willie's office was to keep 
 warm at the side of the fire "the blackin " which the "mas- 
 ters " put on their work when finishing it. One day, while so 
 engaged, his " master " had been recounting some direful pro- 
 ceedings with a levity that fairly frightened Willie, who got 
 quite dumfounded, and capsized the " blacking pot " into the 
 fire, ran out of the shop, and declared " he ne'er would s'er' out 
 his time wi' Jock M'Ewen." Young as he was, he had formed 
 an opinion concerning the Royalist over the Pretender's 
 claims, and the stories told by his " cork " had inspired him 
 with the idea that justice would never permit such a cause to 
 prosper. On no account could Willie be prevailed on to go 
 back to his employer. 
 
 It happened that about that time General Blakeney, Gover- 
 nor of the Castle, wished to send a dispatch to General Hawley, 
 who was in the neighbourhood of Falkirk, and Willie was 
 selected as being trustworthy. Getting the dispatch, he took 
 off his " chanel pumps " (a shoe whose inside lining was only 
 fixed at the heel, while the forepart was loose), deposited the 
 important document under the same, and trudged onwards to 
 Falkirk without fear of detection. In due time it was safely 
 delivered, and he returned with an answer. 
 
 "Willie" learned his craft under another master than 
 " Jock," and latterly commenced " cork " for himself, and 
 married a daughter of "Tarn Garland," the predecessor of 
 
JACOBITICAL. 229 
 
 "Jock Rankine," the "hangman." Garland was in office in 
 1745 and 1746. Willie Morrison had an only daughter, who 
 was familiarly known as Miss Morrison, " the mantuamaker," 
 a very respectable young lady, highly patronised by the elite 
 of Stirling. Her father was a little, particular sort of a body, 
 nicknamed "Beau Morrison," but a strictly honest man, who 
 used to boast that " he burned his ledger every Saturday 
 night," meaning by that that he was never in debt, and that 
 no one owed him anything at that time. His house was where 
 now stands the Star Hotel, at the foot of Baker Street. 
 
 As a proof of William Morrison's hatred of debt, it may be 
 best illustrated by his independent treatment of old Mr Glas 
 (father of Provost Glas, who died in 1814), who lived in that 
 building opposite the Bank of Scotland belonging to Provost 
 Forrest. One day Mr Glas' servant went across to William to 
 get a shoe repaired, the time being specified when it was to 
 be ready. Punctual to his word, the job was done, and the 
 servant, calling to get the shoe, asked the charge. "Twa 
 shillings " (twopence), says the cobbler. She " would bring it 
 ower the noo." "Na, na," says Willie; "it'll be as weel lying 
 aside me dry, as oot o' the hoose." The consequence was that 
 the maid had to get the "twa shillin's," and pay it before she 
 got the mended shoe. Old Mr Glas sometimes in his merry 
 moods used to relate the affair, alleging that he had no credit 
 for "twa shillings" with his ain door nei'bour, but could get 
 credit for £10,000 worth of wood from Memel " frae folks he 
 ne'er saw wi' his twa een, and without a grudge." 
 
 Mrs. Leckie : 
 A Stirling Story of the '45. 
 
 " Old times are changed, old manners gone : 
 A stranger fills the Stuarts' throne." 
 
 On the retreat of the Highland army to Stirling in 1746, 
 after the battle of Falkirk, a young French officer, named 
 Louvois, appeared there, said to have been attached to the 
 
230 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 engineering department of the rebel forces. He was not 
 alone, his companion being a tall, handsome young woman, 
 who might be from twenty-five to thirty years old. Indepen- 
 dently of being attired in the most fashionable mode, it was 
 easy to see that her features were of that delicate French cast 
 of which the Scotch and English cannot boast, and that her 
 manners were at once unconstrained and elegant. According 
 to the stranger's own statement, her mother was the favourite 
 waiting-maid of the celebrated Sarah Jennings, Duchess of 
 Marlborough, and her father a man of distinction, named Le 
 Croix, who held a high place on the personal staff of the re- 
 nowned Prince Eugene, commander-in-chief of the Austrian 
 armies, who gained brilliant victories side by side with 
 Marlborough. 
 
 At the time of which we speak the chief or only inn in Stir- 
 ling was the Coffee-House, situated in Bow Street, approached 
 by a narrow, dark close, and kept by a person of the name of 
 Hexboy. At the period of the Rebellion it formed the head- 
 quarters of Lord John Drummond and the principal officers in 
 the Pretender's army. 
 
 The attempt to take Stirling Castle by the rebels proving 
 abortive, they found it expedient to call a hasty muster-roll 
 and proceed northward. The friend of Mdlle. Le Croix had 
 also to depart, but for some reason he found it inconvenient to 
 take her with him. The friends did not meet again, the 
 gallant officer being with good reason supposed to have fallen 
 bravely at Culloden, and Mdlle. Le Croix was thus left in a 
 situation strangely yet simply romantic — poor and beautiful. 
 
 In this state of matters she resolved to remain in the house 
 of Hexboy, which she was the more induced to do in conse- 
 quence of her liberal education having included the art of 
 preparing, with singular delicacy, venison, pastry, and con- 
 fectionery, commodities then in great demand by the wealthy 
 and luxurious. At this her new employment she continued 
 for six or seven years, at the end of which period the death of 
 Hexboy took place, and the establishment was broken up. On 
 this event occurring, Mdlle. Le Croix found it necessary to 
 apply her cunning in the preparation of confectionery to the 
 purposes of support. She therefore opened a place of business 
 
JACOBITICAL. 231 
 
 in that house known as Fisher's Land, on the east side of 
 Baker Street — or, as it was then called, " Baxter's Wynd." 
 To realise the appearance of this shop, the reader will be 
 pleased to learn that at this time any shops which were in 
 " Baxter's Wynd " were little above the level of the street, 
 and were known by the name of " Vouts," or Vaults, to which 
 access was only obtained after a descent of seven or eight 
 rugged stone steps, at the manifest risk of getting a compound 
 fracture or mishap. In this place Mdlle. Le Croix settled down. 
 It contained within its walls, besides the front shop, a 
 " spence " or parlour, bedroom, and bakehouse. In no long 
 time this strange personage acquired a considerable trade in 
 Stirling, more especially as the preparation of the sweets she 
 vended was gone about in a much more recherche manner 
 than in general. But besides her town business, she acquired 
 the patronage of the county families, whose old lumbering 
 carriages were often to be seen standing at her door. These 
 had, however, a more important object than the mere pur- 
 chase of pastry. 
 
 Shortly after Mdlle. Le Croix began business her strong 
 Jacobite views became known, and at that time not a few 
 county men participated in these popular political predilec- 
 tions. Hence it became an almost daily occurrence to see the 
 carriages of the " gentry," as they were called, at the little 
 shop, and many a bluff old coachman looked down with an 
 exclamation of impatience at being too long detained, saying, 
 " What can keep his honour sae lang wi' the wife the day ? I'm 
 thinking there's something else gaun on than the eating o' 
 Queen's Breakfast" (a peculiar kind of French pastry). 
 
 Mdlle. Le Croix's political views placed her in a peculiar posi- 
 tion. The retainers and followers of the exiled House of 
 Stuart had many friends in blood and sentiment in this part of 
 the country, who were, of course, anxious to communicate with 
 each other on the subject which had their unqualified sympathy 
 — the Pretender's fortunes. They therefore easily induced 
 Mdlle. Le Croix to become the medium of communication by 
 receiving letters from disaffected persons, who called at her 
 shop very frequently in disguise. The shop was well suited for 
 visitors incognito, as during the day, from the smallness of the 
 
232 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 window, there was only sufficient light to allow a customer to 
 discern where he was, while in the evening the flickering light 
 of a single farthing candle rendered this somewhat doubtful. 
 It was said that on one occasion, while a little boy was in the 
 shop purchasing " Queen's Breakfast," a tall man dressed as a 
 beggar entered, and, after asking some charity, handed a letter 
 to Mdlle. Le Croix. He then addressed her in French or some 
 other foreign language, to which she replied fluently, but made 
 a movement indicating that some one was present. At this 
 moment the eye of the stranger fell upon the little boy, whom 
 he had not apparently previously observed. The discovery had 
 an instantaneous effect, for, without another word, the 
 stranger hurriedly disappeared. His disguise, however, was 
 not altogether complete, for the little fellow afterwards said 
 the man wore a " bricht " hoop ring on one of his fingers. 
 
 Shortly after commencing business Mdlle. Le Croix assumed 
 the Scotch name of Mrs Leckie. This, it is supposed, was in 
 order to lull the suspicions of Loyalists, who, though their 
 jealousy was less keen than heretofore, looked upon a Jacobite 
 with a feeling akin to distrust. She wore a black gown with 
 high " pocket holes," through which the skirts were drawn half 
 a yard on each side. She also wore on all occasions a large 
 black bonnet, or, as then called, a " cap," the size of which was 
 in marked contrast to modern millinery productions. One 
 particular feature in her dress was the necktie or cravat, very 
 generally worn by elderly ladies, and composed of pure white 
 muslin stiffened. Mrs Leckie always wore the cravat above 
 her chin, and even when near her very little more of the lower 
 part of her countenance could be seen than the mouth. When 
 she appeared abroad she wore high-heeled scarlet slippers, 
 which raised her nearly an inch off the ground. Her style of 
 walking was graceful, and even at eighty there was something 
 elastic and ballroom-like in her step. Indeed, there was a tone 
 of quiet dignity about her whole personality, rendered, if 
 possible, more imposing from the fact of her carrying a gold- 
 headed " staff " or cane, fully five feet high. She carried the 
 staff, not by the top, but rather nearer the centre, and from 
 her tall figure and deportment it seemed quite appropriate for 
 the wearer. We have said that in youth Mrs Leckie 's carriage 
 
JACOBITICAL. 233 
 
 was distinguished by elegant ease. Age came and wrinkles 
 claimed a place on the once smooth brow, but it did not alter 
 her lady-like demeanour, her courteous address, or her winning 
 smile. Young and old alike, irrespective of rank, approached 
 her with pleasure, and generally left her with regret. 
 
 In the latter end of her career, and when in an amiable 
 mood, she narrated many strange and interesting stories 
 illustrative of Jacobite doings , which none but a person 
 immediately concerned could have told. 
 
 During the last years of Mrs Leckie's life she numbered 
 amongst her more intimate friends and customers, Lady Kin- 
 loch of Moidart, an old Catholic personage who resided at the 
 Howff (in the Shore Road, now occupied by the site of the 
 railway bridge). The old lady, with her lovely daughter, Mrs 
 Macdonald, supported that rank which naturally belonged to 
 them, surounded by the infinite accessories of luxury. These 
 ladies were deeply interested in the fortunes of the Chevalier, 
 but not more so than another ancient dame, known as Lady 
 Glenbuckie, widow of Colonel John Roy Stewart. This re- 
 markable personage was, at the time we speak of her, old 
 enough to be called venerable. Her pride, her prejudices, her 
 hopes, were all centred in " Charlie,"' and to the latest period 
 of her life she dreamt of the restoration of the House of 
 Stuart. 
 
 Mrs Leckie, although holding a very different rank from 
 the ladies mentioned, possessed their confidence and friend- 
 ship, and on many occasions was invited to meet them at Lady 
 Kinloch's, where the subject of conversation was almost en- 
 tirely Jacobite topics. Besides these dames, Mr Macdonald, an 
 old Highland gentleman returned from America, and who 
 resided in Stirling, was generally a guest at Lady Kinloch's. 
 He was universally known as the " Papist," in consequence of 
 his being a Roman Catholic, of whom there would not then be 
 more than half-a-dozen in Stirling. At these convivial meet- 
 ings the health of " the King over the water" was drunk in 
 large glasses of cognac, as well as in a less potent beverage 
 called " orange water." When the loyalty of this hearty group 
 waxed warm, the " Papist," who, although verging on eighty, 
 was a hale old man, contributed to the happiness of the meet- 
 
234 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 ing by singing in real Highland fashion, " Although his back be 
 at the way and the air of the "Auld Stuarts back again," 
 which stood in the place of our " God Save the Queen." 
 
 In the summer of 1798 Mrs Leckie was seized with a linger- 
 ing sickness, which, after several months, terminated fatally. 
 Many kind friends were not awanting in this most trying period 
 of her life. These friends were not of her own class, for many 
 a lady in silk rustled down her narrow little stair, bringing 
 cordials and other tokens of esteem. Nor did some of the then 
 county ladies think their white hands soiled when they clasped 
 those of the venerable admirer of ''The Young Chevalier." 
 
 As we have seen, Mrs Leckie's early life was tinged with 
 romance, and, as if in conformity with her former existence, 
 romance followed her to the grave. She was interred in Stir- 
 ling Churchyard, her funeral being conducted under the 
 management of a wealthy physician in Stirling, whose father- 
 in-law lost his head at Carlisle for adherence to the house of 
 Stuart. The funeral procession was large, and included 
 almost every rank. It was remarked that the members of 
 most of the Jacobite families of the district were conspicuous in 
 the solemn procession, and that they seemed to mourn a tried 
 friend. 
 
 Immediately before her death Mrs Leckie requested one of 
 her more intimate acquaintances to go to a particular part of 
 her house and bring her a small casket or box. This box or 
 its contents had never before been seen by any of her friends, 
 however intimate. It opened on touching a secret spring, and 
 contained some gold lockets and other articles of jewelery, 
 which Mrs Leckie said were of no ordinary historic and intrinsic 
 worth. The appearance of these relics amply confirmed this 
 statement, and seemed to say that their antecedents were more 
 than ordinarily curious. These articles were few in number, 
 but, so far as they went, Mrs Leckie distributed them to her 
 more attached friends as parting tokens of regard. Where 
 they are, or who now own them, none can say, but from the 
 description we have got of them we are sure many an 
 antiquarian society would now give them a distinguished place 
 in their hall of curiosities as valued links of the past. 
 
JACOBITICAL. 235 
 
 The Jacobite Ladies of Murrayshall. 
 
 Some years ago there lived in an old Scottish farmhouse 
 three maiden ladies — Miss Marion, Miss Jenny, and Miss Lily 
 
 W . Their father, a staunch Jacobite, had been a lawyer 
 
 in Edinburgh. Upon his death they had found a home in the 
 house of their brother, whose political opinions also favoured 
 the Stuart cause. In their brighter days the family possessed 
 a comfortable little estate — the Sands — on the banks of the 
 
 Forth; but after the troubles of "the '45" Mr W the 
 
 younger had been obliged to retire with his excellent wife and 
 large family of sons and daughters to Murrayshall Farm, and 
 had accepted the post of factor or land steward to his relative, 
 
 the Laird of P , from whom he rented the farm on a long 
 
 lease. In time certain of his daughters married, while his 
 sons pushed their fortunes in different ways — in trade, in 
 medicine, and other honourable callings ; the church, the 
 army, navy, the law being closed professions to them since 
 they could not conscientiously take the oath of allegiance to 
 the House of Hanover. 
 
 Mr W 's income was very small when he settled at 
 
 Murrayshall, so small that people in our luxurious days would 
 regard his condition as one of real poverty. But although 
 there was much self-denial, there was certainly no want in that 
 picturesque farmhouse. Mr W reared his family credit- 
 ably, gave a home to his maiden sisters, and supplied shelter 
 and hospitality to many another friend and relative. 
 
 Years went past. Miss Marion and her two sisters were at 
 length left alone at Murrayshall with their old aunt Katharine, 
 who was bedridden. Every night Mrs Katharine enjoyed her 
 glass of whisky toddy — there was no sherry or port wine negus 
 for invalids of limited means in those days — and then the youth- 
 ful nephews and nieces, some of whom were generally staying 
 at Murrayshall, were admitted to say good night, and receive 
 the grand-aunt's blessing. Much some of them wondered when 
 she rehearsed her nightly list of toasts — the healths respec- 
 
236 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 tively of all at home, of such members of the family as were 
 in foreign parts, and last, not least, of him " ever the water." 
 Aunt Katharine died — the children grew up, married and 
 settled — their children again gathered around the home hearth 
 of Murrayshall, and listened with eager faces and loving hearts 
 to the old world stories of their good grand-aunts, Miss 
 Marion, Miss Jenny, and Miss Lily. 
 
 It was a home to love and remember, with its quaint nooks 
 and corners, where, among old strange relics of a bygone age, 
 childish eyes looked with wonder on hoops and high-heeled 
 shoes, and treasures of rare books and old pictures ; its best 
 bedroom, whose chief ornament was the back of an old chair 
 hung against the wall — a sacred chair, for had not Prince 
 Charles Edward sat on it? its stone-floored laigh (low) room, 
 
 once the lady's chamber, where more than one Laird of P 
 
 first saw the light ; and its garden with its broad, grassy walks, 
 gnarled apple and pear trees, beds of homely vegetables 
 bordered by bright, old-fashioned flowers, and walls clustered 
 over with the white Prince Charlie rose, honeysuckle, and 
 spreading currant bushes. 
 
 There was always " rough plenty " with a hearty welcome at 
 Murrayshall. No fancy dairy, but a plain milkhouse, where 
 large bowens (round, flat, iron-hooped wooden basins) threw 
 up the richest cream, and stores of cheese lined the shelves. 
 The butter was the yellowest, the eggs the largest, in the 
 countryside ; both fetched good prices at the market town of 
 Stirling. 
 
 Orphan and invalid and youthful relatives alike found a home 
 and tender care at Murrayshall. The sad-hearted became 
 cheery, the sickly became strong. Old friends — maiden ladies 
 and widows, with or without a pittance — were honoured guests 
 at the primitive farm-house. The Episcopalian clergy and 
 their families were very welcome there ; and welcome, too, 
 were those of other denominations. The poor were cared for, 
 no matter what their creed ; the sick were nursed ; the troubled 
 in heart or spirit were helped and comforted. The most stiff- 
 necked Cameronian could hardly look grim, though the Mur- 
 rayshall ladies, in antique silk gowns, short ruffled sleeves, and 
 long black mittens, drove past him on Palm Sunday on their 
 
JACOBITICAL. 237 
 
 way to " the chapel," with a bit of palm willow in their hands. 
 Had not Miss Jenny taken calf's foot jelly and mutton broth 
 to his sick child only a few weeks before ? And had not Miss 
 Marion knitted a warm woollen cravat for the invalid boy with 
 her own hands ? 
 
 There were great gatherings at the old house at Christmas 
 time — friends and relatives, long parted, met again at board 
 and hearth. There was also a feast in the kitchen, not only 
 for the servants, but for the cottagers and humble neighbours 
 of the district. There was no stint of roast meat, shortbread 
 and Scotch bun, and the lower guests were not permitted to 
 return to their homes empty-handed. Certain of the more 
 privileged housewives were taken upstairs to see "the ladies," 
 who thoroughly interested themselves in promoting the happi- 
 ness of all. Above stairs there were games, music, and cheery 
 talk among the young folks, while the old people enjoyed 
 many rubbers at whist. 
 
 Miss Marion, with her shrewd common sense and kindly dis- 
 position, was the mainstay of the home. She was lame, 
 unfortunately, and so remained much at home, spinning, 
 plying her needle, and writing letters. Miss Jenny had been, 
 it was said, a great beauty in her youth, and indeed was beauti- 
 ful in old age. She possessed literary tastes, and super- 
 intended the education of the many young people who were 
 frequently gathered under the roof-tree of Murrayshall. Miss 
 Lily was the housekeeper of the establishment, and famous for 
 her preserves and currant wine. 
 
 The servants were quite fixtures ; they were regarded as part 
 of the family, and shared both its joys and sorrows. 
 
 Miss Marion died at a great age in 1821. 
 
 Miss Jenny, though much her junior, followed her sister to 
 the grave in the great snowstorm of February, 1823. 
 
 Miss Lily was then left alone with two elderly nieces, Miss 
 Phemie and Miss Mary, who took charge of the household 
 when their aunt became incapacitated by age and infirmity. 
 But she was only old in years, not in heart. Those who fre- 
 quented Murrayshall could not readily forget the good old lady 
 in her simple cap, her homely gown crossed in front over the 
 clear white muslin 'kerchief, and a small Indian shawl thrown 
 
238 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 over her shoulders. In winter her chair was drawn close to the 
 fire ; in summer her place was at a sunny window where the 
 bees hummed among the honeysuckle, and the birds cheered 
 her with their song. Her knitting-basket and snuff-box lay 
 beside her Bible on the broad window ledge. She worked 
 wonderfully for so old a woman. In her youth she had 
 elaborately embroidered more than one gown, by always 
 taking advantage of the odd ten minutes which so many of us 
 let slip past, because they are only ten minutes. 
 
 Kind, simple, and charitable as were the ladies of Murrays- 
 hall, party spirit, though not affecting their intercourse with 
 their poorer neighbours, most certainly influenced their re- 
 lations with the magnates of the county. Far closer was the 
 intimacy kept up with the Episcopalian and Jacobite families 
 than with those who, besides being Presbyterians, had been 
 staunch in their adherence to the Hanoverian succession. 
 When visited by one of the latter class, more state and cere- 
 mony was observable in the bearing of the good ladies. The 
 conversation was more guarded on both sides in the courteous 
 anxiety of each party not to offend the other's prejudices. 
 
 Many a well-appointed equipage slowly ascended the steep, 
 richly-wooded bye road, dignified by the name of avenue, and 
 drew up in the yard or court at the low, massive door, the chief 
 entrance to the house. 
 
 The Laird of C , who had fought when a boy at Minden, 
 
 returned to Scotland in 1827, a grand-looking old man of 
 eighty, after a strangely chequered life spent more on the Con- 
 tinent than in his native country. He deemed it right to call 
 and pay his respects at Murrayshall, and was duly ushered into 
 the quaint parlour, delicately scented with roses, which in 
 summer filled every flower-vase in the room, while through the 
 open casement came the mignonette from the boxes on the 
 window sills. As Miss Lily, then over ninety, but in the 
 possession of her faculties, rose to meet him, he stepped for- 
 ward with the alacrity of eighteen and all the grace of "la 
 vieille cceur," and astounded the sedate old dame by saluting 
 her in the French fashion with a gentle kiss on each cheek. 
 She bore the greeting, however, with more apparent equan- 
 imity than did her niece, Miss Phemie, who was scandalised 
 
JACOBITICAL. 239 
 
 and indignant that the head of a strict Presbyterian family, 
 faithful to the reigning dynasty, and himself, it might be, a 
 disciple of Voltaire, should have presumed to take so great a 
 liberty. She could scarcely conceal her displeasure till the 
 fascinating manner and conversation of the stately old laird 
 rivetted all her attention, and even called forth her reluctant 
 admiration. An excellent woman in many ways, Miss Phemie 
 was perhaps somewhat wanting in suavity, and apt to be a little 
 bitter at times. 
 
 In a lovely spot not far from Murrayshall, and on the same 
 estate, there had once stood an old Episcopalian chapel; but 
 when half in ruins it had been pulled down by the laird of 
 
 P . Some of the stones were even taken to build a wall 
 
 or cottage. To this, in Miss Phemie's eyes, most sacrilegious 
 act, was it owing, as a judgment from heaven, that the eldest 
 son of the man by whose orders the consecrated building had 
 
 been removed, was left childless, and the broad lands of P 
 
 were destined to pass to the younger branch of the family ; 
 while the humbler folks who had made use of the sacred stones 
 never, according to Miss Phemie, throve afterwards. 
 
 Near where the old chapel had stood was a humble farm- 
 house, the tenant of which once invited the ladies of Murrays- 
 hall, and the young people residing with them, to drink tea. 
 Among the young people were some English nieces, who, under 
 the protection of their mother, a clever, strict, and somewhat 
 formal matron, accompanied their Scotch cousins to the rural 
 merry-making. After a ceremonious meal, at which ample 
 justice was done to the fresh-baked cookies and well-buttered 
 flour scones which graced the board, a certain stiffness, which 
 had hitherto prevailed, wore off — the sound of a violin was 
 heard, and the young folks were invited to a dance. As they 
 flew with spirit through the intricate Scotch reel, the host, 
 seeing the Southern lady sitting alone, looking less severe and 
 unbending as she watched the pleased faces around her, sud- 
 denly walked up to her and offered himself as a partner for the 
 next dance. On her civil but very decided refusal, he said, 
 " I beg pardon, mem, for maybe ye dinna approve o' promiscu- 
 ous dancing among the sexes." 
 
 Of a winter's evening, when the family were gathered round 
 
240 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 the fire, whose cheery crackle, with the ticking of the clock 
 and the soughing of the wind were the only sounds heard, one 
 of the Murrayshall ladies in a low clear voice would relate to 
 a youthful audience some of her Jacobite reminiscences. The 
 mother of the sisters was a Haldane — a scion of the Lanrick 
 family, so long devoted to the House of Stuart. After the '45, 
 when the Duke of Cumberland quartered a body of his soldiers 
 at Lanrick, the ladies of the family were restricted to certain 
 rooms, while, in the corridor without, a sentinel kept guard. 
 It was a period of grave danger and trouble — the fugitive Lan- 
 rick gentlemen were in hiding in the neighbourhood. One 
 day, Miss Janet Haldane, the laird's sister, went to walk in 
 the grounds with some of her young people, leaving her little 
 niece Cissy in the house. As Miss Janet on her return passed 
 the soldier in the corridor, he said to her in a low voice, with- 
 out changing a muscle of his countenance or seeming to address 
 her, " Do not let the child be left alone again. Had she shown 
 to another what she has shown to me, it would have brought 
 you into trouble." 
 
 On questioning the child, she told her aunt with great glee 
 how she had asked the soldier into their bedroom that she 
 might show him their funny store-cupboard. Then lifting up 
 the valance of the oaken bedstead she called his attention to 
 a number of cheeses which were stowed there — provender that 
 was to be conveyed .gradually at night by trusty hands to the 
 men of the family in their place of concealment. 
 
 A brother of the three sisters, at that time a little boy, made 
 friends with the Duke's officer who was in charge of Lanrick. 
 
 William W had a handsome silver fork and spoon which 
 
 had been given him by his godfather. He showed it with 
 
 childish pride to Captain , who admired it so much that, 
 
 in spite of the boy's indignant grief, he appropriated it, think- 
 ing himself, no doubt, quite entitled to Jacobite spoils. Years 
 
 after, when William W was a merchant in London, he 
 
 overheard an old, red-faced military man talking pompously, 
 at a large dinner party, of the Scotch campaign, and mentioning 
 the fork and spoon episode as having heard it from another 
 person, who evidently considered the whole affair a good joke. 
 William W got up, crossed over to the officer, and present- 
 
JACOBITICAL. 241 
 
 ing his card, said quietly : — " You are the man, sir, and I am 
 the boy." 
 
 It was dark and late one night when the Lanrick and Annet 
 men met in conclave at the neighbouring manor house of 
 Annet. Suddenly they were disturbed. There was loud 
 knocking at the door. A troop of soldiers occupied the court- 
 yard, and an English officer demanded entrance in King 
 George's name. 
 
 The Jacobites had little time for thought. Escape at the 
 moment seemed impossible. The lights were extinguished, 
 however, and the conspirators quietly ensconsed themselves 
 behind a row of long greatcoats and cloaks hanging from pegs 
 in a deep recess caused by a turn of the staircase. Miss Peggy 
 Stuart, the elder daughter of the house, told her sister Annie 
 to keep quiet in the parlour upstairs, and not stir on any 
 account whatever happened. Peggy, waving back the ser- 
 vants, then opened the door herself, and informing the officer 
 there were only " lone women " at home, begged he would leave 
 his men outside and come and search the house himself. 
 
 Major courteously granted her request, apologising for 
 
 intruding at such an untimely hour. Peggy led him upstairs, 
 telling him the steps were worn and bad, and begging him to 
 be careful how he advanced. At the turn of the staircase she 
 redoubled her attention, holding the candle very low, so that 
 the steps might be more distinctly seen. The cloaks, the great- 
 coats, and the hidden men were left behind, the officer again 
 apologising for the trouble he gave. After ascending a few 
 more steps Peggy stumbled, gave a loud shriek, the candle- 
 stick fell from her hand, and they were left in utter darkness. 
 "Bring a light, Annie; for heaven's sake bring a light!" and 
 Peggy groaned as if in agony. " Why don't you bring a light, 
 Annie?" she exclaimed again. And then, explaining to Major 
 
 that her sister was deaf, she directed him to the parlour 
 
 on the upper landing, whence he soon emerged, followed by 
 Annie with a lamp in her hand. The officer and Annie assisted 
 Peggy to the parlour sofa, where she bitterly bemoaned her 
 sprained ankle, and acted an eifective little fainting scene. 
 After due attention and condolence, the Major, conducted by 
 Annie, made diligent but fruitless search all over the house. 
 
 Q 
 
242 
 
 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 By this time, indeed, the Jacobite gentlemen had fully availed 
 themselves of Miss Peggy's diversion in their favour and had 
 escaped by the back window. Quickly they put the wild muir 
 and the Tod's Glen between them and the house of Annet. 
 
 Miss Lily was in her ninety-third year when she was taken 
 away in 1829. After her death there was a great sale of the 
 antique furniture and household treasures of Murray shall. The 
 craggy furze-clad rocks and the Scotch fir-trees seemed to cast 
 a deeper shadow on the old house from that dreary morning, 
 long years ago, when the last of the Jacobite ladies was carried 
 forth to her last resting-place in the churchyard of St. Ninians. 
 
 <*_^- 
 '(T^- 
 
 m 
 
 hit 
 
 -^3 
 
STIRLING AND ROUND ABOUT. 243 
 
 Stirling and Round About. 
 
 •£+* 
 
 IN perusing the items which go to make up this section, 
 the reader may be of opinion that the connection of 
 some of them with Stirling is very remote, while others 
 have no bearing whatever on the town or its associa- 
 tions. We have, however, deemed them of sufficient interest 
 as to merit a place in these pages, all the more so by reason of 
 the close and intimate relations which have subsisted between 
 the City of the Rock and the immediate neighbourhood. 
 Several of the items have been obtained while the preceding 
 pages were being printed : hence the reason for their not 
 appearing under their proper headings. 
 
 Shop Hours. 
 
 In 1837, owing to the refusal of one merchant, the shop- 
 keepers were kept from closing their shops at 9 o'clock at 
 night, as was generally desired. 
 
 In March, 1854, the grocers of the town began closing their 
 premises at 10 o'clock on Saturday nights, instead of 12. 
 
 Plate-GIass Windows. 
 
 About 1845 large plate-glass windows began to be introduced 
 into Stirling, among the first being those of Mr William 
 Graham, ironmonger, King Street, which cost £35, Mr 
 Wright's, Port Street, costing £30 each. 
 
244 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 Prices of Provisions. 
 
 In November, 1842, the Co-Operative Store sold fresh boiling 
 beef at 4d. per lb., and steak at 4^d. and 5d. In July of that 
 year the fishmongers in town were selling grilse at 4d. and 
 trout at 3d. per lb. 
 
 In May, 1857, an octogenarian told in the Stirling Corn 
 Exchange that fifty years before, for a boll of meal he had 
 paid £8, which they were then selling at 26s. 
 
 At the election of a member of Parliament for the county, 
 in 1837, the prices of poultry and mutton were — Game cocks, 
 £6 ; geese, per pair, £12 ; black sheep, £20. 
 
 A Successful Preacher at Airth. 
 
 In September, 1854, a townsman went down to Airth on a 
 Sabbath, and so preached on the duty of the bakers that a 
 penny was taken off the loaf on the Monday. The honest 
 people were so pleased with his effective oration, that they 
 asked if he would go back the next Sabbath. 
 
 His Twopence - Worth. 
 
 On New Year's day, 1852, a well-known worthy was observed 
 coming along Port Street carrying his better-half on his back. 
 On observing a number of country lads distributing " sweeties " 
 among the objects of their affection, he shouted out, "Here, 
 callants, this is my twopence-worth." 
 
 Blythe Meat, Blythe Cake, Christening 
 Cake. 
 
 The giving of this is an old custom, still, we believe, practised 
 by a few people. On the Sabbath an infant was taken to 
 church for baptism, a parcel was made up, containing fancy 
 
STIRLING AND ROUND ABOUT. 245 
 
 bread in some cases, but more generally bread and cheese, 
 which was offered to the first adult person met on emerging 
 from the house. It was usual for the receiver to turn and 
 accompany the mother and child to the church door, when 
 enquiries were made, and wishes expressed for the infant's 
 health and welfare. 
 
 Origin of the Celebrity of Stirling Small 
 Beer, commonly called "Pundy." 
 
 In days of yore, when the celebrated George Buchanan, 
 preceptor to James VI., lived in our town, he seems to have 
 been in the habit of visiting the house of a brewster wife, whose 
 ale did not at all please him. He knew, at the same time, 
 that the wife had a great confidence in him as a necromancer, 
 and, in order to chime in with her superstitious ideas, he 
 offered to put her in possession of a charm which would infall- 
 ibly produce good ale, and secure a large run to her house. 
 He then wrote a few Hebrew words upon a piece of paper, and, 
 folding it up curiously, committed it to her, with the injunction 
 to hold it in her left hand, opposite to her heart, when the 
 browst was in a certain state, and then to take her largest 
 ladle, and with it take out three fills of the water then in the 
 boiler, which she was to throw over her left shoulder, and 
 then to replace that with three fills of the ladle of good malt. 
 This recipe being attended to, the house became largely 
 frequented. 
 
 A Dry Crack. 
 
 The Rev. Mr S was in the habit of making a " running 
 
 call" on any of his members whose shop he happened to be 
 passing. One day he called at the shop of Mr L — — , near the 
 
 top of the town, who sold a dram. Mr L had noticed his 
 
 approach, and had just time to " pop " his hand up under- 
 
246 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 neath his coat-tail. Mr S remained longer than Mr L 
 
 expected, and his hand becoming weary through holding it so 
 long at his back, as a last resort he asked the minister if he 
 would not step into the back shop for a little ; there was only 
 
 Bailie S there, who had called in to have a "dry crack." 
 
 No sooner had the minister entered the little room than Mr 
 
 L found time to remove his hand from its uncomfortable 
 
 position, and with it a "filled gill stoup." 
 
 "Tennant's Best." 
 
 A man named Tennant, who was, hanged in Broad Street, 
 was buried in the courtyard of the Old Jail, near the wall of a 
 brewery, on the other side of which was the well which supplied 
 the work. One day W C , now a well-known towns- 
 man, but then a little boy, was passing the shop of Bailie Steel, 
 in Bow Street, when he was called in by the Bailie, and asked 
 
 to go up to Mr B , the brewer's, and get two bottles of ale, 
 
 and to be sure to ask for " Tennant's Best." Off goes Willie, 
 
 gets Mr B himself, and delivers his order. " Ay," says Mr 
 
 B , "and wha sent ye, Willie?" "Bailie Steel," says 
 
 Willie. "Oh! I was thinking sae." Mr C says he then 
 
 got one of the frights of his life ; was out of the brewery, down 
 the street, and into his father's shop in Bow Street in a 
 " jiffy," and was ever after wary of any message he went, 
 especially for Bailie Steel. 
 
 44 Orthodox Ale," 
 
 A strange circumstance occurred one Sabbath in a congrega- 
 tion a few miles from Stirling. A countrywoman was in the 
 habit of calling on Sundays at an ale-house for what she 
 termed a bottle of " orthodox ale." On the day in question 
 she called for her ale before the church assembled in the fore- 
 noon, and having put it into her pocket went off direct to 
 church. She had not been long there when the "orthodox 
 ale" began fizzing, and in a few minutes afterwards a report 
 
STIRLING AND ROUND ABOUT. 247 
 
 like that of a musket proceeded from her pocket. The woman 
 bawled out, " Oh, mercy on me ; I fancy my side is riven." She 
 was immediately taken to the door, when she was found to 
 have sustained no injury excepting the loss of her bottle and 
 the " orthodox ale." 
 
 A Shrewd Magistrate. 
 
 While D P was tacksman of the Corn Exchange, the 
 
 late Bailie W had a dispute with him regarding a sum 
 
 of twopence, which the Bailie considered an overcharge, and 
 refused to pay. As both were " positive," the matter was 
 brought before the sitting Magistrate, the late Bailie John 
 MacEwen, of the firm of D. & J. MacEwen, grocers. After all 
 the pros and cons were gone into, the Bailie, who considered 
 it a trifling affair, and who had had his eyes about him when 
 coming into Court, decided that as he had seen them coming 
 down James Burden's stair (next the Court House, and then 
 a much-frequented public-house) in company, they were just to 
 go back there and settle the matter themselves, which was 
 accordingly done. 
 
 The Earl of Menteith and the Town 
 Clerk. 
 
 Mr Finlayson, Town Clerk of Stirling in the latter part of the 
 eighteenth century, was noted for the marvellous in conver- 
 sation. He was on one occasion on a visit to the last Earl of 
 Menteith, in his Castle of Talla, and was about to take his 
 leave, when he was asked by the Earl whether he had seen 
 "the sailing cherry tree?" "No," said Finlayson, "what sort 
 of thing is it?" "It is," replied the Earl, "a tree that has 
 grown out of a goose's mouth from a stone the bird swallowed, 
 and which she bears about with her in her voyages round the 
 loch. It is now in full fruit of the most exquisite flavour. 
 Now, Finlayson," he added, " can you, with all your powers of 
 
248 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 memory and fancy, match my story of the cherry tree ? " 
 " Perhaps I can," said Jfinlayson, clearing his throat, and add- 
 ing, " When Oliver Cromwell was at Airth, one of his cannon 
 sent a ball to Stirling, which lodged in the mouth of a 
 trumpet which one of the men in the Castle was sounding in 
 defiance." " Was the trumpeter killed ? " inquired the Earl. 
 " No, my lord," said Finlayson ; " he blew the ball back, and 
 killed the artilleryman who had fired it/' 
 
 Writers' Offices. 
 
 Clerks in writers' offices have an easier place now than they 
 had forty or fifty years ago, when the hours were from 10 a.m. 
 to 8 p.m. True, the work from 3 till 7 was not very laborious, 
 but still the clerks had to be there, and many a prank and 
 piece of fun took place between those hours, some of the 
 offices being rather lax in the matter of discipline. We remem- 
 ber in the month of March, 1863 — about the time of the Prince 
 of Wales' marriage— standing with some of the clerks from an 
 office in Baker Street one afternoon, when we were startled by 
 a loud report, and in a moment, down the close and out to the 
 street ran a young clerk (now a well-known writer in town) 
 with his hands above his head, and immediately after him Mr 
 (" Dr ") Haldane, a well-known apothecary, who lived on the 
 flat above the office, crying, " Oh, you villain ! you villain ! 
 you have nearly blown up the house!" The clerk, with another 
 — now dead — had been making " feezie-ozies " of gunpowder, 
 and burning them on the top of the desk, when the parcel of 
 powder — a goodly quantity — exploded, with the result that Mr 
 Haldane, who had just sat down to dinner, was, as he told us, 
 nearly lifted from the floor. No other mishap, however, took 
 place. What would a writer think now if, coming to his place 
 of business when not expected, he found his clerks busily 
 engaged with a " cock fight ? " This actually took place in 
 town. 
 
STIRLING AND ROUND ABOUT. 249 
 
 Discrimination in Health Drinking. 
 
 At a dinner in 1837, given by the Incorporation of Weavers 
 in Stirling to John Dick, Esq., amongst the toasts of the even- 
 ing there was one which included the health of Lord Dalmeny, 
 representative of the burgh, and of Mr Forbes of Callendar, 
 representative of the county. When the chairman, as in duty 
 bound, proposed the joint healths as arranged by the com- 
 mittee, not one man in the meeting would drink the health 
 of Mr Forbes, and a strike took place. It, therefore, became 
 necessary for the chairman to propose the health of Lord Dal- 
 meny alone, which was received with deafening shouts of 
 applause. 
 
 An Incident of the Election of 1837. 
 
 Mr William Wilson, who was for some time landlord of the 
 Eagle Inn, was a firm supporter of Mr Forbes of Callendar, 
 and drove a number of electors to the polling-booth, amongst 
 them Mr William Thomson, farmer, Moss-side, Bannockburn, 
 grandfather of Mr Robert Thomson, butcher, Port Street. 
 On arriving at the toll-bar of St. Ninians, they found the gates 
 shut, and a mob prepared to keep them from proceeding fur- 
 ther. After a time Mr Thomson, alighting from the carriage, 
 made his escape — but not without considerable ill-usage — into 
 a house, and getting out by a window at the back, proceeded 
 to the polling-booth. " Sandy " Logan — afterwards Sheriff of 
 Forfarshire — a native of St. Ninians, seeing Mr Thomson in 
 Broad Street with his face all cut, remarked to him that his 
 hand had surely been very unsteady that morning while shav- 
 ing. Mr Wilson forced the toll-gates, but the horses were 
 much hurt. It was said that he got the pair from Mr Forbes 
 as a recompense for his exertions that day on his behalf. 
 
 Mr Wilson was severely hurt afterwards, near the top of 
 Baker Street, by a stone being thrown at his head from a 
 window. He was driving the Rev. Mr Dempster of Denny to 
 
250 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 Broad Street when the mob stopped the carriage and would 
 not allow it to proceed. Mr Dempster, nothing daunted, 
 alighted from the carriage and walked up to the booth, amidst 
 hooting and yelling. Arrived at the Court House, he turned 
 round, took off his hat, and thanked the crowd for their 
 convoy. 
 
 An Election Manifesto. 
 
 After the Parliamentary Election for the Burghs in 1852, the 
 non-electors published a statement of how the electors had 
 voted, for the purpose as stated hereafter. 
 
 We, the Stirling Non-Electors Committee, having an- 
 nounced to the inhabitants, a few days before the election for 
 the Stirling Burghs, that we hoped to be enabled to give to 
 the public, in a printed form, the names of the parties that 
 have recorded their votes for the different candidates on this 
 occasion, and having now been placed in a position to redeem 
 that pledge, we will state as briefly as possible our reasons for 
 doing so — 
 
 1st — We hold that, under the present existing state of the 
 franchise, a great bulk of the intelligent and industrious part 
 of the population of this country are unjustly deprived of their 
 inherent right to exercise the suffrage in sending members to 
 the Commons House 'of Parliament, while, at the same time 
 we are compelled to support the State by the payment of a 
 large quota of the general taxation; and, as householders, we 
 bear proportionate share in the support of the parochial poor 
 and other local burdens. 
 
 2nd — While advocating a further extension of the Franchise, 
 we deem it absolutely necessary that the ballot be included as 
 a principal part of any new Reform Bill ; as, under the present 
 existing circumstances, no true criterion can be formed of 
 public opinion, while the honest and conscientious electors are 
 subjected, at almost every election in this country, to gross 
 intimidation, corruption, and bribery. 
 
 3rd — While strenuously giving our support to these neces- 
 sary measures of reform, we still uphold the principle that the 
 
STIRLING AND ROUND ABOUT. 251 
 
 majority of the population, being non-electors, should know 
 how the electors have voted. And on the very best constituted 
 authority we are justified in giving the names of the electors 
 that have polled for the rejected candidate, Mr Miller, and 
 also for the successful member, Sir James Anderson. The late 
 Sir Robert Peel, Lord John Russell, and other statesmen have 
 repeatedly stated, as a reason for opposing the ballot, that the 
 non-electors have a right to know how the electors have used 
 their privilege, and for which candidate they have voted at an 
 election for a member of Parliament ; that important trust not 
 being held for themselves, as individuals alone, but for the 
 benefit of the whole community. 
 
 On such eminent authority as the above, a similar course 
 with that which has been resolved on carrying into effect here, 
 is now being followed out in several towns in Scotland, where 
 the names and antecedents of the electors who voted for both 
 the rejected and the successful candidates have been published. 
 
 Sir James Anderson in Stirling polled on the occasion in ques- 
 tion 147 votes, and Mr Miller 236, but Sir James was elected 
 through the votes of the other burghs. In the present year 
 (1898) there are alive the following gentlemen who voted for 
 Sir James Anderson — Messrs J. G. Aitken, Snowdon Place ; 
 Wright Cumming, Melville Terrace ; Rev. Robert Frew, Mel- 
 ville Terrace ; Messrs William Graham, Victoria Square ; 
 William Gillespie, Wallace Street; and Robert Marshall, 
 Wallace Street. 
 
 Of those who voted for Mr Miller there are — Messrs Thomas 
 Binning, Edinburgh ; Archibald Ewing, St. Ninians ; T. L. 
 Galbraith, Town Clerk ; James Greenhorn, Wallace Street ; 
 John Mackison, late hairdresser; Thomas Peacock, Albert 
 Place ; and John Sawers, ex-Provost. 
 
 Of the 46 who did not vote there are none alive. Of the 
 voters for Sir James Anderson, 10 were sworn on the oath of 
 possession. On Mr Miller's side, 18 on oath of possession, 3 
 on oath of bribery, and 7 on oath of possession and bribery. 
 
252 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 A Tight (Electioneering) Fit. 
 
 On the day of the Municipal Election in 1854, two legal 
 gentlemen went into the shop of a shirt dealer in Stirling. 
 An election paper, containing five names, was presented, and 
 the merchant was requested to append his signature. " And," 
 said the elder of the two lawyers, " you may send me down 
 half-a-dozen shirts. How many," turning to the junior counsel, 
 " how many will you take ? " " Oh, I'll just take one." The 
 seven shirts were sent to their respective destinations, when, 
 lo, it was found not one of them would go on. No fault could 
 be found with the transaction : it was one of quite crystalline 
 purity, but no gentleman moving in the circle that they did (at 
 least south of the district of Monteith) could think of wearing 
 canvas shirts. 
 
 A Reason for Shrinkage. 
 
 Amusing cases are occasionally heard at the Small Debt 
 Court. One, at the instance of a tailor, was for payment of 
 an account, one item being for making a pair of trousers. 
 The defender, when expatiating on the deficiency of the work, 
 &c, sprang up, and stretching himself, pulled up the tails of 
 his coat, showing both back and front, exclaiming, to the 
 no small amusement of the audience in Court, " I'll refer 
 to any tailor, or any person present, if these trousers are not 
 far too wide for me." The very ready agent for the pursuer 
 very neatly remarked, " My Lord, a few days after the trousers 
 were made the defender got married, and he has presumably 
 fallen a good deal out of them since." This convulsed the 
 whole Court with laughter, the judge not excepted. The 
 remark seemed somewhat of a damper to the defender, as he 
 descended from his elevated position rather crestfallen. 
 
STIRLING AND ROUND ABOUT. 253 
 
 The Sacraments. 
 
 A certain clergyman in town was once visiting his parish- 
 ioners, and, as his custom was, " On the questions targed them 
 tightly." Happening to ask a servant how many sacraments 
 there were, he received answer — " 'Deed, I canna say. You 
 ministers never agree about onything, for the Back Raw folks 
 ha'e fower in a year, and ithers ha'e only twa." 
 
 The minister of Port of Monteith, at a diet of catechising, 
 asked a parishioner, " How many sacraments are there ?" and 
 received for answer, " Five : the Kippen ane, an' Callander 
 ane's twa ; an' Norrieston, three ; Kincardine, fower ; an' yer 
 ain ane, sir : that mak's five. 
 
 The Tirling Pin. 
 
 " Fair Annie cam' to her lord's yett, 
 And tirled at the pin." 
 
 This relic of the past can hardly be seen nowadays out of a 
 museum, and it may be worth while describing it for the bene- 
 fit of those who may never have seen one. A " tirling pin " 
 was simply an old-fashioned form of knocker, door bell, or 
 other means of summons for admittance to a house, and was 
 fashioned in a great many different shapes or designs ; some- 
 times a simple roughened bar, with a free working ring or 
 pendant fastened to the middle of the upper part of a door, 
 and used as a signal or call to those within, from which comes 
 the expression, " When you are passing, give a tirl at the 
 door." It also appears in the form of a " sneck " or door 
 handle, this latter variety being more elaborate in construc- 
 tion, and also more useful. 
 
 Reasons and Reasons Annexed. 
 
 There are reasons and reasons annexed. A builder was 
 consulted about heightening the walls of his neighbour's house, 
 which would have greatly circumscribed the view from his own 
 
254 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 house. Accordingly he objected to undertake the job. " We 
 canna get stanes handy ; it'll tak' a biggish sum of money to 
 effect these alterations ; the auld wa's will not sustain any 
 addition; a big hoose is an inconvenience, as we ken to our 
 cost ; a wee hoose is cosy in the cauld days an' nichts o' 
 winter," &c, &c. 
 
 " Noo," retorted the employer of labour, " them's yer 
 reasons. There are reasons and reasons annexed. Lat's hear 
 yer reason annexed." 
 
 " Yer plan wad spoil the view frae my windows." 
 
 The Resurrectionists in Stirling. 
 
 At the Spring Circuit Court of 1822, the grave-digger and 
 some others were tried on a charge of lifting bodies from Stir- 
 ling Churchyard. They alleged that they . acted by instruc- 
 tions of Dr John Forrest, who made a timely flight from the 
 town to escape prosecution. He joined the army, and ultim- 
 ately rose to be Inspector-General of Hospitals. A riot took 
 place in the streets at the time, and the 77th Regiment were 
 brought down from the Castle to dfsperse the rioters. They 
 fired on the mob in Spittal Street, but no one was injured, the 
 soldiers intentionally firing over the people's heads. One of 
 the bullets entered the " Journal " office, which was then in 
 Spittal Street, in the premises now occupied by Mrs Crocket, 
 but did no damage. For long afterwards bodies were buried 
 in stone or iron coffins, which were removed in six weeks or so, 
 and a watch was kept on newly-made graves. 
 
 Important Invention in Warfare. 
 
 It was understood that the destruction of Sveaborgh was 
 chiefly effected by bombshells charged with a liquid com- 
 bustible. An invention, precisely of the nature of these shells, 
 was communicated to Lord Hardinge in April, 1854, by William 
 Hutton, at that time writer in Stirling. 
 
STIRLING AND ROUND ABOUT. 255 
 
 Sir Robert Peel. 
 
 In January, 1846, the Town Council petitioned Her Majesty 
 to dismiss Sir Robert Peel. 
 
 Walking Feat. 
 
 In May, 1842, Mr Barnett, a young officer in the 42nd Royal 
 Highlanders, then in Stirling Castle, undertook, for a consider- 
 able bet, to walk a distance of 46 miles, equipped as a private 
 soldier in complete marching order, within the space of 24 
 hours. The weight he carried, including 60 rounds of ball 
 cartridge, amounted to 64 lbs. The task he performed on the 
 Alloa road, and accomplished it with comparative ease, having 
 nearly two hours to spare. 
 
 Discovery of Roman Remains in 
 Spittal Street. 
 
 In August, 1827, while workmen were engaged in preparing 
 for the foundation of the branch of the Commercial Bank of 
 Scotland, now the Royal Infirmary, they discovered what was 
 believed to have been the remains of Roman sepulture. At a 
 depth of 9 feet they found portions of human bones, mixed 
 with ashes, small pieces of charcoal, and the broken remains of 
 earthen vessels. These were confined to a very narrow ridge 
 or trench, which extended in length to about 12 or 14 feet, 
 and stood east to west. At the eastern extremity the remains 
 were in a more perfect state, which may be accounted for by 
 the rock on which the whole rested having been evidently cut 
 or hollowed out to receive the deposit which had been placed 
 in it. 
 
256 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 The Rev. James Guthrie and the 
 Stirling Butchers. 
 
 An old tradition was kept up in the town, that at the time 
 of the Reformation — or, more properly, during the time of the 
 Episcopacy — Mr James Guthrie, one of the ministers of Stir- 
 ling, for refusing to read the liturgy, was most impiously 
 attacked by the Corporation of Butchers, and almost stoned to 
 death. They chased the venerable martyr through the whole 
 town, and a stone was shown in the Vennel Close, on which 
 some of his blood was said to have been spilt. He escaped 
 their hands to fall a more distinguished victim to the tyranny 
 of the times. He foretold that no butcher should ever thrive 
 in Stirling, and the townspeople maintained that up to the end 
 of last century no flesher ever did good. In the Rev. Ralph 
 Erskine's elegiac ode on Mr Hamilton, one of the ministers of 
 the city of Edinburgh — and who, regardless of his life, mounted 
 the city port and carried away the head of Mr Guthrie, and 
 buried it — occurs this verse : — 
 
 " O, Stirling, Stirling, thou hast been the seat 
 Of famous martyrs and confessors great ; 
 Some thou hast stoned, by thy fierce butcherous hive, 
 Which never since have had a day to thrive." 
 
 Another version of the story as to the " ban " on the fleshers 
 is as follows : — " An early Protestant martyr, having been 
 stoned out of the town, retired to die in a field by the wayside 
 at some distance from the South Port, and was attacked, in 
 these his last moments, by a rapacious butcher's wife in Stirling, 
 who endeavoured to rob him of his clothes, and, finally, it is 
 said, succeeded. The St. Stephen of Stirling vented, with his 
 dying breath, a malediction upon the Incorporation to which 
 the husband of his persecutrix belonged, and ever since that 
 time the butchers of Stirling have never done well. There are 
 now (1827) actually no butchers in the town, and for one to set 
 up within its walls would be looked upon as madness. The 
 market is supplied by men who dwell in the villages around. 
 
STIRLING AND ROUND ABOUT. 257 
 
 Of course, we need not point out to the reader that a sufficient 
 natural cause thus exists why a flesher practising his trade 
 within the town cannot succeed, and never will do so, so long 
 as any faith is placed in the prophecy of the martyr." 
 
 We need not say the prophecy is now a dead letter, as the 
 butchers' shops of Stirling can vie with places of greater pre- 
 tensions, and all appear to be nourishing. 
 
 How Mr. Hamilton " Boxed" Himself 
 to the Pulpit. 
 
 The Rev. Alex. Hamilton was incumbent of the first charge 
 of the Parish of Stirling from the year 1726 to that of 1738, 
 in the latter of which he died. He was a kindly, prudent, 
 and sympathising adviser with the Rev. Ebenezer Erskine in 
 his dilemma with the Church at the period of " The Rise of the 
 Secession." In his youth his father had destined him for the 
 bar, but the pulpit, from his schoolboy days, had been his 
 ambition and determination. This was the cause of a rupture 
 between sire and son, and he forsook his home clandestinely, 
 to push his fortune elsewhere. He repaired to London, and 
 soon found himself destitvite and friendless. 
 
 In those days the beastly and brutal art, gilded over by the 
 name of self-defence, was held in high repute in the great 
 Metropolis. Observing, in his peregrinations one day, the 
 challenge of the champion of the ring, the youthful runaway 
 did not hesitate long in accepting it, and, in an engagement of 
 thirty-five rounds, was proclaimed the winner of the belt. The 
 audience being large, as well as wealthy, were neither niggardly 
 nor tardy in the bestowal of their purses. This unlooked-for 
 windfall enabled him to retrace his steps to Scotland, to pro- 
 secute his studies, and in a few years after he was licensed to 
 become a minister of the Gospel. 
 
 He was settled in Airth, where he soon gained the esteem 
 
 and attachment of his parishioners, so much so that, upon their 
 
 hearing of his call to Stirling they did all they could to hinder 
 
 him from going to the Presbytery to formally accept it. Having 
 
 R 
 
258 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 mounted his horse to go to Stirling on this errand, after passing 
 the old schoolhouse he was surrounded by a crowd of villagers 
 determined to prevent him. Finding arguments and pleadings 
 useless, they had recourse to stratagem ; one, more forward 
 than the rest, unslipped the buckles, and left the horse bridle- 
 less. Those who knew Mr Hamilton's character were sure this 
 circumstance would cause no inconvenience, and so, pushing 
 his way as best he could through the throng, without check 
 or guide of his horse, he was on the eve of spurring it on in 
 spite of all obstacles, when the individual ran after him and 
 replaced the bridle, thus leaving him to pursue his determined 
 plan. 
 
 During his incumbency in Airth his family had grown up, 
 and it is likewise told of him that the education he gave them 
 was by no means stinted, for, knowing the advantage of his 
 pugilistic younger days, he engaged a fencing-master for his 
 sons, who, one day after having finished their lessons, wished 
 their father to give him a tilt or two. Mr Hamilton, in no 
 wise afraid of his opponent, at once took up the foil, but before 
 long the calisthenic professor found out his mistake, as he very 
 soon had to leave off the offensive and act on the defensive. 
 But even this would not do, for, with all the guards he was 
 master of, he could not parry the thrusts of his reverend 
 antagonist, but was shortly sent three or four times round the 
 room. 
 
 It is likewise recorded that Mr Hamilton was the young 
 student who removed the Rev. James Guthrie's head from the 
 shameful and degrading place his murderers had placed it in in 
 Edinburgh, it is doubtful if this statement be authentic, as, 
 upon a comparison of some dates, it cannot well be made to 
 agree. 
 
 Mr Hamilton was a keen bowler, and attended often at 
 Cowane's Hospital green. One day a young English officer, 
 with a tongue more accustomed to irreverence than otherwise, 
 was profuse in venting his profane language in presence of the 
 divine. Mr Hamilton admonished him, and desired him to" ban 
 not." The fiery son of Mars felt exasperated at the intrusive- 
 ness of so officious, burghal-like a companion, counted his 
 honour as at stake, and sent a challenge to his reprover. The 
 
STIRLING AND ROUND ABOUT. 259 
 
 worthy pastor accepted the same, and proposed to his friend 
 to meet him armed with his own weapons of war, while the 
 challenger should bring his best sword, or brace of pistols, &c, 
 as he chose. Having gone home to the manse, he arrayed 
 himself in his canonicals, and taking his Bible under his arm, 
 he arrived at the spot appointed for the pass of arms — but, 
 lo ! when the courageous vulture of blood saw whom he had to 
 deal with, he tendered an apology and begged his pardon, mak- 
 ing a promise to be more circumspect for the future over his 
 unruly member. 
 
 The Forth Salmon. 
 
 The Forth at one time produced vast quantities of excellent 
 salmon, and when there was little commerce, this fish con- 
 stituted the chief food of the people of Stirling, although by 
 no means appreciated in the way it now is, as a luxury. The 
 good people of the town had, moreover, in early days a right 
 to purchase it cheaper than strangers, and it was their practice 
 to give it to their children and servants as a common article 
 of diet. It is recorded of the apprentices of the town that, 
 before engaging with masters, they generally stipulated that 
 they were not to dine on salmon oftener than four times a 
 week. 
 
 The spirlings of the Forth seem to have been the staple fish 
 in Lent during the reign of James IV. That monarch was in 
 the habit of spending Lent in the Franciscan Monastery of 
 Stirling, where, by fasting and other penances, he endeavoured 
 to appease his conscience for his concern in the death of his 
 father. The poet Dunbar writes what he calls a " Dirigie to 
 the King bydand ower lang in Stirling," in which he attempts 
 to prevail upon his Majesty to 
 
 Cum hame and dwell nae mair in Stirling, 
 Quhair fish to sell are nane but spirling; 
 Credo gustare, statim vinum Edinburgi. 
 
260 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 Shore Dues. 
 
 In 1847 the Shore Dues were let for £730, a rise of £240 on 
 the rental of the preceding year. 
 
 Shipbuilding. 
 
 On 17th March, 1852, Mr James Johnstone, shipbuilder, 
 launched a perfect model of a ship, clipper build, which ex- 
 ceeded 500 tons burden, and was named the " Stirling " by Mrs 
 Paul of Glasgow. It made its maiden voyage to Australia with 
 passengers and goods. On 5th May, 1856, he launched the 
 "William Mitchell," the dimensions of which were — Extreme 
 length over all, 180 feet ; length of keel, 152 feet ; depth of 
 hold, 18 feet ; breadth, 28^ feet, the burden of the vessel being 
 1000 tons. Miss Thomson, daughter of one of the owners, 
 named the vessel, and a vast crowd witnessed the launch, the 
 band of the Highland Borderers being also present. 
 
 Roadside Canals. 
 
 In 1810 Mr Alexander M'Gibbon, writer, Broad Street, 
 published a "Report as to Improving the Navigation of the 
 River Forth, &c, and Advantages of Small Canals Demons- 
 trated." After describing the beauties of the scenery through 
 which the rivers flow, and the utility of canals, he showed the 
 practicability of placing canals by the roadside through enlarg- 
 ing the ditches so that they could be waterways for boats 
 carrying one ton burden. He further showed the cost of land 
 carriage and the advantage of small canals, and said — "For 
 example, on the present Blair Drummond road, a horse at all 
 times will easily draw 15 cwts. of dead weight. Make it the 
 finest toll road in the kingdom, yet the same horse will, with 
 great difficulty, draw a ton. To make this road turnpike is esti- 
 mated to cost £400 per mile between Stirling and a mile beyond 
 Drip Bridge, and beyond that only £200 per mile. An iron 
 railway costs from £700 to £1000 per mile. A horse will draw 
 
STIRLING AND ROUND ABOUT. 261 
 
 four waggons containing one ton each. Now, to float a boat 
 carrying one ton would require little more than a kerse ditch, 
 viz., 4 feet wide at the bottom and 10 feet wide at the top, 
 and two feet deep. One of the ditches at the side of the road, 
 made a little wider, would do. But though made entirely new, 
 the cutting would only cost £22 per mile. A horse would draw 
 thirty of these boats; and the advantage of having these 
 separate boats, instead of one or two long ones, would be this : 
 that instead of locks, these boats, of one ton each, could be 
 drawn up a hill on machines, and thus inland navigation carried 
 through the whole interior country. One mile of the road will 
 thus make 18 miles of the canal; and one mile of the railway 
 45 miles of the canal. The thing is as plain as noon day." 
 
 His proposed canals took in the whole district, some of them 
 the most outlandish places. 
 
 A "Tip" to the Forth Navigation 
 Commissioners. 
 
 Continuing, Mr M'Gibbon said — " To open a navigation from 
 Alloa to Stirling Shore, for vessels of 300 tons, would cost as 
 follows : — 
 
 To building a water-dyke on the Manor and 
 Sow Fords, three feet high, 500 ells long, 
 
 being 14 roods, at £10 per rood, £140 
 
 To building a water-dyke on the Abbey Ford, 140 
 
 To the wooden boxing, 50 
 
 To erecting the wooden boxing at each ford, 
 
 £12 10s. each, 37 10 
 
 To deepening Manor and Sow Fords, 150 
 
 To deepening Abbey Ford, 300 
 
 To making a cut through the Hood 343 
 
 £1060 10 
 
 Thus, for a mere trifle, Stirling can be made a foreign port, 
 which I really consider a great discovery." 
 
OLD STIRLING. 
 
 The Abbey Fair. 
 
 The " Fair " used to be the day of days in Cambuskenneth. 
 The folks from Stirling and surrounding districts made it a 
 custom to go there on a specified day — when the gooseberries 
 were ripe — and as there were a number of public-houses in the 
 village at that time, they got what would prevent illness from 
 overgorging. The fair has been thought to be a relic of 
 monkish hospitality. It certainly looks not unlike it, for it is 
 well-known that the monks were fond of living on good terms 
 with their neighbours, and this might be a cheap and easy way 
 of accomplishing their object. The fair is still held, but it is 
 a shadow of the past. 
 
 "The Abbey Ford," is believed to have been put there by 
 the monks for the purpose of communicating more freely with, 
 and the conveyance of heavy articles from, the other side of 
 the river. If such be the fact, they are entitled to small 
 thanks for their pain.s, as it is now a serious obstruction in the 
 navigation of the river. 
 
 Whether the farm called " The Hood " derives its name from 
 some fancied resemblance it may bear to a monk's hood or 
 cowl, must be left to be settled by some antiquarian society. 
 
 The Abbey Tower: Mr. Anderson's 
 Cow. 
 
 A cow belonging to Mr Anderson, farmer in Hood, while 
 grazing about the bottom of the tower, perceiving the door 
 open, walked in, and alighting upon the entrance to the stair, 
 made an effort to ascend. Once in the narrow staircase 
 "crummie" was compelled to complete the experiment, so 
 that the first intimation Mr Anderson got of the curiosity of 
 his cow was from her lowing from the balcony of the tower. 
 Had such a circumstance happened in some of the dark ages 
 which have passed over the monastery, it would have made a 
 
STIRLING AND ROUND ABOUT. 263 
 
 tolerable miracle. This inquisitive " hawky " was lowered from 
 the top of the belfry by means of a pulley, as it was impossible 
 to compel her to return by the way she came. 
 
 Neighbourly Feeling at the Abbey. 
 
 About sixty years ago a young man in Cambuskenneth had 
 been guilty of a breach of church order, and before he could 
 be re-admitted to privileges, it was necessary for him to sub- 
 mit to public rebuke and censure in the presence of the whole 
 congregation. In order to take the edge of this off their 
 neighbour, the entire male population of the village — without 
 any previous concert with the transgressor — resolved to attend 
 the same church upon the occasion, and place themselves near 
 him. When the culprit was called upon to receive censure, the 
 whole of the men stood bolt upright round about him, so that 
 it was quite impossible for the gossips to discover who was the 
 offender. This was fulfilling, at least literally, the injunction 
 of Scripture, which exhorts us to " Bear one another's burden," 
 but whether the really true import of the precept was observed 
 may be left to the decision of the divine. 
 
 The Farm of Queenshaugh 
 
 Is so called from the fact that it was the place where the 
 Queen's cows were pastured ; and a better or more secure place 
 it would be difficult to find, for while the soil is excellent — 
 being equal to any in the neighbourhood, and sufficiently large 
 for a dairy — it is nearly surrounded by water, which, upon most 
 occasions, is deep enough to prevent the predatory efforts of 
 marauders; and as the entrance by land does not. much exceed 
 one hundred yards in breadth, it could the more easily be 
 defended against the thievish propensities of neighbours. 
 
 The Kays of Shiphaugh. 
 
 Until quite recently the farm of Shiphaugh was tenanted by 
 the family of Kay, whose forebears had been in its possession 
 
264 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 for hundreds of years. There is an affecting anecdote con- 
 nected with the family at the time of the plague. Two sisters, 
 daughters of the then tenant, going to church in Stirling, and 
 passing through a field called Cowpark, one of them found a 
 velvet necklet, which she put round her neck. The result was 
 that both of them were speedily seized with distemper, and 
 died within a short time of each other. Their grave is in the 
 piece of ground now used as the stackyard. 
 
 The Wicked Laird of Tillicoultry and 
 the Monks of Cambuskenneth. 
 
 One of the things worthy of notice in Tillicoultry is said to 
 be a large stone in the churchyard, which is the subject of a 
 curious and amusing old legend, strikingly illustrative of at 
 least one-half of the proverb, that '' it is kittle shooting at 
 craws and clergy." In the parish of Tillicoultry, as in other 
 places, there once lived a wicked laird, -who happened, on one 
 occasion, to quarrel with one of the monks of Cambuskenneth 
 about the payment of certain church dues, and, in the course of 
 debate, was so far exasperated that, forgetting entirely the 
 respect due to a churchman, he knocked the holy father down. 
 Of course a man who had been guilty of such an outrage could 
 not live long : he died, therefore, and was buried. But as he 
 had not been afflicted by any supernatural torment upon his 
 deathbed ; as he had neither drawn air into his lungs and 
 breathed it out blue flame, nor had supplies of water carried to 
 him by relays of servants to cool his feet, which set the floor 
 on fire, and made cold water splutter and boil as it was dashed 
 upon them ; more than all, as he had died unshriven, and with- 
 out having expiated his offence by a consolatory legacy of lands 
 to the church, something yet remained to be done to mani- 
 fest the indignation of heaven at his impious act. He was 
 buried, as dead men are wont to be ; but his spirit did not walk 
 as the spirits of wicked men were wont to do. That would 
 have been too equivocal ; it might have been said that he had 
 murdered men as well as knocked down priests. But mark his 
 
STIRLING AND ROUND ABOUT. 265 
 
 punishment! The hand, the sacrilegious hand, was found, on 
 the morning after the funeral, projecting above the grave, 
 clenched as if in the act of giving a blow. The people were 
 dreadfully alarmed; but what could they do but exclaim in 
 astonishment, sain themselves, wish they might never do any- 
 thing to incur so dreadful a judgment ; then take up the unholy 
 corpse, adjust the arm by its side, and again commit it to the 
 earth. On the following morning great numbers repaired to 
 the churchyard to see whether the laird's arm had again been 
 rejected of the grave. There it was, thrust up and clenched as 
 before. The process of interment was repeated, and again 
 came up the clenched fist. Again it was repeated, and so on for 
 more than a week. The people were then in a state little short 
 of distraction. They had applied to the priests of Cambus- 
 kenneth, but they, with much shaking of heads, had refused to 
 interfere. The news spread far and wide, and hundreds 
 gathered to witness the miracle. Hundreds, however, could 
 not bury the laird more effectually than a single sexton. At 
 last an expedient was thought of by which the power of num- 
 bers could be turned to account. They united to bring from 
 a considerable distance, and roll upon the grave, the huge 
 stone which now marks the spot, after which the clenched fist 
 no longer appeared. It need scarcely be suggested that if any 
 person had been daring enough to watch the place by night, 
 they would probably have beheld a detachment of imps, who 
 had wickedly assumed the dress of monks, come and undo the 
 work of sepulture, leaving the hand exposed. When the story 
 is told on the spot at the present day the rustic narrator looks 
 cautiously round the edge of the mass of rock, half afraid that 
 his tale will be confirmed by the appearence of the clenched 
 fist growing out, like a mushroom, between the stone and the 
 earth. 
 
 It was at one time customary in Scotland, when a child 
 happened to strike, or, as the phrase has it, to lift its hand to 
 a parent, to say, " Weel, weel, my man, your hand'll wag abune 
 the grave for that." 
 
266 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 Demyat. 
 
 The most southerly of all the Ochil Hills is one called 
 Demyat, forming the west side of the mouth of Glendevon, and 
 is famous for the extensive and splendid view to be obtained 
 from its summit. The following story regarding it is related by 
 Dr Graham, in his "Sketches of Perthshire." The proprietor 
 of the estate upon which it is situated, when travelling abroad, 
 happened to meet an English gentleman who had recently been 
 in. Scotland, and who talked loudly of the romantic beauties of 
 that country. In particular, he spoke with rapture of the view 
 which he had obtained from the top of a hill called Demyat. 
 The Scottish gentleman heard with astonishment that he 
 possessed upon his own property in Scotland a view superior 
 to any he had come so far in search of, and he lost no time in 
 returning home to ascend Demyat. 
 
 In the neighbourhood of Demyat is the more conical summit 
 of Ben Cleuch, otherwise the hill of Alva, which, instead of 
 terminating, like Demyat, in a gentle upland, shoots up into 
 a tall rocky point. This point is called Craigleith, and was 
 remarkable long ago for the production of falcons. The falcons 
 of Craigleith were celebrated far and wide at the time when 
 these birds were used for sport. The rock was never tenanted 
 by more than one pair of birds; it, of course, produced very 
 few, but these were held in very high esteem. They were 
 often a matter of request with Royalty itself, then occasionally 
 resident in the neighbouring palace of Stirling. 
 
 Mar's Work, Stirling, and the Alleged 
 Prophecy. 
 
 The following, we feel sure, will be deemed by no means 
 uninteresting. There is a very singular prophecy concerning 
 this family, attributed by some to Thomas the Rhymer, by 
 some to the Abbot of Cambuskenneth, who was ejected in the 
 
STIRLING AND ROUND ABOUT. 267 
 
 reign of Queen Mary, and by others to the bard of the house 
 at that epoch. But whoever was the author of it, the prophecy 
 itself is sure, and the time of its delivery was prior to the 
 elevation of the Earl, in 1571, to be Regent of Scotland. 
 The original is said to have been delivered in Gaelic verse, but 
 it is doubtful if it was ever written down, and the family them- 
 selves have always been averse to giving any details concerning 
 it, although some members have admitted the accuracy of the 
 words, which are as follows : — 
 
 " Proud Chief of Mar, thou shalt be raised still higher, until 
 thou sittest in the place of the king. Thou shalt rule and 
 destroy, and thy work shall be called after thy name ; but thy 
 work shall be the emblem of thy house, and shall teach man- 
 kind that he who cruelly and haughtily raiseth himself upon 
 the ruins of the holy cannot prosper. Thy work shall be cursed 
 and shall never be finished. But thou shalt have riches and 
 greatness, and shalt be true to thy sovereign, and shalt raise 
 his banner in the field of blood. Then, when thou seemest to 
 be highest ; when thy power is mightiest, then shall come thy 
 fall ; low shall be thy head amongst the nobles of thy people. 
 Deep shall be thy moan among the children of dool. Thy 
 lands shall be given to the stranger; and thy titles shall lie 
 amongst the dead. The branch that springs from thee shall 
 see his dwelling burnt, in which a king was nursed ; his wife 
 a sacrifice in that same flame ; his children numerous, but of 
 little honour ; and three born and grown who shall never see 
 the light. Yet shall thine ancient tower stand ; for the brave 
 and true cannot be wholly forsaken. Thy proud head and 
 daggered hand must dree thy weird until horses shall be stabled 
 in thy hall, and a weaver shall throw his shuttle in thy chamber 
 of state. Thine ancient tower — a woman's dower — shall be a 
 ruin and a beacon, until an ash sapling shall spring from its 
 topmost stone. Then shall thy sorrows be ended, and the sun- 
 shine of Royalty shall beam on thee once more. Thine honour 
 shall be restored ; the kiss of peace shall be given to thy Coun- 
 tess, though she seek it not, and the days of peace shall return 
 to thee and thine. The line of Mar shall be broken; but not 
 until its honours are doubled, and its doom is ended." 
 
268 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 In explanation of this long prophecy, which has worked 
 through 300 years, we have to tell that the Earl of 1571 was 
 raised to be Regent of Scotland and guardian of James VI., 
 whose cradle belongs to the family. He, as Regent, com- 
 manded the destruction of Cambuskenneth Abbey, and took 
 its stones to build himself a palace in Stirling, which never 
 advanced further than the facade, and which has always been 
 called " Mar's Work." The Earl of Mar in 1715 raised the 
 banner, in Scotland, of his sovereign, the Chevalier James 
 Stuart, son of James II., or VII., and was defeated at the 
 bloody battle of Sheriffmuir. His title was forfeited, and his 
 lands of Mar were confiscated, and sold by the Government to 
 the Earl of Fife. His grandson and representative, John 
 Francis, lived at Alloa Tower, which had been for some time 
 the abode of James VI. as an infant. This tower was burnt 
 iu 1801, by a candle being left near a bed by a careless servant. 
 Miss Erskine, afterwards Lady Frances, had passed this room 
 to her own every night for twelve years, but that night, being 
 ill, she had gone up by a private stair. Mrs Erskine was burnt, 
 and died ; leaving, besides others, three children who were 
 born blind, and who all lived to old age. The family being 
 thus driven away from Alloa Tower, it was left as a ruin, and 
 used to be a show from the neighbouring gentlemen's houses. 
 In the beginning of this century, upon a general and violent 
 alarm of French invasion, all the cavalry of the district, and all 
 the yeomanry, poured into Alloa, a small, poor town, in which 
 they could not find accommodation. A troop accordingly took 
 possession of the Tower, and fifty horses were stabled for a week 
 in its lordly hall. In or about 18*10, a party of visitors found, 
 to their astonishment, a weaver very composedly plying his 
 loom in the grand old chamber of state. He had been there a 
 fortnight, and the keeper of the Tower professed to know noth- 
 ing of it. He had been dislodged in Alloa for rent. 
 
 Between 1815 and 1820, the contributor of this article has 
 often formed one of a party who have shaken the ash sapling 
 in the topmost stone, and clasped it in the palms of their hands, 
 wondering if it was really the twig of destiny, and if they 
 should ever live to see the prophecy fulfilled. 
 
 In 1822, King George IV. came to Scotland, and searched 
 
STIRLING AND ROUND ABOUT. 269 
 
 out the families, who had suffered by supporting the Princes of 
 the Stuart line. Foremost of them all was Erskine of Mar, 
 grandson of the Mar who had raised the Chevalier's standard, 
 and to him, accordingly, he restored his earldom. John 
 Francis, the present peer, and the grandson of the restored 
 Earl, boasts the double earldoms of Mar and Kellie. His 
 Countess was never presented at St. James', but she accident- 
 ally met Queen Victoria in a small room in Stirling Castle, and 
 the Queen immediately asked who she was, detained her, and 
 kissed her. The Earl and Countess are now living in affluence 
 and peace at Alloa Park, and many who knew the family in 
 its days of deepest depression have lived to see " the weird 
 dreed out, and the doom of Mar ended.' 
 
 Alloa Tower — " a woman's dower " — was the jointure house 
 of the Lady Frances Erskine, the mother of the restored peer. 
 The present Earl has no children, and his successor in the 
 peerage, accordingly, will not be an Erskine, but a Goodeve, 
 the child of his eldest sister, the Lady Jemima; the old line 
 being thus broken. — From Burke's " Romance of the Aristo- 
 cracy," 1853. 
 
 "Mrs. M'Larty;" or, "I Canna 
 Be Fashed." 
 
 Mrs Hamilton, famous for her " Cottagers of Glenburnie " 
 (in which one of the characters is the now proverbial "Mrs 
 M'Larty"), received part of her education in Stirling. She 
 resided for some time at Williamfield, St. Ninians, and latterly 
 at the " Crook," near Kerse Mill, in a house burned down some 
 years ago. 
 
 An Excellent Answer. 
 
 The parish minister of St. Ninians of a former time was 
 visiting his flock in the vicinity of Buckieburn. In one of the 
 farmhouses — as the custom was — the family and servants were 
 assembled to be catechised, when the minister asked a question 
 
270 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 of Katie, one of the servants, who appeared to be much put 
 about, but at length said she would whisper the answer into 
 his ear. The rev. gentleman, wishing to humour her, said that 
 would do. Katie then, crossing the room, leant to the minis- 
 ter's ear and whispered, " The mistress is going to send you a 
 pair of fat hens the morn." "An excellent answer! A most 
 excellent answer, Katie," quoth the divine. 
 
 Safe from the Gallows. 
 
 Cambusbarron was rendered famous in the burlesque history 
 of George Buchanan, as the place where, if a criminal got under 
 a stair, he was saved from the gallows. In these days, how- 
 ever, this notable privilege no longer exists, there being numer- 
 ous stairs in the village. 
 
 Effigy Burning at Cambusbarron. 
 
 In April, 1837, James Henderson, weaver, was burnt in 
 effigy at the Cross of Cambusbarron. He had rendered himself 
 obnoxious by volunteering to go to London to swear that the 
 value of the property of several determined reformers in the 
 village was not of the requisite value to entitle them to a vote 
 in the county. A day or two afterwards the effigy of his wife 
 went through the same ordeal. 
 
 Elizabeth Willcox and the Russian 
 Emperor. 
 
 " Wha wad ha'e thocht it 
 Stockin's wad ha'e bocht it?" 
 
 St. Ninians, by Stirling, April 2nd, 1804. 
 
 Unto the most Excellent Alexander, Emperor of that Great 
 Dominion of Russia and the Territorys there Unto Belong- 
 ing, &c. 
 
 Your Most Humble Servant Most Humbly begges your Most 
 
STIRLING AND ROUND ABOUT. 271 
 
 Gracious Pardon for my boldness in approtching Your Most 
 Dread Sovering for your clemency at this time My Sovering 
 the conclusion of this Freedome is on account of My Son whose 
 name, is John Duncan aged 26 years who was Prentiss with 
 Robert Spittle his Master Captain of the Ann Spittle of Alloa 
 at the time of the British Embargo in your Soverings dominion 
 in Russia and is the only support of me his Mother and Besides 
 I have no freene for My Support to accept of this small Present 
 from Your Everwell wisher whilst I have Breath The said Pre- 
 sent is three pair of Stockens for Going on when Your Sovering 
 goes out a hunting I would have sent Your Sovering Silk 
 stokens if that my Son Could Go in search of it but the Press 
 being so hot at this Time that he cannot go for fear of being 
 pressed If Your Sovering will be pleased to accept of this and 
 favour me with an answer of this by the Bearer and lett me 
 Kno what Family of Children Your Sovering has I will send 
 some stockens for them for the Winter before the Winter 
 comes on also what Sons and Dochters you might have. 
 
 Most Dread Sovering I am Your Most Obedient Servant Till 
 Deathe. ^signed) Elizabeth Willcox. 
 
 N.B. — Please to Direct to me to the care of Robert Rennie 
 Banker in St. Ninians by Stirling. 
 
 The above is a verbatim et literatim copy of a letter written 
 to the dictation of the subscriber, better known at the time in 
 the village of St. Ninians as "Betty Willcox" than as Mrs 
 Duncan. The individual who wrote for her was an Alexander 
 Bryce, a pulicat or gingham weaver, who acted occasionally as 
 amanuensis for some of the poorer inhabitants in composing 
 letters and petitions. He had received a by no means scanty 
 education, but was qualified to construct sentences that might 
 have graced the pages of the " Tatler " for grammatical accu- 
 racy. Among the coterie of muslin weavers who occupied the 
 " Howff " he ranked as the oracle ; was an enthusiastic admirer 
 of the Friends of the People, and had imbibed some of the 
 principles of the French Revolution. In politics he was ex- 
 tremely Radical, but from blemishes in his moral character, his 
 influence had little or no effect, as he was said to be a " lazy, 
 indolent ne'er-do-well. " He was withal a wag, and had some 
 
272 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 touches of sly humour in him. Betty, who was a woman of 
 somewhat imperious determination, had engaged this disciple 
 of Tom Paine to arrange her epistle according to her own style 
 — " Ye'll just pit in't what I'll say to ye " — hence the absence 
 of punctuation, a redundancy of capitals, and some examples 
 of rude spelling. Little did he dream that his handiwork 
 would have fallen into the possession of the titled personage it 
 was addressed to, and so he undertook the task more for the 
 fun of the thing than from sympathy with her maternal 
 yearnings. 
 
 Betty, bent on procuring her son's release, who had been 
 detained in captivity as a prisoner of war in the northern 
 capital, indulged and fostered the hope that she could storm 
 the Emperor's humane susceptibility by an act of kindness on 
 her part commensurate with her position in life. Silver and 
 gold she had none to give, but such as she had to bestow would 
 flow from a mother's affection and unparsimonious hands. She 
 purchased some genuine Highland wool, scoured and carded 
 the same, spun and twined it into " muckle-wheel " yarn, and 
 with her own fingers deftly knitted three pairs of long hose, 
 then familiarly known as "gamashes," which she, along with 
 the original of the foregoing letter, addressed to His Imperial 
 Majesty of Russia. Fortune favoured her scheme, as there was 
 a vessel about ready to sail from the place of her nativity 
 (Kincardine-on-Forth) bound for St. Petersburg, the master 
 of which, in some measure, she was acquainted with, and to 
 him was confided the parcel, with an earnest request that it 
 would be forwarded at all hazards. By a singular combination 
 of circumstances it actually reached its destination, and was 
 most feelingly accepted and acknowledged. 
 
 Some year or two before, a youth, named James Wylie, had 
 left the little seaport on the Forth for the Baltic. He had 
 acquired some insight into the healing art, and, shortly 
 after his arrival, a case of urgency requiring surgical manipula- 
 tion occurred, which he undertook. Being eminently success- 
 ful in the operation, his fame got noised abroad and reached 
 the Royal palace. A message came from the Emperor, sum- 
 moning him into his presence, when he was politely requested 
 to take up his permanent residence in the capital, and continue 
 
STIRLING AND ROUND ABOUT. 273 
 
 to practise. Afterwards Dr Wylie rose to high distinction and 
 affluence, being appointed chief consulting physician and 
 surgeon to the Court of Russia. In 1814 this fortunate 
 disciple of Esculapius (for services rendered) was recognised by 
 the Court of Great Britain, and was honoured with the distinc- 
 tion of being created a Knight Bachelor. 
 
 It need be no wonder to hear of young Dr Wylie, when he 
 learned of the arrival of a vessel in the harbour from his native 
 place, wending his way thither to see and converse with its 
 skipper, with whom, there is every probability, he was person- 
 ally acquainted, and ascertain all the news about the old folks 
 at home. Among the topics the parcel was introduced, and 
 the Doctor, having known some of the antecedents of Elizabeth 
 Willcox and her relatives, kindly volunteered to deliver it. 
 Being on terms of social and professional intimacy with the 
 Emperor, whose moral character in some respects was a singu- 
 lar exception to the general rule of the self-willed, haughty, 
 domineering, and tyrannical despots who had worn the imperial 
 purple of empire, he felt confident that he could use the free- 
 dom of handing over the parcel, as addressed, with perfect ease 
 and safety. He accordingly did it, read and explained the 
 letter, giving at the same time some reminiscences of the sub- 
 scribing petitioner, which so charmed the Czar, and satisfied 
 him of the tender-hearted simplicity and transparent sincerity 
 of his humble correspondent, that he issued immediate orders 
 for the liberty of " My Son whose name is John Duncan aged 
 26 years," and at the same time, as an acknowledgment of the 
 gift, sent instructions to the Russian Embassy in London to 
 remit to her, to the care of the party named in the " N.B." the 
 sum of £100 sterling. 
 
 The remittance was duly received, and a letter, as receipt, 
 expressive of her heart-felt gratitude, was returned, couched, 
 however, in a more graceful, courteous, and grammatical style 
 than the one she had formerly sent. "The vile body, Saundoc 
 Bryce," it is said, had neither the pleasure nor the honour of 
 writing it. Betty was quite another woman, being now assured 
 of the welfare of her son, and possessed of ample means 
 honourably acquired. On looking around on her household 
 goods, she saw the chance now of adding to them an eight-day 
 S 
 
274 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 clock, a piece of furniture she had hitherto been unable, 
 through poverty, to aspire to. David Somerville, watch and 
 clockmaker in St. Ninians, immediately got an order to provide 
 one for her, and received very particular and peremptory in- 
 structions to engrave on its dial-plate the following couplet : — 
 
 " Wha wad ha'e thocht it 
 Stockin's wad ha'e bocht it?" 
 
 A Bannockburn correspondent, writing a few years ago, gave 
 some additional information and made a few corrections on the 
 story. At the outset, he said, I may state that Betty's 
 historical time-reckoner is still to the fore, and is now in the 
 possession of a Mrs Duncan of this village, whose late husband, 
 John Duncan, was a son of the person of the same name men- 
 tioned as a prisoner of war in Betty's petition. The statement 
 with regard to the two lines of poetry having been inscribed on 
 the dial-pate is wrong, inasmuch as they were placed on a 
 piece of wood fastened to the top of the clock. This, it is to 
 be regretted, has been taken off — for what reason I know not 
 — and afterwards lost. There is not, however, the least doubt 
 but that this is the clock, as there are round its dial-plate 
 several pictures, illustrating some of the incidents connected 
 with its history. In one of these Betty is seen engaged knit- 
 ting her presents, in another there is a picture of the Emperor, 
 while the rest all more or less go to show that it is without 
 doubt the self and same clock bought by Betty. There are 
 also in Mrs Duncan's possession a piece of the yarn used by 
 her, and the old arm-chair (now very far gone) in which she 
 sat and knitted her " gamashes." Another point is, it is stated 
 that it was Highland wool that they were made of, and that 
 she scoured and carded the same. Now, this, he says, is 
 wrong, and that he had good reason to believe that she 
 travelled all the way to Paisley to procure her yarn, which was 
 made up of silk and cotton twined, and as this is verified by the 
 piece of yarn now in Mrs Duncan's possession, there can hardly 
 be any mistake. In connection with Dr Wylie's name, it may 
 be of interest to know that the Emperor, when sending Betty's 
 money, sent at the same time a set of gold cups and saucers to 
 the Doctor's mother in Kincardine-on-Forth. Betty Willcox, 
 
STIRLING AND ROUND ABOUT. 275 
 
 on receiving an invitation to come to Kincardine, set out on 
 foot to get a drink out of the gold cups, and it must have been 
 a pleasing sight to see the two old worthies thus sitting telling 
 one another of their trials and difficulties, now happily over. 
 
 A Lawyer's Address. 
 
 The following is an extract from a lawyer's speech, delivered 
 not ten miles from Stirling : — " My Lord, my client only came 
 to me a few minutes before the Court opened to-day, and I 
 have not had sufficient time to look into the merits of the case ; 
 but I leave it in your Lordship's hands." This savours a little 
 of a schoolboy repeating the first verse of the 23rd Psalm. 
 When finished with his oration, the speaker left the Court, at 
 the same time telling his client that he would meet him in 
 Hotel, where he would hear from him how he got on. 
 
 Rob Roy and the Lady of Ochtertyre. 
 
 In passing Ochtertyre, near Stirling, on one occasion, Rob 
 Roy observed a young horse grazing in a park, with points that 
 much pleased him, he being a perfect jockey, so he went to 
 the house to inquire if the animal was for sale. The proprietor 
 was not within, but Macgregor was recognised by the servant, 
 and ushered into a parlour where the landlady was sitting. 
 He politely told her that he wished to purchase the pony he 
 saw in the park, if the price could be agreed on; but she 
 appeared offended, and said that " the horse would not be 
 sold, having been broken for her use." Her husband having 
 come in, sent for her to another room, and asked her " if she 
 knew the stranger, and what he wanted ? " " Wants ! " said 
 she, "he wants to buy my pony, the impudent fellow!" 
 " My good lady," replied her husband, " if he should want your- 
 self, he must not be refused, for he is Rob Roy." The land- 
 lord immediately went to him, and agreed upon the price of 
 the horse, which was instantly paid. 
 
276 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 Rob Roy and Blair Drummond. 
 
 On the estate of Perth, a clansman of Rob Roy occupied a 
 farm on a regular lease; but the factor, Drummond of Blair 
 Drummond, took occasion to break it, and the tenant was 
 ordered to remove. Rob Roy, hearing the story, went to 
 Drummond Castle to claim redress for the grievance. On his 
 arrival there, early in the morning, the first person he met in 
 front of the house was Blair Drummond himself, whom he 
 knocked down without speaking a word, and walked on to the 
 gate. Perth, who saw this from a window, immediately 
 appeared, and, to soften his asperity, gave him a cordial wel- 
 come. He told Perth that he wanted no show of hospitality; 
 he insisted only on getting back the tack of which his namesake 
 had been deprived, otherwise he would let loose his legions on 
 his property. Perth was obliged to comply, the lease was 
 restored, and Rob Roy sat down quietly and breakfasted with 
 the Earl. 
 
 A Story of the Blair Drummond 
 Family. 
 
 At a date unrecorded by historians, there lived an Earl of 
 Perth of a very choleric disposition — a hot, fiery-tempered 
 nobleman. One day, when he was in a more sullen mood than 
 usual, his cook was timorous in visiting him to get orders as to 
 what he wanted prepared for dinner, and a page volunteered 
 to go, so, entering the presence of his lordship, he stated the 
 request of the cook. The Earl turned round on him with a 
 
 scowl, and said, " the devil ; " but, ere he got further 
 
 with the sentence, the youth interposed the question, " Please 
 your lordship, whether roasted or boiled ? " The smartness 
 and fearlessness of the lad fairly undid the Earl from his 
 moroseness, and he became a calm, rational human being. He 
 was quite taken up with the boy, and, judging there was more 
 in him than was apparent, gave orders to some of the learned 
 
STIRLING AND ROUND ABOUT. 277 
 
 monks who officiated in his private chapel to see to giving him 
 some elementary education ; so the lad, being naturally some- 
 what clever, soon became a promising scholar, and the Earl 
 afterwards appointed him to the office of chamberlain and 
 treasurer of his household, in other words, factor on the Perth 
 estates. Some years passed over, and he was still in the same 
 honourable position, when the time came when the tenantry 
 of Kincardine-in-Menteith, who were bound by their tenure of 
 occupancy to convey fuel to Drummond Castle for winter's con- 
 sumpt, had to discharge their obligation. There were no carts 
 or waggons or wheeled vehicles in those days, the mode of 
 conveyance being by wicker-work creels, placed on horses' 
 backs, so the tenantry turned out their horses and creels, and 
 repaired to Culross, where they got a supply of coal and pro- 
 ceeded in a long string across the country, through Glen- 
 eagles via Auchterarder, and onward till they reached Drum- 
 mond Castle, where, unloading their burdens, they were 
 regaled with venison and plenty of home-brewed. Before 
 they started on their return, the cavalcade was reviewed by 
 his lordship, who, feeling mortified at seeing such a turnout of 
 miserable cattle and as miserable-looking attendants, expressed 
 astonishment to his factor, and wondered what it meant. The 
 factor told him that it was no astonishment to him, for that 
 portion of his lordship's estate was quite unfit for the rearing 
 of either horses or men, being far more suitable for the breed- 
 ing of whaups and snipes. His lordship considered himself 
 disgraced by being owner of such a property, and there and 
 then made a free gift to the factor of the same, who in after- 
 time came and resided within the bounds, assuming the sur- 
 name of Drummond in honour of his noble and generous 
 patron, and called it Blair Drummond, the home of the 
 Drummonds. 
 
 Reclaiming Blair Drummond Moss. 
 
 The piece of ground at one time called " The Moss " is a few 
 square miles of country which lay under a superincumbent 
 mass of peat and heath, from six to twelve feet thick. 
 
278 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 In order to remove the incumbrance, and render the land 
 arable, Lord Karnes let out the property to poor people, in 
 lots of about eight acres, in leases of fifty-seven years. During 
 the first nineteen, there was no rent exacted, during the 
 second, ten shillings and sixpence per acre; and during the 
 third, twenty-one shillings. In order to complete the object 
 his Lordship had in view, he placed a large wheel upon a 
 stream of water, brought from the river Teith, in the immedi- 
 ate neighbourhood, for the express purpose. This wheel, go- 
 ing with the current of the stream, was fitted up with buckets, 
 which were filled with water in the descent, and emptied in 
 their ascent, into a trough, placed for its reception. Thence 
 it went off in a channel previously prepared for the current. 
 In this manner a sufficient stream of water was conveyed 
 through the whole length of the moss. It was then, in order 
 to accomplish the object originally intended, led off into the 
 different allotments of land, where the tenant had a part of 
 the light, spongy moss, which was unfit for fuel, cast into a 
 trench communicating with the river Forth, whither it was 
 borne by the stream of water admitted from the artificial 
 channel. The moss below, which was of a closer texture, was 
 then cut up and dried for fuel. Upon this moss there were 
 ultimately located between two and three hundred families, by 
 whose industry upwards of two thousand acres of as good 
 ground as there is in the carse have been rescued from per- 
 petual sterility, and rendered available for producing valuable 
 crops of grain, which formerly only produced a little fuel — and 
 that, too, in a country where coal is abundant. Such a scheme 
 richly deserves the appellation patriotic, and reflected great 
 credit on the memory of Lord Karnes and his advisers. A 
 goodly number of families brought up on the moss emigrated 
 to America as the term of their leases ran out. 
 
 Lord Karnes died on the 27th day of December, 1782. Two 
 days before his death he told Dr Cullen that he earnestly 
 wished to be away, because he was exceedingly curious to learn 
 the nature and manners of another world. He added, "Doctor, 
 as I never could be idle in this world, I shall willingly perform 
 any task that may be imposed upon me." 
 
STIRLING AND ROUND ABOUT. 279 
 
 A Clever Lassie. 
 
 A sturdy beggar woman called at a farmhouse in Strathallan, 
 and seeing only a young girl, she asked where her mother was. 
 " At Dunblane," was the reply, " selling her butter." She 
 then asked where her father was. " In the moss casting peats." 
 " And so there is nobody but you at home. You must give 
 me," said she, "a guid pickle meal." The girl replied that 
 there was little in the house, and that it was at the bottom of 
 the girnel, beyond her reach. The woman, not liking to be 
 put off in this way, said she would lift it herself; and when 
 in the act, the girl tripped up her heels, and threw her into 
 the girnel, telling her, after securing the cover, to lie there 
 till she brought her father from the moss. 
 
 A Would=Be Hangman. 
 
 A Thornhill feuar, M'Pherson by name, made offer on one 
 occasion for the office of public executioner, then vacant. He 
 demanded a shilling a head, with sixpence to his father as 
 assistant — a modest wage certainly — but stipulated that he get 
 constant employment. Fortunately for the village another 
 than M'Pherson received the appointment. 
 
 A Thornhill Beadle of the Olden Time. 
 
 In 1730, James Campbell, Thornhill, wanted a roup " cried at 
 the skalin' o' the kirk," as the custom then was. The fee was 
 twopence. On this occasion one of the coins handed to George 
 Buchanan, the beadle, was " ane bad halfpenny," and George 
 accordingly refused to open his mouth. When Campbell saw 
 that the familiar " Ahoy ! Ahoy ! Ahoy ! " was not forthcoming, 
 he proclaimed the roup himself. Such unheard of daring and 
 uncalled for interference with the beadle's duties roused " the 
 old man within," and Buchanan, forgetting for the nonce that 
 he was an ecclesiastical functionary, seized Campbell, and 
 
280 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 began to maltreat him. He snatched off his bonnet before the 
 whole congregation, and dashed him against a stone wall. 
 
 Campbell complained to the Kirk Session, where, after being 
 rebuked and admonished to more " civil carriage and Christian 
 deportment," Buchanan was suspended from office, and ordered 
 to cry no more roups in all time coming, and it was unanim- 
 ously decided that he was to get only four shillings Scots, and 
 not, as before, the whole collection made for him at weddings, 
 as the balance might with advantage be kept for the poor. At 
 the same time George was informed that he should get nothing 
 unless he went to the weddings and collected it himself. 
 
 It is satisfactory to know that he was restored to office in 
 due time, and reinstated in the confidence of the Kirk Session. 
 
 George's house was somewhat roughish, if we may judge 
 from what follows. One day his daughter, Margaret, hunted 
 Elder Welsh's sheep " most desperately with two dogs, as he 
 was driving them to the summer's grass." She persisted, in 
 spite of all the elder could do, so he hit one of the dogs. Mar- 
 garet, as her father's daughter, gripped the said James and 
 struggled with him most impudently, and would hardly let go 
 till, through strength of hand, he dragged himself out of her 
 clutches. But she immediately began to throw stones and 
 hard clods — clods being far more abundant than stones in the 
 parish of . Kincardine — wherewith she " strake him twice or 
 thrice, abusing him filthily with her tongue, telling him it was 
 not man made him an elder, but the devil, and that he was 
 fitter to be ane hangman than an elder." 
 
 Margaret was cited to compear, and show reason for " so 
 abominably abusing any man, and especially one who bears 
 office in the house of the Lord. Though cited, she did not 
 appear, and her father was told to exercise his authority as the 
 head of his house. At a subsequent meeting Margaret con- 
 fessed part, but denied a good deal of what she had been 
 charged with. Even in the presence of the Kirk Session she 
 allowed her tongue to break loose, and informed the brethren 
 that their brother Welsh was " ane hyprocrite, having ane face 
 to God and another to the devil." She was sharply rebuked 
 for speaking evil of dignities, and it is stated that she received 
 the rebuke Christianly. 
 
STIRLING AND ROUND ABOUT. 281 
 
 Married in He'rt. 
 
 At Norrieston, the easter part of Thornhill, lived a family 
 of the name of Ballantyne. Jane Ballantyne, a daughter of this 
 family, lived for several years with a man who was not her 
 husband. She earnestly desired him to make her an honest 
 woman by the matrimonial rite. He, however, put off the 
 wedding-day by pleading, "Wait, Jane, till we gether mair 
 siller : ye ken there's nae credit for the cries, woman." 
 " Aweel, aweel," replied she, "we're married in he'rt, ye ken." 
 
 The Thornhill Piper. 
 
 Tourists from Stirling, travelling to or from the Lake of 
 Menteith or Loch Ard, must have seen the quaint and curious 
 figure of a piper built into the wall of a barn in the village of 
 Thornhill. This figure has a history. It is a relic of the 
 famous Napier family. David Ramsay, the pachydermatous 
 watchmaker in " The Fortunes of Nigel," when roused to wrath, 
 swore " by the bones of the immortal Napiers ; " and students 
 know something of this family from the short and easy methods 
 of arithmetical calculation invented by one of them, and 
 denominated logarithms. Davie's oath referred to this cele- 
 brated man. 
 
 Lord Francis Napier, the representative of the family in the 
 first part of last century, was proprietor of Ballinton, where 
 his handiwork is yet to be seen in the fine beeches growing 
 there. The Ballinton property, as well as King's Boquhapple, 
 probably came into the possession of the Napiers through 
 the marriage of Elizabeth, daughter of Murdoch, Earl of Men- 
 teith, to Archibald Napier, the father of the inventor of 
 logarithms. After Lord Francis' marriage with Lord Hope- 
 toun's daughter, he thought of making Ballinton his principal 
 residence, and so pulled down the old house, with a view to 
 erecting a more stately and commodious building. Like many 
 
282 OLD STIRLING 
 
 another man, his lordship " began to build and was not able to 
 finish." The Ballinton property was soon after deserted and 
 sold. 
 
 On one of the pillars of the principal gate leading to Ballin- 
 ton stood our friend, the piper. In those days of his glory he 
 had a companion of kindred tastes, as on the other pillar stood a 
 drummer energetically beating time to his neighbour. These 
 figures were brought and placed on the parapets of the bridge 
 over the burn which flows a few yards east from where the 
 piper now stands. There they were fixed, facing each other, 
 and playing together in silent accompaniment to the stream 
 flowing below. 
 
 But people will not hold their hands. Both musicians were 
 tumbled off the bridge into the burn by some mischievous visi- 
 tor to Thornhill. The drummer was sent to " crokonition," and 
 the poor piper lost his left limb below the knee. For preserva- 
 tion, he was carried from the scene of his disaster, and built 
 into the barn, where he now stands, telling his old tales, and 
 playing his silent melodies to whoever (?) " hath ears to hear." 
 There are some persons to be met with who affirm that he is 
 the best piper they ever saw, but they lack ear. It may be 
 a question whether his covering of paint becomes him or not. 
 Be this as it may, many a pleasant smile has been occasioned 
 at the sight of the stout and solemn stone figure in the wall, 
 puffing and panting at the bagpipes. 
 
 James Macgregor (Glengyle). 
 
 A few years ago there died, near Auchterarder, one who was 
 well-known to many in Stirling and Bridge of Allan, a kind- 
 hearted, simple man, much liked by all who had acquaintance 
 with him. This was James MacGregor, the last descendant of 
 Gregor Ghlun Dhu (Black Knee), who in 1745 received a com- 
 mission from Prince Charles as colonel in the army and com- 
 mander of the fortresses of Doune, Cardross, and Ballinton, 
 all in Menteith, and had obtained from James, fourth Marquis 
 of Montrose, a feu charter of the lands of Glengyle, at the 
 
STIRLING AND ROUND ABOUT. 283 
 
 west end of Loch Katrine. James MacGregor was chief of the 
 "Clan du'il Chiar," one of the principal houses of the Clan 
 Gregor, being twelfth in descent from Dougal Ciar, the ances- 
 tor of his line. In 1860 MacGregor sold his ancestral estates 
 to the late Mr James MacGregor, formerly of the Queen's 
 Hotel, Glasgow, and brother of Mr Donald MacGregor, Royal 
 Hotel, Edinburgh. Glengyle, who at the time of his death 
 was in his seventy-ninth year, was succeeded in the representa- 
 tion of the house of Dougal Ciar by Mr Norman MacGregor, 
 brother of the late Sir Charles Metcalf MacGregor, K.C.B., 
 and descended in direct line from Robert MacGregor of Inver- 
 snaid, the celebrated Rob Roy, uncle of " Ghlun Dhu." He 
 was interred in the family burying-ground at Glengyle House. 
 
 The Haldanes of Airthrey. 
 
 On Saturday, 9th February, 1851, died James Alexander 
 Haldane, in the eighty-fourth year of his age and the fifty- 
 second of his pastoral work, the last of two wonderful men, 
 Robert, his brother, having predeceased him in 1841. Their 
 father was Captain James Haldane, who succeeded his father 
 as heir of Airthrey Estate, near Stirling, and who died June, 
 1768. 
 
 After attending the High School of Edinburgh, James 
 Alexander decided on a seafaring life. Robert's inclination 
 was for the ministry, but he also went to sea, and saw service 
 on board the " Foudroyant," afterwards marrying Katherine 
 Cochrane Oswald, and settling down at Airthrey, where, in 
 April, 1787, their only child, a daughter, was born. For ten 
 years after his marriage he was chiefly occupied with country 
 pursuits, planting trees, and laying out the grounds. In 1787 
 he commenced the excavation of an artificial lake, into which 
 he conducted water from the neighbouring hills; he also 
 erected a Hermitage in the woods of Airthrey, which existed 
 for many years. It was constructed after the model of the 
 woodland retreat to which Goldsmith's Angelina is led by the 
 "taper's hospitable ray," "the wicket opening with a latch," 
 
284 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 " the rushy couch," " the scrip with herbs and fruits supplied." 
 All the other sylvan articles of furniture described by the poet 
 were there, whilst on the sides of the adjacent rock, or - within 
 the hut itself, were painted, at proper intervals, the invitation 
 to "the houseless child of want to accept the guiltless feast, 
 the blessing and repose," concluding the last with the senti- 
 mental moral — 
 
 " Then, pilgrim, turn, thy cares forego — 
 All earth-born cares are wrong — 
 Man wants but little here below, 
 Nor wants that little long." 
 
 Mr Haldane, who in his younger days rather delighted in a 
 practical joke, advertised for a real hermit, but though there 
 were applicants, the doom to perpetual seclusion debarred 
 any one from accepting the post. The erection of the Hermit- 
 age nearly cost the designer his life, for, standing too near the 
 edge of the rock, giving directions to the workmen, his foot 
 slipped, and but for a post, which he was enabled to grasp, he 
 would have been precipitated to the bottom. The celebrated 
 Henry Erskine, with his usual ready wit, exclaimed, "It was 
 a post for life." 
 
 James entered the Merchant Navy in his seventeenth year, 
 and was appointed Captain of the " Melville Castle " (bound 
 for Madras and Calcutta) just as he attained his twenty-fifth 
 year. The following anecdote will shew of what metal he was 
 made. At the close of 1793 a large East India fleet was 
 detained in the Downs and at Spithead, from Christmas till 
 April. A mutinous disposition was in December detected and 
 subdued, in the case of three or four men on board the 
 " Dutton," the men complaining that, owing to detention, 
 their stores were exhausted, and they demanded an additional 
 advance of pay to enable them to purchase tea and other com- 
 forts. The crew of the "Melville Castle" had received this 
 indulgence as a boon which it was reasonable to grant. It was 
 refused by the Captain of the " Dutton : " hence the mutiny. 
 
 The mutineers threatened to carry the ship into a French 
 port, but more serious apprehension was felt lest they should 
 
STIRLING AND ROUND ABOUT. 285 
 
 gain access to the powder magazine, and madly end the strife 
 by their own death and that of all on board. At this critical 
 moment Captain Haldane, of the " Melville Castle," appeared 
 at the side of the vessel, his approach being the signal for 
 renewed and angry tumult. The shouts of the officers, " Come 
 on board, come on board," were drowned by the cries of the 
 mutineers, " Keep off, or we'll sink you," but in a few 
 moments Captain Haldane was on the quarter-deck. His first 
 task was to restore the officers to composure and presence of 
 mind. He peremptorily refused to head an immediate attack 
 on the mutineers, but, very calmly reasoning with the men, 
 sword in hand, told them they had no business there, and 
 asked what they hoped to effect in the presence of twenty 
 sail of the line. The quarter-deck was soon cleared, but, 
 observing there was still much confusion, and inquiring where 
 the chief danger lay, he was down immediately at the very 
 point of alarm. Two of the crew, intoxicated, and more fool- 
 hardy than the rest, were at the door of the powder-magazine, 
 threatening they would blow up the ship. One of them was 
 in the act of wrenching the iron bars from the door, whilst the 
 other had a shovel full of live coals ready to throw in. Captain 
 Haldane, instantly putting a pistol to the breast of the man 
 with the iron bar, told him that if he stirred he was a dead 
 man. Calling at the same time for the irons of the ship, as if 
 disobedience were out of the question, he saw them placed, 
 first on this man and then on the other. The rest of the ring- 
 leaders were also secured, when the crew, finding they were 
 overpowered, and receiving the assurance that none should be 
 removed that night, became quiet, and the Captain returned 
 to the " Melville Castle." Next day the chief mutineers were 
 put on board the "Regulus," and the rest of the crew went 
 to their duty peaceably. 
 
 "Had any one," said the narrator, "then foretold that this 
 daring Captain of the ' Melville Castle ' would ere long become 
 a minister of Christ, the pastor of a large Christian church, 
 and of a large congregation, nothing would have appeared so 
 incredible." 
 
 It would take too long to give the smallest idea of the faith- 
 ful manner in which those two good men wrought so long for 
 
286 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 the spiritual welfare of their fellow creatures, and it is with the 
 sweetest remembrance that their memory is cherished. 
 
 A Soldier's Punishment. 
 
 On Tuesday, 16th March, 1858, a soldier belonging to the 
 79th Regiment, then quartered in Stirling Castle, received 50 
 lashes, was sentenced to two years' imprisonment, and to be 
 drummed out of barracks to the tune of the "Rogues' March," 
 for purloining letters belonging to some of his comrades. 
 
 A Willing Recruit. 
 
 A good many years ago Willie Turnbull was one of the 
 hostlers who wrought about the Golden Lion Stables. He was 
 a man of splendid physique, but had the misfortune to be 
 minus a leg. One day, while Willie was sitting in a public- 
 house over a bottle of u capp," a recruiting sergeant with his 
 party entered and took possession of an unoccupied table. 
 Glancing at Turnbull, he saw a chance of getting a first-class 
 recruit, and accordingly moved over to the table and fell into 
 talk with him. After treating the hostler to liquor, he asked 
 him if he would not like to be a soldier. Willie said there was 
 nothing he would like better, and no sooner was this said than 
 the sergeant tendered the shilling, which was at once accepted, 
 and forthwith " melted," along with one or two in addition 
 from the sergeant, who was very proud of his splendid prize. 
 At length, on the sergeant proposing an adjournment to the 
 Castle, Turnbull said he and his " Jessie " were ready. " Your 
 Jessie ! " said the sergeant, " who is she ? " " My crutch, to be 
 sure," exclaimed Turnbull, pulling it out from below the table. 
 The recruiting sergeant — who was an Englishman — was, it may 
 well be understood, in a towering rage, and swore that after 
 this, though he saw a man with a kilt sitting on the other side 
 of the table from him, he would not chance another shilling 
 until he made himself sure that the right number of legs were 
 there, and that no " Jessie " was required. 
 
STIRLING AND ROUND ABOUT. 287 
 
 Curious Letter from the Raploch to 
 the Magistrates. 
 
 Sir — We the undersquine beg leave priest respectfully to 
 solicit an extension of the time allowed for us to remain at 
 night upon the streets say to it of 9 o'clock as is the case in 
 the town of Falkirk where will believe their are more anoyanc 
 than in Stirling were you to Grant our request we pledge our- 
 selves to behave in an orderly preasance and to return to our 
 respective place of Abode at 11 o'clock an proetest no one and if 
 any of us Should unfortunately get the worse of Liquor or 
 otherwise behav in A disorderly manner let them be taken up 
 and dealt with as you may think Proper. — We are Sir, Your 
 Obt. Serveants, Mary Simpson. 
 
 Catherine Williamson. 
 
 P.S. — An answer is required. 
 Stirling May 1858. 
 
 Nelly Holmes, 
 
 A well-known, little, old woman, was a privileged beggar, 
 although she never would allow herself to be called such with- 
 out giving a withering broadside of " Billingsgate." Nelly's 
 tongue was " nae scandal," and a laugh was the only rejoinder 
 that could be given her. The Newhaven fishwives have been 
 famed for their desperate onslaughts with the tongue, but 
 Nelly could, when " the maut got aboon the meal," in this 
 respect outhaven Newhaven. In her later years Nelly was 
 left to seek a precarious livelihood from the hands of passing 
 charity, and for the last twelve months of her life was an inmate 
 of an hospital in St. John Street, receiving her last bread from 
 the Parochial Board. She was kind to children, and had the 
 hour of her funeral been known, there is little doubt that many 
 who had been her favourites in their childhood's days would 
 have followed it to the grave. 
 
288 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 Marriage of a Nonogenarian. 
 
 Andrew Carruthers, for long one of the town guides, was a 
 tailor to trade, and was named after his uncle, Bishop Car- 
 ruthers, of the Roman Catholic Church, Edinburgh, where his 
 father was a master joiner. He came to Stirling early in life, 
 and always considered himself a " Son of the Rock." Jean 
 Winkie, his spouse, came of very respectable Stirling folks, 
 and though both of them were bothered with " tempers," they 
 got on fairly well together. Latterly they lived in St. Mary's 
 Wynd, and had for a time been receiving a weekly dole from 
 the Parochial Board, but the members learning they were not 
 married, the sum was discontinued. On its being suggested to 
 the couple that they should be lawfully married, and thus 
 overcome the objection made, they at once said they were 
 quite agreeable. 
 
 On the proposed marriage " getting wind," the neighbours 
 vied with each other in showing little kindnesses to the couple, 
 the " sweep," among the rest, saying he would " soop the lum," 
 which he accordingly did. The neighbours set to work and 
 " cleaned up " the room, and put things in order for the 
 auspicious occasion, though Jean was put in bad temper for a 
 time through the house having been taken possession of. The 
 marriage day arrived, and on the Provost appearing, accom- 
 panied by one of his daughters, who had with her a bride- 
 cake made specially for the occasion, he was agreeably 
 surprised to find both Andrew and Jean very tidily dressed, 
 and the house in everything neat and clean. The table was 
 covered with a clean damask cloth, and on it a set of tea 
 dishes, presented by the matron of the hospital. A young lady 
 was also there to act as bridesmaid, and the minister of Mary- 
 kirk Parish performed the ceremony, and the couple afterwards 
 recovered their parish allowance. Married life did not last 
 long, however, with Andrew and Jean : a year or two saw the 
 end of their earthly pilgrimage, Andrew dying at the age of 
 96, and Jean aged about 72. 
 
STIRLING AND ROUND ABOUT. 289 
 
 The Stirling Jug. 
 
 This specially interesting, and at one time very important 
 article, the Standard Pint Measure, has, as a relic of the past 
 (being over four hundred and sixty years old), after many 
 vicissitudes, found an appropriate resting-place in the Smith 
 Institute, Stirling. 
 
 By an Act of the Scottish Parliament, in 1437, various burghs 
 in Scotland were appointed to keep the standard weights and 
 measures, and issue duplicates to the several burghs as occasion 
 necessitated. To Edinburgh, being then the principal market 
 for cloth, was assigned the Ell wand; to Perth, for yarn, the 
 Reel ; to Lanark, the chief wool market, the Pound ; to Lin- 
 lithgow, by reason of her great trade in grain, the Firlot ; and 
 to Stirling, at the period specially famous for distilled and fer- 
 mented liquors, the Pint. Although 1437 has been assigned, 
 on account of the statute of that year, as the period when the 
 Jug came into existence, yet by many antiquarians it is believed 
 that its origin dates much further back — indeed, the reign of 
 David I. (1124-1153) is claimed as the time when it first came 
 into use, and that the Act of 1437 had reference to the ratifica- 
 tion of former privileges. Be that as it may, there is not the 
 slightest doubt as to the authenticity of the article in question, 
 which is made of brass or yeltine ; is in the form of a hollow 
 cone truncated ; is 6 inches in depth, 4.17 inches in diameter 
 at the mouth, and 5.25 inches at the bottom ; and weighs 14 
 lbs. 10 oz. 1 dr. 18 grs. Scottish Troy. The handle is fixed 
 with two brass nails ; and the whole has the appearance of 
 rudeness, quite in keeping with the early ao-e when it was first 
 instituted as the standard of liquid measure for the Kingdom. 
 On the front, near the mouth, in relief, there is a shield bear- 
 ing the lion rampant, the Scottish national arms ; and near the 
 bottom is another shield, bearing an ape passant gardant, with 
 the letter S below, supposed to be the armorial bearing of the 
 foreign artist who probably was employed to fabricate the 
 vessel. Some authorities incline to the belief that the figure 
 T 
 
290 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 on the second shield (which is considerably defaced) is that of 
 a wolf, and may have reference to the burgh arms, more especi- 
 ally because of the letter S, signifying Stirling ; while others 
 hold that it is a remnant of the insignia of imperial Rome, the 
 she-wolf and twin infant sucklers, and bears reference to the 
 Roman system of weights and measures. In the " Extracts 
 from the Stirling Burgh Records " the following appears, hav- 
 ing reference to the regulating of other Scotch measures : — 
 
 19 October, 1599. — The counsall hes condiscendit and gewin 
 expres command to Robert Robertsone, peudrar, being present 
 at counsall, that all stoupis, sic as quartis, pyntis, chopines, to 
 be maid be him heireftir, sail be agriabill in mesour to the jug 
 and stampit with the townis stamp, and that the pluik [measure 
 knob] be benethe the mouth of ilk stoup as followis, to wit, of 
 the quart stoup and pynt stoup ane inche, and of ilk chopein 
 stoup half ane inch, and that he present the stamp to the coun- 
 sall yeirlie. 
 
 By an Act of Parliament, passed in 1618, it was ordained 
 that the wheat and pease firlot was to contain 21^ pints, and 
 the bere and oat firlot 31 pints, of the Stirling Jug ; and in 
 connection with the statute then passed the Jug was trans- 
 mitted to Edinburgh, as appears from the following : — 
 
 17 January, 1618. — For obedience of the letter direct to 
 thame be the lordis of his Majesteis secereit counsell, desyring 
 and commanding the stowp or jug to be send for informatioun 
 to the commissioneris apointit be the parliament for reducing 
 the wechtis and measouris to ane conformitie, agane the 
 nyntene day of this instant, ordanes the said stowp or jug to 
 be sent to Edinburgh with Dougall Galloway to Johne Sherare, 
 baillie, being presentlie thair, to the effect he may produce the 
 same bef oir the saidis commissioneris ; and ordanes the clerk 
 to wret to him to reassave the same, and to desyre him to be 
 cairfull of the keping of the same. 
 
 4 May, 1618. — Nominates and apointes Johnne Sherare, 
 James Forester, baillies, and Johnne Williamson, clerk, to ryde 
 to Edinburgh agane the nixt counsell day to deale for ane 
 warrand of the jug to be disperset throwche the haill burro wes, 
 as Lynlythgow hes done for the firlott. 
 
 After the adjustment of the weights and measures, above 
 
STIRLING AND ROUND ABOUT. 291 
 
 referred to, sets of standard liquid measures were supplied by 
 the Stirling municipal authorities to the several free burghs 
 throughout the country, the following minute of Town Council 
 bearing thereupon : — 
 
 16 September, 1622. — In presens of the counsell, Johnne 
 Sherer, provest, producet and gaif in ane compt writtin and 
 subscrivit with his hand, quhairintill he charget him self with 
 the resett, in the tounes name, of the soume of aucht 
 hundrethe and sex pundis usuall money of this realme for the 
 prices of threttie foure jugis of bras ventit be him amang the 
 frie burrowes of this realme. 
 
 The question of the right of Stirling to have, hold, and to 
 issue the standard liquid measures came up about the time of 
 the Union, and steps were taken to prove to the cavillers that 
 the town had undoubted authority for its claims to possession 
 of the Jug. The following minute has reference thereto : — 
 
 1 November, 1707. — Appoints the tounes rights with respect 
 to the jug of the Scots pynt to be looked out this day and sent 
 to Edinburgh on Monday next to Bandalloch for vindicating 
 the tounes right to the keeping of the liquid measures. 
 
 In the following year a re-issue of standard measures came 
 to be made, as the following minute bears : — 
 
 24 July, 1708. — Authorizes the dean of gild and conveinir 
 to distribute the standarts of the liquid measures to the 
 sevarall royal burrows, as the provost of Edinburgh shall desyre 
 from time to tyme, after the saids standarts shall be stamped 
 with the touns armes, and to receave thirtie pounds Scots for 
 each of the setts, and to be accountable theirfor, and lyke- 
 wayes for 30 lib. alreadie receaved from the burgh of Glasgow. 
 
 In the year 1750 enquiry came to be made relative to the 
 Jug, when it was found to be amissing, and on search, two 
 years thereafter it was found by mere chance amongst a heap 
 of lumber in a garret in Broad Street, the person who had 
 had it on loan for testing purposes — a brazier or coppersmith 
 — having joined the Jacobites in the '45, and not returning, 
 his effects were disposed of. 
 
292 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 The Merchant Guild of Stirling. 
 
 The Guild is the oldest institution in the burgh — indeed, is 
 one of the very oldest municipal incorporations in Scotland. 
 It is mentioned in a charter granted to the burgh of Stirling 
 by Alexander II. in 1226, but that charter is not one of 
 creation, but merely confirms certain already existing privi- 
 leges, and the origin of the Guild must be looked for at a much 
 earlier period. The date of Stirling's first burghal charter is 
 unknown, but in charters still extant, belonging to the reign 
 of David I. (1124-1153), the town is repeatedly referred to as 
 one of the King's Royal Burghs. Historians who have given 
 special attention to this matter, now admit that in the first 
 Scottish burghs (and Stirling was one of the earliest) the Guild, 
 a voluntary association of the leading members of the com- 
 munity, formed for mutual aid and social intercourse, pre- 
 ceded, and formed the nucleus of, the new municipality. It 
 would thus appear that the Stirling Guild must have been in 
 existence as early as the beginning of the twelfth century, how 
 long before it is impossible to say. 
 
 When the burgh was erected, the control of its affairs and 
 the management of its common property were committed by 
 the King to the Duodene or Dusane, a kind of committee of 
 management, the germ which has now grown into the modern 
 Town Council. This body, composed of twelve of the most 
 sufficient and discreet burgesses, was selected from the ranks 
 of the already organised Guild, and the connection thus formed 
 between the two corporations — the Guild and the Burgh — sub- 
 sisted down nearly to our own day. The power thus entrusted 
 to the Guild remained solely in their hands for upwards of four 
 hundred years. In the sixteenth century the craftsmen 
 began to assert themselves, and they were at length, not 
 without much opposition, permitted to send representatives to 
 the Council Chamber. The majority of the Council, however, 
 were always chosen from the Guildry, and the influence the 
 Guild was thus enabled to acquire it continued to exercise until 
 
STIRLING AND ROUND ABOUT. 293 
 
 its long and honourable record was closed by the passing of the 
 Burgh Reform Act in 1832. 
 
 In addition to political power, the Guild possessed certain 
 commercial privileges. By Royal authority the brethren of 
 the Guild enjoyed the exclusive right of trading in staple and 
 imported goods within the burgh. Protective restrictions on 
 trade, however, are not in harmony with modern ideas, and this 
 monopoly of the Guildry was swept away by Act of Parlia- 
 ment in 1846. Although deprived of political power and com- 
 mercial privilege, the Merchant Guild continues to maintain 
 a useful and honourable existence, its functions now being 
 wholly of a social, charitable, and philanthropic nature. 
 
 The social side of Guildry life finds expression, to a consider- 
 able extent, in the annual Michaelmas supper of the brethren. 
 At this feast the Dean of Guild, arrayed in the rich robes 
 pertaining to his office, and attended by his officer, resplendent 
 in the brilliant " green and gold " livery of the incorporation, 
 presides over a large gathering of the brethren and invited 
 guests, and a few hours are spent in pleasant social intercourse, 
 keeping alive the traditions and maintaining the old customs 
 which have come down through many successive generations of 
 Guild brethren. At these festivals — as at all other meetings 
 of the Guild — the Dean wears a massive gold chain, to which 
 is attached "King David's Auld Gift to the Gildrie," a gold 
 ring set with precious stones, and bearing the inscription, 
 " Yis for ye Deine of ye Geild of Stirling." This precious 
 relic, which was given to the Guildry by King David II. in 
 1365, and which has for the last five hundred years been handed 
 down with religious care by each retiring Dean to his successor, 
 is believed to be the oldest badge of office possessed by any 
 corporation in the kingdom. 
 
 Amongst the long list of names engrossed on the records of 
 the Merchant Guild no one is held more in honour than that 
 of John Co wane. This worthy Son of the Rock was a wealthy 
 merchant, who served many years as Dean of Guild, and held 
 office at his death, in 1634. He bequeathed a large portion of 
 his ample means for the establishment and endowment of a 
 hospital for sustaining and maintaining decayed Guild brethren. 
 In the two and a half centuries which have elapsed since 
 
294 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 Cowane's Hospital was founded, it has proved of great benefit 
 to many members of the Guild who, after manfully doing their 
 best in the battle of life, had, through misfortune, sickness, or 
 old age, fallen into poverty, but, relieved from the chilling 
 dread of penury, were by it enabled to pass their last days in 
 comparative comfort. 
 
 To be chosen Dean of Guild of Stirling has always been re- 
 garded as one of the highest distinctions conferred in the 
 burgh, and the office has been held by many of the men most 
 eminent in local history. The election takes place annually 
 at Michaelmas, the retiring Dean being eligible for re-election. 
 The present Dean is Mr Samuel Forrester Millar, whose por- 
 trait appears in these pages. Mr Millar's enthusiasm and 
 devotion to the interests of the Guildry, and his own genial 
 personal qualities have made him one of the most popular 
 Deans who have occupied the chair. First chosen to the office 
 in 1890, the esteem in which he is held by the brethren of the 
 Guild, and the value they put upon his services may be estim- 
 ated from the fact that in each successive year he has been 
 re-elected, and is now serving his ninth consecutive term of 
 office. 
 
 The Crafts of Stirling. 
 
 The great change which has taken place in the municipal 
 government of Stirling since the passing of the Reform Bill 
 renders it somewhat difficult for those living in the present 
 day, under new jurisdictions, new laws, and new conditions 
 and customs, to realise the place occupied and the influence 
 wielded by the craft associations for over six centuries. The 
 power possessed by these, and the jurisdiction they exercised, 
 in virtue of Royal Charters, Acts of Parliament, and Acts of 
 Council, were far more extensive than is generally supposed. 
 Their monopoly of trading privileges — so far as their own 
 handicrafts were concerned — was but one thing. They were 
 much more than mere industrial or trading societies ; had a far 
 wider scope, and exercised a rigid supervision of the whole 
 conduct of the individual, all the journeymen, servants and 
 
STIRLING AND ROUND ABOUT. 295 
 
 apprentices in the town, as well as the members proper, com- 
 ing within the jurisdiction of the deacons and their courts. 
 Each craft acted as its own parochial board ; they were the 
 only friendly and benefit societies in existence ; and, to a cer- 
 tain extent, members were assisted by loans out of the general 
 funds to carry on their business. 
 
 The Crafts, or, as they are called, the Seven Incorporated 
 Trades, consisted of the Hammermen, Weavers, Tailors, Shoe- 
 makers, Fleshers, Skinners, and Bakers, and ranked next in 
 importance to the Merchant Guild. The head or governor of 
 each craft was called the Deacon, the members of each craft 
 electing their own, and the election was an annual one, taking 
 place at Michaelmas. Thereafter the newly-elected Deacons 
 and the old Deacons, being lawfully convened at the Deacon- 
 Convener Court House, " on the hills " near Irvine Place, pro- 
 ceeded to nominate and elect one of the newly-elected Deacons 
 to be Deacon-Convener of the Seven Incorporated Trades for 
 the ensuing year, who, in accepting office, gave his oath to be 
 faithful therein. By virtue of their office the seven deacons 
 became members of the Town Council. The office of Deacon- 
 Convener was a most important one, second only to the Dean 
 of Guild, and the members of the Seven Trades received bene- 
 fit from many sources. 
 
 On page 161 we have taken notice of the ancient banner 
 of the Seven Trades, and the sash and sword worn by the 
 Deacon-Convener. 
 
 About the middle of the sixteenth century, Robert Spittal, 
 tailor to King James IV., founded and endowed an hospital 
 called Spittal's Hospital, and he was followed by many bene- 
 volent persons in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, who 
 left sums of money to the same hospital. In 1674 David 
 Adamson, minister of Fintry, left 800 merks for maintaining 
 " ane bursar of philosophy " at the College of Glasgow ; in 
 1724, John Allan, writer in Stirling, bequeathed 30,000 merks 
 for behoof of poor and indigent boys of tradesmen ; and in 1804, 
 Alexander Cunningham, merchant in Stirling, left £1000 for 
 the better support of poor widows of tradesmen in the burgh. 
 Necessitous craftsmen participated in the benefits to be 
 derived from these mortifications. 
 
296 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 The Maltmen. 
 
 At the beginning of the sixteenth century the maltmen were 
 considered craftsmen, and also had their deacon. They were 
 both wealthy and powerful, and, in consequence, became very 
 turbulent, so much so that, in 1567, by Act of Parliament, 
 they were excluded from the crafts altogether, and deprived 
 of their deacon. In 1603, James VI., by Seal of Cause, re- 
 stored the maltmen of Stirling in all their ancient rights and 
 privileges, but they were not again allowed to elect a deacon. 
 Their chief officer was called a " visitor/' and from this date 
 they became one of the four tolerated communities of the 
 burgh. There are now very few maltmen in the town, 
 scarcely sufficient to call a meeting together. 
 
 The Mechanics. 
 
 The Society of Mechanics formed another of the four toler- 
 ated communities of the burgh, and embraced the Masons, 
 Wrights, Plasterers, Slaters, Painters, Coopers, and Dyers. 
 They received their powers from the Town Council. The 
 mode of procedure consisted in the Town Council granting 
 letters under the seal of the Burgh Court, called " seals of 
 cause," sometimes reciting a previous Act of the Council, but 
 in all declaring the peculiar rights and privileges which the 
 members of the body were to enjoy. The Society had no 
 representation at the Town Council. They enjoyed purely 
 trade privileges. After the death of Alexander Cunningham 
 they shared in the benefits derived from his mortification. 
 
 The Barbers. 
 
 The barbers and periwigmakers formed an important branch 
 of industry in the burgh at one time. They were erected into 
 a tolerated community in 1718, but are now extinct. 
 

 
 1 
 
 / »• •• 1 
 
 ^*. \ j 
 
 v f^\ X 
 
 
 w 
 
 ft 
 
 ^ y, 
 
 I 
 
 | 
 
STIRLING AND ROUND ABOUT. 297 
 
 Another community, called the " Chapmen,'' received their 
 privileges in 1726, with power to elect a " Lord Chapman " and 
 other necessary office-bearers amongst them for their better 
 government. 
 
 The number of members in each corporation and community, 
 as taken from the report of the Royal Commission on Munici- 
 pal Corporations in 1835, was as follows : — Guildry, 402 mem- 
 bers. Seven Incorporated Trades — Hammermen, 34 ; 
 Weavers, 138; Tailors, 20; Shoemakers, 36; Fleshers, 8; 
 Skinners, 11 ; Bakers, 18 ; total, 265. Tolerated Communi- 
 ties — Maltmen, 54 ; Mechanics, 125 ; Barbers, 4 ; Omnium 
 Gatherum, 65 ; total, 248. The chapmen seem to be extinct, 
 and the barbers nearly so at this date. 
 
 The Reform Bill had the effect of excluding the craftsmen 
 from the Town Council, and the Act of 1846 entirely swept 
 away their monopoly of trading privileges. What has kept 
 them together since, has been mainly their connection with 
 Spittal's Hospital and the other mortifications. Shorn of their 
 power and privilege, these institutions have now become 
 almost solely interesting relics of a by-gone day. 
 
 The Ancient Society of Omnium 
 Gatherum. 
 
 This body at the present day exists little more than in name, 
 but had, it would appear, some considerable standing in the 
 burgh as early, at least, as the beginning of the seventeenth 
 century. In a minute of Town Council, of date 28th Novem- 
 ber, 1642, relative to the appointment of a town drummer, 
 towards the support of whom "the omnigadrum, viz., the 
 wrichts, maissones, coupares, litstares, glassinwrichts, sklait- 
 teris, gairdneris," are to contribute " the soume of ten poundis 
 yeirlie," we have some clue to the composition of the body ; 
 and again, on 19th February, 1723, the Council took into con- 
 sideration a petition at the instance of the deacons of " the 
 tolerate society or incorporation of workmen, hauxters, 
 
298 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 carriers, horsehyrers, and other dargsmen of such employs or 
 occupations therein, commonly called the omnigatherum, for 
 themselves and in name of the remanent members of the said 
 indulgent society." From the tenor of that petition it may be 
 gathered that the body consisted of burgesses who were not 
 connected in any way with either of the incorporations of the 
 Guildry or Trades, and, following upon the petition, it was 
 enacted that no such burgesses, nor any persons not entered 
 with any of the other trades or corporations were to " be 
 allowed or suffered to use, follow, or practise hyring of horses, 
 driving of carts, carrying of merchant goods, selling of hauxter 
 ware, keeping of milk cows, fatning of cows for slaughter, or the 
 like employs," under a penalty until they " enter with the said 
 omnigatherum . ' ' 
 
 That the body was of some considerable account in the burgh 
 is made fully apparent by the recurrence of Council minutes 
 concerning it. In 1643, a minute of date 9th October, concern- 
 ing appointment of a minister to the second charge, bears that, 
 in payment of his stipend of 1000 merks, " the haill omni- 
 gatherim of the said burgh " were to contribute " amongst 
 thame, £46 13s. 4d., quhairof to be payit be the mechanikes 
 amongst thame £20, and be the remanent of the said omni- 
 gatherime £26 13s. 4d." In fixing the stipend of "maister 
 Matthias Symsone " as minister, on 8th September, 1656, at 
 1200 merks Scots, and 200 merks Scots for manse and glebe, 
 " the rest of the omnegatherum " were ordained to contribute 
 " the soume of £48." 
 
 Another evidence of their importance is afforded by the fact 
 that on 17th December, 1604, "It is ordinit be the provest, 
 baillies and counsall, convenit, that fra this furth in al tyme 
 cuming thair sal be joyned, yeirlie, to the counsall of this 
 burgh, twa of the auld merchand bailleis, and twa of the omni- 
 gadrum, as extraordiner pSrsones of counsall, conforme to use 
 and wount." The body is also minuted as having come to the 
 help of the Common Good in 1617, as appears, under date 20th 
 October, when " William Rynd, maissoun, Thomas Michell, 
 flesher, William Thomesoun, . . . for thame selfis and in 
 name of the rest of the omnigadrum, renuncet and gaif our to 
 the toun, for help of thair commoun gude, thair part of the tak 
 
STIRLING AND ROUND ABOUT. 299 
 
 of the shoir deutie, with all proffit and commodity thairof, 
 bayth of yeiris bigane and to cum." 
 
 For some cause or other, not stated, meetings of the body 
 were prohibited, as appears from the following minute: — "15 
 June, 1614. — " Statutis and ordanes that fra this furth thair 
 be na conventioun nor meiting amangis the nychtbouris and 
 inhabitantis of this burgh callit the omnigadrum, nather 
 privatlie nor oppinlie, under the panes contenit in the actis 
 of parliament, without the concurrance of ane of the magis- 
 tratis of this burgh." 
 
 Nowadays, as above noted, the body exists little more than 
 in name, the only evidence of their presence being seen on the 
 occasion of a public procession, when a turn-out of gaily- 
 caparisoned horses is made, and the Omnium Gatherum takes 
 precedence of all other public bodies. On the occasion of the 
 walking of the burgh marches, they are warned to furnish a 
 proportion of the birlamen, who also take precedence, al- 
 though " use and wont " is all that can be claimed for the 
 privilege. The only tangible remnant of their ancient glory is 
 the sum of £1 sterling per annum, paid to them for their seat 
 in the Parish Church. 
 
 Stirling: Variations of the Word. 
 
 Considerable diversity of opinion exists as to the origin or 
 derivation of the word Stirling. We do not profess to be able 
 to throw any light on the subject, and merely content our- 
 selves here with citing the variations of the word which have 
 come under our observation. There are, besides the present 
 name of Stirling, Sterling, Sterlyn, Strigh-lang, Streueling, 
 Streweling, Strivelin, Striveline, Striveling, Strivelyn, Strive- 
 lyne, Stryveling, Strivlin, Strivilin, Striviling, Strivling. 
 
300 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 Stirling in the Sixteenth Century. 
 
 ■*++ 
 
 IN bringing this volume to a close it will doubtless be 
 deemed not uninteresting to glance at the curious cus- 
 toms which prevailed in the City of the Rock during the 
 16th century, as well as at the laws which regulated 
 the conduct of the inhabitants during that period. The first 
 thing likely to receive notice from the reader of the ancient 
 records of the burgh is the great amount of power exercised 
 by the Provost, Magistrates, and Town Council, who possessed 
 privileges Avhich extended not only to the maintaining of good 
 order, but also dealt with matters which now-a-days would be 
 deemed outwith their province altogether. Not only did they 
 deal with offenders in all sorts of misdemeanours, but they had 
 also the power of regulating the prices at which certain com- 
 modities were to be sold, and even the hours during which it 
 might be lawful to traffic in them, as well as the number of 
 persons who could carry on certain occupations — in fact, con- 
 trolling every matter in which the welfare of the burgh was 
 concerned, commercially and otherwise, even regulating where 
 marriages were to be celebrated, and the number of persons to 
 be present thereat. A vast amount of matter of historical 
 interest is available, which throws considerable light upon the 
 social life of the burgh, and from what is within reach we have 
 toade the following selections. 
 One curious item is the 
 
 Strange Names 
 
 for persons, places, and things to be met with in the chronicles 
 of the period, amongst these being, for instance, seriands, for 
 
STIRLING IN THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY. 301 
 
 officers or sergeants ; browdinster, an embroiderer ; backstaris, 
 bakers ; pykaris, petty thieves ; skemlis, the places where meat 
 and fish were sold ; and barrasyet was the name for the princi- 
 pal gate or port entrance to the town from the south, probably 
 that which gave the name to Port Street. Then we come 
 across wobstaris for weavers, nunschankis for an afternoon re- 
 past ; langsaddill, a long wooden seat ; chenyeis, for chains ; 
 curchrie, a covering for a woman's head, and also nicht- 
 courchre, a nightcap ; gryissis, pigs ; gait dychtingis, certain 
 dues payable to the town, and many others, not a few of which 
 are perfectly unintelligible to us now. 
 
 Where there is such a variety of material to deal with, it is 
 difficult to know where rightly to begin, and, having begun, to 
 know where to leave off. Taking something relative to trade 
 first, we find in 1520 that " It was statut and ordinit that na 
 houkstar sail by ony manir of fycht (fish) na uder stoufe 
 (commodity) to tap (retail) agane apon nebouris quhill efter 
 xij houris, under the pane of escheting of the stoufe that is 
 coft," and the same as to corn, hay, or other fodder ; which 
 means that no small dealer was to purchase any of these articles 
 for the purpose of selling over again, before 12 o'clock, which 
 would show that burghers were to have the first chance of the 
 dealing, both as regards buying and selling. 
 
 Fleshers 
 
 who killed any faulty meat, or exposed such for sale, were to 
 be prohibited from dealing in meat within the burgh for a 
 year ; and if the deacon of the fleshers knew of any such case, 
 and did not report it to the proper officers, he was to pay 40s. 
 Every flesher was to be responsible for his servant, and no 
 animals were to be killed but in the Backraw, and in booths. 
 A flesher bringing any " spoulyeit or mauschit " (musty) meat to 
 market was to pay 8s for the first fault, the second time he 
 was to forfeit the meat, and be prohibited from selling for a 
 year and a day. "Blawin flesche" was strictly prohibited, and 
 when mutton was brought to market the head of the sheep was 
 to be produced. As regards the 
 
302 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 Bakers, 
 
 it would appear that on more than one occasion they 
 failed to have sufficient bread for the wants of the 
 inhabitants, as in 1526 it is recorded that one " Duncan 
 Darow, dekin of the baxtaris, was fundin in ane fait becaus 
 the gud toune wanttit bred, and he is to be punist tharfor or 
 ellis fynd ane faltour." Some months later, Willie Dik, deacon 
 of the bakers, appeared to have some difficulty in enforcing the 
 regulation, and was granted the services of one of the town 
 officers for the purpose of arresting any baker who had less 
 than 6s. worth of bread in his shop on the afternoon of the 
 market-day (which, by the way, was Saturday). Willie Dik 
 also promised the Provost and Bailies that " the twa penny lafe 
 be 20 mice gud and sufficient stoufe and weil bakin," and that 
 he would bring defaulters before them in order that they 
 might be punished. No bread was to be allowed out of the 
 bakehouse until a bailie and the deacon had weighed and 
 examined it. "The laiff of quheit breid, of gud and sufficient 
 stuff," was to be 14 ounces in weight, and sold for 12d., and 
 as the price of wheat rose or fell, the Council were to regulate 
 the price of the loaf accordingly. The 
 
 Oatcake Bakers 
 
 had also their prices fixed for them, as well as the number who 
 were privileged to engage in the occupation. The cakes were 
 "to be sufficient stoufe, and hald the woucht,'' and when the 
 peck of meal is coft at 6d., the penny cake was to be "ane 
 pund wecht, and sa afferand the woucht of the cake as the 
 meal is saild." At one time the bread bakers complained that 
 there were several persons who were not free to dwell nor 
 trade in the burgh who were disposing of oatcakes, to the 
 injury of their trade. Oatcakes seem to have been in greater 
 favour then than now, but the bakers gained their point, and 
 these parties were prohibited from baking or selling the cakes. 
 Passing to 
 
STIRLING IN THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY. 303 
 
 Ale Dealers, 
 
 we find that no person was to sell ale dearer than 16d. the 
 gallon, or be fined 7s. A proclamation was made at the Cross 
 that " na broustar " was to sell ale dearer than 12d. the gallon, 
 " under the pane of the first fait 8s. unforgivin, the nixt fait, 
 16s., the third fait the dingin fourcht the calderun bodim, 
 brekin of the brewin loumes (utensils), * and expelin of the 
 persoun or persouns committeris and brekaris of this statut 
 brewin for ane year." On one occasion the Burgh Court found 
 two women, Marion Norton and Marion Bruce, guilty of break- 
 ing this statute, and they appear to have been admonished, 
 and warned that next offence would incur a fine of 40s., or else 
 they would " ding out the fat bodim, and deil the brewin at 
 the cors " — that is, knock out the bottom of the vat or cask, 
 and divide the ale at the Cross. Later, one Margaret Alexan- 
 der confessed to breaking the law in this respect, and was fined 
 £5. She seems at the same time to have been free with her 
 tongue, as she was publicly admonished in Council, and warned 
 that she would be put in the branks next time she so offended. 
 Every brewer was required, as soon as the ale was ready, to 
 send for the bailie of that part of the town, who, along with 
 two sworn cunneis (or tasters), tasted the ale, and put upon it 
 the price at which it was to be sold ; and, should he sell the 
 ale before this was done he 'was to be fined 40s. 
 
 The Ten o'clock Movement 
 
 is no new thing, it would appear, as in 1608 it was ordained 
 that " na browstare (or ale-house keeper), oystlare, nor ventare 
 of wynne or meitt, sell ather drink or meitt, nor resaitte ony 
 person within their housis after the said hour, under the pane 
 foirsaid." At the same Council meeting, " The provost, 
 bailies, and counsall of this burgh, haifing consideratioune that 
 thair is sindrie persones, induellares of this burgh, quha sittis 
 up, under cloude of nicht, drinking and playing in uther mennis 
 houssis and disabusing thame selfis, to the offence of God and 
 
304 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 evill exemple of nychtbouris ; thairf oir it is statut and ordinit 
 that na person nor personnis, induellaris within this burgh, nor 
 utheris resorting thairto, tak upoun hand fra this furthe to 
 sit up drinking or playing or walking on the strettis efter ten 
 houris at even." 
 
 We might cite examples of the regulations affecting other 
 trades, but must content ourselves with the foregoing. 
 
 Offences Against the Person. 
 
 As in the present day, drink at the period under notice was 
 apt to set the tongue loose, one example being that of one 
 William Duchok, who, for " troubling " a Mrs Cairns, and call- 
 ing her names, was ordained to " sit down on his knees in plane 
 court, and ask her forgiveness," at the same time saying his 
 "tongue had leid on her." On account of his having "been 
 drunk when he missaid her," he was to drink water 24 hours. 
 
 There is a record of several differences having taken place 
 between men, as, for instance, where " Jamie Moffat, tailor, 
 was in amerciament of blood and trublance of Sande Duncan, 
 tailor ; and Sande Duncan was in amerciament for the trub- 
 lance committit and doune upon Jame Moffat ; " Sande Duncan 
 being at the same time " in amerciament for the desobaissance 
 of James Lam, seriand," or officer. But the females crop up 
 more frequently as offenders. In 1545 one woman was con- 
 victed of " slandering " another by calling her " a notable thief " 
 and other names, and the punishment adjudged upon her was 
 that she was to " stand in irons at the will of the provost and 
 bailies, then pass to the place where she said the evil word, 
 and sit down on her knees and ask forgiveness, and say, 
 Tongue you leid." If she again offended in a similar manner, 
 she was " to be banished out of the town." 
 
 The custom which prevails among rowdy women of the pre- 
 sent day of pulling each other's hair seems to have been pre- 
 valent in the times to which we refer, as a report is given of 
 a woman named Katherine Jack, an ale-house keeper, who, 
 besides being guilty of " slander and assault " by striking her 
 
STIRLING IN THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY. 305 
 
 servant, Elspeth Mukart, was also charged with " rifing of her 
 hair and casting her to the earth, and for molesting and troub- 
 ling her by her evil language, calling her thief and other 
 names." For this offence she was ordained to " pas to the 
 merket croce this nixt Settirday (which was market-day at that 
 period) at x houris and ane quhite wand in hir hand, and ask 
 Elspet Mukkart forgifnes." Another woman, of the name of 
 Agnes Henderson, who had been circulating " calumnies " re- 
 garding a certain Annabell Graham, was ordered " to pas apon 
 Sonday nixtocum befoir the procession, sark alane, and ane 
 walx candill in hir hand, and offer the samjai to the Rude 
 lycht " (that is, light the candle on the altar of the Holy Rood), 
 and say to her tongue that it " leid " when it gave utterance 
 to the slanders she was charged with. She was thereafter to 
 go to Mrs Graham and ask her forgiveness. Agnes was again 
 in trouble twelve months afterwards, by maligning Marion 
 Ray, and was ordered to go and ask her forgiveness, and repeat 
 the formula, " Toung you leid on hir." At the same court, 
 this Marion Ray was convicted of " troubling William Cun- 
 ningame with hir trublus words, and calling Henry Thomson, 
 Sclaverand Henry, and also trubling Agnes Henderson." 
 Marion was to " sit down on her knees and ask their forgive- 
 ness, say, Tongue you leid on them," and thereafter remain 
 in ward in the tolbooth " with the clasps and calvill of iron 
 locked upon her for 24 hours." Two years later, in 1547, 
 Marion and Agnes had another outbreak, Marion this time 
 being adjudged the offender, calling the other " thief, land- 
 lowpar," and other names, besides saying she " suld lay the 
 pynt stoup on hir cheftis. " Marion seems to have been such 
 a frequent and great offender, that possibly all the customary 
 punishments had been tried upon her without avail, and it was 
 therefore ordained " for penitioun that thair be maid ane 
 stand and gest furth fro the heid of the tolboitht, with ane 
 pillie (or pulley), ane tow and ane creile (rope and basket), and 
 scho be put in the creile and hyng thair during the will of the 
 provest and baillies. /; 
 
 D 
 
306 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 Offences Against Property. 
 
 Turning to thieves, or " pykars," in the volume from which 
 we have borrowed these extracts, there are not a few reports of 
 such, as well as of resetting. In 1520 it is stated that at a court 
 held on 1st October, Jenne Murra was found to be a common 
 " resettar of pykry." Fergus M'Cummy's wife, Willie M'Lel- 
 lan, alias Barker, and his wife were found to be common 
 " pycaris " or thieves. Marion Cant and Besse Crawfourd were 
 found to be " common flyttars," or scolds. 
 
 Thieves appear to have been pretty sharply dealt with in the 
 times under notice, and we select several instances which 
 may serve as examples. " William Browin and James Duncan- 
 soun, apprehendit with pykrie, ordainit to hafe thair lugis 
 nalit to the trone, and be banist the toun." Another notorious 
 thief, named John Fischair, alias Blynk, after confessing to the 
 stealing of a varied assortment of articles from several places 
 during the night, was " adjudgit to be nalit his lug to the trone, 
 and to be cuttit the hale lug, ane merk on his cheik, and to be 
 scurgit throw the toun and banist furth of the touin and schir, 
 undir the pain of deid." Another way of marking thieves was 
 on the cheek by burning. In 1547 the assize found " Jonet 
 Wrycht ane pykar and apprehendit with saip, lynt and ane 
 scheit, etc., and ordanis to byrne hir cheik and banis hir the 
 touin." In 1555 a batch of thieves, some of whom had been 
 previously put out of the town, were convicted of stealing a 
 web of cloth, and " it wes adjugit that ane lug salbe tane fra ilk 
 ane of the men and the said Maddyis cheik brunt with the burn- 
 ing im ; and thairefter the saidis personis banist the town and 
 schyre of Striveling, onder the pane of hanging, in all tyme 
 earning. " 
 
 In 1556, Jonet Donaldsone was found to be " a woman of 
 evill conditionis " and " had committit syndry pykris," and her 
 husband having apparently previously become surety for her 
 good behaviour, the judgment agreed upon was that if she 
 again offended, he was to have " divorce " pronounced against 
 her, and she was to be banished from the town for ever. At 
 
STIRLING IN THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY. 307 
 
 the same time she took oath not to offend, either by theft or 
 " pykry," nor wilfully or fraudulently breaking any locks. 
 
 One Robe Patonsoun seems to have been a notorious house 
 or " booth breaker," although it is not stated what sentence 
 was passed upon him. He was convicted, and afterwards con- 
 fessed to " the brekin of Agnes Langis bouit, and for the brekin 
 of Allexander Watson bouit, and the brekin of Thorn Jarva 
 bouit, and the brekin of William Wyeissis bouit, and the brekin 
 of Thorn M'Calpyis bouit, and the brekin of William Cossour 
 sellar, and for the brekin of divers and syndry sellaris and 
 baernis, and for the thiftuis steillin of diveris and syndry mer- 
 chandice and uder stoufe, that is to say, blak clayth, quhit 
 clayth, lynnyn clayth, holand clayth, hardin, sewin silk, pep- 
 per, saferin, bartane cammes, woull, yarne, walx, quhit breid, 
 aiell, flour, bair, benis, salt salmond, salt byief, and dyvers 
 and syndry uder gair." These he was charged with stealing, 
 and he further confessed to having stolen " ane coultyr of ane 
 ploucht, ane kee of ane pyp lok, ane kee of ane throucht lok 
 and thre croukit irnis." He further confessed how he had 
 disposed of the articles. 
 
 Capital Punishment. 
 
 The extreme penalty of the law was meted out in some cases, 
 " hanging and drowning " being the modes adopted. We hear 
 sometimes the expression, hanged for horse-stealing. Here it 
 is. For " the thyftuis steilling of twa maris out of the landis 
 of Corntoun, Ritschart Brown was convicted, and doume was 
 gifin on him to be hangit quhill he war deid." He at the 
 same time confessed " that he staw ane mair fra Robe Lam 
 and ane blak hors out of the Cobiltoun." Robe Murra and 
 Jame Mur, for having " thiftusly stowin ane gryne clok, ij 
 syourds, ane sertane of sarkis, courcheis and colaris, vij pair 
 of schoun, ane pair of hois, and ane buklar," sentence was 
 given that they " sould be tane to the Galhous and hangit 
 quhil tha war deid." Nycoll Harrower, being " accusit of the 
 thifteous steling of ane blak hors and brekin of our Soverane 
 
308 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 Ladyis persoun," he also was ordained to be hanged. Johne 
 Burn, for the thiftuis steling and conseling of ane brown meir, 
 pertening to Marioun Dik, was also ordained to be hanged. 
 " Gilbert Coltuar, for the thiftuis steling and conseling of ane 
 meir fra Johne Flyming, and j silver spunis fra Johne Symp- 
 soun, was adiugit to be tane to gallows and hangit quhill he be 
 deid." "Marioun Lamb, being takin reid hand with ane 
 Spanyie cloik of David Nochell, of hir awin fre will oblist hir, 
 and ever scho war fundin faltand in thift, scho salbe drownit 
 without other dome or law." Jonet Duche, for theft of wool, 
 was to be banished the town, and if she ventured in again she 
 was "to be drownit without further accusatioun." 
 
 The last case of theft we shall cite in full, as it deals with 
 another class, of whom we might have also said a good deal, 
 that of 
 
 Rogues and Vagabonds. 
 
 It is as follows: — "James Ramsay, creillman, son to John 
 Ramsay, borne besyde Breichan, Marion Straittoun, his spows, 
 Jeilles Leslie, borne in Steanhyve, and John Lyndsay, his son, 
 borne in Largs, being accusit be John Adamsone, procuratour 
 fiscal of this burgh, Jeillis Lennox and others, for the thiftous 
 and wrangous stealling, resetting, and intrometting with and 
 awaye taking fra the said Geillis Lennox, and others, of cer- 
 tane of thair guids, geir, in sicht and plenneising, claithes, 
 pleydes, and utheris, perteining to them, quhairof ane certaine 
 pairt of the said gear was gotten againe fra sindrie hands as 
 being sauld be the said creillman his wyffe, of his knawledge 
 and command, to the saids persouns or layed in pledge to them, 
 and uther pairt of the said geir was apprehendit and found 
 with the said creillman and the said Geillis Leslie and hir son 
 at the time of their apprehensioun ; and the said creillman 
 ganging throw the countrey lyke ane iydle vagabound with ane 
 tumbe creill on his bak and nathing fund thairin to' sell; and 
 the said Geilles Leslie and hir sone haunting and resorting 
 thair companye and ludging, eating and drinking with them, 
 wha confessit the bying fra the said creillman and his wyffe twa 
 
STIRLING IN THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY. 309 
 
 cuttis and some yeirne and twa single pleydis, quhilk apper- 
 antlie was all stollene gear ; and everie ane of the said persouns 
 ar fund and tryet be their awen confessiouns and thair 
 depositiouns that they ar common lieris and to varye everie ane 
 of them fra utheris in their depositiouns, for the quhilk they 
 aucht to be punishit in thair persouns in exampell of utheris. 
 Being tried by an assize of fifteen persons, convictis the said 
 James Ramsay and his spous as idle and sturdye vagaboundis 
 and common pykeris and evill levaris, and the said Jeillis 
 Leslie, and John Lindsay, his sone, as iydle vagaboundis and 
 hanteris and resorteris in the saidis evill cumpanye and societie. 
 And thairfoir the judges ordanis the said James Ramsay, creill- 
 man, to be scurgit through the toune to the Barrasyett and 
 thair brunt on the shoulder; and the said creillmans wyffe 
 and the uther twa persouns foirsaidis to be exiled and banisht 
 this burgh and libertie thairof for ever ; and gif ever ony of 
 the saids persouns be fund agane thairin to be hangit or 
 drowned, but assyse or dome of law." 
 
 We might easily extend this paper by citing numerous in- 
 teresting items, such as that any " person bringing stoufe to 
 sell in the town " such as the craftsmen therein dealt in " was to 
 pay a penny on the mercat day for help of Goddis service to be 
 done in the parocht Kirk, in honor of God, the blissit Virgin, 
 Sanct Loye, and all Sanctis. 1 ' This appears to be the begin- 
 ning of what we know as Burgh Customs. 
 
 No inhabitants were to let their houses to vagabonds under 
 a penalty of £5 ; no swine were to be allowed to go loose about 
 the town ; no person was to wash clothes in the Town Burn 
 " within the Barrasyet or aboun, for fylin of the bourn, undir 
 the pane of viij s, unforgivin and brekin of the weschal that tha 
 wous with." Later, a certain place was fixed, no clothes or 
 other things to be washed " abone Robert Patersone's wash 
 hous, under the pane of v li. and brakin of their tubbes." Ser- 
 vants were to have their kists unlocked at all times; no horses 
 nor kye were to be allowed to pasture in the Kirk yaird ; and 
 the members of Council were to " keip secreit what sail be 
 rerealit thair." 
 
 \Y<> might also have spoken of the Pest, and the regulations 
 regarding it, and the changing of the market-day from Satur- 
 
310 OLD STIRLING. 
 
 day to Friday, with a view to the better keeping of the 
 Sabbath, but will close with a few references to matters relat- 
 ing to 
 
 Marriages. 
 
 On 28th November, 1608, " The counsell, convenit, statut 
 and ordinit that all quhatsumevir persones, duelland within 
 this burgh or perochine thairof, quha salhappin to be proclamit 
 for marriage contractit betuix thame, sal mak thair brythellis 
 and banquetis within this burgh f ra this f urth ; and gif they 
 falyie, being proclamit within the peroche Kirk of this burgh, 
 be the miniesteris thairof, and mak thair brythellis outwith 
 the said burgh, in that cais the pairtie or pairties that sal- 
 happin to contravene sail pay to the toun the soume of tuentie 
 pundis money ; pro vy ding alwayis that this act be onlie ex- 
 tendit aganes the men and women quha salhappin to be joyned 
 in marriage baith duelland within this burgh or perochine 
 thairof ; and gif ony persone duelland within this burgh marie 
 ane outland woman, in that cais it is statute and ordinite that 
 it sail nocht be lesum to him to desyre any ma persones 
 nychtbouris of the said burgh nor tuentie persones, and gif it 
 be fund or tryed that he dois in the contrair, in that cais he 
 sail pey to the toun the soume of ten pundis ; and willis the 
 Kirk, befoir they grant testimonial!, to tak ane pand thairfoir. 
 Lykeas, gif ony outland man marry any woman duelland within 
 this burgh, in that cais the brythell or banquet salbe maid 
 within this burgh, and gif the woman contravene thairintill, 
 in that cais sail pey uther xx pundis, and willis that befoir ony 
 testimoniall be grantit be the minister or redder, or yit that 
 marriage be solemnizite, that they tak ane pand for the said 
 soume." That was certainly " keeping oor ain fish guts for oor 
 ain sea-maws." 
 
 In view of the prevalence of plague in the burgh, the Coun- 
 cil prohibited large gatherings of people at marriages, " except 
 thre or four with ilk pairtie," and ordered that the Kirk 
 Session be asked to make the same regulation. Blackmailing, 
 or laying on the prices on the occasion of marriages, was 
 practised then, as now, and the Council, " Taking to considera- 
 tioun the abuse used be the nychtbouris and inhabitantis of this 
 
STIRLING IN THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY. 311 
 
 burgh in taking tuelf shilling for a brythell lawing, they have 
 dischairgit that any nichtbour or inhabitant take moir heir- 
 eftir for a brythell lawing than sex shilling aucht penneis." 
 
 Having thus given our readers these glimpses of commercial 
 and social life in Stirling in the olden time, which we believe 
 will be considered as of no little interest, we have to say, 
 
 In Conclusion, 
 
 that in a work of this nature it is exceedingly difficult to know 
 where to call a halt, and we might have gone on quoting and 
 narrating at great length. But as that would have extended 
 the volume beyond the limits we set ourselves, we must rest 
 content for the present. As others have found, so also has it 
 been our experience, that a vast field lies to the hand of any 
 one who feels inclined to make research amongst the historical 
 or other associations which have gathered around the City of 
 the Rock, and, in bidding our readers adieu, we trust they 
 will have at least as much pleasure in the perusal of the fore- 
 going pages as we have had in their preparation. 
 
'$*"-> — '^~&A 
 
 3H>? THE END. J=<Hb? 
 
 _3p 
 
 
RETURN CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT 
 
 TO— ^ 202 Main Library 
 
 LOAN PERIOD 1 
 - HOME USE 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 5 i 
 
 b 
 
 ALL BOOKS MAY BE RECALLED AFTER 7 DAYS 
 
 Renewals and Recharges may be made 4 days prior to the due date. 
 
 Books may be Renewed by calling 642-3405. 
 
 DUE AS STAMPED BELOW 
 
 APR 18 1988 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 iWilSt bPb 1ST 
 
 *R8 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY 
 FORM NO. DD6, BERKELEY, CA 94720 
 
U.C. BERKELEY LIBRARIES 
 
 caD mini 
 
 41