PerthshireCrieffStrathearn Local History

The Black Death Strikes Hard One  often assumes  that  the Great  Plague which hit  London in the 17 th Century did  not reach into the hinterlands  of Strathearn . There are  however a  number documented incidents which make it  quite  clear that the Plague or to give it it’s correct  designation - Bubonic Plague - was  indeed  around in these  parts of Perthshire at the same time . The Bubonic  Plague spread  to Europe from China  in the 14 th Century and  remained a scourge for a some  three  centuries thereafter . It mainly attacks  rodents  but fleas can pass the disease to humans and it has devastating affect once contracted  . The disease struck and killed people with terrible speed. The Italian writer Boccaccio said its victims often "ate lunch with their friends and dinner with their ancestors in paradise." . In the mid 1300s it’s af...

Saint Fillan And His Cures For  Sundry Ailments  Let  me commence  this blog  by an extract  from a superbly informative  book written  by a Presbyterian Minister , one William Marshall DD from Coupar Angus . The book " Historic Scenes of Perthshire"   was  written in 1880 and although perhaps  tainted  by a somewhat myopic  view  of  other Christian faiths , it does contain  some  real gems  and is  superbly researched .  St Fillans in yester year  Dunfillan - the hill of Saint Fillan  The ruins  if the pre Reformation church of Dundurn " As we approach Loch Earn, we come to a scene consecrated by its connection with the famous St Fillan, who evangelised the country here and in the wilds of Breadalbane, and whose arm did such wonders on the field of Bannockburn. The beautiful hill covered with verdure to the top, and the green of w...

This my first Blog of the new decade and  my 231st in total. It is lovingly dedicated  to my children with deep love and affection - Nic Mayall - Elise MacDonald - Jasmine Mayall and  the late Richard Mayall . Doad x Ochtertyre Pics Then and Now Ochtertyre was built   for the Murray family   between   1785 and 1789 to the design of architect   James McLeran . The present owner is Sir Brian Souter co-founder of the   Stagecoach transport conglomerate   and   functions   as his country retreat . Of   particular   interest are the developments in the   mid   19 th century   . The 7 th Baronet Sir William Keith Murray ( 1801 – 1861 )   was a   bit   of an astronomer and in his   wisdom decided   to build an observatory   to the west of the family   home .   This   fortunately corresponded   with the   growth and development of   ph...

This my first Blog of the new decade and  my  231st in total. It is lovingly dedicated  to my children with deep love and affection - Nic Mayall - Elise MacDonald - Jasmine Mayall and  the late Richard Mayall . Doad x Strathearn's Hidden Heritage                                     Part One  Despite coming from a   long time Presbyterian back ground   I have always had a strong fascination   for the pomp and   circumstance   of the old Kirk   be it “ Piscy“ or Catholic . Working   in France some   years   back , I had the privilege   of attending a   church service in Chartres Cathedral. Chartres   is   renowned   for its “ vitrage “ or stained   glass windows and   this   coupled   with a   miscellany   of   church   music ...

This my first Blog of the new decade and  my  231st in total. It is lovingly dedicated  to my children with deep love and affection - Nic Mayall - Elise MacDonald - Jasmine Mayall and  the late Richard Mayall . Doad x Strathearn's Hidden Heritage                                     Part One  Despite coming from a   long time Presbyterian back ground   I have always had a strong fascination   for the pomp and   circumstance   of the old Kirk   be it “ Piscy“ or Catholic . Working   in France some   years   back , I had the privilege   of attending a   church service in Chartres Cathedral. Chartres   is   renowned   for its “ vitrage “ or stained   glass windows and   this   coupled   with a   miscellany   of   church   music ...