Kiltarlity & Convinth Table

Posted on December 26, 2022 by drixson — No Comments ↓

Kiltarlity and Convinth (United parish of Kiltality & Convinth).

ST2 = S Taylor with R MacLean & Jacob King, Place-Names of the Aird and Strathglass, Inverness-shire, Kiltarlity Community Council, 2019.

Map references such as Lovat355 1757 and GB084 1798-1800 refer to maps from the Lovat Archives available on the internet via the National Library of Scotland’s Digital Map Library. To save space I have not listed every map reference below. CW = Chisholm Writs.

Name	Value	Date	Grid Ref	Map Sources	Other forms, comments etc
Kiltarlity parish
Mauld	½ davach ½ davach	1637 1800	NH 399385	Roy(FC) RHP 11605 1795 RHP 11638 1807 Lovat176 1840s? Lovat041 1860 Lovat179 1863	Ex Kiltarlity parish. Chisholm Writs No’s 159, 508, 984 & 988. ST2 p 203. See below. FM 772.
Main Wester Main Mid Main Easter Main	(¾ davach) ¼ davach	1696 1696	NH 4240 NH 4239 NH 4239	Lovat355 1757 GB088 1798-1800 Lovat045 1865 Lovat046 19thC Lovat043 1859 Lovat206 1859	Ex Kiltarlity parish. See below.
Leum Ghoiridh			NH 4439	Lovat355 1757 GB084 1798-1800	Leum Ghoiridh lies between Main and Eskadale. In some maps it appears with Easter Main; in others with Wester Eskadale. I have no assessment data.
Eskadale	1 davach	1497- 1696	NH 4539	Roy (FC) Lovat355 1757 GB084 1798-1800 GB086 1798-1800 Lovat198 1830s? Lovat157 1855 Lovat179 1863 Lovat197 1868 Lovat182 1920s?	Ex Kiltarlity parish. See below.
Creraig			NH 4741	Lovat162 1857	Part of Eskadale
Knocklea			NH 4640	Lovat194 1858
Cruive	½ davach	1711	NH 454389	Lovat355 1757 GB082 1800 Lovat164 1834 Lovat180 1841	Ex Kiltarlity parish. With Knockvuy (see next farm). See also below.
Knockvuy		1711	NH 459389	Lovat355 1757 GB082 1800 Lovat164 1834 Lovat180 1841	Ex Kiltarlity parish. ½ davach with Crooves (=Cruive above). See Cruive below.
Knockchoille			NH 4639	Lovat195 1873
Fuaranbuie			NH 4639	Lovat134 1834
Kinerras	½ davach	1567	NH 4639/ 4740	Lovat134,142,164 1834 Lovat180 1841 Lovat097 1874 Lovat052 1875	Ex Kiltarlity parish. Half davoch in GD176/83 1567. GD176/269. See below.
Drumnagarrachan			NH 4840	Lovat355 1757 GB056 1798-1800 Lovat180 1841
(Loch) Neaty			NH 4336		A pendicle offering grazing – see below.
Culburnie	(1 davach)	1497	NH 4841	Lovat134,142, 1834 Lovat167 1839 Lovat054 19thC.	Ex Kiltarlity parish. See below.
Beaufort			NH 5043	GB048 1798-1800 Lovat356 1816 Lovat340 1831 Lovat105 1840 Lovat086 1857	See below.
Fanellan	1 davach	1640	NH 4842	GB042 1798-1800 Lovat055 1832 Lovat312 1833 Lovat216 19thC. Lovat213 1863	Ex Kiltarlity parish. ST2 pp 183-4. See below.
Ardellan	½ davach?	1497			Included in davach of Fanellan above. See below.
Taigh a’ Chnuic			NH 4943	GB040 1798-1800 GB042 1798-1800	ST2 p 215. See below.
Culachan			NH 478428	GB044 1798-1800 GB046 1798-1800	ST2 p 171. See below.
Ruttle			NH 4844	GB044 1798-1800 Lovat055 1832 Lovat312 1833	ST2 pp 213-14.
Annat			NH 506438	GB111 1798-1800 Lovat225 1850s? Lovat199 1857	ST2 pp 135-136. Ex Beauly Priory. Ainocht in RMS IV (2020) 1571. Rent suggests either ⅛ or ¼ davach. See Beauly Table under Kilmorack Parish, Ross. See below.
Kiltarlity ecclesiastical lay	½ davach ¼ davach	1359 1640	NH 4943	GB042 1798-1800 Lovat239 1825 Lovat244 1825	Ex Kiltarlity parish. NB This is the original site – not that of the current village. ST2 p 191. See below.
Lurg			NH 4943	GB042 1798-1800	Part of Kiltarlity above. ST2 p 201.
Sub-total	6 davachs

Convinth parish
Strathglass					Strathglass is a different drainage basin to Glen Convinth.
Comar = Comermore?	1 davach	1221	NH 3331	Blaeu (Extima S.) Roy (FC)	Cumber in 1221 (Mor. Reg. No 21). Ex Convinth parish. This is on the west side of the River Glass. See below.
Kirkcomar (Comar) (Davoch of) Clachan	(1 davach)	1809	NH 334306	Chapman(1809)	Ex Convinth parish. This is on the east side of the River Glass. =Clachan Comair or Comar Kirkton or Comer Nikeill – included Wester Comar or Comar Croy. See below.
Wester Comar or Comar Croy	½ davach	1554-5			Ex Convinth parish. Part of Kirkcomar – q.v. below.
Kerrow	(¼ davach)		NH 3330/3331	Roy(FC) Chapman(1809)	Ex Convinth parish. A quarter of the Davoch of Clachan. Name < G.ceathramh = ¼. See under Kirkcomar below. NB NE of current Kerrow Farm.
Balnahaun			NH 3229/3230	Thomson(1830)	Ex Convinth parish. 1 of 4 farms of Davoch of Clachan (of Comar). See under Kirkcomar below.
Easter & Wester Erchless	1 davach 1 davach	1220-1 1800	NH 4040/ 4140	Blaeu(Extima S.) Roy(FC) Lovat208	Ex Convinth parish. Herkele in Mor. Reg. No 21. Subdivided into 2 by 1496 (RMS II (2320)). Also in RMS II (3730) 1512. FM 772 – and again pp 4-5 1840. See below.
Guisachan	1 davach	1221	NH 305269	Blaeu(Extima S.) RHP 23994	Ex Convinth parish. Gulachkyn 1221, Ensowchtan in RMS II (178) 1415-16. ST2 pp 187-8. See below.
Sub-total	4 davachs

Glen Convinth
Bruiach Easter Bruiache	1 davach ½ davach	1220-1 1638	NH 501412	Lovat355 1757 GB050 1799 GB060 1800 Lovat142 1834 Lovat139 1861	Ex Convinth parish. Brutach in Mor. Reg. No 21. NLS Dep 327/56/10. See below.
Femnock			NH 4939	GB050 1799 Lovat131 1865
Boblainy	¼ davach	1695	NH 492393	Lovat355 1757 GB052 1798-1800 Lovat132 1833 Lovat131 1865	Assuming ‘quarter land’ is quarter-davach in NLS Dep.327/78 1695.
Clunevackie		1496	NH 488378	Lovat355 1757 GB052 1798-1800 GB054 1798-1800 Lovat132 1833 Lovat131 1865	Linked with Coulachie? RMS II (2320) 1496, (3730) 1512. = Glenvackie below?
Glenvackie	¼ davach	1660			= Clunevackie above? CW No 264 1660. See below.
Auchtulloch			NH 4736	GB072 1798-1800 GB054 1798-1800 Lovat132 1833	= Auchtullie/Auchtrieloch. Pendicle of Glenvackie. ST2 pp 140-1.
Culnaskiach			NH 4836	Lovat355 1757 GB072 1798-1800 GB070 1798-1800 GB074 1798-1800 RHP 11964 1852	Ex Convinth parish. Pendicle of Ardblair (q.v.).
Coulachie	¼ davach	1670	NH 471364	GB072 1798-1800 GB054 1798-1800 Lovat132 1833 OS 6″ XVIII 1872	RMS II (2320) 1496, (3730) 1512, = Killachike below? See below.
Killachike	½ davach	1670-9			Ex Convinth parish according to Ross(1) Table 23, NAS RS38 (Inv) 2nd Ser. iv, 50r. =Coulachie above?
Achnacloich	¼ davach	1607	NH 5038	Lovat355 1757 GB062 1798-1800 Lovat042 1858	RS36/2/194v 1607. Also RS36/2/374v 1608.
Torchaple			NH 4939	GB062 1798-1800	ST2 pp 19-20. My grid reference is based on my reading of GB062. It neighbours Achnacloich. See below.
Loaneckheim			NH 5040	GB060 1800 Lovat161 1839
Camault Muir			NH 5040	GB060 1800 Lovat161 1839 Lovat139 1861	Corachamalt & Moor of Ardrynoch or Camault in GB060 1800. Also Corrychamuilt, Corryoamault.
Ardrannich	1 davach	1608	NH 5141	Lovat355 1757 GB058 1798-1800 RHP 3608 1852	Ex Convinth parish. =Moy (q.v.). See below.
Moy Teanamoy	2 davachs	1220-1	NH 5141	Lovat355 1757	Ex Convinth parish. =Ardrannich (q.v.). See below.
Tomnacross			NH 5141	Lovat355 1757 GB058 1798-1800 Lovat042 1858
Culmill Little Culmill	(1 davach)		NH 5140 NH 5140	RHP 23986 1828	Ex Convinth parish. See below and under Belladrum.
Belladrum	1 davach	1511	NH 5241	FM 772 Plan by Brown 1798 RHP 23986 1828	Ex Convinth parish. See below.
Dalnamine			NH 5142	GB038 1798-1800 Belladrum07 RHP 3608 1852 OS 6″ X 1872
Glaickbea			NH 5139	GB060 1800 GB064 1800 GB062 1798-1800
Airddrean			NH 5037/5137	GB064 1800 GB078 1798-1800 Lovat186 1832 Lovat051 1848 Lovat047 1848-51 Lovat149 1863
Fanblair	(1 davach)	1512 x 1571	NH 5036	Lovat355 1757 GB066 1798-1800 Lovat049 1846 Lovat200 1850s? Lovat212 1877	Ex Convinth parish. See below.
Ardblair	½ davach	1690	NH 5036	Lovat355 1757 GB066 1798-1800 GB068 1800 GB070 1798-1800 Lovat049 1846 Lovat200 1850s?	Ex Convinth parish. See below.
Cudrish (Easter & Wester)			NH 5034	Lovat355 1757 GB076 1798-1800 Lovat049 1846	Pendicle of Kirktoun of Convinth.
Convinth (kirkland) Convinth (lay)	1 davach 1 davach	1258 1220-1	NH 514377	GB078 1798-1800 GB064 1800 RHP 23986 1828 Lovat116 1832 Lovat285 1853	Kirktoun of Convinth. Ex Convinth parish. See below.
Cragganvallie			NH 5337	GB080 1798-1800 Lovat188 1861 Lovat193 1861 Lovat347 1881	Farm at the SE corner of Convinth parish – marching with Glen Urquhart estate.
Auchvaich			NH 5340	Lovat355 1757 GB034 1798-1800
Pettyvaich			NH 530408		Ex Convinth parish. ST2 p 208 says this is < pett.
Dounie	1 davach	1220-21	NH 5142	Lovat355 1757 GB038 1798-1800 GB040 1798-1800 OS 6″ X 1872	Ex Convinth parish. See below.
Phoineas	1 davach	1220-21	NH 5243	Lovat355 1757 Lovat360 1757 GB028 1798-1800 Lovat257 1824 RHP 23986 1828 Lovat258 1841 Lovat057 1850 Lovat359 1904	Ex Convinth parish. ST2 pp 208-211. = Fothenes. See below.
Balchraggan	¼ davach	1657	NH 536436	Lovat355 1757 Lovat360 1757 GB028 1798-1800 Lovat098 1867	Ex Convinth parish. ‘ane Pleughgange … old extent’ in Retours (Inverness) (84) 1657.
Clunes	1 davach	1670	NH 5541	Lovat355 1757 GB032 1798-1800 GB034 1798-1800 GB036 1798-1800 Lovat344 1823 Lovat184 1847 Lovat050 1866	Ex Convinth parish. See below.
Crocanord			NH 5441	Lovat355 1757 GB032 1798-1800
Cabrich			NH 5343/5443	GB030 1798-1800 Lovat057 1850
Milifiach			NH 5443	Lovat360 1757 GB030 1798-1800
Lyne			NH 5542	GB030 1798-1800

Buntait	1 davach	1220-21	NH 3931		Although part of Convinth parish I have included this under Glen Urquhart which is where the farm lies geographically.
Sub-total	11¼ davachs
Total Convinth and Strathglass	15¼ davachs
Total Kiltarlity/Convinth	21¼ davachs

Kiltarlity parish

Mauld

Maule in RMS II (178) 1416. Mault in Retours (Inverness) (107) 1685. Ross(2) p 270 gives Mauld as a davach on the basis of RS38/11/328r 1763 but this document mistakenly gives Mauld twice – as both a davach and a half-davach.

Main

Retours (Inverness) (119) 1696 says ⅓ of Mayne (specifically Mid Main) = ¼ davach. This suggests that the three parts of Main came to ¾ davach.

RS38/5/624v 1693 gives Eister and Wester Mayns, Crooves and Knocktoun as a davach old extent. (Knocktoun probably refers to Knockvuy. Crooves and Knockvuy were together a half-davach. This implies Eister and Wester Mayns were another half-davach and probably a quarterland each).

Eskadale

Wester Eskdole in RMS II (178) 1416. Easter Eskadale in RMS II (3184) 1501. RMS IV (704) 1552, (2348) 1568. In 1497 (Book of Thanes of Cawdor pp 87-8) ¼ of Eskadile extended to 16s 8d (1¼m) Old Extent. However, since this document matches well with RMS II (3184) it is likely that only Easter Eskadale is being referred to. If a quarter was worth 1¼m then the whole of Easter Eskadale would be worth 5m. In that case the whole of Eskadale (Easter & Wester) would be worth 10m. Evidence from this and other documents suggests that 1 davach was regarded as having an extent of 10m at this time. Implied 2 ploughs (½ davach) in Macgill p 113 No 292 1612. ½ davach in RMS VII (1791) 1618 & RMS IX (1093) 1642.

Ross(1) Table 31, states that Wester Eskidale was ½ davach in 1622 (NLS Dep327/78) while Easter Eskidale (including Knockylie & Teanalan) was a ½ davach in 1765-72 (NAS RS38 (Inv) 2nd Ser. xii, 24r).

Wester Eskadale is ½ davach in NLS Dep.327/78 1622, ½ davach old extent in RS37/7/124v 1651 and Retours (Inverness) (119) 1696. Eskadale is half-davach Old Extent in Millar, Scottish Forfeited Estates Papers pp 46-7 (1763). The weight of evidence implies that Eskadale totalled a davach.

March dispute with Kinnerus (Kinerras) in GD23/10/592 1781.

Cruive

Crywe in RMS II (2320) 1496, Crew in RMS II (3730) 1512. RS38/5/624v 1693 gives Eister and Wester Mayns, Crooves and Knocktoun as a davach old extent. (Knocktoun probably = Knockvuy). RS38/7/119v 1711 gives Crooves and Knockbuy as a ½ davach old extent. Half a davach Old Extent with Knockvuy in RS38/9/288r 1742 (ST2 p 170).

Although the arable land of the two farms of Cruive and Knockvuy covers only a small area they had rights to, or a share of, an extensive area of hill ground which stretched SW beyond Loch Neaty, Loch Garbh Bhreac and Loch Bruicheach. See NLS Digital Map Library Lovat337 and RHP11963 of 1863/4.

Kinerras

Ross(1) Table 31, thought it was probably an alternate name for Easter Eskidale. Given that both farms appear in Book of Thanes of Cawdor pp 87-8 of 1497 and in RMS II (3184) 1501 I believe they were separate. The former document gives ¼ of Kyneriche as 16s 8d (1¼m) Old Extent. In that case the whole of Kyneriche would have been 5m which was the contemporary value (in merklands) of a half-davach. See also RMS IV (704) 1552, (2348) 1568.

Macgill No 292, pp 113-14, ‘Taxt Roll’ (of the sheriffdom of Inverness) in 1612 gives the sum of 17s 6d for Kineres which implies (by comparison with the previous items in the list) 2 ploughs or a half-davach. Half-davach in GD176/269 1617. Unfortunately this ‘value’ or ‘assessment’ of 17s 6d now takes on a life of its own in the documents. In RMS VII (1820) 1618, RS37/4/96v 1628 & Retours (Inverness) (57) 1634 Kinnerres is given as half-davach Old Extent but also as 17s 6d (1 merk + 5/16ths of a merk). (Repeated in RMS IX (1260, 1) 1642; Retours (Inverness) (98) 1666 and RS38/13/176v 1774). (See also Retours (Inverness) (129) 1630?). For the purposes of this table – which attempts to establish davachs of Old Extent – I have ignored this later monetary valuation. March dispute with Eskadale in GD23/10/592 1781.

Neaty

Fannellane, Ardellane, Teaknok, Cullachie & the grazing of Neaty were a davach old extent in RMS IX (1260,2) 1640 (also RS37/7/3v 1648). RS38/3/28r 1666 gives Ffannellan, Ardellan, Teaknock & Cullarkie with grazing of Nattie as a davach old extent.

Culburnie

The Book of Thanes of Cawdor pp 87-8 of 1497 states that ¼ of Quhilbrane (with castle) extended to 2½m Old Extent. This implies that Quhilbrane totalled 10m which was the contemporary valuation of a davach. It was formerly more extensive and included Beaufort Castle. RS36/2/192r 1607 refers to a western half of the davach of Culbrenne. See RMS II (3184) 1501, (3531) 1509; RMS III (1601) 1536, (1958) 1539; Retours (Inverness) (52) 1633, (97) 1665.

Beaufort

It is difficult to know whether or not ‘the lands of’ Beaufort should be seen as separate to Culburnie, or as a mediaeval subdivision thereof, or as little more than the name of a barony. RMS II (220) 1438 refers to a quarter part of Beufort and its manor. RMS II (618) 1458, on original of 1448, refers to a quarter part of the lands of Beuforte. RMS II (645) 1458 describes Bewfort as a barony. RMS II (1368) 1477-8 tells us of a quarter part of the lands of the barony of Bewfort in the lordship of ‘Arde et Straithglasche’ (Aird & Strathglass). Acts of the Lords of Council, Vol III, pp 191-2, refers to the ‘ferd [fourth] part of the landis and baronry of Bewfurd of the Ard’ in 1503. RMS II (3158) 1507 talks of lands of Bewfurd. RMS II (3531) 1510-11, on original of 1509, states that the lands of Kilbirny (Culburnie) had its castle-mound commonly called Beufort. (Repeated in RMS III (1601) 1536). ER XIII pp 598-9 1511/12 gives £10 lands of Beufurd. (This might imply 1½ davachs but may be referring to the barony rather than one location).

RMS II (3602) 1511 lists lands in the lordship of Bewfort. (See also RMS III (2733) 1542, RMS IX (658) 1637 on original of 1636).

I’m inclined to think we should probably disregard ‘Beaufort’ as a late intrusion and a catch-all name for lands within a barony.

Fanellan

Referred to in RMS II (2320) 1496, (3730) 1512 & RSS II (4673) 1542. Fannellane, Ardellane, Teaknok, Cullachie & the grazing of Neaty were a davach old extent in RMS IX (1260,2) 1640 (also RS37/7/3v 1648). RS38/3/28r 1666 gives Ffannellan, Ardellan, Teaknock & Cullarkie with grazing of Nattie as a davach old extent. W Mackay (ed.), Chronicles of the Frasers (The Wardlaw Manuscript), p 234 refers to the davoch of Fanellan in 1598.

ST2 pp 183-4 derives the names Fanellan and Ardellan with reference to Eilean Aigas in the River Beauly. Certainly Lovat055 1832 shows Fenellen stretching west to ‘Island Agish’ in the River Beauly. Much of the farm boundary given in this map is still visible on Explorer 431. Ardellan is likely to include the higher portions of this farm to the north-west.

Ardellan

See above under Fanellan. ST2 p 184 suggests Ardellan close to Fanellan. (Part of?) Ardaleyne in RMS II (3184) 1501. In 1497 (Book of Thanes of Cawdor pp 87-8) ¼ of Ardewynet extended to 16s 8d (1¼m) Old Extent. This would imply that the whole of Ardewynet then extended to 5m or a half-davach. Half of Ardellane in RMS III (2733) 1542 and then Retours (Inverness) (5) 1566, (8) 1578, (52) 1633, (97) 1665. See also RMS IV (704) 1552.

Taigh a’ Chnuic

Culachan

S Taylor distinguishes between Coulachie (NH 471364) and Culachan (NH 478428). There are so many variant spellings in the documentary record that it is difficult to be sure which is being referred to so my attributions are provisional. The former is nearer to Clunevackie (Convinth), the latter to Fanellan (Kiltarlity). In economic terms Coulachie was probably much less important. I think the following refer to Culachan in Kiltarlity:

Crwlach/Cowlach in RMS II (2320)/NLS Dep327/57/1 of 1496; Cowlauche in RMS II (3730) 1512.

RMS IX (1260, 2) 1640 refers to Cullachie and RS38/3/28r 1666 gives Cullarkie – as part of the davach of Fanellan. I think they may both actually refer to Culachan!

Annat

This now lies north of the River Beauly but the OS 6″ 1st Series Inverness-shire (Mainland) Sheet X 1872 marks the old course of the Beauly River which shows that in earlier times Annat lay south of the river. (See also Lovat356 1816 & Lovat340 1831). Simon Taylor does not think this is an ‘annaid’ (mother-church) name. I am more open to this derivation. It would have been adjacent to the old parish church of Kiltarlity and the three fields immediately SE of it were called W, Mid & E Apen – where Apen (< apainn abbey lands) suggests land formerly belonging to an abbey. Given that Annat belonged to Beauly Priory I am inclined to view these neighbouring sites – Kiltarlity Old Church, the Glebe, the three Apens and Annat as evidence of an important early ecclesiastical complex.

Kiltarlity

There was a ½ davach of Kiltarlity that belonged to the church in 1279 (Mor. Reg. No 127 pp 140-2). This churchland is also referred to (but without extent) in 1226 (Mor. Reg pp 332-3 & OPS II, II, p 571). Half of Kiltarlity and its fishing is referred to in RMS II (2320) 1496, (3730) 1512, GD23/10/1 1522 as well as Retours (Inverness) (67) 1642, (70) 1647, (74) 1650 & (97) 1665. This fishing was known as the ‘Esse’ (< ‘eas’ falls) – see Mor. Reg. No’s 123-4, 285-8). The fishing of ‘Lyne’ (< linne? falls) is given as an alternative name for ‘Es’ (‘eas’) in Retours (Inverness) (67) 1642.

In addition to this there was land called Kiltarlatie and its Lurge, ‘¼ davate ant. ext.’ (¼ davach Old Extent) referred to in RMS IX (1260, 4) of 1640. RS37/7/3v 1648 gives ¼ davach old extent Kilterlatie and its ‘burg’ (Lurg?). RS38/3/28r 1666 gives ¼ davach old extent Kiltarlatie and its Lurge.

We have evidence of at least ¾ davach of Kiltarlity but originally it may have been a davach (half church, half lay).

RS38/2/153r 1664 refers to Wester Kiltarlatie.

Convinth parish

Strathglass

Comar is complicated. There are a number of names for the different parts of Comar and it is not always clear which is being referred to. What follows is an attempt to clarify the situation but I am not completely confident of all the detail.

Comar (West bank R. Glass)

Davach of Cumber (Mor. Reg. No 21 1221 – one of 11 davachs of Convinth). I agree with ST2 pp 160-162 who identifies Cumber with Comar (west bank). It was one of the 11 davachs of Convinth but, as the table above makes clear, Convinth later seems to have had more than 11 davachs. I assume this (west bank) Comar was the same as (or included) Comermore.

Commyrmore (Comermore) appears in RMS II (3831) 1513, III (1943) 1538-9; CW No 367 1668; RS38/5/344r 1685; Retours (Inverness) (49) 1630, (107) 1685. In this last it is ‘Camermore, Glenne, & sheillings called Auchietait, Dermore, Binvean, Glenshie, Inshnahaum, Pollew’. I am not sure about the identification of all these sheilings but there is a Doire Mhor in NH 2227; just south of this there is a Beinn a’ Mheadhoin on the north side of Glen Affric in NH 2125; a Gleann Sithidh at the west end of Loch Mullardoch in NH 0727; and a Pollan Buidhe on the south side of Glen Affric in NH 1822/1922. (See also Kiltarlity text file). ‘Two ploughs’ (i.e. ½ davach) of Comer in CW No 196 1648.

To confuse the issue Combyr is marked on the south side of the River Glass in Blaeu’s Extima Scotiae (1654). However it appears as Combir on the north side in Roy(FC), as Comar on the north side in Mackay’s copy of Chapman’s plan of 1809, as Commena on the north side in Thomson (1830), and as Comar on the north side on OS maps from 1872.

Kirkcomar (East bank R. Glass)

Kyrkomyr in RMS II (178) 1415-16. Comerkle in RMS III (1958) 1539. Comernakyll in CW No 27 1582.

Comer Kirktoun alias Comer niKeill is apparently 2 davachs in 1614 (Munro, Chisholm Writs No 74). Ross(2) p 220 suggests this probably refers to the davachs of Comer Kirktown and Guisachan. For my part I do not credit this source. CW No 73 of the same date refers to the half-davach of Comer Kirktoun – as do CW No’s 97 & 99 1621. CW No 984 1763 refers to the davach of Commer Kirktoun but No 988 (dated the next day) gives the davach of Commirkirktoun including Comarcroy. RS38/11/328r 1763 gives the davach of Commer Kirktown including Commer Croy or Wester Commer.

I think the Kirktoun itself was a half-davach; the other half-davach was Comer-Croy or Wester Comer.

Comerkill in Retours (Inverness) (52) 1633, (97) 1665. Comerkirktoun in Retours (Inverness) (107) 1685. Comer-Kirktoun was a half-davach Old Extent in FM 772 No 106, 1800 & pp 4-5 1840.

OPS II, II pp 515-6 quotes a 1401 indenture (Liber Insule Missarum l-li No 35) which refers to the ½ davach of Comyr Kynbady. Mackay also refers to the ½ davoch of Comar Kinbaddie (Kinbaddie = Cille Bheathainn?). There is a reference to Kilbaddy in RMS II (3730) 1512 – in a list running Wester Comyr, Kilbaddy & Daheny (?Deanie at NH 3139 in Kilmorack parish).

Wester Comyr is recorded in RMS II (3730) 1512. Commercroy is 2 ‘aratra’ (ploughlands) or half a davach in RMS IV (987) 1554-5. Wester Comer, alias Comercroy, was half a davach in 1636 (Munro, Chisholm Writs No 146). Comer Croye was half a davach in 1653 (CW No 223) and 1678 (CW No 505). Comercroy appears in Retours (Inverness) (107) 1685. FM 772 pp 4-5 1840 states Wester Comer was called Comer-Croy and extended to a half-davach.

IR Mackay says the Davoch of Clachan (east bank) was divided into 4 parts:- Kerrow, Clachan (Kirktown of Comar), Balnabruaich (Comarcroy) & Balnahaun (Comar na haun). He states (p 396) that Wester Comar consisted of Balnahaun and Balnabruaich in 1775 – the other two towns of Clachan and Kerrow made up Mid Comar.

In sum there was one davach centred on the religious site of Kilbaddy on the east bank of the River Glass. Initially this was divided into two halves – one called Kilbaddy or Kirktoun, one called Wester Comer or Comer Croy. Each of these halves was then halved again – leaving the 4 quarters as described by IR Mackay. To illustrate these Mackay gives a sketch taken from Chapman’s plan of 1809. The four quarters run (from NE to SW): Kerrow, Clachan, Balnabruich and Balnahawen. This is important because in more recent times the name Kerrow has shifted. Kerrow House and Kerrow Farm are now marked west of the old Clachan whereas originally they were to the east.

Erchless

A davach in Ross called Herchelys (Mor. Reg. No 122 1258). (Important because it was on the north side of Beauly River and so in Ross). Also in RMS III (1958) 1538-9 & Retours (Inverness) (52) 1633, (97) 1665, (107) 1685. E & W = 1 davach in CW No 63 1606. (Also CW No’s 69 1612, 97 & 99 1621). Erchless included Knockvoit and Craobhnaclag (see RH MacDonald p114, CW No 513). See also CW No 755 1710 for other constituents. (CW No 835 1729 gives Rinaclagg [Craobhnaclag?] with pendicle called Inachan). Erchless marches with Culligran (Kilmorack parish) in CW No 130 1630.

Guisachan

Guisachan is linked with Fregaye in GD23/10/2 1541. (See S Taylor under Fraoch-choire). Frigary or Frigay in CW No’s 521, 550, 551, 556.

According to Ross(1) Table 23 No 10, the davach of Gulachkyn included Hiltoune, Knocknariea, Gortaneenin, Auchnaheikles, Bellachladich, Badnamarlich, Balblair, Galssies, Aufrege, Altgarue & Tollour. He refers to NAS RS38 (Inv) 2nd Ser. iv, 501v & ix, 249r. However, referring to NAS RS38 (Inv) 2nd Ser. iii, 14v of 1665-70, he also gives a ½ davach of Gussichan including Balnaheglis (=Auchnaheikles?), Bellachadich (=Bellachladich) & Bellablair (=Balblair). Two Gowissachanis in GD23/10/2 1541.

NAS GD23/10/124 refers to the easter half-davach lands of Gussichan in 1675. According to Retours (Inverness) (114) 1691 the lands of Gusachan included Hiltone, Knocknacrea, Meikle Guschachan, Mid Guschachan, Gartaneen, Ballachladich, Ballablair, Wester Auchnahickles, Easter Auchnaheickles and the grazings of the two Glassacks, Riglassie and Badnamarlich. GD23/10/400 refers to the davach of Guissichan in 1700.

Glen Convinth

Bruiach

Ross(1) Table 23 No 9 includes Glenvakie and refers to NAS RS38 (Inv) 2nd Ser. xiii, 169v. Glenvakie or Glenvackie probably = Clunevackie at NH 488378.

Glenvackie

Ross(1) Table 23 No 9, says ‘Part of Brutach’ (Bruiach). CW No 227 1654 gives Auchtullie as a pendicle (see also No’s 240 & 247). See S Taylor under Auchtrieloch (ST2 pp 140-1).

Coulachie

S Taylor (ST2 pp 165-6, p 171) distinguishes between Coulachie (NH 471364) and Culachan (NH 478428). There are so many variant spellings in the documentary record that it is difficult to be sure which is being referred to so my attributions are provisional. The former is nearer to Clunevackie, the latter to Fanellan. I think the following refer to Coulachie:

Kylach in RMS II (2320) 1496; Kelauch in RMS II (3730) 1512; and possibly half-davach Killachike in Ross(1) Table 23, NAS RS38 (Inv) 2nd Ser. iv, 50r. Also ¼ davach OE Kilaugh in Retours (Inverness) (100) 1670; Keallachie in Retours (Inverness) (114) 1691; ¼ davach Keilach in Retours (Inverness) (116) 1693.

Torchaple

RS36/2/194v 1607 and RS36/2/374v 1608 both mention Torchaipill as a croft and pendicle of Ardrannich. The ‘low country’ farms often had grazing pendicles or shieling grounds. It may be that Torchaipill started life as a grazing for Ardrannich and then came to be more closely linked to its immediate neighbour – Achnacloich.

Ardrannich

The documents specifically equate Ardrannich with Moy (q.v.): ST2 p 139 quoting NLS Dep.327, 59/2 = RMS II (3602) 1511; RS36/2/368r 1608; Chisholm Writs No 521 1681. Ardrannich appears in RMS III (1958) 1539, Retours (Inverness) (52) 1633, (97) 1665. Torchaple (above) was a pendicle.

Moy

See also Ardrannich (above) which was an alternative name. ST2 pp 206-7. 2 of the 11 davachs of Convinth in Mor. Reg. No 21 of 1221. 2 Moys in RMS II (3184) 1501, (3602) 1511, RMS III (1601) 1536. In 1497 (Book of Thanes of Cawdor pp 87-8) ¼ of the 2 Moys extended to 2½m Old Extent. This would imply the whole unit of the 2 Moys then extended to 10m or a davach. See also Chisholm Writs No 521 1681. At 2 davachs this was obviously an important estate although both names for it faded over the centuries. Teanamoy appears in Lovat355 1757.

In its early days it probably included Tomnacross (formerly Tomnacroich or ‘Gallows Mound’).

Ross(1) Table 23, wonders if one of the davachs of Moy is now Clunes – I think Clunes is too far to the east. Moreover the place-name Moy implies a plain or flattish ground and there is a ridge between it and Clunes.

Culmill

Little Culmill was joined with Belladrum as a davach in RMS IX (658) 1636 and FM 772 No 106 1800.

Ross(1) Table 23 gives Belladrum: Cullimullen as a davach in 1510 quoting NLS Dep.327/59 and suggests this was the same as part of Moy. He also gives Coulimulline as a ½ davach in 1670-9 (NAS RS38 (Inv) 2nd Ser. iv, 50r) and Culmiln as a ½ davach in 1772-80 (NAS RS38 (Inv) 2nd Ser. xiii, 177v).

Two parts of Colmullyne-More occur in RMS II (2320) 1496 and a two-part of Colmolinmore in RMS II (3730) 1512. I think ‘a part’ here meant a third because ⅓ Meikle Culmuling belonged to Beauly Priory in RMS IV (2020) 1571.

Three parts (here perhaps three-quarters?) of Beldrum were linked with Culmullyne-Bege in RMS II (2320) 1496. RMS II (3730) 1512 gives three-quarters Balladrum and then Culmolinbeg later in the same document.

It is difficult to marry all this data up. It seems most likely that Culmill was originally a davach that was divided. One portion (quarter-davach?) was called Little Culmill and sometimes paired with (three-quarters of?) Belladrum as a davach. The other portion (three-quarters-davach?), sometimes called Culmill, sometimes Culmill more, was ⅔ lay (half-davach), ⅓ ecclesiastic (quarter-davach – Beauly Priory), and is treated separately in the records.

Belladrum

See also above under Little Culmiln. Belladrum had 3 parts in 1496 (RMS II (2320)) or three quarters in 1512 (RMS II (3730). A ‘part’ is referred to in RMS II (3184) 1501. One quarter is referred to in RMS III (1958) 1539, Retours (Inverness) (52) 1633 and (97) 1665. One-eighth of it is referred to in RMS II (3531) 1509 and in RMS II (3602) 1511 – in the latter document it is specifically stated that it is an ⅛ of the dawoch of Belladrum. (See ST2 p 146). In 1497 (Book of Thanes of Cawdor pp 87-8) ¼ of Balcrum extended to 8s 4d (⅝m) Old Extent. This would imply Balcrum then extended to 2½m or a quarterland. However I think only part of Balcrum is being here referred to. 6 ploughs (=1½ davachs) in Macgill p 113 No 292 1612.

It was surveyed by G Brown in 1798 and his Plan of part of the Estate survives in FM 772 in Inverness Reference Library. In FM 772 No 106 of 1800 the lands are described as including Revicken (Rhevackin NH 5239), Little Culmiln, Keltichan, Newton of Belladrum, … Delnamine (Dalnamine NH 5142) & Fassignordan (?Fassock NH 5139). It was then a davach of Old Extent. RHP 23986 1828 Plans of estate of Belladrum.

Fanblair

‘Part of’ Faynblare in RMS II (2320) 1496. Three-quarters of Fenblare in RMS II (3730) 1512. ¼ Faynblair belonged to Beauly Priory in 1571 – RMS IV (2020). (See Beauly Table under Kilmorack Parish, Ross). (These latter two references suggest Fanblair was originally a davach). Half-davach in 1670-9 in Ross(1) Table 23, referring to NAS RS38 (Inv) 2nd Ser. iv 22v.

Ardblair

See also Fanblair above. Ardblare in RMS II (2320) 1496, (3730) 1512. ½ davach with Culnaskiach in GD23/10/299 1690. Ross(1) Table 23 also gives ½ davach with Culnaskiach in 1691 quoting NLS Dep.327/91. GD296/12 1638 shows Culnaskiach was just a pendicle. See also CW No’s 170-171 1638, No 231 1655 & No 248 1658. Half Artblaar in ER XII p 666 1506.

RS38/2/153r 1664 refers to a davach of Ardnabell. There are possibly two mistakes here. Ardnabell may be Ardblair? Perhaps davach should be ½ davach?

Convinth

In Mor. Reg. No 21 of 1221 two davachs of Convinth were amongst the 11 davachs assigned to the church of Convinth. In Mor. Reg No 122 of 1258 there is reference to ‘una dauacha terre ecclesie de Cuneway’ (one davach churchland of Convinth). It may be that 1 davach remained with the church, 1 was, or became, lay. It is probably fair to assume that the ‘kirktoun’ of Convinth lay by the old church site which is on the west side of Allt Dearg/Belladrum Burn whereas the current farm lies on the east bank to the NNE.

Parts of the lay davach appear as Estir Connovay and Altoun de Connovay in RMS II (3184) 1501. In 1497 (Book of Thanes of Cawdor pp 87-8) ¼ of Conwichmor extended to 16s 8d (1¼m) Old Extent as did ¼ Sanwalle in Glenconwich. Sanwalle is for sean-bhaile or ‘Oldtown’ so these two properties match Easter Convinth and ‘Altoun’ (or Auldtoun) de Convinth in RMS II (3184). (If ¼ extended to 16s 8d then the whole unit extended to 5m. Two units of 5m gives 1 unit of 10m which is the common valuation of a davach under New Extent. Therefore it is possible that Easter Convinth (or Convinth More) and Old Town of Convinth were each ½ davach and together made up the lay davach of Convinth.

There are references to ‘Le Dawach de Glenconweth’ in ER XII p 666 1506 and ‘lie Dawauch de Glenconweth’ in RMS III (2733) 1542 and Retours (Inverness) (5) 1566, (8) 1578, (52) 1633, (97) 1665. These may all refer to the lay davach.

(Part of?) Eister Conveth was a pendicle in RS36/2/190v 1607.

(However, to complicate matters, ⅓ Easter Glen de Conveth belonged to Beauly Prior in 1571 – RMS IV (2020) – as did an ‘Auldtoun called the Commoun Pastuir’. The Reddendo suggests these properties were of relatively low value and since ‘Oldtown’ is a common name it may not have been the one in Glen Convinth. See also RMS V (2165) 1592 for Beauly properties).

RS36/2/190v 1607 gives Kirktoun of Conveth & Cuddereis (Cudrish) as a ½ davach old extent. Ross(1) Table 23, gives Kirktoun of Convinth & Cudderis as a ½ davach in the 17th century (NLS Dep.327/71). (Also GD443/13/5 1766). FM 772 No 106 (1800) gives Kirktown Convinth & pendicle called Cuidrish as a ½ davach. (Cudrish = NH 5034).

RMS X (406) 1655 refers to ‘the easter two pleughs [ploughs] of Glenconich, the wester pleuch of Glenconich’. (1 plough = ¼ davach).

This is such a jumble that I have retreated to the earliest evidence from 1220-1 which tells us Convinth was 2 davachs. See also Aird Table.

There also survive some neighbouring farm names which may once have been part of either the church davach or the lay davach. These include Duallan (NH 511369), Balintore (NH 5137/5237), Dularich (NH 5138), Ruifour (NH 5237/5238), Teavarran (NH 5237) and Cragganvallie (NH 5337).

W Mackay (ed.), Chronicles of the Frasers (The Wardlaw Manuscript), pp 185, 236, : ‘In Glenconvinth Clan-i-luch, Beatons, and M’kintliggichs [Mac an Lighich, son of the physician], had a very old douch [davach] in time out of mind’. This harks back to the days when particular families, who played important roles in the clan hierarchy (poets, judges, doctors, musicians), were given lands to support their offices.

Dounie

Dunyn in Mor. Reg. No 21. Downegorre in RMS II (2320) 1496; Dounys in RMS II (3730) 1512. Must have been subdivided because RMS II (3531) 1509, (3602) 1511; Retours (Inverness) (125) 1596, (38) 1620 and RMS IX (658) 1637, on original of 1636, refer to crofts on Dounie. (See also Mackenzie, History of the Frasers of Lovat p 626). In particular the retours refer to a St John’s Croft on Easter Dounie. This must have been a former Spittal – see GD1/408/4 1572-3: Charter by Lord of Torphichin, knight of Jerusalem. Batten, Charters of the Priory of Beauly p17, refers to a half-davach of ‘Beaufort & Duary’ where the latter could be for Downie. RSS VII (2006) 1579 refers to Deouris Croft – which may be for Dewar’s or Deor’s Croft.

Books of Assumption p 649 – Rental of chaplainry of Dunny extending to £10.

Phoineas

RS37/7/117v 1651 gives Phoynes as ¼ davach old extent. Ross(1) Table 23 gives Meikle Phoines ¼ davach 1663 as ‘part of Phoineas’ (NLS Dep. 327/75). Meikle = ‘quarter lands’ in CW No 233 1656; ¼ davach in CW No 298 1663.

Clunes

Ross(1) Table 23, gives Cluns (with Auchugwaithe & Annat) as a davach in 1670 (NLS Dep. 327/72). He thinks it was probably one of the davachs of Moy and refers to NAS RS38 (Inv) 2nd Ser. xiii, 164v. I think it is too far to the east to be part of Moy (q.v.).

Posted in Kiltarlity & Convinth

Kiltarlity & Convinth Table

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