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PRESBYTERY OF GARIOCH, SYNOD
OF ABERDEEN.
THE REV. GEORGE GARIOCH, MINISTER.
I.—Topography and Natural
History.
Name.—The ancient name of
this parish, and by which Spalding takes notice of it in his History of
the Troubles and Memorable Transactions in Scotland, is Bethelnie, which
is a derivative from the Hebrew words (Bethelnou,) signifying House of our
God. It appears probable, that, at an early period, when sacred edifices
were comparatively few in Scotland, the church situated in this parish may
have served to accommodate the inhabitants of a large extent of
surrounding country. For this reason it may have received the emphatic
name of Bethelnie, or House of our God ; and the appellation has been at
length extended to the district in the vicinity of the place of worship,
which now constitutes the parish. But whether the supposition of a great
central religious locality be correct or not, undoubtedly the parish
church was, from the earliest time, situated in that district which, to
this day, retains the name of Bethelnie. Its site is marked by the place
of interment which remains, where its foundations can be seen; and the
farm which formerly surrounded it, on which the manse was built, is still
called the Auld Kirk.
The modern name of the
parish (Meldrum) is probably derived from the Celtic words Mealldruim,
signifying the shoulder or ridge of a hill. This conjecture is supported
by the peculiar nature of the locality, as the whole parish occupies a
rising ground of greater or less degrees of elevation. At the northern
extremity, the ground ascends to a considerable altitude above the
surrounding valleys, and descends by an easy inclination, presenting a
variety of rich and well cultivated table-land sloping to the south, the
east, and the west. From several points of this elevation, extensive views
are obtained of the districts of Formartine and Buchan on the one hand,
and of the cultivated valley of the Garioch on the other, bounded on the
west by the lofty and well-proportioned mountain of Benochie.
Extent and Boundaries.—The
length of the parish from north to south varies in different points from 5
to 8 miles, and its breadth from east to west varies from 2 to 5. It is
consequently of an irregular figure, and contains about 11 2/3 square
miles. On the south, it is bounded by the parish of Bourtie; on the north,
by Fyvie and Tarves; on the east, by Bourtie and Tarves; and on the west,
by Daviot and Fyvie. A ridge of hills, none of which is of any great
height, commencing at the northern extremity of this parish, stretches
towards the north-west, but possesses no striking characters. The soil on
the south and south-west aspects is rich and fertile; and the summits are
generally covered with heath, but not of that luxuriant description which
is common on the hills in the higher districts of Aberdeenshire. The
prevalent winds during summer, autumn, and the later part of spring are
westerly; and the severity of the northern blast in winter is no doubt
moderated by the chain of hills already alluded to.
Climate.—The climate is
temperate, but variable in spring; hence, during that season, pulmonary
complaints are common, and others which are dependent on sudden changes of
temperature.
Geology.—Hornblende rock is
found in large detached masses in one part of the parish. It admits of the
finest dressing, and might even be polished like marble; but the expense
of obtaining it, on account of its very hard and compact structure, is
such, that it is seldom employed for the ordinary purposes of building.
Whinstone is common in different places; and rock-crystal is found in the
hill of Bethelnie. Limestone was discovered several years ago in this
parish, near the boundary line which separates it from Tarves, and was
wrought with success for some time; the operations, however, have since
been discontinued; but in Tarves they are still carried on advantageously,
close to the borders of this parish. The soil of the northern extremity is
inferior to that of the other districts of the parish. In the former it is
more friable, of little comparative depth, and incumbent on a subsoil of
rock or gravel. In this division, also, there is a portion of the soil of
a mossy nature, and the climate is inferior : throughout the whole of it,
the harvest is a week later than in the remaining districts, and the crops
raised are deficient both in quantity and quality. A considerable extent
of the highest parts of it is covered with heath, and fit only for
planting. With the exception of the northern extremity, the soil of the
parish is of a superior nature. It consists of a deep loam, resting
generally, though not uniformly, on a subsoil of clay, and produces
weighty crops of grain. Plantations.—Since the last Statistical Account
was drawn up, more than 500 acres have been planted in this parish. A
considerable extent of the plantations is on the high lands of the
northern extremity; but the greatest part of them is on the estate of
Meldrum, about the centre of the parish, and in its eastern division. In
addition to several large plantations which have grown with great
rapidity, there are numerous detached clumps put down for the sake of
ornament, which have a very pleasing appearance. Along with the different
kinds of fir, there is a number of thriving ashes and elms; and of late
years, oaks, planes, and various ornamental trees have been introduced.
There are some fine old spreading beeches in the plantations near the
House of Meldrum; and there is one in particular in front of it, of large
dimensions and exuberant foliage. It is 60 feet in height and 243 feet in
circumference; the girth of the trunk is 11 feet 8 inches, and the longest
entire branch is 51 feet. The foliage generally comes close to the ground;
it is very thick, and has a regular and rich appearance. There is another
large and remarkable tree (an ash) supposed to be fully 200 years old,
which stands on a rising ground at Parcock, above the town of Old Meldrum.
Its position and appearance are altogether so singular and striking, that
it is well known for many miles around by the name of the Tree of Parcock,
or simply of the Tree. Before the town was built, there was an inn at
Parcock, which must have been a place of some note in former days, as it
is frequently mentioned in Spalding's history, and formed at the period
when it was written, one of the principal stages between Aberdeen and the
north of Scotland. It is probable, therefore, that the tree of Parcock may
have been planted in its present solitary but very conspicuous situation,
in order to point out to the traveller from a distance, the place where he
might rest for a time from the fatigues of his journey.
II.—Civil History.
There is a plan of the
whole parish, of date 1780, in the possession of the proprietor of
Meldrum, who is the principal landholder, patron of the church, and
superior of the burgh of barony of Old Meldrum.
Parochial Registers.—The
date of the earliest parochial register is 1698; and there are regular
documents preserved from that period to the present time, with the
exception of one year.
Antiquities.—The
foundations of a small private chapel, built during the establishment of
the Roman Catholic religion in this country, are to be seen on a farm in
this parish, which for that reason still retains the name of Chapelhouse.
They are surrounded by a place of interment, in which there is the
appearance of many graves; and two bodies have been buried there within
the memory of the present generation. The baptismal font, (or what
tradition declares to be such) remains, and a well inclosed with rude
mason-work, which we are given to understand from the same source, was
formerly dedicated to the Virgin; it is called to this day the Lady well.
During the prevalence of Popery, St Natha-lin was reckoned the tutelary
saint of this district. There was a tradition, that when a dreadful
pestilence raged in the country, St Nathalin prayed fervently that it
might be averted from this parish, going round it on his knees; and the
fatal disease never entered within it. A day called St Nathalin's day was
for a long period observed in honour of the supposed benefactor,— a proof
of the powerful influence of superstition over the mind. Several persons
yet alive recollect that, in their early years, St Nathalin's day was
still so far attended to that no work was performed on it throughout the
parish. Until a very late period, a market-day was held in Old Meldrum
annually in the month of January, which was called Nathalin's fair. About
half a mile from the ruins of the chapel lately alluded to, there was
found by labourers employed in repairing a road a few years ago, a rude
enclosure of stones about 3½ feet under ground; two long stones formed the
sides, and two short ones the ends of the enclosure, and the whole was
covered by one large broad stone. The space enclosed was 4 feet by 2 feet
6 inches, and it contained an earthen urn, a human scull, and some of the
bones of the extremities. Two urns of a similar nature were discovered in
the same neighbourhood, not enclosed by stones, but deposited under a
rough pavement. The remains of a Roman encampment existed until lately on
the farm of Bethelnie; they have now been levelled and the ground is
ploughed. The encampment was a very small one, and could only have given
lodgement to a detachment from the army. There is still a place of
interment at Bethelnie, where the church of this parish formerly stood.
Several families have their burial ground in it, and the sepulchral vault
belonging to the proprietors of Meldrum is there. The present church is
supposed to have been erected about the year 1684; it is consequently an
old building, and has an antiquated appearance. In the immediate vicinity
of Old Meldrum, there is a place of worship belonging to the Scottish
Episcopalians, and in the town, there is another belonging to the members
of the United Secession. The town-house and town-hall of Old Meldrum are
respectable-looking buildings, sufficiently adapted to the size of the
place. The House of Meldrum, which is about a mile distant from Old
Meldrum, is a large and elegant mansion, well sheltered and ornamented
with wood.
III.—Population.
Previous to the year 1672,
when the town of Old Meldrum began to extend itself, the population of
this parish must have been very limited. An increase of 117 took place
between the years 1811 and 1821, which arose, in all probability, in
consequence of a number of crofts being set on previously uncultivated
land, which has since been reclaimed and brought under cultivation by the
occupiers. These little additional possessions are principally on the
estate of Tullo, in the northern district of the parish. Between 1821 and
1831, the increase was only 18. The population of the town of Old Meldrum
was, according to the former Statistical Account, 783; for many years
past, its population has been about 1000. In the rural districts of the
parish, the number of the inhabitants is 790. The average number of
marriages yearly is 15; and of births 45. There is no register kept of
deaths.
The number of families is
402, and the average number of children is 3.
There are 8 proprietors of
land of the yearly rent of L. 50 and upwards; and there is a large body of
feuars in Old Meldrum.
The people enjoy in a
reasonable degree the comforts and advantages of society, and are
contented with their situation and circumstances.
IV.—Industry.
Agriculture.—The number of
acres, standard imperial measure, in this parish, which are either
cultivated or occasionally in tillage, is about 5774; and the number of
acres which never have been cultivated, but are planted or remain
constantly waste, is about 1700. Of this last number, a small proportion
upon the hill of Bethelnie appears to have been formerly under tillage. It
is most likely, however, that, owing to the poverty of the soil, the crops
had not paid the expense of cultivation, and the land had been allowed to
fall back into its natural state. Indeed, almost the whole land in this
parish that has not already been brought under cultivation, would be
turned to most profitable account by being planted. There is an undivided
common near Old Meldrum, extending to about 25 acres. The rent of the best
land around the town of Old Meldrum is L.4, 10s. per Scotch acre, and of
inferior quality, L.3, 10s. In the country districts, the average rent of
the best quality of land per Scotch acre is L. 2, and of inferior quality
from 5s. to L. 1.
Wages.— Farm-work is mostly
performed by servants hired for the half year ; the average rate of their
wages is L. 5 in winter, and L. 6, 6s. in summer. Servants of a superior
description obtain higher wages. Day labourers, in winter, earn 1s., and
in summer, 1s. 6d. with victuals.
Live-Stock.—The
Aberdeenshire breed of cattle is by far the most common; and, as great
attention has, for many years, been paid to the rearing of them, they are
much approved of in the southern market's. Crosses have of late been
introduced with the Teeswater breed, which are said to feed well. Sheep
are of various kinds, as Southdown, Leicester, and crosses with the Scotch
hill breed.
The usual duration of
leases is nineteen years, and the conditions are in general sufficiently
liberal and favourable to the occupier.
The state of farm-buildings
is good, being adapted to the value and situation of the farms. The
methods employed for reclaiming waste lands have been judicious, and
draining to a considerable extent has been successfully executed. As an
evidence of the improvement of agriculture, it may be mentioned, that the
prize which was bestowed by the Aberdeenshire Agricultural Association,
for the best cultivated farm in the county, was gained by the tenant of
Bethelnie in this parish. A considerable proportion of land has been
substantially enclosed with stone dikes. On some of the largest farms,
there are enclosures of hawthorn hedges; and several fields in the
vicinity of Old Meldrum, have, within these few years, been surrounded
with a double row of hedging, consisting of beech and hawthorn, which has
advanced with great rapidity, and is now very ornamental as well as
useful.
The crops raised are, oats,
bear or big, turnips, potatoes, and a small proportion of wheat and
barley. In the vicinity of Old Meldrum, all the varieties of turnip seeds
are raised of a superior quality; and the character of them is so well
established, that some of the most celebrated agriculturists, both in
England and Scotland, have, for several years past, supplied themselves
from this quarter.
Produce.—The average gross
amount of raw produce raised in the parish, as far as it can be
ascertained, is as follows:
Manufactures.—The knitting
of worsted stockings is still much practised by females in Old Meldrum,
although at a much reduced rate of remuneration. There are two pretty
extensive weaving shops in Old Meldrum, rented by the proprietors of some
of the large manufacturing establishments in Aberdeen, in which a
considerable number of young persons of both sexes are employed at the
hand-loom. Their wages have fallen very much of late years.
Since the act of Parliament
was passed in 1823, two distilleries, upon a small scale, have been set to
work, one of them in Old Meldrum, and one on the estate of Tullo; in the
former place, there is a long established brewery.
V.—Parochial Economy.
Market-Town.—The only
market-town in the parish is Old Meldrum, which was erected by charter
into a burgh of barony in 1672. There is a good weekly market in it for
provisions. During the winter and spring months, there is a market every
fortnight for the sale of cattle and grain; and there are two annual fairs
in the months of May and November, at which farm-servants are engaged.
From the year 1726, and for a long period thereafter, the town of Old
Meldrum was governed by two bailies nominated by the superior; but at
present there is no local magistrate, and no regular system of police.
Means of
Communication.—Since the year 1804, this parish has enjoyed excellent
means of communication, both with the south and north, by the turnpike
road which was opened at that time between Aberdeen and Banff, which
passes through Old Meldrum, and for the distance of six miles through the
parish. Upon this road, two carriers belonging to Old Meldrum go from it
to Aberdeen, and return every week, and one of them twice a week. The
distance is seventeen miles and three-quarters. A post from the south, and
another from the north passes twice a day through Old Meldrum, where there
is a post-office. There is a stage-coach on the turnpike road, which
affords both an economical and expeditious mode of travelling.
Ecclesiastical State.—When
the parish church was removed from Bethelnie, the present one was built in
the close vicinity of Old Meldrum. It is most likely that this situation
was chosen in order to accommodate the people of Old Meldrum, which at
that time had probably a considerable population, and now contains nearly
three-fifths of the whole inhabitants of the parish. The rural district in
the neighbourhood of Old Meldrum is also the most populous. The church,
upon the whole, is centrical, taking for the criterion its vicinity to the
greatest number of the people, as probably not above a tenth part of the
present population reside beyond the distance of three miles from it. It
affords accommodation to about 700 persons; but it is too small for the
parish, and many who want seats in it cannot obtain them. The first and
oldest part of the manse was built about the year 1710; a small addition
to it was built in the year 1813, and a larger in the year 1829; it is now
a most comfortable and commodious house. The glebe measures between 10 and
11 imperial acres. The stipend was last augmented in 1832, and is now 16½
chalders, half meal, half barley, with L. 8, 6s. 8d. for communion
elements. The ministers of the Episcopal and Secession chapels are paid by
the seat-rents and contributions of their hearers, and they have each a
house and garden. The Dissenters do not perhaps exceed a tenth part of the
whole population. Divine service is well attended, and the number of
communicants in the Established Church is above 800.
Education.— There are at
present three schools in the parish, besides one for girls, the parochial
in Old Meldrum, and two others in different districts of the country. They
are all unendowed, except the parochial, and supported by the scholars'
fees. A benevolent native of the parish bequeathed by his deed of
settlement in 1795, to the kirk-session, the sum of L. 600, the in- J
terest of L. 200 of which he appointed to be paid annually to a teacher,
who should instruct, without any other remuneration, such a number of the
children of the poor inhabitants of the parish, as the session should
consider he might be able to educate for that allowance. The parochial
schoolmaster has hitherto received this sum, upon the condition, (which is
rigidly fulfilled), that he shall give education to all whom the session
recommend. Another inhabitant of the parish left also, by his deed of
settlement, to the kirk-session, the sum of L.90, (legacy-duty deducted,)
the interest of which he appointed to be applied to the conducting of a
Sabbath school in Old Meldrum. This school is now taught gratuitously, and
is in a very flourishing state ; and the interest of the sum of L.90
alluded to, is laid out in the purchase of a religious library for the use
of the Sabbath school scholars. The branches of education taught in the
parish school are, reading, writing, mathematics, Latin, and Greek. In the
other schools, English, writing, and arithmetic are taught. The parochial
schoolmaster's salary is L. 28, and his fees for teaching are, per
quarter, reading, 2s.; writing, 2s. 6d.; arithmetic, 3s. 6d. ; Latin, 5s.
; Greek, 5s. He has no dwelling-house from the heritors, but receives from
them in lieu of it L. 6 per annum. The people are fully alive to the
benefits of education, as is shown by the number of schools supported in
the parish, without salaries from the heritors. By reason of the
advantages which these schools afford, there is no part of the parish
where children may not have the benefits of education ; but the want of
salary renders the continuance of these seminaries uncertain.
Friendly Societies.—There
were until lately two or three Friendly Societies in the parish; but they
have been dissolved.
Savings Bank.—A Savings
Bank, however, was opened in the spring of 1834, in which a considerable
sum of money has already been deposited, and it is hoped that the
advantages of such an institution will be duly appreciated by the
labouring classes.
Poor and Parochial
Funds.—-The number of persons receiving parochial aid has varied
considerably at different periods. At present it is about 50, and the
average sum allotted to each is about 8s. per quarter. In addition, two
poor lunatics are maintained by this parish in the Aberdeen Asylum, with
the assistance of a sum allowed from the lunatic fund established by the
presbytery of Garioch. A collection is annually made in the parish church
towards defraying the expense of maintaining these lunatics. Another
yearly collection is made at church for the Aberdeen Infirmary. There are
also public contributions annually made for the whole of the General
Assembly's Religious Schemes. The collections in church for the relief of
the poor of the parish, including those received during the time of the
communion, amount to about L. 51 annually, and they have been on the
increase for several years past. In addition, there is the annual interest
of L.1400 Sterling, bequeathed to this parish by benevolent individuals
formerly connected with it. Of this sum, L 1200, which had been lent
previously, partly on heritable, and partly on personal security, was, on
the 20th of June 1834, invested in the purchase of land in a neighbouring
parish, which promises to yield a good return for the capital. One tenant
occupies the land, and pays his rent into the poor's funds. The other
sums, arising from the use of the mort-cloth, and from seat-rents of a
part of two galleries, set by the kirk-session, with permission of the
heritors, for behoof of the poor, amount to about L. 8 annually. But from
the produce of these funds available to the poor must be deducted annually
the sala-ries of the teacher already alluded to, of the session-clerk and
officer, and other smaller charges. There are no other regular funds for
the supply of the poor, but frequently in seasons of scarcity, or during
the prevalence of disease, meal and other necessaries are purchased for
their use, by a fund raised by private voluntary subscription. A great
deal of charity is bestowed by all ranks according to their circumstances
; and if this source of relief were not always open and ready, the
parochial funds, although comparatively extensive, would be totally
inadequate to supply the wants of the poor, especially in Old Meldrum,
where the greatest number of them reside. There is a reluctance felt by
the labouring classes to ask parochial relief.
Fuel.—At one time, there
was great abundance of excellent moss in this parish, but it is now much
exhausted, and what remains is generally of inferior quality. Coals,
therefore, are commonly used, especially in Old Meldrum; and as they are
brought from Aberdeen and Newburgh in carts, the expense of fuel is
greater in this than in any of the neighbouring parishes.
Miscellaneous Observations.
Since the time that the
last Statistical Account was written, the whole appearance of the parish
has been much improved, and the quantity and value of its produce greatly
augmented, by the superior system of farming which has been adopted. A
regular rotation of cropping, suited to the nature of the soil, has been
introduced, one indispensable part of which is the meliorating crop of
turnips. For it, the soil is carefully prepared and properly manured, and
the operations of thinning and hoeing are well attended to, as this crop
is considered of great value in a district, where the rearing of a
superior quality of live-stock is one of the most important objects which
the farmer has in view. Bone manure has been extensively and successfully
employed in this parish for raising turnips. In deep clay soils it does
not answer well; but in those of a less tenacious nature, the produce
after its employment is very great. Every effort has been made to reclaim
waste lands, and to bring them into a proper state of cultivation. The old
system of mill-multures has been discontinued, which will have a
favourable effect upon agriculture. Another most important improvement has
taken place in regard to the state of the roads. About thirty-six years
ago, the turnpike road from Aberdeen to the north was carried through this
parish, and at once established a regular and excellent communication, by
which farm produce can be carried for sale to Aberdeen at every season of
the year.' The increased facility of every other communication by this
road is equally obvious, both for the comfort of the inhabitants and of
travellers, and a far greater intercourse is also enjoyed with the
neighbouring districts. Hence, a general stimulus has been given to
industry, and improvements of an extensive nature have been undertaken and
completed, to which the former bad state of the roads would have presented
an insurmountable obstacle. There is also a manifest improvement in the
style of agricultural buildings. In some instances, this improvement has
extended itself to new houses in Old Meldrum; and there seems to be a
growing desire for it which is worthy of every encouragement. The extent
of new plantations has already been taken notice of. A new line of
communication with Old Meldrum by a turnpike road has lately been opened
from the upper part of the Garioch on the one hand, and from the sea coast
on the other. A new station for the disposal of grain and for the purchase
of lime, will thus be obtained by that district of country. The peculiar
advantage to Old Meldrum will consist, in the more extensive communication
by travelling, which will take place on the new road, and in the easier
access to its home markets. Its inhabitants will also obtain their coals
at the port of Newburgh, which is six miles nearer than Aberdeen, where
they were formerly supplied with them. Upon the whole, since the
publication of the last Statistical Account, the progress of agriculture
has in this parish been rapid and extensive, the facilities of
communication, by new lines of road, have been greatly increased, and the
general aspect of the country is very much improved.
November 1840. |
