Tour Scotland photographs and videos from my tours of Scotland. Photography and videography, both old and new, from beautiful Scotland, Scottish castles, seascapes, rivers, islands, landscapes, standing stones, lochs and glens.
John Bain " Jock " Sutherland, born March 21, 1889, died April 11, 1948, who was an American football player and coach. He coached college football at Lafayette College from 1919 to 1923, and the University of Pittsburgh from 1924 to 1938, and professional football for the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1940 to –1941, and Pittsburgh Steelers from 1946 to 1947. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951. A native of Coupar Angus in Scotland, Sutherland got his start in football by playing end at the University of Pittsburgh, America, commonly known as Pitt, under legendary coach Glenn Scobey Warner. Sutherland was named an All-American and played on Pitt's national championship teams in 1915 and 1916.
William Nairne Clark, one of the two protagonists that fought the last recorded Regulation duel with flintlock pistols in Western Australia, was born in Coupar Angus in 1804. Clark and his opponent, George French Johnson, faced each other in Fremantle, Western Australia, on the morning of Friday 6 June 1832. Johnson was fatally wounded in the hip in the encounter. Clark was subsequently charged with, and acquitted of, Johnson's murder. Clark, who had trained as a lawyer,emigrated to Western Australia on the convict ship Eliza in 1830. He initially practised as a lawyer before founding The West Australian Journal newspaper in 1836.
Tour Scotland video of the 2016 Fireworks Display in Larghan Park on Forfar Road on visit to Coupar Angus, Perthshire, Scotland. Coupar Angus is situated four miles south of Blairgowrie. The name Coupar Angus serves to differentiate the town from Cupar, Fife. The town was transferred from the county of Angus to Perthshire in 1891, but retained its traditional name. In the Middle Ages it was the site of the major Cistercian abbey of Coupar Angus, one of Scotland's most important monasteries, founded by King Malcolm IV, in the 1160s. Several Polish units were stationed in and around Coupar Angus from 1939 to 1945. The Scottish Fold breed of cat originated in Coupar Angus.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Tour Scotland video of Bonfire Night Fireworks Display in Larghan Park on Forfar Road on visit to Coupar Angus, Perthshire, Scotland. Coupar Angus is situated four miles south of Blairgowrie. The name Coupar Angus serves to differentiate the town from Cupar, Fife. The town was transferred from the county of Angus to Perthshire in 1891, but retained its traditional name. In the Middle Ages it was the site of the major Cistercian abbey of Coupar Angus, one of Scotland's most important monasteries, founded by King Malcolm IV, in the 1160s. Several Polish units were stationed in and around Coupar Angus from 1939 to 1945. The Scottish Fold breed of cat originated in Coupar Angus.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Tour Scotland photograph shot today of a Clydesdale Horse at the Horse Fair in Coupar Angus, Perthshire, Scotland. Clydesdale Horses prior to the parade at Coupar Angus Horse Fair in Perthshire, Scotland. The Horse Fair originated more than 100 years ago as an event in mid-March when heavy horses were sold before the ploughing season started. Farm workers would also attend with a view to getting another job and would bring their families to meet up before the spring work started for another year. The fair this year was held today, March 26th, 2011
Old photograph of people outside a cottage on Beech Hill in Coupar Angus, Perthshire, Scotland. The town was traditionally on the border between Angus and Perthshire, the town centre being in Perthshire. The Angus part was transferred to Perthshire in 1891, but the town retained its name. In the Middle Ages it was the site of the major Cistercian abbey of Coupar Angus, one of Scotland's most important monasteries, founded by King Malcolm IV. Several Polish units were stationed in and around Coupar Angus from 1939 to 1945. John Bain " Jock " Sutherland, born March 21, 1889, died April 11, 1948, who was an American football player and coach. He coached college football at Lafayette College from 1919 to 1923, and the University of Pittsburgh from 1924 to 1938, and professional football for the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1940 to 1941, and Pittsburgh Steelers from 1946 to 1947. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951. A native of Coupar Angus in Scotland, Sutherland got his start in football by playing end at the University of Pittsburgh, America, commonly known as Pitt, under legendary coach Glenn Scobey Warner. Sutherland was named an All-American and played on Pitt's national championship teams in 1915 and 1916. William Nairne Clark, one of the two protagonists that fought the last recorded Regulation duel with flintlock pistols in Western Australia, was born in Coupar Angus in 1804. Clark and his opponent, George French Johnson, faced each other in Fremantle, Western Australia, on the morning of Friday 6 June 1832. Johnson was fatally wounded in the hip in the encounter. Clark was subsequently charged with, and acquitted of, Johnson's murder. Clark, who had trained as a lawyer,emigrated to Western Australia on the convict ship Eliza in 1830. He initially practised as a lawyer before founding The West Australian Journal newspaper in 1836. Blog post of interest to folks with ancestry, genealogy or Scottish Family Roots in Scotland who may wish to travel and visit one day.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Old photograph of cottages and houses on Stuart Crescent in Coupar Angus, Perthshire, Scotland. The town was traditionally on the border between Angus and Perthshire, the town centre being in Perthshire. The Angus part was transferred to Perthshire in 1891, but the town retained its name. In the Middle Ages it was the site of the major Cistercian abbey of Coupar Angus, one of Scotland's most important monasteries, founded by King Malcolm IV. Several Polish units were stationed in and around Coupar Angus from 1939 to 1945. John Bain " Jock " Sutherland, born March 21, 1889, died April 11, 1948, who was an American football player and coach. He coached college football at Lafayette College from 1919 to 1923, and the University of Pittsburgh from 1924 to 1938, and professional football for the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1940 to 1941, and Pittsburgh Steelers from 1946 to 1947. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951. A native of Coupar Angus in Scotland, Sutherland got his start in football by playing end at the University of Pittsburgh, America, commonly known as Pitt, under legendary coach Glenn Scobey Warner. Sutherland was named an All-American and played on Pitt's national championship teams in 1915 and 1916. William Nairne Clark, one of the two protagonists that fought the last recorded Regulation duel with flintlock pistols in Western Australia, was born in Coupar Angus in 1804. Clark and his opponent, George French Johnson, faced each other in Fremantle, Western Australia, on the morning of Friday 6 June 1832. Johnson was fatally wounded in the hip in the encounter. Clark was subsequently charged with, and acquitted of, Johnson's murder. Clark, who had trained as a lawyer,emigrated to Western Australia on the convict ship Eliza in 1830. He initially practised as a lawyer before founding The West Australian Journal newspaper in 1836. Of interest to folks with ancestry, genealogy or Scottish Family Roots in Scotland who may wish to visit one day.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Tour Scotland early Autumn travel video of a road trip drive with music, East on the A94 road through Balbeggie and Burrelton to Coupar Angus, Gaelic: Cùbar Aonghais, on ancestry, genealogy, history visit to Perthshire. The A94 is relatively fast and wide past Perth airport and passes through Balbeggie. Continuing north east, the A94 continues through farmland to the twin villages of Burrelton and Woodside, before widening again before entering Coupar Angus. The A94 was originally a primary route from Perth to Stonehaven. Now, it's a quieter non primary tourist route passing through the flat farmland Strathmore and East Perthshire, but still the shortest route between Perth and Forfar and an alternative to the main A90 via Dundee. The name Coupar Angus serves to differentiate the town from Cupar, Fife. The town was traditionally on the border between Angus and Perthshire, the town centre being in Perthshire. The Angus part was transferred to Perthshire in 1891, but the town retained its name.
John Bain " Jock " Sutherland was born on March 21, 1889 in Coupar Angus. After emigrating to America he got his start in football by playing end at the University of Pittsburgh, commonly known as Pitt, under legendary coach Glenn Scobey " Pop " Warner. He was named an All American and played on Pitt's national championship teams in 1915 and 1916. He coached college football at Lafayette College, 1919 to 1923, and the University of Pittsburgh, 1924 to 1938, and professional football for the Brooklyn Dodgers, 1940 to 1941 and Pittsburgh Steelers, 1946 to 1947. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951. Sutherland died in Pittsburgh on April 11, 1948, following surgery to remove a malignant brain tumour. He is interred in Pittsburgh's Homewood Cemetery. The Scottish name Coupar is a habitational name thought to be taken on from the place name Cupar in Fife, which is probably of Pictish origin, with an unknown meaning. As an English name Coupar was occupational for a cooper, that is, a maker of barrels. Spelling variations of this family name include: Coupar, Cooper, Cowper, Couper, Copper and others. Thomas Coupar settled in Virginia, America, in 1606; John Coupar arrived in America in 1793. When driving in Scotland, slow down and enjoy the trip.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
The Chemistry of Fireworks. For centuries fireworks have been a source of delight and amazement in cultures around the world. But what produces their dazzling array of effects? This book, a fully revised, extended and updated second edition explores the chemistry and physics behind the art of pyrotechnics. Its scope ranges from the history of gunpowder and fireworks in the UK, to the chemical characteristics of gunpowder, the form and functioning of all the main types of fireworks, special effects, fireworks safety and current fireworks legislation. This second edition is aimed at students with A level qualifications or equivalent wanting to follow the essential principles of pyrotechnics. The style is concise and easy to understand and readers will gain a clear understanding of the science of fireworks in terms of recognised scientific principles. The Chemistry of Fireworks.
Tour Scotland Winter snow travel video of a sunny, but very cold, road trip drive, with Scottish music, from Scone, East on the A94 road through Balbeggie and Burrelton to visit Coupar Angus, Perthshire. The A94 is relatively fast and wide road that passes through the twin villages of Burrelton and Woodside, before entering Coupar Angus. The A94 was originally a primary route from Perth to Stonehaven. Now, it's a quieter non primary tourist route passing through the flat farmland Strathmore and East Perthshire, but still the shortest route between Perth and Forfar and an alternative to the main A90 via Dundee.
William Nairne Clark, one of the two protagonists that fought the first recorded duel in Western Australia, was born in Coupar Angus in 1804. Clark and his opponent, George French Johnson, faced each other in Fremantle, Western Australia, on the morning of Friday 6 June 1832. Johnson was fatally wounded in the hip in the encounter. Clark was subsequently charged with, and acquitted of, Johnson's manslaughter. Clark, who had trained as a lawyer, emigrated to Western Australia on the convict ship Eliza in 1830. He initially practised as a lawyer before founding the Swan River Guardian newspaper in 1836. James Stirton, physician and leading expert on mosses and lichen was born in 1833 in Coupar Angus. Coupar Angus is the birthplace of Jock Sutherland, coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1946 to 1947. During the coronavirus pandemic I have been a volunteer driver.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
May 22nd photograph of Bagpipers in Coupar Angus, Scotland. Coupar Angus Burgh Pipe Band and Blairgowrie and Rattray District Pipe Band performed in the Square in Coupar Angus, today.
Old photograph of shops, people, houses and bus in Coupar Angus, Perthshire, Scotland. Coupar Angus was the birthplace of Jock Sutherland, coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers 1946 to 1947. William Nairne Clark, one of the two protagonists that fought the last recorded Regulation duel with flintlock pistols in Western Australia, was born in Coupar Angus in 1804. Clark and his opponent, George French Johnson, faced each other in Fremantle, Western Australia, on the morning of Friday 6 June 1832. Johnson was fatally wounded in the hip in the encounter. Clark was subsequently charged with, and acquitted of, Johnson's murder. Clark, who had trained as a lawyer,emigrated to Western Australia on the convict ship Eliza in 1830. He initially practised as a lawyer before founding The West Australian Journal newspaper in 1836. The Scottish Fold breed of cat originated in Coupar Angus. Several Polish units were stationed in and around Coupar Angus from 1939 to 1945.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Tour Scotland Spring travel video of an April road trip drive, with Scottish music, North on the A923 road from the centre of the city of Dundee in Tayside, on ancestry, history visit to Coupar Angus, Gaelic: Cùbar Aonghais, in Perthshire. The A923 road starts on the A991 ring road in the centre of Dundee, making its way out of town along Lochee Road and Coupar Angus Road before crossing the A90 Kingsway Junction. The road appears more rural immediately although we're passing between the Camperdown Country Park and Downfield golf course and we're still within Dundee. We cross the city limit to drive through Muirhead, where the B954 branches off towards Newtyle and Meigle. From here the road begins to rise up through the Sidlaw Hills before levelling out and becoming dead straight to reach Coupar Angus and the A94 Road. The A923 was built, or at least rebuilt by Major Caulfeild in the 1760s as part of the military road network. It was a southern extension of the route north from Blairgowrie to Fort George via Braemar and Blairgowrie.
John Bain " Jock " Sutherland was born on March 21, 1889 in Coupar Angus. After emigrating to America he got his start in football by playing end at the University of Pittsburgh, commonly known as Pitt, under legendary coach Glenn Scobey " Pop " Warner. He was named an All American and played on Pitt's national championship teams in 1915 and 1916. He coached college football at Lafayette College, 1919 to 1923, and the University of Pittsburgh, 1924 to 1938, and professional football for the Brooklyn Dodgers, 1940 to 1941 and Pittsburgh Steelers, 1946 to 1947. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951. Sutherland died in Pittsburgh on April 11, 1948, following surgery to remove a malignant brain tumour. He is interred in Pittsburgh's Homewood Cemetery.
The Scottish name Coupar is a habitational name thought to be taken on from the place name Cupar in Fife, which is probably of Pictish origin, with an unknown meaning. As an English name Coupar was occupational for a cooper, that is, a maker of barrels. Spelling variations of this family name include: Coupar, Cooper, Cowper, Couper, Copper and others.
Thomas Coupar settled in Virginia, America, in 1606; John Coupar arrived in America in 1793.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Tour Scotland travel video of a road trip drive, with Scottish music, North on the A923 road from the centre of the city of Dundee in Tayside, on ancestry, history visit to Coupar Angus, Gaelic: Cùbar Aonghais, in Perthshire. The A923 road starts on the A991 ring road in the centre of Dundee, making its way out of town along Lochee Road and Coupar Angus Road before crossing the A90 Kingsway Junction. The road appears more rural immediately although we're passing between the Camperdown Country Park and Downfield golf course and we're still within Dundee. We cross the city limit to drive through Muirhead, where the B954 branches off towards Newtyle and Meigle. From here the road begins to rise up through the Sidlaw Hills before levelling out and becoming dead straight to reach Coupar Angus and the A94 Road. The A923 was built, or at least rebuilt by Major Caulfeild in the 1760s as part of the military road network. It was a southern extension of the route north from Blairgowrie to Fort George via Braemar and Blairgowrie. John Bain " Jock " Sutherland was born on March 21, 1889 in Coupar Angus. After emigrating to America he got his start in football by playing end at the University of Pittsburgh, commonly known as Pitt, under legendary coach Glenn Scobey " Pop " Warner. He was named an All American and played on Pitt's national championship teams in 1915 and 1916. He coached college football at Lafayette College, 1919 to 1923, and the University of Pittsburgh, 1924 to 1938, and professional football for the Brooklyn Dodgers, 1940 to 1941 and Pittsburgh Steelers, 1946 to 1947. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951. Sutherland died in Pittsburgh on April 11, 1948, following surgery to remove a malignant brain tumour. He is interred in Pittsburgh's Homewood Cemetery. The Scottish name Coupar is a habitational name thought to be taken on from the place name Cupar in Fife, which is probably of Pictish origin, with an unknown meaning. As an English name Coupar was occupational for a cooper, that is, a maker of barrels. Spelling variations of this family name include: Coupar, Cooper, Cowper, Couper, Copper and others. Thomas Coupar settled in Virginia, America, in 1606; John Coupar arrived in America in 1793. When driving in Scotland, slow down and enjoy the trip.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
November 23rd photograph of a bridge over the River Isla, just North of Coupar Angus, Perthshire, Scotland. You always have to keep your eyes wide open for traffic when shooting photographs from narrow Scottish bridges.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Tour Scotland travel video of an early Autumn road trip drive, with Scottish music, North on the A923 road from the centre of the city of Dundee in Tayside, on ancestry, history visit to the Town Hall in Coupar Angus in Perthshire. The Town Hall is perhaps the symbol of Coupar's nineteenth century civic pride. Built in 1887, at a cost of £4,000, it was erected to mark Queen Victoria's jubilee. The A923 road starts on the A991 ring road in the centre of Dundee, making its way out of town along Lochee Road and Coupar Angus Road before crossing the A90 Kingsway Junction. The road appears more rural immediately although we're passing between the Camperdown Country Park and Downfield golf course and we're still within Dundee. We cross the city limit to drive through Muirhead, where the B954 branches off towards Newtyle and Meigle. From here the road begins to rise up through the Sidlaw Hills before levelling out and becoming dead straight to reach Coupar Angus and the A94 Road. The A923 was built, or at least rebuilt by Major Caulfeild in the 1760s as part of the military road network. It was a southern extension of the route north from Blairgowrie to Fort George via Braemar and Blairgowrie.
The Scottish name Coupar is a habitational name thought to be taken on from the place name Cupar in Fife, which is probably of Pictish origin, with an unknown meaning. As an English name Coupar was occupational for a cooper, that is, a maker of barrels. Spelling variations of this family name include: Coupar, Cooper, Cowper, Couper, Copper and others.
Thomas Coupar settled in Virginia, America, in 1606; John Coupar arrived in America in 1793.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Tour Scotland Spring travel travel video of a road trip drive on mainly country roads, with Scottish music, from the village of Kinrossie on visit to Coupar Angus, Gaelic: Cùbar Aonghais, in Perthshire. The name Coupar Angus serves to differentiate the town from Cupar, Fife. The town was traditionally on the border between Angus and Perthshire, the town centre being in Perthshire. The Angus part was transferred to Perthshire in 1891, but the town retained its name. John Bain " Jock " Sutherland was born on March 21, 1889 in Coupar Angus. After emigrating to America he got his start in football by playing end at the University of Pittsburgh, commonly known as Pitt, under legendary coach Glenn Scobey " Pop " Warner. He was named an All-American and played on Pitt's national championship teams in 1915 and 1916. He coached college football at Lafayette College, 1919 to 1923, and the University of Pittsburgh, 1924 to 1938, and professional football for the Brooklyn Dodgers, 1940 to 1941) and Pittsburgh Steelers, 1946 to 1947. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951. Sutherland died in Pittsburgh on April 11, 1948, following surgery to remove a malignant brain tumor. He is interred in Pittsburgh's Homewood Cemetery.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Tour Scotland travel video compilation of the bagpipes and drums music of Coupar Angus Burgh Pipe Band from Perthshire. The band wears Cunningham tartan kilts. The first Pipe Band in Coupar Angus, Perthshire, was thought to have been in the late 19th century. The name Coupar Angus serves to differentiate the town from Cupar, Fife. The town was traditionally on the border between Angus and Perthshire, the town centre being in Perthshire. The Angus part was transferred to Perthshire in 1891, but the town retained its name. The ancestors of the name Cunningham come from the ancient Scottish tribe known as the Dalriadans. They lived along the rugged west coast of Scotland and on the Hebrides islands and used the name to indicate a person who lived at Cunningham in Ayrshire. However, numerous branches of the Cunningham family spread all over Scotland. Two of the most prominent branches of the Cunningham Clan, the Cunninghams of Corsehill and the Cunninghams of Caprington, trace their ancestry back to the medieval era. The surname Cunningham was first found in Ayrshire, Gaelic: Siorrachd Inbhir Àir, formerly a county in the southwestern Strathclyde region of Scotland, that today makes up the Council Areas of South, East, and North Ayrshire. About the year 1050, it is said that Warnebald Cunningham saved King Malcolm Canmore by hiding him in the barn and covering him with hay concealing him from his pursuer the Pretender King, MacBeth. The grateful King Malcolm later bestowed on Warnebald the lands of Cunningham and the motto " Over Fork Over ".
The Great Highland bagpipe, Scottish Gaelic: a' phìob mhòr, is a type of bagpipe native to Scotland. It has acquired widespread recognition through its usage in the British military and in pipe bands throughout the world.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Tour Scotland 4K Spring travel video, with Scottish music, of the Lowson Of Balthayock Mausoleum on ancestry, genealogy, family history visit to the graveyard in Kinfauns, Perthshire, Britain, United Kingdom. The progenitor of the Balthayock Blair family was Stephen de Blair who in the 12th century held lands in the parish of Blair in Gowrie, now called Blairgowrie. Stephen was the son of Vallenus who had no surname. An early mention of the surname Blair was an entry in the Registrorum Abbacie de Aberbrothoc, which recorded Stephen de Blare as a witness to a charter on the lands of Balgillo (near Kettins, Angus) by Dovenald, Abbot of Brechin to the monastery of Arbroath, between 1204 and 1211. Stephen de Blair is first discovered in the records of the Cistercian Abbey of Coupar Angus. This Stephen, son of Vallenus, granted to the monks of Coupar a charter of the lands of Lethcassy, now Carsie, in the parish of Blairgowrie, Perthshire. Clearly, Stephen was a major proprietor of lands in Blair in Gowrie and it was from these lands that he took the surname. Stephen de Blare was witness to a charter on the lands of Balgillo in the early 13th century. Interestingly, the two major cadets of the Blairs of Balthayock family were Blair of Ardblair and Blair of Balgillo. Ardblair is in the parish of Blairgowrie and borders the lands which Stephen granted to Coupar Angus Abbey. Balgillo lies close to Coupar Angus. It was from the neighbouring lands of Ardler and Baldowrie at Kettins that, later, a Blair of Balthayock gained his title of Baron of Ardler. That barony included lands in Angus, Perthshire and Fife. However, there was no such title as Baron of Balthayock. Another ancestor of the Blairs of Balthayock was believed to be Alexander de Blair, probably a son of Stephen de Blair, who witnessed a charter about 1214. It was from his marriage to Ela, daughter to Hugh de Nyden, that he gained lands in Fife. The Balthayock lairds held the lands of Cults in Fife for many generations. Alexander de Blair's son and heir, William de Blair, was knighted by King Alexander II of Scots, and became Steward of Fife in 1235. The seat of the Balthayock Blairs was Balthayock Castle, located 4 miles east of Perth on a hill overlooking the north side of the Tay River. The castle was built on lands held of the Knights Templar whereas the barony lands were held of the king. Here, for about 500 years, the titular head of the Balthayock Blairs lived while the family settled in the counties of Perth, Fife, and Angus. The original line of inheritance at Balthayock Castle and the title(s) that went with it ended in the mid 1700's when John Blair of Balthayock died, leaving only a daughter, Margaret, as sole heir to the estate. Margaret married David Drummond in 1728, who assumed the name and Arms of Blairs of Balthayock. His descendant, Jemima Johnston-Blair, married Adam Fergusson, and had seven sons and a daughter. The eldest son, Neil Fergusson-Blair, adopted the name Blair in order to inherit the estate. His Arms displayed the Blairs of Balthayock quartered with the Fergusson Arms. He died in 1862 and the second son, Adam Johnston Fergusson Blair, who had emigrated to Canada, sold the estate and divided the proceeds with the six remaining brothers. Blairs of Blair, and Blairs of Balthayock, long competed for Chiefship of the Blair Family, until King James VI put an end to their disputes by declaring in 1658 that "The eldest male of either of the two Families would have precedency over the younger to the Chieftainship
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Tour Scotland 4K early Autumn travel video of a road trip drive, with Scottish bagpipes music, on ancestry, genealogy, family history visit and trip to the enttrance to the driveway to Balthayock Castle in Carse and Gowrie, Perthshire, Britain, United Kingdom. Balthayock castle is said to have been owned bythe family of Blair since the time of King William I, born 1165, died 1214. The Perthshire Blairs have a rich and ancient history. The progenitor of the Balthayock Blair family was Stephen de Blair who in the 12th century held lands in the parish of Blair in Gowrie, now called Blairgowrie. Stephen was the son of Vallenus who had no surname. An early mention of the surname Blair was an entry in the Registrorum Abbacie de Aberbrothoc," which recorded Stephen de Blare as a witness to a charter on the lands of Balgillo, near Kettins in Angus, by Dovenald, Abbot of Brechin to the monastery of Arbroath, between 1204 and 1211. Stephen de Blair, born 1150, died 1210, is first discovered in the records of the Cistercian Abbey of Coupar Angus. This Stephen, son of Vallenus, granted to the monks of Coupar a charter of the lands of Lethcassy, now Carsie, in the parish of Blairgowrie, Perthshire. Stephen was a major proprietor of lands in Blair in Gowrie and it was from these lands that he took the surname. Stephen de Blare was witness to a charter on the lands of Balgillo in the early 13th century. The two major cadets of the Blairs of Balthayock family were Blair of Ardblair and Blair of Balgillo. Ardblair is in the parish of Blairgowrie and borders the lands which Stephen granted to Coupar Angus Abbey. Balgillo lies close to Coupar Angus. It was from the neighbouring lands of Ardler and Baldowrie at Kettins that, later, a Blair of Balthayock gained his title of Baron of Ardler. That barony included lands in Angus, Perthshire and Fife. However, there was no such title as Baron of Balthayock. Another ancestor of the Blairs of Balthayock was believed to be Alexander de Blair, probably a son of Stephen de Blair, who witnessed a charter about 1214. It was from his marriage to Ela, daughter to Hugh de Nyden, that he gained lands in Fife. The Balthayock lairds held the lands of Cults in Fife for many generations. Alexander de Blair's son and heir,William de Blair, was knighted by King Alexander II of Scots, and became Steward or Governor of Fife in 1235. The seat of the Balthayock Blairs was Balthayock Castle, located 4 miles east of Perth on a hill overlooking the north side of the Tay River. The castle was built on lands held of the Knights Templar whereas the barony lands were held of the king. Here, for about 500 years, the titular head of the Balthayock Blairs lived while the family settled in the counties of Perth, Fife, and Angus. The original line of inheritance at Balthayock Castle and the title that went with it ended in the mid 1700's when John Blair of Balthayock died, leaving only a daughter, Margaret, as sole heir to the estate. Margaret married David Drummond in 1728, who assumed the name and Arms of Blairs of Balthayock. His descendant, Jemima Johnston Blair, married Adam Fergusson, and had seven sons and a daughter. The eldest son, Neil Fergusson Blair, adopted the name Blair in order to inherit the estate. His Arms displayed the Blairs of Balthayock quartered with the Fergusson Arms. He died in 1862 and the second son, Adam Johnston Fergusson Blair, who had immigrated to Canada, sold the estate and divided the proceeds with the six remaining brothers. The two families, Blairs of Blair, and Blairs of Balthayock, long competed to be Clan Chieftain of the Blair Family, until King James VI put an end to their disputes by declaring in 1658 that " The eldest male of either of the two Families would have precedency over the younger to the Chieftainship. The Blair surname is of great antiquity, first appearing in Scotland in the 12th and early 13th centuries. The word Blair is strongly believed to be territorial in origin, being derived from the Gaelic Blar which signifies a field clear of woods or a battlefield. From this, the name Blair takes on its territorial connotation. Blair was originally spelled Blare and there was a gradual transition to Blair, completed around 1400. Of interest to folks with ancestry, genealogy or Scottish Family Roots in Scotland who may wish to visit one day. Find things to see and do in Scotland where you are always welcome. When driving on Scottish roads in Scotland slow down and enjoy the trip. According to the meteorological calendar, the first day of Autumn or Fall always falls on September 1. If you follow the astrological calendar, however, Autumn or Fall begins on Saturday, September 23.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
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