Camden's Britannia newly translated into English, with large additions and improvements ; publish'd by Edmund Gibson ...

Additions to CALEDONIA.

IN the description of this part of Scotland, before we come to Fife (which our Author first touches upon) we are to take a view of two little Shires that lye to the west, Clackmanan shire, and Kinross-shire.

* 1.1[a] Clackmanan-shire (so called from the head burgh of it, Clackmanan) is bounded to the north by the Ochill hills, to the south by the Firth of Forth, to the east with part of Perthshire, and to the west with part of Sterlingshire. 'Tis about eight miles in length; and where broadest, but five. Towards the Firth it is a plain Country, and a fertile soil; the rest is fitter for pasture; but that below the Ochill-hills abounds both with Grains and pasture. About Alloa and Clackma∣nan they have great store of Coal-pits, the Coal whereof (together with their Salt) furnish a foreign trade. It is watered with the river Devan, which runs six miles through the shire.

* 1.2Clackmanan is seated upon a rising ground, the Castle whereof is a stately dwelling, with fine gar∣dens and good Inclosures.

* 1.3Alloa is a pleasant little town, with a small haven for ships, where is a Castle, the chief residence of the Earl of Marr, hereditary Governor of Sterling-Castle. It is also adorned with fine Gardens and inclo∣sures.

* 1.4[b] Kinross-shire is another little tract, lying to the north, so called from a town seated in the middle of the Shire, not far from a Loch, about four miles in length, and as many in breadth, which abounds with Pykes, Trouts, &c. with all sorts of water-fowl. It has one Island, upon which the Castle stands; and another, wherein are to be seen the ruines of the Priory of Portmolloch, which belonged to Monks of St. Augustin's Order: 'tis called St. Serf's inch, and was anciently the residence of some of the Kuldees. Out of this Loch flows the water of Levin.

Between the town and the Loch, is a pleasant plain, where Sir William Bruce, the Proprietor, has built a stately house, which for the goodness of the stone, the curious Architecture, the avenues, gar∣dens, inclosures, together with the pleasant prospect of the Lough and the Castle, yields to few seats in Scotland.

[c] The Sheriffdom of FIFE was anciently called Ross; the remains of which name are still pre∣served in Culross, i.e. the back or hinder part of Ross, and Kinrose, i.e. the head of Ross. The name of Fife it had from Fifus, a Noble man, to whom it was given by King Keneth the second, for his great service against the Picts. The Sibbalds of Balgonie, for more than an hundred years were Hereditary Sheriffs of it; and upon the failing of that Family, the Sheriffdom was transferred to the Family of Ro∣thess, in which it still continues. To the north, it is divided from Angus by the Firth of Tay; to the north-west, from part of Perth-shire by the same Firth of Tay, meeting also with a part of Strathern; to the west, it hath the Ochill-hills, Kinross-shire, and part of Perth-shire; to the South, the firth of Forth, dividing it from the Lothians; and to the east, the German Ocean. 'Tis in length thirty two miles, and about seventeen wide. To the west it is more mountainous, to the east much plainer. The north and south parts are very fertile in corn, and full of Towns with good bays and harbors; but the middle is more proper for pasture. On the south side also, there is much coal, and many salt-pans, where ve∣ry good salt is made. They have a quarry at Dalgate of excellent free stone, employ'd in the best pieces of Architecture; and near the water of Ore they find Lead: as also many fine Chrystals of several colours at the Bin and at Orrock. They have also several Mineral Waters, as the Spaw at Kinghorn and Ball∣grigie.

Culross* 1.5 * 1.6 is seated on a descent; and its chief Com∣modities are Salt and Coals. Its greatest ornament is the stately building of the Earl of Kincardin, with the gardens and Terrace-walks about it, which has a pleasant prospect to the very mouth of the River Forth.

St. Andrews* 1.7 * 1.8 takes its name from St. Andrew (whose bones are said to have been brought over hi∣ther from Patras in Peloponnesus, by Regulus a Gre∣cian Monk, in the year 368) and was the principal See of the ancient Culdees. The City lyes towards the east, with a pleasant prospect to the Ocean; and has a harbour for ships. It had formerly a very strong Castle, some remains whereof are yet to be seen upon the rocks to the north; and the ruines of the Cathedral Church and Monastery show their an∣cient magnificence. The chief Church is that called the New Church (not far from the New Colledge) wherein is a very stately monument of Archbishop Sharp; they have also another Church, which is called St. Leonard's. But their greatest ornaments, are the three Colleges. 1. St. Salvator, common∣ly called the Old College, founded by James Kennedy, Bishop of St. Andrews, together with a Church, wherein he has a curious Monument. Dr. Skene Principal, has of late repair'd and augmented it; and also founded a Library, which is now very well furnished with books. 2. St. Leonard's College, was founded by James Hepburn, Prior of St. Andrews; in which are several Professors; the Principal, who is always Doctor of Divinity, and the four Professors of Philosophy; to whom Sir John Scot added a Philolo∣gy-Professor, with a liberal Salary, and augmented the Library with the gift of several considerable Volumes,

since encreased by the great Collection of Books left to it by Sir John Wedderburne. 3. The New College, was founded by James Beaton, Archbishop, wherein are two Professors, always Doctors of Divinity, the one stiled Principal Professor of Theology, the other on∣ly Professor of Theology. To these was added of late a Professor of Mathematicks; for the improve∣ment of which Science, the first Professor, Mr. James Gregory, got an Observatory erected in the College-garden, and furnished them with many Mathemati∣cal Instruments.

As the coast of this Shire is accommodated with several convenient harbours, so is the Country all o∣ver adorned with stately houses of the Nobility and Gentry.

Near Doctan (a village belonging to the Countess of Rothesse) upon a rising ground, there is a stone fixed in a Pedestal, and upon it the figure of one on horse∣back engraven, with some old Characters like Runick, and something like a Scroll upon one of the sides.

[d] The Stewartrie of STRATHERN* 1.9 seems to be the lerne, mentioned by Roman Writers. For in it are many Roman Camps, one particularly at Ardoch ve∣ry remarkable, the figure and description whereof is in the account of the Thule, written by Sir Robert Sibbalds. Besides which, there is a Via Militaris, or Roman high-way towards Perth; several Roman Medals have also been found, and of late two Fibulae curiously enamelled, with a Sepulchral-stone, the Inscription whereof, the aforesaid Thule has given us an account of.

The Ochil-hills, which run along the South parts of this Shire, abound with metals and minerals; parti∣cularly, they find good Copper, and the Lapis Cala∣minaris; as in Glen-Lyon they meet with Lead. Here is great want of Coal, but their excellent Peats, and the abundance of wood, supply that defect.

They have several Seats of the Nobility and Gentry: Drumond-Castle,* 1.10 the chief residence of the Earl of Perth, hereditary Stewart of Stratherne. Kincairne,* 1.11 belong∣ing to the Marquis of Montross. Dunkeld,* 1.12 where is a stately house, the residence of the Marquiss of Athole, Sheriff of the Shire, with several others.

Dumblane* 1.13 * 1.14 is a pleasant little town, on the bank of the river Allan, where the ruines of the Bishops and regular Canons houses are to be seen. Here was also a Church of excellent workmanship, part of which remains yet entire. In the ruines of it is an ancient Picture, representing the Countess of Stra∣therne with her children, kneeling and asking a blessing from St. Blanus, cloathed in his Pontifical habit. Not long since, Robert Leighton was Bishop of this place, a man of an exemplary life and conversation. At his death, he left all his books, both Manuscripts and o∣thers, to the use of the Diocess of Dumblane, and mor∣tify'd a sum for erecting a Library; as a Salary for a Library-keeper was mortify'd by the same Bishop's sister's son. It gives the title of Vicount of Dumblane to his Grace the Duke of Leeds. The Lord William Drummond, Vicount of Strath-allan, hath here a very fine Dwelling, and considerable revenues in the Coun∣try all round.

[e] The Shire of Argile* 1.15 and Perth, with the Coun∣tries adjacent, seem to have been formerly inhabited by the Horesti, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or Mountaineers, mentioned by Tacitus, viz. the true ancient Scots, who came from Ireland, and possessed themselves of the West-Isles, and of these Countries. For distinction's sake, they were called the Northern Picts, the same with Ammianus Marcellinus's Dicalidones, which Buchanan (agreeably to the meaning of Horesti, and the Highlanders) reads Duncaledonii. By the the Panegy∣rist Eumenius, they are named Hiberni, soli Britanni; and by the Writers of the middle age, their Coun∣try is called Hibernia, as is proved in the Description of Thule, writ by Sir Robert Sibbalds.

These two Counties, with the Western Isles, made up the Kingdom of the Scots, whilst the rest of Scot∣land was under the Romans and Picts. Afterwards, the whole Country came under one King, namely, Kenneth the second, who was called Rex Scotorum.

The Shire of ARGILE* 1.16 had formerly two She∣rifdoms, Argile and Tarbert; but now they are uni∣ted into one which comprehends Kantyre, Knapdale, Askeodnish, Cowell, in which is Denoun the Bishop of Argile's seat, Lorne, and many of the west Isles. To the east it is joyned to Perthshire, to the north-east it touches upon Lochaber, to the north-west it hath several Isles, and to the south the Irish-sea, and the Firth of Clyde. In length 'tis about six score miles, and in breadth some forty miles. The sea in many pla∣ces runs up a great way into the land, in long bays which they call Loughs. The Tract properly called Argile lyes between Lock-fyne, wherein is a great Her∣ring-fishing, and Loch-Aw, a fresh water Loch, twenty four miles long, and one broad; out of which the River of Aw runs for some six or seven miles, and then enters Loch-Ediff. The whole shire is moun∣tainous, and the Inhabitants, who speak the Irish, live mostly by their hunting and fishing.

It's chief town is Innererra, a Burgh-Royal, near which is the Castle, the chief residence of the Earl of Argile, adorned with fine gardens standing upon the water of Eira, where it falls into Lochfyne.

[f] The Southermost part of Argileshire is KIN∣TYRE,* 1.17 above thirty miles long, and eight or nine broad.

It has in it a burgh of Barony, situate upon the lough of Kilkerran, called Campbell-Town,* 1.18 where is a safe harbour for Ships, having an Island in the mouth of the bay.

[g] The shire of PERTH (so called from Perth* 1.19 a burgh Royal, and the head burgh of the County) to the north and north-west hath Badenoch and Lo∣chabyre, to the north-east it is bounded with Marr, to the west with Argileshire, to the south-west with Dum∣bartonshire, to the south with Clackmannanshire, part of Sterlingshire, and the river and firth of Forth; to the South-east, it hath Kinrosshire and Fife; and to the east, Angus. The length of it from east to west is above fifty two miles, the breadth about for∣ty eight. The high grounds are good pasture, and the low very fruitful in corn.

At the Meagile there is an ancient Monument of stone cut with several figures, said to be the burial place of Queen Vanara, who had her dwelling place three miles benorth upon a hill called Barray, where are the ruines of a great building.

Dunkell * is surrounded with pleasant woods, at the foot of the Grampian hills, on the north side of Tay. The ruins of the Cathedral Church are still to be seen. 'Tis the chief Market Town of the High-lands; and is of late very much adorned with stately buildings, erected by the Marquiss of Athol.

[h] ANGUS* 1.20 (the head town whereof is Forfar, whence it's likewise called the shire of Forfar) is bounded upon the South with the Ocean and the firth of Tay; upon the West and North-west, 'tis divided from Perthshire by a line twenty seven miles long; towards the North, the ridge of Binchinnin-moun∣tains, part it from the Brae of Marr; and to the East it is separated from the Mernes by the water of Tarf, and a line drawn from it to the water of North-Eske, which to its mouth continues to divide this shire from the Mernes. 'Tis in length about twenty eight miles, and in breadth about twenty. They have several Quarries of free-stone, and much slate, with both which they drive a good trade. Near the Castle of Innermarkie there are Lead-mines; and they find great plenty of Iron-ore near the wood of Dalboge. The higher ground, called the Brae, abounds with Hart, Hind, Roe-buck, Doe, and Fowl; and their Salmond-trade turns to a good account.

Dundee* 1.21 * 1.22 (so called from Dun a hill, and the river Tay, on the north side whereof it is situated) stands in a pleasant plain, and is adorned with excel∣lent buildings of all sorts. It hath two Churches, a high steeple, a harbour for ships of burthen, and a considerable trade with strangers. The Inhabitants are generally rich; and those who fall into decay, have a large Hospital provided for them. As this

town formerly gave the title of Earl, and dignity of Constable to the chief of the Scrimgers; so hath it of late afforded the title of Vicount to the Lord Dundee, who was killed at the Battle of Gillikrankie.

* 1.23 Brechin is a market-town, considerable for Salmon, Horses, Oxen and Sheep. It has a stately bridge over the river Esk; and shows the ruins of the Bi∣shop's Palace, and of the Canons houses. 'Tis like∣wise famous for a memorable slaughter of the Danes not far from it. In this County it was, that the Ge∣neral of the Danes was killed by the valiant Keith, who thereupon was advanced to great honours by King Malcolm the second, who was present in per∣son at the battle. Upon the General's Grave there was a high stone erected, which carries the name of Camus's Cross. And about ten miles distant from this, at Aberlemno, is another Cross, erected upon some of the Danes killed there. Both these have some antique pictures and letters upon them.

Aberbrothock, a Royal burgh, hath a harbour for ships, and an Abbey, where King William the Foun∣der lyeth, with a stately Monument upon him.

This Country has several seats of Nobility and Gentry.

* 1.24[i] The shire of MEARNS is so called from Mearn, a valiant Gentleman, to whom it was given by Kenneth the second; called also the shire of Kin∣carden from the ancient town of Kincarden. To the east it is bounded with the sea, to the south with the water of North-Esk, to the west with the Grans∣bain-hills, and to the north with the River of Dee. In length it is about twenty six miles, or (as some say) twenty eight miles, in breadth about twenty. Upon the sea-coasts they have several convenient Crecks, and some good harbours, whereof Stone-hive is one of the best; and for its greater safety, the Earl Marshal (who has a Salmon-fishing upon the north side of the harbour) is now raising a Peer of stone.

Where the water of Cowy falls into the sea, stands Cowy,* 1.25 a free burgh. Beneath the town are to be seen the ruines of a Castle, built (as 'tis reported by Mal∣colm Kenmore, who made the town a free Burgh. On the Lands of Arduthie and Redcloak, are some trenches to be seen, cast up by the Danes at one of their Invasi∣ons made upon those parts, and round the hill of Urie there is a deep ditch, where the Scots encamped.

* 1.26Dunnotyr-Castle stands upon a rock washed by the sea on three sides, and joyned to the Land only by a narrow neck. Towards the entrance of the Gate is a huge rock near forty ells high, which one would think were always just ready to fall. The Court is a large plot of green ground; and the old buildings, se∣ven story high, have exceeding thick walls. It had once a Church, which was demolished in the late Ci∣vil wars. In the new buildings there are some rooms very stately, and a Closet wherein is the Library of the family. Within the Close, there is a large Ci∣stern, about thirty cubits about. Not far from this place, is a dropping Cave where the water petri∣fies. St. Padie's Church here is famous, for being the burial place of St. Palladius.

* 1.27[k] ABERDEEN-SHIRE (so called from the chief burgh in it) contains the Countries or Marre, Fourmanteen, Garioch, Strathbogie, and that part of Bu∣chan, which lyeth south to the water of Ugie. To the South it is bounded with the River Dee and the Gransbain mountains; to the north-west and west it hath Bamf-shire and the river of Doverne; to the east, the Ocean; and to the north, part of Murray-Firth. In length it's about forty six miles, and in breadth twenty eight. The Inhabitants are generally very civil and polite. They find here a spotted sort of Marble, and much Slate; and in the waters, abun∣dance of Pearls, some of them very big, and of a fine colour. They have Deer in great abundance. And the Eagles have their Nests upon the Craigs of Pennan.

Old Aberdeen* 1.28 is the Bishop's Seat, and hath a Ca∣thedral Church, commonly call'd St. Machars, large and stately, built by several Bishops of this See. In this Church was formerly a Library; but about the year 1560, it was almost wholly destroyed, so that now only the ruines remain. The King's College, (so called from King James the fourth, who assumed the Patronage of it) is seated upon the south side of the town, and for neatness and stateliness, much ex∣ceeds the rest of the houses. One side is covered with Slate, the rest with Lead. The windows of the Church (wherein is a fine monument of Bishop El∣phingston the Founder) were formerly very remarka∣ble for their painted glass; and something of their ancient splendor still remains. The Steeple, besides others, hath two bells of a very extraordinary big∣ness; the top is vaulted with a double cross Arch, a∣bove which is a King's crown, having eight corners upheld by as many pillars of stone, a round globe of stone, with two gilded crosses closing the crown. Hard by the Church there is a Library well stock'd with Books, enlarged lately by those which Doctor Henry Scougal, Professor of Divinity there, and his Father, Bishop of Aberdeen, gave to it. The College has a Primate or Principal, a Professor of Divinity, a Professor of the Civil Law, a Professor of Physick, a Sub-Principal, who is also Professor of Philosophy, three other Philosophy Professors, and a Professor of the Languages.

New Aberdeen,* 1.29 * 1.30 about a mile from the Old, as it is the Capital of the Sheriffdom of Aberdeen, and the Seat of the Sheriff for tryal of causes; so does it much exceed the rest of the Cities in the north of Scotland in bigness, trade, and beauty. The air is wholsome, and the Inhabitants well bred. The Streets are paved with flint, or a very hard sort of stone like it; and the houses are very beautiful, generally four Stories high or more, which having for the most part Gar∣dens and Orchards behind them, make the whole City at a distance look like a Wood. In the High street there is a Church of Franciscans, of free-stone, begun by Bishop Elphingston, and finished by Gavin Dumbar, Bishop of the place. The same Gavin built also a bridge of seven Arches (over the river Dee) a∣bout a mile from the City. But the greatest orna∣ment of this City, is its College, called the Mareshallian Academy, as being founded by George Keith, Earl Marshal, in the year 1693, which the City of Aber∣deen hath very much adorned with several additional buildings. Besides a Primary-Professor (who is called Principal) it has four Professors of Philosophy, one of Divinity, and one of Mathematicks. There is also a famous Library founded by the City, supplied with Books by the benefactions of several learned men, and well furnished with mathematical Instruments. This College, with that in the New Town, make up one University, called the University of King Charles. Add to these, the School-house (founded by Dr. Dune) which has one head Master and three Ushers; and the Musick-School. St. Nicholas's Church (the Ca∣thedral) is built of Free-stone, and covered with lead. Formerly it was divided into three Churches; the biggest was called the Old Church, another the New Church, and a third the Arch'd-Church. They have also an Alms-house for the maintenance of such Inha∣bitants as are old and poor; with three Hospitals, founded by several Persons.

The City is built upon three hills, but the greatest part upon the highest; and the outer parts are spread out upon the plain; from whence there is an easie access by an ascent every way. It had formerly a Mint, as appears by silver Coins stamped there with this Inscription, Urbs Aberdeae, which are still pre∣served in the Closets of the curious.

At the West end of the City, is a little round hill, at the foot whereof there breaks out a fountain of clear water. And in the middle another spring bub∣bles out, called the Aberdonian-Spaw, coming near the Spaw-water in the Bishoprick of Liege, both in taste and quality.

Besides Aberdeen, Kintor is a Burgh-Royal upon the Don, and giveth title to the Earl of Kintor.* 1.31 And Inerurie,* 1.32 erected into a Burgh-Royal by King Robert Bruce, upon account of his having gain'd a signal victory at it. Upon the South side of the water of Ugie stands Peterhead, which has a Road that will contain some hundreds of ships; and at this place it is high-water when the Moon is directly South.

* 1.33In many places of this Shire, there are great stones set in a circle, and one of the greatest in the middle, toward the South; which seem to have been places of worship in the times of Heathenism.

* 1.34In several places also there are Obelisks, some with figures upon them: one would imagine they had been set up for monuments of battles. And they have likewise several Cairns of stones,* 1.35 some whereof are upon the tops of mountains. In some of them bones have been found; and in one they met with the head of an Ax of brass, which seems to have been employ'd in their sacrifices.

The dropping Cave of Slains is very remarkable; of the petrified substance whereof they make excel∣lent Lime.

The Nobility and Gentry have a great many plea∣sant seats all over this County.

* 1.36[l] The Shire of BAMFE (so called from Bamfe, the chief Burgh) comprehends that part of Buchan which lyes North of the River Ugie, with the Coun∣tries of Strathdoverne, Boin, Enzie, Strathaven, and Balvenie. To the South is is separated from that part of Buchan which belongeth to Aberdeenshire, by the water of Ugie: to the East it hath the water of Do∣verne; to the West the water of Spey; to the South-west it hath Badenoch and the Brae of Mar; and Mur∣ray-firth on the North. The length from West to East is about 32 miles, and the breadth about 30. In Balvenie is found the stone of which Alom is made; and in the country of Boin great quarries of spotted marble have been discovered of late. The country generally is well furnished with grass and corn.

* 1.37Bam••e, a Burgh-Royal, is seated at the mouth of Doverne in the Boine; where the Sheriff hath his Courts. The country about is very fertil, and the Salmon-fishing very advantageous. It shows the ru∣ins of an old Castle. Near to this is the Abbey of Deer, which belonged to the Cistercians, and was founded by William Cumin, Earl of Buchan. At the Bog••hilt resides the Duke of Gordon. This seat is a∣dorned with excellent gardens, enclosures, and woods of oak, about it.

[m] MURRAY* 1.38 comprehendeth the shire of El∣gin, and the shire of Nairne. Upon the North, it hath Murray-firth and the water of Nesse, which sepa∣rates it from the shire of Innernesse; to the East it is separated from Bamfshire by the River of Spey; to the South it hath Badenoch; and to the West, part of Lo∣chabyr. 'Tis about 30 miles long, and 20 broad. The shire of Elgin comprehends all that part which lyeth to the East of the River Findorne; the shire of Nairne, what is upon the West side of the said River. They have an air very wholsom, and winters mild. the Low-country bears very much corn, which is soon ripe; but the High-country is fitter for pasture. They have many great woods of Firs and other trees, especially upon the River of Nearne. The River of of Spey watereth this country, famous for the incre∣dible number of Salmon that are taken in it.

* 1.39Elgin is a Royal-burgh, where are the ruines of an antient Castle, as also of one of the most stately Churches in the Kingdom.

Nearne* 1.40 also is a Royal-burgh, situate upon the coast of Murray-firth, where the water of Nearne runneth into the sea.

Not far from Killosse* 1.41 is an Obelisk of one stone, a monument of the fight between King Malcolm, son of Keneth, and Sueno the Dane.

Within the precincts of Murray our Author includes the Sheriffdom of INNERNESSE,* 1.42 which compre∣hends Lochaber, Badinoch, and the South part of Rosse. To the South it hath the Brae of Marr and Athol; to the West, the Western-sea; to the North, Rosse; and to the East, part of Murray-frith. The length of it from Inver∣lochee to Invernesse, in a streight line, is 50 miles. It has plenty of Iron-Ore; great woods of Firr ten miles long; with some large woods of Oak: and that part called Badenoch has many Deer.

Invernesse* 1.43 * 1.44 is the head town of this Sheriffdom, and the Sheriffs seat, where he keeps his Court. It is com∣modiously situated upon the South side of the River Nesse, on the very bank of it; which renders it ex∣ceeding convenient for commerce with the neigh∣bouring places. It was formerly the seat of the Kings of Scotland; and has a Castle standing on a pleasant hill, with a fine prospect into the fields and town. Near the Castle, there is lately a Bridge built over the water of Nesse, consisting of seven Arches, all of hewen stone. It hath a harbour for smaller vessels. There are in it two Churches, one for the English, and the other for the Irish. Here is Loughness, 24 miles long, and of a considerable depth, which never freezes; as neither does the water of Nesse.

Near the town of Innerlochie there is a fort with a garison, upon the bay of Lochyol.

[n] ROSSE comprehends the Shires of Tayn and Cromartie. The first includes the greater part of Rosse,* 1.45 with the Isles of Skye, Lewis, and Herris; the second, a small part of Rosse, lying upon the South-side of Cro∣martie-Frith. 'Tis in length 50. and in breadth 30. miles. The Straths or Valleys upon the water-sides, are full of wood; particularly upon Charron, the wa∣ter of Braan, and near Alfarig, there are great woods of Firr. And on the hills is great store of game of all sorts.

Tain, a good trading town, is a Royal Burgh, and gives name to the shire. Its Firth is about 20 miles long, but admitteth not ships. Loughbruin-Bay, which is ten miles long, is famous for the vast number of her∣rings taken in it. Dingwall, another Burgh-Royal, is situate in the utmost part of the Firth; to the North of which lyes the great mountain Weeves.

Channerie* 1.46 had a large Cathedral Church,† 1.47 a part whereof still remains. At present it shows a stately house of the Earl of Seaforth, who has considerable revenues in this county.

Cromartie* 1.48 is a Royal Burgh, the Firth whereof is a∣bout 15 miles long, and in many places two miles broad: though the entrance of it be narrow, yet is it very safe and easie. Into this runneth the water of Connel, famous for the Pearls found in it. The Vis∣count of Tarbat, who has his residence at Tarbat, is sheriff and proprietor of that antient estate.

[o] All that tract of land lying between Portnacour and Dungsby, was of old called CATTEY. So much of it as lyes Eastward from the hill Orde was named Catey-nesse, and afterwards Cathnesse; but so much as lay on this side of Orde was called South-Catley, and Sutherland.

SUTHERLAND* 1.49 contains the country that pass'd under that name, with Strathnaver, Edernchiles, and Di∣crinesse; having Cathnesse to the East and North-east, the main Ocean to the North, the country of Assint to the West, Rosse to the South, and the German sea to the East and South-east. From West to East it is in length about 55 miles, and in breadth from South to North 22 miles, but taking in Strathnaver, 33. The inhabitants of these parts are much given to hunting, and will endure a great deal of labour and toil. The shire affords white marble, (in some hills in the parish of Creigh) plenty of iron-ore, and some pearls. They have coal, free-stone, lime-stone, and good solate in abundance; 'tis said also that they find some silver; and it is supposed that there is gold in Durinesse. In se∣veral parts of the country, they have much Salmon-fishing, and are also well provided with other fishes.

Dornoch,* 1.50 the chief Burgh of the shire, is a Burgh-Royal, standing between the rivers of Portnecouter and Unes. Besides the Castle, belonging to the Earl of Sutherland, it has a Cathedral-Church, being the seat of the Bishop of Cathnesse.

A little East of this town, there is a monument like a Cross, called the Thane or Earl's-Cross;* 1.51 and another beside Eubo, called the King's Cross, where one of the Kings or chief Commanders of the Danes is said to have been slain and buried.

Dunrobin,* 1.52 (mentioned by our Author) the special residence of the Earl of Sutherland, is seated upon a mote hard by the sea, and is remarkable for its fine gardens.

In this country, the days are very long in summer, and during that season, they have little or no dark night.

* 1.53'Tis said that the river of Shin never freezes.

* 1.54[p] CATHNESSE (called also the shire of Wike) to the South and South-west is divided from Sutherland by the Ord, and a continued ridge of hills, as far as the hill of Knook-finn. Then along the course of the river of Hollowdail, from the rise to the mouth of it, and the mountains Drumna Hollowdale. The same ri∣ver is the bound between it and Strathnaver. To the East it is washt with the Ocean; to the North it hath Pen-Iland-Frith, which divideth it from Orknay. Its length from South to North is 35 miles; its breadth, about 20. The woods here are but few and small; be∣ing rather Copices of birch. In the forest of Moravins and Berridale, there is great plenty of Red-deer and Roe-bucks. They have good store of cows, sheep, goats, and wild-fowl. At Dennet there is lead; at Old-wike, copper; and iron-ore in several places.

* 1.55The whole coast, except the bays, is high rocks; so that they have a great number of promontories Sandsidehead, at the West-end of Cathnesse, pointing North to the opening of Pentland-Firth. Holborn-head, and Dinnet-head, both pointing North to the Firth. Duncans-bay-head, which is the North-east point of Cathnesse, where the Firth is but 12 miles over. Near which is the ordinary ferry to Orknay, called Duncan's-bay. Noshead, pointing North-east. Clythe∣ness, pointing East.

Though Wick be a Royal Burgh,* 1.56 and the head Courts kept there; yet Thurso (only a Burgh of Ba∣rony) is more populous; where also the Judges re∣side. It is a secure place for ships of any burthen to ride at, being defended by Holburn-head.

In these parts, there are many foundations of an∣tient houses now ruinous; supposed to have formerly belonged to the Picts. Many obelisks also are ere∣cted here and there, and in some places several of them together.

Notes

• * 1.1

  ••••ima∣•••• re.
• * 1.2

  ••••••ma∣••.
• * 1.3

  〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.4

  ••••••••••ss-••e.
• * 1.5

  Culross.
• * 1.6

  Thea∣trum Sco∣tiae.
• * 1.7

  S••. Andrews.
• * 1.8

  Ibid.
• * 1.9

  Strathern.
• * 1.10

  Drumond-Castle.
• * 1.11

  Kincairne
• * 1.12

  Dunkeld.
• * 1.13

  Dumblane
• * 1.14

  Thea∣trum Sco∣tiae. p. 38.
• * 1.15

  Argile.
• * 1.16

  Argile.
• * 1.17

  Kintyre.
• * 1.18

  Campbe•••• Town.
• * 1.19

  Perth.
• * 1.20

  A••gus.
• * 1.21

  Dundee
• * 1.22

  Thea¦trum S••¦tiae.
• * 1.23

  ••••hin.
• * 1.24

  〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.25

  〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.26

  ••••tyr.
• * 1.27

  ••••deen-••
• * 1.28

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 Aber∣•••••••• ••••eatr. ••a. •• 28.
• * 1.29

  New A∣berdeen.
• * 1.30

  Thea∣trum Sco∣tiae. p. 29.
• * 1.31

  Kintor.
• * 1.32

  Inerurie,
• * 1.33

  Circles of Stones.
• * 1.34

  Obelisks.
• * 1.35

  Cairns of Stones.
• * 1.36

  Bamfe.
• * 1.37

  Bam••e.
• * 1.38

  Murray.
• * 1.39

  Elgin.
• * 1.40

  Nearne.
• * 1.41

  Killosse.
• * 1.42

  Innernesse Sheriff∣dom.
• * 1.43

  Invernesse.
• * 1.44

  Theatr. Scotiae. p. 44.
• * 1.45

  Rosse.
• * 1.46

  Chann••••••••
• † 1.47

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Scoti•••• p. 53.
• * 1.48

  Crom••••••••••
• * 1.49

  Suther¦land.
• * 1.50

  Dorn••••••
• * 1.51

  Ear••'s-cross.
• * 1.52

  Dunr.
• * 1.53

  ••••riv.
• * 1.54

  ••••hnesse.
• * 1.55

  ••ron-••••••
• * 1.56

  Wick. Thurso.