TALES OF CONEYHILL
The land around Coneyhill, where the golf course in Comrie is located, was originally owned by the Drummonds of Drummond Castle. They sold it in 1526 to James Campbell and his wife Margaret Forrester who obtained a charter for the lands of Fordew (now Fordie), Glentarkane (Glentarken - the glen of the cow) and Balmuck (now Balmuick - the farm of the swine, pig). Their grandson, Colin, obtained a charter for the estate of Aberuchill (confluence with the Ruchill) in 1596. Subsequently a castle was built there in 1602...surely the Campbells weren’t coming...they were here!
It remained in Campbell hands until 1784 when it was sold to General Archibald Robertson and passed to his niece Miss Boyd Robertson in 1813. She married her cousin, David Robertson Williamson, who as a judge of the Court of Session used the title Lord Balgray. He was an autocrat and whilst the claim is made that he was an “improving” landlord he force evicted many from his estates. On Miss Robertson’s death the estate was passed to her grand-nephew who too followed in the footsteps of his “improving” uncle which included evictions as well as horse whipping a Comrie man in a local hotel! He also bashed up one of the ministers in the Village!
In 1901 his descendant, Colonel Williamson built an iron gate across the path to Coneyhill House which since time began was a right of way for all to pass to and from Glen Lednock and for people from the East to the local Parish Church in the Village. He employed men as guards to ensure that only those with right of access could walk by Coneyhill and that excluded most of the local community. As Colonel Williamson was adamant in his assertion that he was correct in his interpretation that this path was a right of way he even went to the extent of threatening the following:
Withdraw his contributions to the Comrie Parish Church (these were unknown)
Withdrawal of money spent on bread for the Comrie poor
Permanent closure of the Village Public Hall
Closure of Lawers estates against fern and flower gatherers
Transfer of shop accounts “in an easterly direction” i.e. Crieff
Employment of Crieff, instead of Comrie, workmen
Closure of the golf course, football and cricket grounds, curling pond and his slaughter house.
Certainly this was tough talk as the Colonel had in various ways be generous to the Village, however, although he proposed an alternative route the Comrie Council declined the offer as it reeked of vested interest. They dug in their heels, even using the slogan “No Hunkersliding” stating and feeling that acquiescence would set a precedent, as it has today on the Aberuchill estate.
All readers will be pleased to know that right triumphed in the end, and the path is a right of way, and the Colonel was wrong. Sadly, as he is no longer with us, his contributions to the Church and the poor are no more, there are almost no shops left in the Village and much purchasing has gone in an “easterly direction,” unemployment is colossal, the slaughter house is no more and Lawers estate is owned by people from faraway foreign lands so no one picks the ferns and flowers. However, the Public Hall still continues in use to provide an entertainment centre to the people and visitors of the Village, and the golf course, football and cricket ground are enjoyed by all.
It was suggested at the time that his wraith would end up like the “spectre” at the Anaba ford condemned for ever to watch as his tenants go past without even acknowledging his presence! However, it would be prudent to be cautious as you leave the golf club. It is just possible that you might meet a livid and “spirited’ Colonel!