“Laird Potty” was the nickname given to John Ferguson. In his earlier days he had been a joiner but, when getting on in years, became a glazier and, as there were several John Ferguson’s in the district he was known as “potty” meaning “putty” hence “Laird Potty.” He had a penchant for repeating all the exaggerated stories told him as if they were gospel. He was a wee bit naive and was often caught off his guard by his cronies and his nemesis was James Ferguson who lived opposite him in a weaving shop. James was a wee bit sleekit and one had to be up early in the morning to catch him. One day “Laird Potty” went into see James and, as there were several others there at the time, a conversation began. James, addressing the “Laird” said, “Man, Laird, there have been great changes in Comrie since you and I were young, an’ I dinnae ken whether you hae noticed it or no’, Laird, but man, I dinna think there’s nearly enough moonlicht as when you and I were young.” “Aye, aye,” said the “Laird”, “you’re richt, James, there’s not the half o’ the moonlicht as when you an’ I were laddies!” The “Laird” left them fairly convinced himself about the diminishing lack of moonlight.

There was a real Heilan’ man living in the village at that time who was a cobbler. He was a hard working chap, Gaelic speaking, with poor English, but he was always kept pretty busy with mending shoes and boots and other leather ware. One day his window was broken and “Laird Potty” was brought in to replace the pane. Because the cobbler’s English was so poor his wife did all the talking. She was a very polite lady who addressed him in good English but always as Mr. Potty. The cobbler, who knew the nickname, on hearing this and behind the “Laird’s” back was trying to sign to her to stop and at the same time scowling at her, but to no avail. It was Mr. Potty this, and Mr. Potty that.

When the job was completed John told her that his name was not “Potty” but Ferguson and the lady was naturally most upset. Her husband told some of the neighbours about it later and with his stilted English said, “The more I boose, the more I gloom, she call him Mr. Potty the more, ye-no-see (don’t you see).” This was an expression he used often, hence his own Comrie nickname, “Ye-no-see.” We will hear later of another couple of incidents where a similar thing occurred, only in more recent times!

The “Laird” was always kept fairly busy replacing panes of glass in hot houses in gardens, in folk’s homes, and in the local churches and halls. On one occasion he was called to Lawers by the head gardener, Dan McGregor, who was working under the eaves of the building with a rake. By chance his Lordship, Lord Balgray, came into the garden riding a pony. His Lordship seeing the “Laird” working away replacing panes of glass, stopped to pass the time of day. “You’re busy, John?” The “Laird” said that was so but he would soon be finished and all the panes replaced. McGregor, who was always on for a joke, heard this exchange and, just as his Lordship had turned his pony to ride away, he smashed one of the panes with his rake. Hearing the sound his Lordship reined in his pony and said, “My faith, but that’s ae a way o’ mending!” The “Laird” was incensed at the gardener who quickly vanished till such times as the panes had been replaced and made sure that the “Laird” did not lose any money for the job.