The Bishop of Moray's Mensal Property
Strictly speaking the Episcopal Mensa is that income enjoyed by the bishop to help defray the living-costs of himself and his 'famila'. We should remember that a medieval bishop was a man of great standing in both ecclesiastical and secular terms. The mensal income needed to be sufficient to provide for his often sumptious and certainly lordly style of living. It was also required to maintain a very large body of retainers - servants, chaplains, grooms, etc. Regularly, we find these bishops acting as officers of State and they were required to expend considerable sums to supporting their life 'at Court'.
This revenue stream was entirley at the disposal of the bishop without any restrictions and, usually, without any call for accounts. It was his to spend in whatever way he wished, from alms to the poor, to the best French wines, and in whatever proportion seemed appropriate to him! It consisted of income which he derived from ecclesiastical institutions and/or parishes within his diocese. This is an important distinction since it underlines a statutory principle that the bishop was free to spend the income, but does not possess the property from which the income is derived and, so, may not dispose of or alienate that mensal property.
When a benefactor decided to assign property to the Church, it was common for the gift to be directed either to the bishop in person - in which case it became part of the episcopal mensa, to a cathedral - becoming part of the capitular mensa, or, much more rarely to an individual cleric. In such an act of appropriation it had to be made very clear what parts were to go where: there was land (usually part of the 'glebe' associated with a church which, in the north-east of Scotland, was often a half-dabhach or a full dabhach; there was cash income - such as mort dues and altarage; there was also the tiend payments made to the church which would be made either in money or, more usually, by payment-in-kind.
Aberbreachy (Abriachan):
6 December 1334 Bishop John grants to Sir Robert de Lawadyr, for many services he has provided, a ½ dabhach "of ours" at Aberbreachy {this would appear to be ½ of the dabhach of East Abriachan} lying between the Barony of Bonach {Bona (Baneth)} in the east on the one side, and the Barony of Urchard {Urquhart} o the western on the other; together with our lands of Auchmunie {Achmony in the dabhach of Drumbuie (Upper and Lower Drumbuie lie approximately at NGR NH 503306)} lying between the land of Drumbay on the east and the land Cartaly {Cortaly10} on the west, within the foresaid Barony of Urchard, with all the rightful pertinents: To be held and had by the said Sir Robert and his heirs of us and our successors for ever. Sir Robert is to render four marks Sterling - 2 at Pentecost and 2 at Martinmas. Given at Elgin on the Feast of St Nicholas (6 December) 1334. [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.138, p.155]
3 February 1386 Sir Robert de Chisholm,7 knight, freely resigned these lands "by staff and baton" into the hands of Alexander, bishop of Moray, who then bestowed them upon Alexander, Earl of Buchan8: The said earl to pay the bishop, fidelity and three attendances at our three Head Courts at Brennach {Birnie} annually, and the four merks Sterling listed above. [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.168, p.196]
Aberlour:
25 April (Feast of St Mark) 1229, Walter de Moravia of Petty reached an agreement with Bishop Andrew de Moravia, that he held these lands, (Botriphne, Aikenway, Arndilly, Aberlour and Kinnermony) of the Bishop of Moray, (as his family has done for at least 80 years [see Reg. Ep. Mor., no.31, p.23]) for the payment of 5 marks. [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.33, p.25] The bishops had two (out of eight) dabhaichean in this parish - Carron and Allochie. [Ross (2003), i, p.93] [back]
Abernethy:
The bishops had a mensal half-dabhach in this parish which was probably attached to the parish church. [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.41, p.35]
1226 Bishop Andrew de Moravia quitclaims to Jacobo filio Morgundi {James son of Morgan, earl of Mar}, lands which are held in feu in Abirnythy in Strathspe, comprising certain portions of land in Cuneneges {Coulnakyle - NH 998216} and the land which is called Esse of Abyrnythy. The said James shall assign to the church of Abernethy, in an appropriate place, a suitable house close to the church with a croft of one acre, to have in free, pure, and perpetual alms. Jacobo is to pay ½ mark at Pentecost and ½ mark at Martinmas. Enacted at the Synod of St Giles, 5 May 1226.17 [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.70, p.76] [back]
Achagour:
The lands of Achagour were episcopal property along with its forest and fishing on the River Findhorn. [Bain (1918), p.102]
Advie:
The bishops held lands in this parish from an early date. Advie [NGR NJ 141352], probably both of the dabhaichean here {East and West Skiradvie}11, is in the record as mensal lands in the period 1224x42 and Tulchan was part of the later Regality of Spynie. [Ross (2003), i, p.101] [back]
Aikenway:
25 April (Feast of St Mark) 1229 Walter de Moravia of Petty reached an agreement with Bishop Andrew de Moravia, that he held these lands, (Botriphne, Aikenway, Arndilly, Aberlour and Kinnermony) of the Bishop of Moray, (as his family has done for at least 80 years [see Reg. Ep. Mor., no.31, p.23]) for the payment of 5 marks. [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.33, p.25] [back]
Aitnoch:
The lands of Aitnoch [NGR NH 981397] were episcopal lands. [Bain (1928), p.102]
Aldroughty:
This estate was Church land, and belonged to the Bishop of Moray.
1393 Johannis Sibald is confirmed in the lands and mill of Aldrochty near Elgin, inherited from his father Rober Sibald. The lands, once valued at 40s. (now 20s.), are held of the Bishop on payment of 6s 8d. {½ mark} annually, half at Pentecost and half at Martinmas. John is also to provide the bishop with 3 days plough-service (6 in the first year) and 3 days of service at harvest time. The land extends to ½ dabhach, all in the barony of the Bishop. The mill referred to here may be the Scroggie Mill (corn & saw) about a mile down-river from Aldroughty House {NGR NJ 197627}. [Reg. Ep. Mor., 174, p.205] back
Alvie:
The lands which comprised the parish of Alvie were part of the Lordship of Badenoch and so belonged to the Bishops of Moray.
Ardclach:
The lands of Ardclach, with the fishing on the Findhorn, the wood of Dalvening, and the mill and brewhouse of Ardclach were identified as church property. [Bain (1928), p.102] [back]
Arndilly:
25 April (Feast of St Mark) 1229 Walter de Moravia of Petty reached an agreement with Bishop Andrew de Moravia, that he held these lands, (Botriphne, Aikenway, Arndilly, Aberlour and Kinnermony) of the Bishop of Moray, (as his family has done for at least 80 years [see Reg. Ep. Mor., no.31, p.23]) for the payment of 5 marks. [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.33, p.25] The bishops of Moray had a mensal half-dabhach in this Parish in 1239. [Shaw (), i, p.187; Ross (2003), i, p.93] [back]
Auchagour: Auchagour, with the fishing on the Findhorn, was identified as church land. [Bain (1928), p.102] [back]
Auchmony: (see Aberbreachy)
1386 Charter describes the lands of Auchmunedy {Achmony NGR NH 503306} - the east part in the land of Drumbuy {Drumbuie} and the west, one part in the land of Cortachy and the other in the barony of Urquhart. These are the same lands held by Sir Robert de Lawadyr in 1334 (and for the same rent of 4 marks Sterling p.a.!) [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.168, p.196] [back]
Barevan:
The lands of Easter and Wester Barevan originally belonged to the Bishop as mensal lands. [Ross (2003), i, p.85] [back]
Belivat:
Also known as Balivat, these lands, with the wood of Killinglaer, are identified as church lands. [Bain (1928), p.102] [back]
Berwick:
"... the Bishop of Moray had a place on le Nesse which is vacant." [Coll. Doc. S., ii, 1313, p.333]
Bishop's Mill, Elgin:
1189 x 1195 King William I grants to Richard, bishop of Moray, to build a mill above the Cruivies (fishing traps) onthe River Lossie below the Castle of Elgin. The bishop is also to have timber and wood for fuel from the forests around Elgin, Forres and Inverness, and also rights of pannage. [RRS, ii, 362, p.365]
Boleskine:
The lands of Boleskine were part of the episcopal barony of Kinmylies. The bishop had the advowson of the church which was always an 'independent parsonage'. [Batten (1877), p.244] [back]
Botriphne:
25 April (Feast of St Mark) 1229 Walter de Moravia of Petty reached an agreement with Bishop Andrew de Moravia, that he held these lands, (Botriphne, Aikenway, Arndilly, Aberlour and Kinnermony) of the Bishop of Moray, (as his family has done for at least 80 years [see Reg. Ep. Mor., no.31, p.23]) for the payment of 5 marks. [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.33, p.25] [back]
Cadbol:
1281 William, earl of Ross, for the weal of his soul and that of his wife, his successors and predecessors, and in compensation for the injury (losses) to the churches of Petyn and Brachuli {Petty & Brachelie} imposed on him by Bishop Archibaldo, gives to God, the Holy Trinity and the bishop, two dabhaichean of land in Ross which are called Kattepoll {Cadbol NGR NH 878778} and one 'quarterium' {quarter-land} which is called Petkenny {Pitkerrie NGR NH 869790} for the support of the Friars Minor in Elgin or, if the bishop and chapter so decide because the friars no longer reside in Elgin, for the support of two chaplains in the cathedral. [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.220, p.281]
1375 Willelmus de Clyn is tenant of these, the Bishop of Moray's, lands. Bishop Alexander agrees that the land and tithes should be provided to William on the Feast of St Andrew next. [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.219, p.280]
29 November 1478 Bishop William {de Tulloch} grants in feu to John McCulloch all the lands of Catpolle in the earldom of Ross, for the payment of 14 merks annually, ½ at each of Pentecost and Martinmas, in the cathedral of Ross. The grant is for three generations. Which lands William, sometime earl of Ross, gave to Elgin cathedral for the support of two chaplains to pray for his soul. [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.197, p.232] [back]
Teind of Cain and Pleas:
1172x74 King William I grants to the church of the Holy Trinity of the bishopric of Moray, and to Bishop Simon {de Toeni} and his successors, the teind of his revenues in Moray and of his pleas throughout the diocese of Moray, and of the king's cain. [RSS, ii, 139, p.212]
Convinth:
The church of Convinth had a dabhach of land attached to it.
20 September 1258 Robert II, bishop of Ross, and the dean of Ross, papal judges-delegate, settle the controversy between Archibald, bishop of Moray and his chapter and Sir John Bisset over a dabhach of land of the church of Cuneway (Convinth) and a dabhach in Ross called Hercheles (Erchless) that the bishop claimed as pertaining to his episcopal mensa of Moray, which he asked to be restored to him, the said Sir John Bisset claiming those lands of Convinth and Erchless pertained to his feu of le Aird (the Ard) by hereditary right. The said bishop called Sir John before the judges concerning the cain of his land of Ard and one stone of wax which the bishop and his predecessors had held peacefully for a long time. The bishop and chapter of Moray have renounced the litigation brought against John for these lands and cain, and have quitclaimed all rights. Sir John Bisset, for the redemption of his expenses made in this lawsuit, has given and granted to the bishop 60s. in this land of Munychoch (Monycabock?) in the feu of Aird, west of the water, paid by the hand of the fermer, half at Pentecost and half at St Martin. [back]
Coulmony:
Like Ferness, Coulmony was originally Church land - part of the barony of Ardclach - being held in feu by the Roses of Kilravock, granted by Bishop Hepburn in 1545 - some twenty years earlier than the same family's acquisition of Ferness. The 'Black Baron' was so well pleased with the transaction that he granted a bond of man-rent to the Bishop - a treaty of defence of the reverend father in all causes and against all-comers, excepting the Queen, her successors, and the Lord Governor.
The transaction was a big one! It included not only Coulmony {NGR NH 974476} and Daltulich {NGR NH 982485}, with fishings on the water of Findhorn, but Belivat {NGR NH 947471}, Achagour {NGR NH 936463}, Ardclach, the "Hermit's Croft" {at Daltra}, and the half-lands of Fleenasmore {NGR NH 920483} - all these in the Barony of Ardclach;
and also the lowland properties of Kildrummie {NGR NH 856539}, and Croy {NGR NH 797496}, and the lands of Little Budgate {NGR NH 834503} and Little Urchany {NGR NH 872488}.
The price paid was 595 marks! [Bain, ii, p.126] [back]
Croy:
The Bishop possessed the kirklands of Croy. (See also Coulmony)
Aug-Sept 1458 The lands, among others, of Croy, Duldavy, Moymore, Moybeg, with the island called Ellane-a-Moy, were recovered by Bishop John Winchester at a general council held at Edinburgh between August and September, 1458. [RRS, ii, 142, p.215; Cawdor Book, 29] [back]
Dalarossie:
The king possessed land in this parish - the dabhach of Shevin - whilst the bishops held the dabhaichean of Clune and Corrybrochmoir, both seemingly feued to members of the Mackintosh family. [Ross (2003), i, p.79] [back]
Dallas:
1232 Bishop Andrew de Moravia exchanges with Duncano Filio Gillemychel McAth, all his lands of Dolays Mychel {Dallas Michaael is modern Dallas - NGR NJ 122519} for the 1 dabhach of Petcarene {Tullochcurran - NGR NO 071606} in Strathardol. [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.79, p.87]
Daltra: (See Coulmony)
The Hermit's Croft {at Daltra} was identified as church lands. [Bain (1928), p.102] [back]
Daltulich: (See Coulmony)
The lands of Daltulich {NGR NH 982485} were assigned to the Church at an early date. [Bain (1928), p.62] [back]
Darnaway (Fernua):
When the parish of Fearnua (Darnaway) was created out of Dunballoch {probably by Bishop Andrew} it was endowed with three dabhachs. In 1239, Bishop Andrew {de Moravia} granted Fearnua to the cathedral as a 'common church,' except he retained one half-dabhach to the bishops' mensa. [Batten (1877), p.77] But notwithstanding the injunction of popes and councils that religious bodies, who had parish churches appropriated to their use, should endow vicars of the parishes and provide them competently, no vicar was endowed at Fearnua, and his place was supplied by a parochial chaplain who had nothin to depend on but the fees for the offices of marriage and burial, which, according to canon law, could only be performed in a parish church. [back]
Dumbannan:
The bishop's mensa included a half-dabhach in this parish on 10 Oct 1232. [Reg.Ep.Mor., no.35, p.28; Ross (2003), i, p.96] [back]
Erchless:
The church of Erchless had a dabhach of land attached to it.
20 September 1258, Robert II, bishop of Ross, and the dean of Ross, papal judges-delegate, settle the controversy between Archibald, bishop of Moray and his chapter and Sir John Bisset over a dabhach of land of the church of Cuneway (Convinth) and a dabhach in Ross called Hercheles (Erchless) that the bishop claimed as pertaining to his episcopal mensa of Moray, which he asked to be restored to him, the said Sir John Bisset claiming those lands of Convinth and Erchless pertained to his feu of le Aird (the Ard) by hereditary right. The said bishop called Sir John before the judges concerning the cain of his land of Aird and one stone of wax which the bishop and his predecessors had held peacefully for a long time. The bishop and chapter of Moray have renounced the litigation brought against John for these lands and cain, and have quitclaimed all rights. Sir John Bisset, for the redemption of his expenses made in this lawsuit, has given and granted to the bishop 60s. in this land of Munychoch (Monycabock?) in the feu of Aird, west of the water, paid by the hand of the fermer, half at Pentecost and half at St Martin. [back]
Ferness:
The lands of Ferness, with the fishing on the River Findhorn and the croft of Ferness were episcopal property. [Bain (1920), p.102]
Findrassie:
10 Oct 1226 Agreement between Andrew de Moravia, bishop of Moray, and Walter de Moravia, son of the late Sir Hugh de Moravia, over the use of the woods and moors of Spynie and Findrassie, which Walter said his ancestors had held of old, and claimed was granted to his father by Bricius, late bishop of Moray, and made firm by his charter, rendering as a recognition, each year, half a stone of wax. By the will and consent of the Chapter of the church of Moray, it was agreed that Walter would have, in perpetuity, the use of the aforesaid woods and moors in return for which Walter would pay to the bishops of Moray, each year, one mark sterling as a recognition, at Pentecost, in return for every service and demand pertaining to the said bishops. [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.120, p.132]
20 March 1249 Agreement (compositio) between Simon, Bishop of Moray and Freskynum de Moravia, lord of Duffus. To continue the agreement reached between the late Bishop Andrew and Walter de Moravia (Freskyn's father) regarding the woods and moors of Spynie and Fynrossy, and the land called Logynhauedale (or Logy). For this grant, Freskyn has been given and granted common pasture rights in the Bishop's wood in the foresaid land of Findrassie as far as the Saltecot which is between Findrassie and Kintrae {NGR NJ 170651}, in free and quit alms. {Reg. Ep. Mor., no.99, p.113]
18 June 1378 Bishop Alexander grants his lands of Fymrossy {Findrassie} to Johanni de Forbes, and Margaret his wife, for a period of 3 lifetimes. Given in the Charter House, in the Chanonry of Elgin. [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.158, p.182] [back]
Finlarg:
Until 11 September 1236, "three dabhaichean of Finlarg {c.NH 995255} and Logyfythenach", were in the hands of the king. On that date, King Alexander II granted them to the Bishop of Moray ad capellarum solitarum sustentandum. [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.37, p.30]
King Alexander II for Andrew, bishop of Moray, and his successors; has given three dabhachs of Finlarig in Strathspey, by marches by which king held them on the day of this collation, in exchange for the wood called Curr Wood {Batten says this is "Cawood"}, and in exchange for Logie{fythenach}, in respect of which bishop will make, on the king's behalf, a full grant to William, archdeacon of Moray, and his successors. Bishop Andrew also quitclaimed his teinds of cain of Stratherrick; while king gives by royal grace, grants, and establishes by this charter, the land of Logie which lies between east bank of River Findhorn and ridge next to 'Cundoys', to sustain there forever a single chaplain. He also grants to the chaplain and his successors, pasture for six cows and eight oxen in the king's forest [of Drumine {NGR NJ 015510}], except during the fifteen days before the Feast of the Nativity of St John the Baptist and fifteen days after it, and he grants also fuel and timber for their necessities. The bishop and his successors are to hold three dabhachs of Finlarig with all their rightful appurtenances, saving the life-tenure of Gilmahed MacGillepatric, for forinsec service in army due from them, exempt from aid, and with right to hold their free court there. The land at Loginfithenath {Logiefythenach (Edinkillie)} is to be held in alms, free from all exactions save only prayers. [RRS, iii, no.250]
Finlarg is at the east end of the River Dulnain {NGR NH 99_25_}
1253-93 Augustine, lord of Inverallan in Strathspey, son of the late Robert Augustine, after the dispute with Archibald, bishop of Moray, over his land of ?Fanymarthach? (perhaps now Muckrach {NGR NH 983251} near Dulnain Bridge), in which the bishop asserted that it belonged to his land of Finlarig, for the good of the peace, he has given, granted, and established by this his charter, to the bishop and church of Moray all his land of Faynimarthach by stated bounds in pure and perpetual alms. [back]
Fleenasmore:
The lands of Fleenasmore were church lands. [Bain (1928), p.102]
Insh:
The lands which comprised the parish of Insh were part of the Lordship of Badenoch and so belonged to the Bishops of Moray.
1224-33 An agreement was reached between Bishop Andrew de Moravia and Walter Comyn, son of William earl of Buchan and future earl of Menteith, regarding Badenoch. The bishop is to be recognised in outright ownership of one dabhach "at the Insh", composed, in fact, of two half-dabhaichean, one of which is specified as "the half-dabhach in which the church of Insh is situated." Almost certainly the other was the half-dabhach now represented by the farm Balnespick ('the bishop's town') now Balnesnick [NGR NH 838038]. These lands of Balnespick were for long feued to the lordship of Rothiemurchus. They are not to be confused with a Mackintosh property on the Moy estates sometimes called Balnespick but more usually known as Corribroughmor [NGR NH 817294]
The bishop also enjoyed part of the fishings of Loch Insh and on the River Spey, and mention in the charter of "wild beasts and birds" shows that the parish was rich in game.
The bishop is to have lordship over all the clerical 'nefys' (tenants) and two lay 'nefys' who are named:
Gillemolúog Macnakeeigelle and Sythach Macmallon
the first of which establishes a clear connection with St Molúag of Lismore. It is probable that these two individuals represented the Bishop's interests in each of the two half-dabhachs.
Half of the chirograph recording this agreement, the one which was left with the bishop and so found its way into the Moray Registrum, bear the king's seal - perhaps because the bishop was not too willing to agree to it, or perhaps reflecting the king's ancient rights in the area which would require him to give his approval to the agreement. It may also have been a sign that the bishop required every assistance, including that of the king, to 'counter' the power of the earl of Buchan! It is tempting to envisage Balnespick as a rather pleasant hunting-lodge or residence for the bishop, in which case, we can sympathise with any reluctance he may have shown to have his hunting-grounds threatened in any way! [back]
"Gresioco": (these lands are, as yet, unidentified.)
6 May 1383 Bishop Alexander assigns his lands of Gresioco{?} to provide Willelmo de Camera to an exhibition at the University of Paris. [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.247, p.322]
Invera'an:
The bishops evidently held lands in this parish from an early date: between 1194 and 1198 Earl Duncan of Fife leased nine half-dabhaichean from Bishop Richard. [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.16, p.12] [back]
Inverlochty:
"Around Elgin, land which had perhaps been attached to the bishopric since the twelfth-century included an arable estate extending to four ploughgates {1 dabhach?} (approximately 480 acres) at Inverlochty on the south side of the great loop of the River Lossie as it turns away from Aldroughty {NGR NJ 185624} then south towards the hills. By the end of the thirteenth-century this land had been in the hands of a family who had acquired the territorial designation 'of Inverlochty'. They paid what was known as a 'blenchferme' rent of, either a pair of white Parisian hawking gloves or three silver pennies, for the land whilst being required to perform military service appropriate to a holding of that size, being bound to have their grain ground at the bishop's mill of Inverlochty, and performing what was known as 'suit of court' at the bishop's Head Court {which was held at Birnie}." [Fawcett & Oram (2001), p.142; Reg. Ep. Mor., no.134, p.147]
On 31 May 1554, the bishop (Patrick Hepburn) leased the lands of Meikle Innerlochtie and Aldroughty to David and Thomas Hepburn [relatives?] for certain sums of money and produce. The charter recorded that the Bishop did this with the consent of the Chapter. [Reg. Epis. Mor., no. 395, p. 408-409] [back]
Keith:
The church of Keith was a 'mensal church' and so the bishop had the church lands also.
On 16 April 1540, Bishop Patrick Hepburn issued a charter at Elgin recording that he had, with the consent of the Chapter of his cathedral, leased the teinds of both the rectory and the vicarage of Keith to William, lord of Abernethy, Rothiemay, and Saltoun, for a period of 19 years. In return, the bishop was to receive 50 marks annually. [Reg. Epis. Morav., no. 401, p. 410] [back]
Kildrummie:
This was Church land and belonged to the Bishop. (See also Coulmony)
4 March 1238, at Roxburgh, King Alexander II grants to Bishop Andrew de Moravia the lands of Kildrummy ("Keldrumin in ballia de Invernarin"), along with tithes of the feu duties paid by the Crown tenants in Nairnshire. [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.40, p.35]
10 April 1492 An agreement between Bishop Andrew {Stewart} and Hugh Rose, baron of Kilravock, regarding the 'marches' of Croy and Kildrummy, The agreement was reached after the involvement of a large number of 'judges', both secular and clerical. This 'compromissio' is also recorded, in more detail, in the "Family of Kilravock" and there in Scots rather than Latin!.16 [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.199, p.236] [back]
Kiltarlity:
1253-80 Memorandum that an agreement was formed between Archibald, bishop of Moray, and Sir David of Graham, knight, lord of Lovat, in the dispute concerning the fishing of the waterfall on the R. Forne - "the Esse" (Beauly River), whereby Sir David donated to Bishop Archibald and the church of Moray all rights that he had to the fishing, in pure and perpetual alms; while the bishop and the church of Moray handed over in feuferme to David all his land of the church of Kiltarlity with all its pertinents and fisheries, both that land which David had donated to the bishop, as well as that land which the bishop had acquired from Sir William of Fenton, knight {lord of Beaufort}; to hold at feuferme for 100s. annually, 50s. at the Assumption of the BVM and 50s. at the Purification of BVM. [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.123, p.135] {In effect this meant that the two swapped sides of the river at the Esse for their fishing.} The R. Forne is the Farrar, now Beauly R. [Beauly Chrs., p.29] "The Esse" consisted of what are now called the Upper and Lower Falls of Kilmorack which were famous for their salmon fishing. There is now a dam and power station at the Upper Falls [NGR NH 494142]
30 November 1384 Hugonem de Fresel {Hugh Fraser}, lord of Lovat, agrees to pay the bishop £20 p.a., ½ at Pentecost and ½ at Martinmas, and an additional 50s. at Martinmas for the 'annuals' of Kyntarlity, Ess and Munichok {Moniack NGR NH 551436} and the garbal teinds of Wardlaw. Charter given at Inverness. [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.166, p.194] [back]
Kincardine:
1234 Agreement between Andrew de Moravia, bishop of Moray, and Walter Cumyn (Comyn), earl of Menteith, with the consent of the chapter of Moray, over certain portions of land that the bishop said pertained to a half davoch of the church of Kincardine which thus belonged to the episcopal mensa, and over the teinds of cain owed to the lord king from the land of Kincardine. The earl will hold at feuferme from the bishop, in perpetuity, the half davoch of land at Kincardine, by its right bounds, with all its just pertinents, with an annual render for the aforesaid teinds of cain of 34s. 8d., for all service, exaction, custom and secular demand pertaining to the bishop, half at Pentecost and half at Martinmas, and making forinsec service to the lord king, saving the toft and croft accountable to the rector of the church, on penalty of 10 marks to the fabric of the cathedral church. [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.85, p.98]
1239 The bishops had a mensal half-dabhach in this parish. [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.41, p.35], although it is not possible to determine in which of the three dabhaichean of Kincardine this may have been located. [Ross (2003), i, p.109] [back]
Kingussie:
The lands which comprised the parish of Kingussie were part of the Lordship of Badenoch and so belonged to the Bishops of Moray.
Kinmyles:
5 October 1232 at Invercullan {Cullen}, King Alexander grants to Bishop Andrew de Moravia all of the lands of the grieveship of Kynmyly; excepting the land of Markinsh which he had given to the Burgesses of Inverness; excepting also all the fishings (that were held by the Thayn). The king also gives the bishop:
• 10s. from the tithes of Mulben & Kellas;
• 60s. from the mill of Dulpotyn;
• 20s. from the lands of Loueth {Lovat} which is John Byseth's;
• 20s. 8d. for the archdeacon of Moray from the tithes of the mill of Forres.
The Bishops of Moray possessed the prepositura (grieveship/stewardship) of Easter and Wester Kinmyles, granted by King Alexander II, in 1234. [Ross (2003), i, p.87; Ross (2003), i, p.107] This shows Ross to be mistaken since the grant is dated 1232 not 1234.
20 November 1398 Bishop William requires Donaldo, dean of christianty of Inverness, to publish the excommunication of Alexander of the Isles who had occupied the bishop's lands of Kynmily.
Alexander, then lord of Lochaber, had given the upper part of Kinmyles to Raynaldo MacAlyschandir and the lower part to Johanni de Cheshelm de la Arde. Also, he had given "yharam de Kynmyly inferiore" to Johanni Qwhyte, burgess of Inverness. [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.181, p.211] [back]
Kinnermony:
25 April (Feast of St Mark) 1229 Walter de Moravia of Petty reached an agreement with Bishop Andrew de Moravia, that he held these lands, (Botriphne, Aikenway, Arndilly, Aberlour and Kinnermony) of the Bishop of Moray, (as his family has done for at least 80 years [see Reg. Ep. Mor., no.31, p.23]) for the payment of 5 marks. [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.33, p.25] [back]
Kintore:
25 September 1189x1198 (probably 1196 or 1197). King William I grants to Richard, bishop of Moray, one full toft in his burgh of Kintore. Given at Aberdeen. [back]
Kyncarny:
Kyncarny is what was anciently known as Glenchearnach (Glencarnie), a Barony whose lands have 'disappeared' in the historical record, but which most scholars believe to comprise the southern part of what is now the parish of Duthill. It is possible that the old chapel at Bail-an-chaibeil {NGR NH 929198} {Chapletown} represents the ecclesiastical center of the barony and that what is possibly a medieval motte, locally known as Tom Pitlac, was its 'caput'.12
12 Sept 1232 An agreement is formed between Andrew, bishop of Moray, on one side, with the counsel and consent of the dean and Chapter of the church of Moray, and Gillebrigte (or Gilbert), son of Gillebrigte late earl of Strathearn, on the other, whereby Gillebrigte will hold at feuferme from the bishop, ½ dabhach of Kyncarny (Kinchurdy, in the modern parish of Duthil and Rothiemurcus13), by its right bounds and with all its just pertinents, for an annual render of three marks for all service and exaction, half at Pentecost and half at Martinmas, making forinsec service to the lord king. If the land is destroyed by war, according to the arbitration of good men, the rent will be reduced. Saving also to the bishop all the native men (neyfs) of the said land. If Gillebrigte or his heirs presume to act against this agreement, they shall owe the bishop of Moray 10 marks. [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.80, p.89; Neville, Acts of the Earls of Strathearn, Add. Chrs., no. 13]
Ross (2019: p.2), using [NAS, GD248/26/2/14] as evidence, comments that, "All that really can be said is that the half-dabhach of Kinchurdy, first mentioned above, was still a viable and apparently unchanged unit of land in 1773 when it was listed both as a named half-dabhach and as one half of the dabhach of Avielochan." [back]
Kynnoir:
If tradition is to be accepted, Kynnoir is the site of one of the very earliest missions to the north-east of Scotland, carried out by St Kentigern or his disciples. In 1451 the church-town of Kynnore was included in the barony and regality of Spynie and it might be suggested that this was the half-dabhach of land 'apud Kynor' which had belonged to the bishops of Moray in 1226. [NLS. Adv.MS. 34.4.9, f. 107v] [back]
Little Budgate: (this place-name is still the name of a farm in the vicinity of Kilravock.)
1545 Granted by Bishop Hepburn in 1545 to the Baron of Kilravock - some twenty years earlier than the same family's acquisition of Ferness. The 'Black Baron' was so well pleased with the transaction that he granted a bond of man-rent to the Bishop - a treaty of defence of the reverend father in all causes and against all-comers, excepting the Queen, her successors, and the Lord Governor.
The transaction was a big one! It included not only Coulmony and Daltulich {NH 982485}, with fishings on the water of Findhorn, but Belivat {NH 947471}, Achagour {NH 936463}, Ardclach, the "Hermit's Croft" {at Daltra}, and the half-lands of Fleenasmore {NH 920483} - all these in the Barony of Ardclach;
and also the lowland properties of Kildrummie {NH 856539}, and Croy {NH 797496}, and the lands of Little Budgate {NGR NH 834503} and Little Urchany {NGR NH 872488}. [Bain (1928), p.102]
Little Urchany:
1 March 1421 The lands of Urchanybeg, in the lordship of Fothirves, were received in feu ferme by Donald, the Thane of Cawdor, from Bishop Henry, 1 March 1421. In return the Thane is to attend for three "suits" and three "pleas" at the bishop's Head Court at Birnie every year. [Bain, p.135; Ross (2003), i, p.84: Reg. Ep. Mor., no.188, p.218]
1545 Granted by Bishop Hepburn in 1545 to the Baron of Kilravock - some twenty years earlier than the same family's acquisition of Ferness. The 'Black Baron' was so well pleased with the transaction that he granted a bond of man-rent to the Bishop - a treaty of defence of the reverend father in all causes and against all-comers, excepting the Queen, her successors, and the Lord Governor.
The transaction was a big one! It included not only Coulmony and Daltulich {NH 982485}, with fishings on the water of Findhorn, but Belivat {NH 947471}, Achagour {NH 936463}, Ardclach, the "Hermit's Croft" {at Daltra}, and the half-lands of Fleenasmore {NH 920483} - all these in the Barony of Ardclach;
and also the lowland properties of Kildrummie {NH 856539}, and Croy {NH 797496}, and the lands of Little Budgate {NGR NH 834503} and Little Urchany {NGR NH 872488}. [Bain (1928), p.102] [back]
Loch Laggan:
The lands which comprised the parish of Logykenny (Laggan) were part of the Lordship of Badenoch and so belonged to the Bishops of Moray.
The head court of the Bishop's regality of Spynie continued to meet at Birnie into the sixteenth-century and also at Loch Laggan in Glen Spean, where the Bishops of Moray had a tower-house on King Alexander's (or King Fergus') Isle. [Lewis & Pringle, p.169] The dabhach of Laggan Choinnich was part of the bishops' 'mensa' from at least 1224x33 [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.76, p.82]
14 July 1380 Bishop Alexander is confirmed in possession of the lands of Logachnacheny {Logykenny}, with the church lands of Kingucy {Kingussie NGR NH 759007}, with the lands of the chapel of Rate {St Moluag's chapel at Lynchatt was known as Raitts NGR NH 787020}, with the chapel of Nachtan {Dunachton NGR NJ 823046}, with/towards/beside the Bishop's lands of Kyncardyn. [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.159, p.183]
1381 Alexander, Lord of Badenoch, confirms and concedes to the bishop of Moray (Alexander) possession of the lands of Logankenny, Ardynch, and the chapels of Rath {Raitts} and Dwnachtan {Dunachton}, which are part of his lands and possessions of Badenoch, and agrees to let the bishop's officers exercise jurisdiction over them. Given at Ruthven Castle in Badenoch, 28 October 1381. [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.161, p.188] [back]
Logyfythenach (Edinkillie): (see also Finlarg).
1287 Bishop Archibald confirms to Johanni, archdeacon of Moray, all of the lands of the blessed John the Baptist at Logynfythenach in free alms as King Alexander gave them to Bishop Andrew and his successors in office. John, or his chaplain, is to celebrate mass in memory of the King and the bishop. The chaplain is to be supported on 1 mark yearly, half at each of Pentecost and Martinmas, from the vicarage of Dyke. [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.222, p.284] [back]
Middlehaugh:
The property called Middlehaugh, that was Church land, is now called Morriston Estate. It lies in a meander on the north bank of the River Lossie. Auchter Spynie, or Sheriffmill, was called Upperhaugh (Auchterhaugh); Burgh Briggs was called Westerhaugh. The area, in general, was collectively known as "the Haughs", within living memory. Somewhat further east, and downstream on the Lossie, we find Deanshaugh on the north bank of the river opposite the Dean's Manse in the Chanonry of the cathedral.
1309 David, bishop of Moray, by the unanimous consent, council and good will of the dean and chapter of Moray, has given, granted and by this his present charter, established to William son of Adam son of Stephen, burgess of Elgin, and his heirs, in perpetuity, a half dabhach of his land of le Medilhalch (Morriston), with all its pertinents and correct bounds. William and his heirs are to annually render to the bishop and his successors, for all service, exaction, custom and demand, four shillings of good and legal sterling, viz. two shilling at the feast of Pentecost and the other two shillings at the feast of Martinmas in winter. They are also to provide the forinsec service to the king which pertains to the land, and they are to assign, by way of custom, the multures at the bishop?s mill of Malathy above the River Lossie (now Bishopmill). {Reg. Ep. Mor., no.135, p.148}(See also Bishop (2010), p.205)
1397-1406 Megota de Moravia, daughter of the late Johannis de Moravia, resigns into the bishop's hands the half dabhach of land called Mydilhalch {Middle Haugh = Morriston} which her father had feued since the time of Bishop Alexander {Bur} (1362-1397). The land lies between the lands of Ochtirspyny and Ferkoklaw. Bishop William {de Spyny} then gives the land to Johani de Dolas More {who has recently married Megota}, in feu for 5s. annually, half at Pentecost and half at Martinmas. Johanni is to be responsible for royal service dues. Included is the mill of Malathy on the River Lossie, "et stagnum ..." {the charter is damaged here}. [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.185, p.214] [back]
Moy (Lunin):
Much of the land in the Parish of Moy anciently belonged to the Bishopric of Moray. At an early date 'the Mackintosh' was hereditary tenant of Moy. When the Mackintosh gained a feu from Bishop Patrick Hepburn, in April 1545, the lands of Moy then comprised, in the baronies of Moymore and Ardclach {both of which baronies belonged to the Bishops of Moray}: Moymore [NGR NH ; Moybeg; Altnaslanach {NH 751346}; Tulloch Clowre; Sleauach; Tulloch Mackarre; Rowan {Ruthven? - NH 817331}. [Bain, ii, p.89]
Because he held the barony of Moy, the Bishop of Moray owned the dabhach of Lunin {Moy} from at least the thirteenth-century and this property was still a part of the regality of Spynie during the sixteenth-century, although, by that time, its name had changed to Moy. Mackintsosh was the bishop's tenant but was forfeit before 1557. [Ross (2003), i, p.79]
Aug-Sept 1458 The lands, among others, of Croy, Duldavy, Moymore, Moybeg, with the island called Ellane-a-Moy, were recovered by Bishop John Winchester at a general council held at Edinburgh between August and September, 1458. [RRS, ii, 142, p.215; Cawdor Book, 29] [back]
Nairn:
1189x1195 When King William the Lion came to Moray, on his second visit, his old friend and teacher Richard was bishop of the diocese and William demonstrated his affection for his saintly instructor in many ways - enforcing payment by those who had been reluctant; granting him a tithe on the fines and escheats falling to the Crown; giving him a toft of land in each of the burghs of Inverness, Forres, Elgin, Cullen and Banff, excepting Nairn (Invererne), in lieu of which he gave him a toft in Auldearn. [RRS, ii, no.359] Nairn was exempted because the bishop had just parted with very considerable possessions in the burgh. They had been given to the king who wanted the ground for building or enlarging the castle [NGR NH 885566]. The wording of the writ of excambion seems to imply that, previous to this exchange, the lands of the burgh of Nairn, as well as of the castle, belonged to the bishop. [back]
1369-94 Bishop Alexander protests that Johannis de Dunbar, {created} earl of Moray {in March 1372}, having been given some of the temporalities of the diocese which had accrued to the King during a vacancy in the bishoprick {c.1362/63 after the death of John Pilmore} had failed to return them when Alexander became bishop. Specifically, the earl is making an attempt to keep the rights of passage to and from the sea and other rights of the Loch of Spynie. The King had first given these rights to Thomas Randolph and, upon becoming earl, Dunbar had assumed them as his own. [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.163, p.191]
27 October 1389 This dispute was finally resolved at the instance of Robert, earl of Fife, {K. Robet II's son acting as co-adjutor/regent for his aged father, and his older brother who had been incapacitated by a kick from a horse} 'custodian' of the king. [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.169, p.197] [back]
Petcarene:
Now known as Tullochcurran {NGR NO 071606} in Strathardle, these lands are in the parish of Kirkmichael, an area 'infested' with the remains of ancient dwellings.
1232 Bishop Andrew gives all his lands of Dolays Mychel {Dallas} to Duncano, filio Gillemychel McAth, in exchange for the lands (one dabhach) of Petcarene in Strathardol. [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.79, p.87] [back]
Petty:
The Bishops of Moray possessed a small amout of land in Petty - Meikle and Little Aldturleyis with the sea fishings. [NAS, RS37(Inv), iii, 116r]. Alturlie Point is at [NGR NH 714495]. There is a tradition of a Columban foundation here. [back]
Pitkerrie: (see Cadbol)
Rothiemurchus:
31 March 1226 King Alexander granted the lands of Rothiemurchus, 'in free forest', to the Bishop of Moray and the Chapter at Elgin Cathedral, in exchange for certain {hunting} lands which Bishop Andrew de Moravia then held in the King's forest (see Thanage of Rothiemurchus), namely:
? ½ dabhach in 'landa Morgrund' {Longmorn?};
? ¼ dabhach in Pluscardyn;
? ½ dabhach in Darnaway;
? ½ dabhach on the other side of the R. Findhorn, opposite the church of Logyn' {Logie};
? 30 acres {1 virgate} in 'Whytefeld apud Rath' {Foynesfield};
? 40 acres at Daldavy {Culdoich}.
Charter given at Stirling on 31 March 1226. [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.29, p.21; RSS, iii, no.119]
20 April 1383 Bishop Alexander grants in feuferme to Alexander, Senescalli, earl of Buchan {and Lord of Badenoch}, all his lands of Rathmorchus {Rothiemurchus}, "namely 6 dabhaichean9 of land which I have in Strthspe and Badenoch, in the Sheriffdom of Inverness." Earl Alexander is to pay the Bishop £8 p.a., ½ at Pentecost and ½ at Martinmas, with a failure penalty of £60. He is to protect the bishop's lands in Badenoch (including the three townships of Finlargys {Finlairg NGR NH 994254} against malefactors who would do violence. A failure to comply on the part of the lord of Badenoch for a period of two years will result in the lands reverting to the bishop. Given in the Chapter House of Elgin, 20 April 1383. [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.162, p.189] [back]
Ruthven:
8 Feb 1237 King Alexander II gives to Andrew, bishop of Moray, and his successors, his king's lands of Tulchan in Strathspey {NGR NJ 129356} and Ruthven in Strathdearn {NGR NH 815331}, in Moray, in exchange for quitclaim of 48s. annually which the bishop used to receive from the king's lands of 'Fernanan' (in Dyke and Moy), Tillidivie , Meikle Kintessack and 'Kep' (probably one of Keppernachs in Ardclach) which lands the king gave to the monks of Pluscarden in exchange for £24 in his fisheries on the River Findhorn, and in exchange for 10s. 8d. yearly from his revenue of two marks at Tulchan; saving life-tenure of the hermit Gyllecrist Gartanach at Ruthven. He grants also the right to hold a free court. [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.38, p.32; RRS, iii, no.255] [back]
Sheriffmill:
1309 The lands of Wtyrspyny {Auchterspyny - see Middlehaugh} were bishop's lands until this date when Bishop David exchanged them: "David, bishop of Moray, by the unanimous consent, council and good will of the dean and chapter of Moray, has given, granted and by this his present charter established to William son of Adam son of Stephen, burgess of Elgin, all their land of Auchterspyny in exchange for the land of Qwytford {Whiteford or Whitefield NGR NJ 174617}, the land of Inverlothy {Inverlochty6 NGR NJ 185618}, by the mill of Inverlochy, and the land of the le Milton {Pittendreich? NGR NJ 196615}, which belonged to the late Andrew of Inverlochy, with all the rights which he had or was able to have in the aforesaid lands, and the mill, with all its pertinents and correct bounds. The bishop reserves for himself the site of the mill which is called the "mill of the sheriff of Elgin", on the River Lossie {Sheriffmill}. William and his heirs are to annually render to the bishop and his successors, during their lives, for all service, exaction, custom and demand, one pound of pepper at the feast of Saint Giles, the abbot, and twelve men during the autumn for one day of good reaping. William and his heirs are also to provide the forinsec service to the king which pertains to the land, and they are to provide, by way of custom, the multure at the bishop's mill of Malathy { Bishopmill, Spynie parish} above the Lossie. After their death, the bishop wishes that the land, with all its pertinents, may revert to the right and ownership of the mensa of the bishop of Moray, to be possessed perpetually [by the bishops]". [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.136, p.149]
6 October 1644 "The stent roll of the pleughes for the paroch of Elgin that carried meill up Speysyd to Ruthwein of Badinoch to the Marquess of Argyll" - includes Meikle Inerlochtie (4 ploughgates); Little Inerlochtie and Whytfeild (4 ploughgates) [Cramond (1908), ii, p.250] [back]
Southberwick:
1253-98 Peter, son of John, son of Alicia of Linlithgow, has granted, sold, and handed over the title of sale in perpetuity to Archibald, bishop of Moray, all his land in the ville of South Berwick with all its buildings, with all right he had in it, for £ which the bishop handed over in full for his great need, lying on the Ness between the lands of Robert of Kinghorn on the north and Adam of Seleby on the south, which land he had by gift of his father and offered at sale in the tolbooth of South Berwick at three chief pleas, according to the law and assise of the burgh, having and holding free and quit, rendering annually 7½d. to the lord king for all service, custom, exaction and secular demand. [back]
Spynie:
The bishops of Moray had held property here, including the parish church, since ancient times, possibly since the days of King Willim the Lion.
3 May 1398 The King commands the earl of Buchan to allow the new bishop (William of Spyny) entry to and possession of Spyny Castle which he had held for the king during the interregnum following Bishop Bur's death in May 1397. [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.178, p.208] [back]
Strathisla:
There is a mention of an 'Epsicopal Grange' at Strathisla in a charter given to the Black Friars dated 15 January 1327. [Brockie's MS, p.8939; MacKinlay, p.133]
The Bishops held the Kirktown of Keith, Auchindache {Auchindachy - NJ 409485} and Birkenburn {NJ 450485}, all of which were described as being in the ecclesiastical barony of Keith in 1565 [NLS, Adv.MS., 34.5.2] and the regality of Spynie during the early seventeenth-century [NAS, RS16(Banff) ii, 200v; NAS, RS16(Banff) ii, 272v; NAS, RS16(Banff) iv, 281v] [back]
May 1269 Archibald, bishop of Moray, grants to Reginald le Chen (the younger, lord of Duffus) and Marie his betrothed, daughter of Friskyni de Moravia, all his lands of Strathnauir {Strathnaver}, Caithness diocese, which Johanna, wife of Freskyn, had conveyed to the Church of Moray for the support of two chaplainries - namely of Langeval and Rossewal - the tofts of Dovyr, Auchenedess, Clibr' {Clebrig? NGR NC 587343}, Ardovyr,Cornefern, Langeval {Langdale NGR NC 696448}, Rossewal {Rosedale/Rosal NGR NC 688416 (nearby is Beinn Rossail NGR NC 702405)}. This grant was made at feuferme for 12 marks Sterling yearly, half at Pentecost and half at Martinmas, for the support of the two chaplains [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.126, p.139]. [back]
Tulchan:
8 Feb 1237 King Alexander II gives to Andrew, bishop of Moray, and his successors, his king's lands of Tulchan in Strathspey {NGR NJ 129356} and Ruthven in Strathdearn {NGR NH 815331}, in Moray, in exchange for quitclaim of 48s. annually which the bishop used to receive from the king's lands of 'Fernanan' (in Dyke and Moy,), Tillidivie, Meikle Kintessack and 'Kep' (probably one of Keppernachs in Ardclach,) which lands the king gave to the monks of Pluscarden in exchange for £24 in his fisheries on the River Findhorn, and in exchange for 10s. 8d. yearly from his revenue of two marks at Tulchan; saving life-tenure of the hermit Gyllecrist Gartanach at Ruthven. He grants also the right to hold a free court. [Reg. Ep. Mor., no.38, p.32; RRS, iii, no.255] [back]
1. Ross, A.D. (2003) The Province of Moray, c.1000-1230 Unpublished PhD Thesis presented to Aberdeen University. 2 vol.
2. Shaw, L. (1882) The History of the Province of Moray. (revised edn.) Glasgow: Morison. 3 vol.
3. Batten, E.C. (1877) The Charters of the Priory of Beauly. London: Grampian Club.
4. Bishop, B.B. (2010) Lost Moray and Nairn. Edinburgh: Birlinn.
5. Cramond, Wm., Ree, S. (ed.) (1908) The Record of Elgin 1234-1800 2 vols. Aberdeen: The New Spalding Club.
6. The lands of Inverlochty (Whiteford, Inverlochty, the Mill and Milltown of Pittendriech) were at one time owned by Eva Murdoch, lady of Rothes. return
7. Sir Robert de Chisholm, son of Sir John de Chisholm, who had married Anne, daughter of Sir Robert Lauder. return
8. This is the notorious "Wolf of Badenoch." return
9. Ross (2003) Lists 6 dabhaichean in the parish of Rothiemurchus:- Tullochgrew {c.NGR NH 910095}; Bellimoir (Doune) {NGR NH 886098}; Croftis {c.NGR NH 903080}; Innerie (Inverdrurie) {NGR NH 904109}; Dell {NGR NH 904114}; Gustelicht {NGR NH 919119}. return
10. Fraser-Mackintosh of Drummond, Charles (1875) "Invernessiana: Contributions Towards a History of the Town & Parish of Inverness. 1160-1599." Inverness: Forsyth. p.33. Cortachy is called Cortaly by this author. On modern maps it is named Gartally (Upper and Lower) [NGR NH 488314; 491308] but it is more properly Gortally [Ordnance Survey Name Books Inverness-shire OS Name Books, 1876-1878 Inverness-shire Mainland volume 56 OS1/17/56/53] return
11. Ross (2003) Lists 10 dabhaichean in the parish of Advie but, from their names, it is presumed that East Skiradvie [c.NGR NJ 193358] and West Skiradvie [c.NGR NJ 127346] are the two dabhaichean mentioned in this charter. return
12. There is a collection of information about the barony of Glencarnie in - Fraser, Sir W. (1883) The Chiefs of Grant. Edinburgh. vol.1, p.xlv. : Ross (2003), vol.ii, p.131, includes a ½ dabhach of land in Kyncarny called Pressachgilyvaul that was ½ a dabhach of Advylochan (Avielochan NGR NH 904166).
13. Ross, A.D. (2019) "The Lords and Lordship of Glencarnie". https://www.researchgate.net/publication/47379894_The_Lords_and_Lordship_of_Glencarnie return
14. Bain, G. (1928) History of Nairnshire. Nairn: Telegraph Office. p.93
15. Fawcett, R. and Oram, R, (2001) Elgin Cathedral and the Diocese of Moray. Edinburgh: H.E.S.
16. Innes, C. (1848) "The Family of Rose." Aberdeen: The Spalding Club. return
17. The Synod of St Giles is here given its name as the result of its being held within St Giles Parish Church in Elgin, on 5 May 1226. It was a very important Diocesan Synod (a convocation of all the clergy in the diocese called by the bishop - in this case Andrew de Moravia) for three important reasons. Firstly, it shows that the cathedral building had not advanced to a state sufficient to enable it to house the Synod so it had to be held in the Old Parish Church of Elgin. Secondly, it was at this Synod that the bishop created the new prebends of Petty & Brachlie and Botriphne & Aberlour. Thirdly, it provides us with two charters which were unarguably promulgated at the Synod and which contain the signatures of over twenty of the clerics who attended. [Reg. Ep. Mor., 69 & 70, p.73-77] return
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