The towne of Paislay pleasantly situate vpon the riuer Carth with the Abbey thereof the Earle of Abircornes speciall Residence with most pleasant Orchards and Gardens In this countrey lies the Castle of Sempil the Lord Sempils special Residence with the Castles and Towers of Crukstone Marns Cathcart Hag vpper Pollok and nether Polloke Hakket the Lord Ros residence Cardonald the Lord of Blantyrs residence Blackhall Caldwel Stanelie Ellerslie Ihonstown Waterstowne Ramfuley Dochail Raalstowne Biltries Craganis Housloun Barrrochane Dargewell Blackstoun Selwiland Walkinshaw Inchchennā Arskin Bishoptoun Boghall Funlastown New werke Grinoke Ardgowan Glengarnoch Kilburne Lady-land with many others strong stone houses tedious to rehearse These countries aforesaid are plenteous in cornes bestiall and fishings Next lies Cuningham deuided from Kyle by the water of Vrwine at the foote thereof is situate the towne of Vrwine a goodly Marchant towne with a strong stone bridge The towne of Kilmarnocke the towne and castle of Kilmaris the Earle of Glencarnes residence the town castle of Newmils the towne of Salt Coats where great store of white Salt is made the towne of Largs the town and Abbey of Kilwinning the Castle of Deane the Lord Boyds residēce the Castle Palace of Lowdon the Lord Lowdons speciall residence the castles of Eglintowne Kirelaw Ardrossin the Earle of Eglingtowns residence Cuningham-head Blair Robertland Gyffin Eastwood Calwel Rowallen Law Fairly Kelburne Arneil Knock Skelmurly In the towne of Vrwine the Iudge Ordinary holdes iustice Kyle and Cuningham were called of olde Silu◅a Their countries are fertile in cornes and bestiall Next lies Kyle diuided from Carricke by the water downe which descends out of Loch-downe wherin there is a strong tower builded vpon an Isle This water runnes West in the Firth of Clyde in the midst of Kyle runnes the water of Air which diuides Kyle in Kings Kyle and Kyle Stewart a part of the Princes principalitie At the mouth of the water on the South side is situate the auncient Marchant towne of Air taking the name from the water the principall Bourgh of the whole Shire pleasantly builded in a plaine field hard on the Sea very populous and well shipped with faire stone houses most couered with blew sklate with a large stone bridge passing to the new town of Air with a castle and Palace The towne and castle of Machling the town and castle of Cumnoke the towne of Preseike the iustice seate of Kyle Stewart the townes of Gastown and Ricardtown the castles of Dundonald Sundrum the Lord of Cathearts residence The Castles of Ochiltrie with the towne the Lord Ochiltres residence The castles of Caprintown Gaitgirth Cragie Entirkign Gastown Sesnocke Carnal Bar Loc◅oreis Terringean Cars Drongane Sorne Dregornie Sornbeg Monton Afflecke and Barskymmyn the Loch of Martuane with a strong tower Loch fergus with an Isle with many growing trees where great plenty of Herons resort with the Loch of Feal there is a decayed Monastry in it The Riuers in Kyle are Air Luggar Feal and Sesnocke Luggar and Feal runnes in the water of Air and so in the Firth of Clyde The water of Sesnocke runnes in the water of Vruing and so in Clyde This countrey abounds in strong valiant men where was borne the most renowned and valiant Champion William Wallace in the Barony called Ricardtown then his fathers Style thereafter of Craigy and Ricardtowne Fiue miles from Air is a place called Coels field where the King of Britons called Coell was killed by the Scots and Pictes vpon the water of Dewne This countrey is plenteous of bestiall reasonably corned with abundance of Cornes Next Kyle lies Carrick bordering with Galloway vnder Lochrean of old called Loch-calpin declyning while it come to Clydis-firth in Carricke are two goodly waters plenteous of fishes the water of Stinchar at the foot thereof stands the towne of Ballintrea where is great plentie of Herrings and other fishes the castles of Arstinchar Craigneil builded vpon a strong rocke with the castle of Knockdolean Vpon the water of Girwane are the castles of Bargany Blairquhan Dalwharran Cassils Dunure the Earle of Cassilis residence The castles of the Koe Ardmillanx Careltowne Killoquhan Baltessane Keirs Auchendrane the abbey of Corsraguel There was a goodly Merchant towne of olde called Carrike founded by Caratake King of Scots whereof remaines nothing the principall towne is now Mayeboll where the Iudge ordinary holds iustice Next adiacent with Carricke lies Galloway of olde called Brigantia bordering with Niddisdail almost declyning to the South the shire whereof inclosed all the rest of that side of Scotland is more plentifull store of bestiall Thane cornes The waters of Galloway are Vre Dee Terfe Fleit Kenne Cree and Losse which runne all in the Ireland Sea There is almost no great hils in Galloway but it is full of craggie knols the waters gathering together in the valleyes betwixt those knols make almost innumerable Loches from whence the first floud that comes before the autumnall Equinoctiall causeth such abundance of waters to run that there come forth of the said Loches incredible number of Eeles and are taken by the countrimen in wand creeles who salting them obtaine no small gaine thereby The farthest part of that side is the head called Nouantum vnder the which there is a hauen at the mouth of the water of Lossie named Rerigonins In the other side of Galloway ouer against this hauen from Clyddis-forth there enters another hauen named commonly Lochryen or Vidogora all that lieth betwixt those two hauens the countrey people call the Rynes that is the point of Galloway Also Nouantum the M◅le that is the Becke In Galloway are the townes of Kirkcubright well situate for a merchant towne a good Harbery with a Castle Whithorne is the Bishops seat there Wigtoun a goodly Market town the towne of Innermessane Minigooff and Saint Iohns Clachane The Abbey of new Abbey Glenluse Sall-Syde Dundrenan and Tongland the Castles of the Treaue Barcloy Hillis Orchartoun Bomby in Lochfergus Cumpstoun Cardenes Wreythis Kenmure Kirkgunze The great strength and Castle of Crowgiltoun builded on a rocke hard on the Sea the Castles of Garleis Large the greate Castle of Clare the Castles of Dunskaye Corsell Lochnee the Loches of Galloway are Ruhinfranco Carlingwork Myretoun which neuer freezes for any frost that chances The westmost of the hils of Grangebean make the border of Lennox the hilles are cutted by a little bosome of the Sea named for the shortnesse thereof Gerloch at the entrie thereof standeth the Castle of Roseneth beyond this Loch there is a greater Loch named from the water that runneth in it Lochlowng this water is the March betweene Lennox and Cowall this Cowall Argyle and Knapdall altogether called Argyle are deuided in many parts by many narrow creekes that run out of the firth of Clyde into them In Cowall is the Castle and towne of Dunnone where is the Bishop of Argyle his seate there is one most notable Loch called Loch fyne which
is in length threescore miles vpon Lochfyne is situate the Castle Palace and towne of Inraray the principall residence of the Earle of Argyle Also doth the Sheriffe of Argyle keepe his Courts of Iustice this Loch is most plentifull of Herings and all other fishes On this Loch are situate diuers Castles and Gentlemens places as Castle Lauchlane the Otter and Dunetrewne in Knapdall is Loghaw and therein a little Ile where there is a strong Castle of the same name there is also the Castle of Tarbat In Argyle is the strong Castle of Carriek builded vpon a rocke within Loch goyle there is also the Colledge of Kilmun the water of Awe runneth out of Loch-how and is the onely water of all that countrey that doe run in the Dewcalidon Sea South and by VVest from Knapdall lieth Kantere The head land of the countrey right ouer against Ireland deuided by the sea of the breath of sixteen miles onely In Kantere is the Castles of Dunauerty and Sadell the towne and Castle of Kilkerraine situate in the Loch of the same name Kantere is more long then broad ioyning to Knapdal by so narrow a throat about one mile of breadth which ground is sandy and lieth so plaine and low that Marriners drawing along their vessels as gallies and boats through it makes their iourney a great deale shorter then to passe about Kintire which is the common passage Lorne lies next Contaygne with Argyla on the backe thereof where standeth the most ancient Castle of Dunestaffage in which were the Kinges of Scotland in old times crowned where also the Marble fatall Chaire remained more then one thousand yeares In Lorne are also the Castles of Carnacery and that of Makdules built vpon a right rockie mountaine The countrie of Argyle Knapdall Cowell do abound of bestiall kye sheepe and great store of venison and abundant in fishes Lorne marcheth still with Argyle vntill it come to Haber or rather Loch-haber A plaine countrey not vnfruitfull The countrey where the hilles of Grangebean are most easie to be trauelled named broad Alben that is to say the highest part of Scotland And the highest part ◅of broad-Albin is called Drumalbin that is the backe of Scotland so termed For forth of the backe waters doe run in both the seas Some to the North and some South Habre or rather Lochaber marcheth with Badzenoch which hath as it were a backe running out through the midst of it which spouts forth waters in both the seas Lochaber marching with Badzenoch tending by little and little towards the Deucalidon sea a country aboundant in cornes and great plenty of fishes for besides the abundance of fresh water fishes produced by a great number ot waters the Sea runnes within the countrey in a long channell and being narrow at the mouth the water kept in betwixt two high bankes and spreading wide inward makes the forme of a Stanke or rather of a Loch a place where ships may lie sure as in a hauen adiacent with Calkmananshire lies Fyffe beginning at the towne of Torre-burne with the castles of Torre Cromby Pickfirran Pictincreiff the towne of Dumfermling and Abbey thereof founded by King Dauid the first the Kings of Scotland were buried there a long time the Pallace therof now repaired by the Queenes Maiesties cōmand charges where the Earle of Dumfermling Chancellor of Scotland hath his residence The towne of Lymkellis with the castle of Rossynh the towne of the Queens ferry vpon the North. In the middle of Forth vpon a rocke is the fortresse decayed castle of Inchgaruy By East lies in the same water Saint Colmis Inch with a demolished Abbey abundant with conies and good pasturing for sheepe Next in the mid Firth lies Inchkeith with a demolished Fortresse fertile of conies and good for pasturing of sheepe East from Inchkeith within Forth lies a very high and big Rocke inuironed with the Sea called the Basse inuincible hauing vpon the top a fresh spring where the Solane geese repaires much and are very profitable to the owner of the said strength Next the Basse in the mouth of Forth lies the I le of May a mile long and three quarters of a mile in breadth there was a religious house with many fresh water springs with a fresh Loch abundant with Eeles This I le is a goodly refuge for saylers in time of tempest By East the I le of May twelue miles from all land in the German seas lies a great hidden rocke called Inchcape very dangerous for nauigators because it is ouerflowed euery tide It is reported in old times vpon the said rocke there was a Bel fixed vpon a tree or timber which rang continually being moued by the Sea giuing notice to the saylers of the danger This Bell or Clocke was put there and maintained by the Abbot of Aber-brothok and being taken downe by a Sea Pirote who a yeare thereafter perished vpon the same rocke with ship and goods in the righteous iudgement of God Returning to the ancient towne of Innerkething adioyning thereto is the most comfortable and safe refuge for saylers in time of storme called Saint Margarets hope The castles of Dunnybirsill Dalgatie and Fordell the towne and castel of Aberdour the Loch of Cowstoun the castell of Orterstoun the towne of Brunt-Iland with the castle the castels of Balmuto Balwery Hal-randes and Raith The towne and castell of Kingrne the castles of Seyfield and Abbots-hall the towne of Kirkealdy the castles of Bogy Rauens-houch the Lord Sinclairis speciall residence towne of Dysart the towne of VVesterwemis and the castle the castle of Easterwemis the Lord Colweil chiefe residence the townes of Buckhauen and Lewynis mouth so named from the riuer of Lewin out which comes of Loch-Lewin the towne of Kenneway the castles of Dury Lundy and Largow with the towne thereof the castles of Rires Bulchares and Kinnochar with the Loch thereof the towne of Earles ferry the castles of Kelly and Ardrosse towne of Eliot The towne and castles of Saint Monanes Carnbie and Balkaskie the towne and Abbey of Pictonweme the Lord of Pictonwemes residence the townes of Anstruther with the castle the castles of Bofy Pitterthy the townes of Innergelly and Siluer-dikes the castles of Erdry third part West-Berns the towne of Craile with the Prouestry and demolished castle the castles and towres of Balcomy Wormestoun Randerstoun Newhall Camno Kipper Pitmille Kinkell Strawithy Lamberletham Lachochar The Citie of Sanctandros the Metropolitane and Archbishops Seat with a strong Castle and Abbey decored with three Vniuersities for learning in all sciences In old time the Churches in this Citie most curionsly and sumptuously builded and now decayed from this Citie West vpon the water of Eddin lies the Castles of Nydy Rumgary Dairsey Blebo The towne of Cowper the chiefe Iustice seate the Castle of Corstoun the Castle of Struther the Lord Lendsayes principall residence the Castles of Inglishtarwet Craighall Bruntoun Balgony the towne of Merkinsche the towne of
of Culane situate vpon the sea coast Next lies the lands of Straithbogy where is the Castle and Pallace of Straithbogy the speciall residence of the Marquesse of Huntley the Castles of Fendrough Pitlurge Carnbarrow Rothemay the Lord Saltouns chiefe residence Kinnardi Crombie Achindore Lesmore Balwany Blarsindy Drymmyn Dusky Ballindalloch Balla Castle and Aikenway these foresaid countries are plenteous in cornes bestiall and in fishings Next vpon the North is the water Spey abundant in Salmond and all new fishes Endlong Spey lies Murrey-Land wherein is situate the Citie of Elgyn vpon the water of Lossy the Bishop of Murreyes seat and speciall residence with a Church most curiously and sumptuously builded which now in part decayes In Murrey are many strong Castles other strong houses as the Castles of Blairy Monynesse the ancient strong Castle of Vrquhart the Castles of Spynay with a pleasant Loch abounding in fishes the Castles of Innes and Duffus the Castle and towne of Forres the great Castle of Tornuaye the principall residence of the Earle of Murrey The Castles of Cadall and Kilrauicke with diuers Gentlemens strong stone houses adiacent about the towne of olde Erne In Murrey are two famous Abbeyes Pluscardy and Kinlus the Castle of Louat the Lord Louats residence There is also the most ancient towne of Innernes and the strong Castles thereof situate on the water of Naes which descends from a Loch named Loch Naes thirtie foure miles in length this water of Naes is alwaies warme and neuer freezeth in such sort as in winter time yee falling into it is dissolued by the heat therof West from Lochnes there lies eight miles of continent ground And that small peece is the onely impediment that the Seas ioyne not and make the remanent of Scotland an Iland for all the land that lies betwixt the strait and the Deucalidon Sea is cutte by creekes and Loches of salt water running into the land From the mouth of Naesse where it enters in the Germane Sea North lies Rosse shooting in the Sea in great Promontories or heads The countrey of Rosse is of greater length nor breadth extending from the Germane to the Deucalidon Sea where it riseth in craggy and wilde hils and yet in the plaine fields thereof there is as great fertilitie of corne as in any other part of Scotland There is in Rosse pleasant dales with waters Loches full of fishes specially Lochbroome It is broad at the Deucalidon sea and growes narrow by little and little turning Southward from the other shore the Germane Sea winning the selfe an entrie betwixt high clintes runs within the land in a wide bosome and makes an healthfull port and sure refuge against all tempests and stormes the entrie of it is easie and within it is a very sure hauen against all iniuries of Sea and a hauen for great nauies of ships Loch-broome is abundant of Salmond and all other fishes The townes in Rosse are the City of the Channory the Bishops seat with a strong Castle the towne of Rosemarky the Castles of Read-castle Dingwall the Abbey of Bewly the castles of Cromarty Miltoun Fowlis Ballingoun the town of Tane the Castles of Catboll Torbat Loselun Kayne with many others the waters in Rosse are Cromarty the water Tane the water of Naes Also Mountains of Allabaster and hils of white marble there is many other parts in Rosse too longsome to describe Next Rosse lies Sutterland the speciall towne is D◅norch with a strong Castle the Castls of Skibow Pulrossy Skelbo Clyne Dunrobene the Earle of Sutherlands residence with goodly Orchards where growes good Saphron the riuers are Ferryhuns Brora Helmsdeaill abundant in Salmond and other fishes and good store of bestial there is also hilles of white Marble with salt and coale Next Sutherland lies Stranauern the castle of Far where the lord of Makky hath his speciall residence The Castles of Tunge this countrey Stratleigh with sundry Ilands as Ship-Iland Hyp-Iland Marten-Iland Conne-Iland are vnknown to the Author Next lies Caithnes where it marches with Stranauerne is the furthest North countrey of all Scotland and those two draw the breadth of Scotland in a narrow front In thē are three Promontories or heads the highest wherof is in Stranauern called Orcas or Taruidum the other two not so high are in Caithnes Veruedrum now named Hoya and B◅rebrum now called Dunsby at the foot of this hill there is a pretie hauen for them that trauell from Orknay by Sea there is mountains called Ordhead Hoburnhead Madēs Pape the Castle of Berydale with a riuer abundant in Salmond other fishes The Castle of Dumbeth with a goodly riuer with the towns of Wcik Thirso with Ichone a riuer The Castle of Gerniggo the Earle of Caithnes special residence The Castles of Akergile Keis Pressik old Weik Ormly Skrabstar Dunray Brawl and May Dunnethead isa hil of Marble the riuers are the riuer of Berridale Dunberth Weik Thirso Fors. This countrey is abundant in cornes bes◅all Salmond all other fishes Of the Iles of Scotland in generall NOw refleth it to speake somewhat of the Iles they are diuided which as it were Crowne Scotland in three classes or rankes the West Iles Orknay Iles Shetland Iles the west Iles lye in the Deucalidon sea from Ireland almost to Orkenay vpon the west side of Scotland they are called Hebrides and by some Aebudae They are scattered into the Deucalidon sea to the number of three hundreth and aboue Of old the kings of Scotland kept these Iles in their possession vntill the time of Donald brother to King Malcolme the third who gaue them to the King of Norway vpon condition that he should assist him in vsurping of the Kingdome of Scotland against law and reason The Danes and Norway people kept possession of them for the space of 160. yeares and then King Alexander the third ouercomming the Danes and Norway men in a great battell thrust them out of the Iles yet afterward they attempted to recouer their libertie partly trusting to their owne strength and partly mooued by seditions in the maine land of this Countrey creating Kings of themselues as not long ago Iohn of the house of Clandonald did vsurpe the name of King as others had done before In foode raiment and all things pertaining to their family they vse the ancient frugalitie of the Scots Their bankets are hunting and fishing They seeth their flesh in the tripe or else in the skinne of the beast filling the same full of water Now and then in hunting they straine out the bloud and eate the flesh raw Their drinke is the broth of sodden flesh They loue very well the drinke made of whey and kept certaine yeeres drinking the same at feasts It is named by them Blandium The most p◅rt of them drinke water Their custome is to ◅ake their bread of Oates Barly which are the onely kinds of graine that grow in those parts Experience with
time hath taught theÌ„ to mak it in such sort that it is not vnplea sant to eat They take a litle of it in the morning so passing to the hunting or any other businesse content themselues therewith without any other kind of meat til euen They delight in marled clothes specially that haue long stripes of sundry colours They loue chiefly purple blew Their predecessors vsed short mantles or plaids of diuers colours sundry wayes deuided and amongst some the same custome is obserued to this day but for the most part now they are browne most neere to the colour of the Hadder to the effect when they lie amongst the Hadder the bright colour of their plaids shall not bewray them with the which rather coloured then clad they suffer the most cruell tempests that blow in the open field in such sort that vnder a wrythe of Snow they sleepe sound In their houses also they lie vpon the ground laying betwixt them and it Brakens or Hadder the rootes thereof downe and the tops vp so prettâ—…ily laid together that they are as soft as feather-beds much more wholesome for the tops themselues are dry of nâ—…ture whereby it dries the weake humours and restores againe the strength of the sinewes troubled before and that so euâ—…dently that they who at euening goe to rest sore and weary rise in the morning whole and able As none of these people care for feather-beds and bedding so take they greatest pleasure in rudenesse and hardnesse If for their owne commoditie or vpon necessity they trauell to any other Countrey they reiect the feather-beds and bedding of their Host. They wrap themselues in their owne plaids so taking their rest carefull indeed lest that barbarous delicacy of the maine Land as they tearme it corrupt their naturall and Countrey hardnesse Their armour wherewith they couer their bodies in time of warre is an Iron Bonnet and an Habbergion side almost euen to their heeles Their weapons against their enemies are bowes and arrowes The arrowes are for the most part hooked with a barble on either side which once entered within the body cannot be drawne forth againe vnlesse the wound bee made wider Some of them fight with broad swords and axes In place of a drum they vse a bag-pipe They delight much in musicke but chiefly in Harpes and Clairschoes of their owne fashion The strings of the Clairschoes are made of brasse-wire and the strings of the Harpes of sinewes which strings they strike either with their nailes growing long or else with an Instrument appointed for that vse They take great pleasure to decke their Harpes and Clairschoes with siluer and precious stones and poore ones that cannot attaine heerevnto decke them with Cristall They sing verses prettily compounded containing for the most part prayses of valiant men There is not almost any other argument whereof their rimes entreat They speake the auncient language altered a little FINIS A SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE WESterne Iles of Scotland lying in the Deucalidon Sea being aboue 300. ALSO THE ILES IN ORKENAY and Schetland or Hethland THE first is the I le of Man of olde called Dubonia there was a Towne in it named Sodorâ—… the Bishop of the Iles seat It lyes almost midway betwixt Ireland and Cumber in England and Galloway in Scotland 24. miles in length and 18. in bredth Next vnto Man is Ailsay into the Firth of Clyde with a Castell therein an hard high Craig on all sides except at one entrie vnmanured There comes a great number of Boates there to fish â—…éeling There are many Comes and Solayne Géese in it It lyes betwixt Ireland vpon the Northwest Carrik vpon the Northeast and Kyntire vpon the Southeast 24. miles from Ailsay lyes Arrane almost direct North 24. miles of length and 16. of bredth The whole Iland riseth in high and wild Mountaynes manured onely vpon the Sea side where the ground is lowest The Sea runnes in and makes a well large Créeke into it the entryes whereof are closed by the Iland Molas A very sure Hauen for Shippes and in the waters which are alwayes calme is great abundance of Fish that sundry times the countrey people taking more then may sustayne them for a day they cast thâ—… 〈◊〉 â—…ne in the Sea as it were in a Staâ—…ke Next 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I le Flada fertill of Conyes Further in it is situate the â—…se of Bâ—… within the Firth of Clyde eyght miles in length and foure in bredth from Arrane eyght miles Southeast and from Argyill Southwest halfe a mile Cwnnyngham lyes by East of it 〈◊〉 mâ—…es It is a low Countrey commodious for Corne and store with a Towne of the same name and the old Castle of Rosa with another Castle in the middest of it named Cames The I le Mâ—…rnoca a mile of length and halfe a mile of brédth lyes low Southwestwards well manured and fertill Within the Firth of Clyde lyes little Cambra fertill of Fallow Déere And great Cambra fertill of Cornes From the Mule of Kyntire little more then a mile is Porticosa Auona getting that name from the Creeke of water thâ—… kept the Danes Nauie there at what â—…e they had the Iles in their hands Northwest from the Mule ouer agaynst the Coast of Ireland lyes Rachuda And from Kyntire foure miles is the I le Caraia and not farre from thence Gigaia sixe miles of length and a mile and a halfe of bredth Twelue miles from Gigaia lyes Iura foure and twentie miles of length The Shore side of Iura is well manured and the inward part of the Countrey is â—…led with Wood full of Déere of sundry kinds Two miles from Iura lyes Scarba foure miles in length and a mile in bredth The tide of the Sea betwixt this I le and Iura is so violent that it is not possible to passe it eâ—…ther by saâ—…le or aâ—…re except at certayne times At the bache of this I le is the I le Ballach Geâ—…istaria Gearastilla Longaia The two Fidlais The thrée Barbais Culbremna Dâ—…num Coâ—…p Cuparia 〈◊〉 Vikerana Vitulina Lumga Scila Scana These thrée last Ilands are fertill of Corne and store pertayning to the Earles of Argyle Next vnto them is Sklata named from a Sklait quarry that is in it Then Naguigosa and Eisdaâ—…a and Skennia and the I le Thiania Vderga and the Kings Iland then Duffa that is blackâ—… and the Iland of the Church 〈◊〉 Triaracha and then the Iland Arduâ—… Humlis Viridis and Ericea Item Arboraria Capraria Cunicularia and the I le named The I le of Idle men and Abridita and Liâ—…mora where sometimes was the Bishops seat of Argyle eyght miles in length and two in bredth In this I le are Mines of Mettals with other good commodityes Then Ouilia the Iland Traiecte the Iland Garna the Iland of the Stane Gressa and the great Iland Ardiescara Musâ—…dilla and Bernera sometime called The holy Girth notable by the Trée Taxus that growes in
Horse it hath fiue great Riuers rich in Salmond and many little waters plenty of Salmond and other Fishes The Sea running in the land on all sides make many Salt waters Thrée principall and 13. others all rich in Herring There is in it a fresh water Loch and â—…e Castles About the Skye lye little Ilands scattered here and there Oronsa fertill in Corne and store Cunicularia full of Bushes and Connyes next is Paba 8. miles froÌ„ Paba Southwest lyes Scalpa which besides sundry other commodities hath woods full of troopes of Déere Betwixt the mouth of Zochcarron and Raorsa lies Crulinga 7. miles of length and two of bredth there is a sure Hauen in it for ships There are in it also woods full of Bucke and Déere Halfe a mile from Crulinga is Rona full of wood and hadder with a good Hauen in the innermost Lorh thereof in the mouth of the same Lorh is an Iland of the same Name called Ger-loch From Rona sixe miles Northward lyes Flada Two miles from Flada Euilmena Upon the South side of Skye lyes Oronsa and a mile from it Knya Pabra and great Bina and then fiue little Ilands Next vnto them is Isa fertill in Cornes Beside it is Ouia then Askerma and Lindellâ—… 8. miles from Skye Southward lyes Linga and Gigarmena Benera Megala Pana Flada Scarpa Veruecum Sandara Vatersa which by many other good commodityes hath a Hauen commodious for a number of great Ships whereinto Fishermen of all Countreys about conuene certayne times of the yere ordinarily These last nine Ilands are subiect to the Bishop of the Iles. Two miles from Vatersa is Barra running from the Northwest to the Southeast seuen miles in length fruitfull of cornes and aboundant in Fish there runneth in it a Lorh with a narrow throat growing round and wide within in it there is an Inche and therein a strong Castle Upon the Northside of Barra there riseth an Hill full of Hearbs from the foote to the head vpon the top whereof is a fresh water Well The spring that runneth from this Well to the next Sea caryes with it little things like as they were quicke but hauing the shape of no beast which appeare although obscurely in some respect to represent the fish that is commonly called Cockles The people that dwell there call the part of the shore whereunto these things are carryed The great Sands because that when the Sea ebbes there appeares nothing but dry Sands the space of a mile Out of these Sands the people dig out great Cockles which the Neighbours about iudge eyther to grow as it were of that séede that the springs doe bring from the well or else indéede to grow in that Sea Betwixt Barra and Wist lye these Ilands Oronsa Onia Hakerseta Garnlanga Flada great Buya little Buya Haya Hell Sâ—… Gigaia Lingaia Foraia Fudaia Erisoaia From these Ilands Vistus lyes Northward 34. miles of length and 6. of bredth The tide of the Sea running in two places of this I le causeth it to appeare thrée Ilands but when the tide is out it becommeth all one Iland In it are many fresh water Loches specially one thrée miles long The Sea hath worne in vpon the Land and made it selfe a passage to this Loch and can neuer be holden out albeit the Inhabitants haue made a wall of 60. foote broad to that effect The water entereth in amongst the stones that are builded vp together and leaues behind it at the ebbe many Sea Fishes There is a Fish in it like to the Salmond in all things except that with the white wombe it hath a blacke backe and wanteth scales In this Iland are many fresh water Loches sundry Caues couered with Hadder In it are fiue Churches Eyght miles West from it lyes Helâ—…ther Vetularum pertayning to the Nunnes of the I le of Ione A little further North riseth Haneskera about this Iland at certayne times of the yéere are many Sealches they are taken by the Countrey men Southwest almost 60. miles lyes Hirta fertill in Cornes and store and specially in Shéepe greater then any other Shéepe in any other Ilands About the 17. day of Iune the Lord of this Iland sendeth his Chamberlayne to gather his dutyes and with him a Minister who baptizeth all the Children that are borne the yéere preceding and if the Minister come not euery man baptizeth his owne Child This Hirtha is the last and farthest Ile in Albion so that betwixt the I le of Man being the first I le in Albion and this I le there is 377. miles Returning to Wistus from the north point thereof is the Iland Velaia two miles long and one mile of bredth Betwixt this point and the Iland 〈◊〉 lyes Soa Stroma Pabaia Barneraia Eâ—…saia Keligira little Saga great Saga Harmodra Scaria Grialinga Cillinsa Hea Hoia little Soa great Soa Isa great Seuna little Seuna Taransa Slegana Tuemon All these Ilands are fruitfull of Cornes and store Aboue Horea is Scarpa And halfe a mile towards the West Equinoctiall from the Lewis lys seuen little Ilands named Flananae some holy place in old times of girth or refuge rising vp in hillâ—…s full of Hearbs Further North in the same ranke lyes Garn-Ellan that is she hard I le Lamba Flada Kellasa little Bernera great Bernera Kirta great Bina little Bina Vexaia Pabaia great Sigrama Cunicularia plenty of Conyes little Sigrama The Iland of the Pigmeis wherein there is a Church in which the Pigmeis were buried as they that are neighbours to this Iland beléeue Sundry strangers digging déepely in the ground sometimes haue found yet to this day doe find very little round heads and other little bones of mans body which seemes to approue the truth and apparance of the common bruite In the Northeast side of the Iland Leogus there are 2. Loches running foorth of the Sea named The North and South Loches wherein at all times of the yéere there is abundance of Fish for all men that list to take them From the same side of the Loch somewhat more Southerly lyes Fabilla Adams Iland The Lambe Iland Item Hulmetia Viccoilla Hana Rera Laxa Era The Dowe Iland Tora Affurta Scalpa Flada Senta at the East side thereof there is a passage vnder the earth vaulted aboue a flight shoote of length into the which little Boates may eyther sayle or row for eschewing of the violent tide Somewhat Eastwards lyes an Iland named Old Castle a roome strong of nature and plenty of Cornes Fish and Egges of Sea Fowles to nourish the Inhabitants At that side where Lochbrien enters is situate the Iland Ew More Northerly lyes the Iland Grumorta both these Ilands full of Wood. The Iland named The Priests Iland lyes the same way profitable for pastorage of Shéepe and full of Sea Fowles Next vnto it is Afulla and great Habrera then little Habrera and néere vnto it The Horse I le and then Marta Ika These last mentioned Ilands lye all before the
entrie of Lochbrieâ—… and from them North lye Hary and Lewis 16. miles of length and 16. of bredth These 3. make an Iland which is not deuided by any Hauen 〈◊〉 Port of the Sea but by the seuerall Lordships of the heritours thereof The South part is named Haray in it sometime was the Abbey Roadilla builded by Maccleude Harâ—…is a Countrey fertill inough in Cornes and good Pastorage with a high Hill ouercouered with grasse to the very top many Shéepe are séene féeding there masterlesse pertayning peculiarly to no man for there is neyther Woolfe Foxe or Serpent séene there albeit betwixt that and Lewis there bee great Woods full of Déere In that part of the Iland is a Water well stored of Salmond and other Fishes Upon the North-side it is well manured Upon the Sea side there are foure Churches one Castle 7. great running Waters and 12. lesse all plentifull of Salmond and other Fishes The Sea enters in the Land in diuers parts making sundry salt water Loches all plentifull of Herring with abundance of Shéepe In this Countrey is great abundance of Barley In this Iland is such abundance of Whales taken as aged men report their tenth will extend to 27. Whales also a great Caue wherein the Sea at a low water abides two faddome high and at a full Sea foure faddome déepe People of all sort and ages sit vpon the Rocks thereof with hooke and line taking great multitude of all kind of Fishes Southeast from Lewis almost 60. miles there is a fertill Iland low and playne â—…alled Rona well manured the Lord of the ground limits certayne number of Households to occupy it appoynting for euery Household few or many Shéepe according to his pleasure whereon they may easily liue and pay his rent In this Iland is a Chappell dedicated to Saint Ronan wherein as aged men report there is alwayes a Spade wherewith when any is dead they find the place of his graue marked Besides other Fishes in this Iland is great plenty of Whales Sixetéene miles from Rona West lyes Suilkeraia a mile of length but in it growes no kind of Hearbe not so much as Hadder Sea Fowles lay Egges there and doe hatch They of Leogus next neighbours vnto it get great profit thereby In that Iland is séene a rare kind of Fowle vnknowne to other Countreyes called Colca little lesse then a Goose they come in the Spring time euery yéere hatch and nourish their Young ones They cast their Feathers which haue no stalke like vnto downe Now follow the Iles of Orknay of olde called The Realme of the Picts lying scattered partly in the Deucalidon Sea partly in the Germane Seas The common people to this day are very carefull to kéepe the ancient frugality of their Predecessors and in that respect they continue in good health for the most part both in mind and body so that few dye of sicknesse but all for age They haue Barley and Oates whereof they make both bread and drinke They haue sufficient â—…ore of quicke goods Neate Shéepe and Goates great plenty of Milke Chéese and Butter They haue innumerable Sea Fowles whereof and of Fish for the most part they make their common foode There is no Uenemous Beast in Orknay There is is no kind of Trée except Hadder They haue an old Cup amongst them called Saint Magnus Cup the first man that brought the Christian Religion in that Countrey There are about 33. Ilands in Orknay whereof 13. are inhabited the remnant are reserued for nourishing of Cattell The greatest Ile is named Pomona The firme land thirtie miles of length sufficiently inhabited It hath 12. Countrey Parish Churches and one Towne called Kirkwaa In this Towne there are two Towers builded not farre the one from the other One of them appertaynes to the King the other appertaynes to the Bishop Betwixt these 2. Towers stands one Church very magnifique betwixt the Church and the Towers on eyther side are sundry goodly buildings which the Inhabitants name The Kings Towne and The Bishops Towne The whole Iland runnes out in Promontories or heads the Sea running in and makes sure Hauens for ships and Harbours for Boates. In 6. sundry places of this I le there are Mynes of good Lead and Tinne as is to be found in any part of Britayne This Iland is distant from Caithnes about 24. miles diuided by the Picts Sea In this Sea are diuers Ilands scattered here and there of whom Stroma lying 4. miles from Caithnes is one very fruitfull the Earles of Caithnes being Lords thereof Northward lyes South Ranalsa 5. miles long with a commodious Hauen with 2. little Ilands or Holmes good for Pastorage Toward the North lyes Burra Suna Flata Fara Hoia and VValles In these Ilands are the highest Hilles that are in all Orknay Hoia and Walles are 10. miles of length distant from Ranalsay eyght miles and more then twentie from Dunkirke in Caithnes North is the I le Granisa and Cobesa Siapinsa turning somewhat East lyes two miles from Kirkwaa euen oueragaynst it sixe miles of length Right West from Siapinsa are Garsa and Eglisa 4. miles of length In this Iland they say Saint Magnus is buried Next and somewhat neerer the continent land is Rusa foure miles of length and thrée miles of bredth well peopled Westward lyes the Iland Broca Some Ilands lye to the North as Stronza next Linga fiue miles of length and two of bredth Haa fiue miles of length and two of bredth By East lyes Fara And North from Fara lyes Wastra running out in the Sea in Promontories or heads Aboue Stronza at the East end of Etha lyes Sanda Northward 10. miles of length and foure of bredth most fertill of Cornes of all the Iles of Orknay but it hath no kind of fire within it making exchange of Cornes for Peats Beyond Sanda lyes North Ranalsaa 2. miles of length and two of bredth Upon the South siâ—…e of Pomona lyes Rusa 6. miles of length and from it Eastward Eglisa South Veragersa and not farre from it Westraa from which Hethland is distant 80. miles and Papastronza lyes 80. miles from Hethland In the midway betwixt lyes Fara that is the â—…yre Iland standing in the sight of Orknay and Hethland both it riseth in thrée Promontories or heads and shore Craig round about without any kind of entrance except at the Southeast where it growes little lower making a sure Harboroâ—… for small Boates. Next is the greatest Ile of all Hethland named The Mayne-land 16. miles of length There are sundry Promontories or heads in it specially two one long and small which runnes North the other broader in some part 16. miles runnes Northeast inhabited vpon the Sea coast There is good Fishing in all these parts the peoples commodity standing most by the Sea Ten miles North lyes Zeall 20. miles of length and 8. miles of bredth the Bremes Marchants doe bring all wares néedfull Betwixt this
the Rocke or Damme as he may and there aduenturing to leape ouer and vp into the Linne if he leape well at the first he obtayneth his desire if not he assayeth eâ—…soones the second or third time till he returne to his countrey A great Fish able to swimme agaynst the streame such as assay often to leape and cannot get ouer doe bruise themselues and become meazelled others that happen to fall vpon dry land a thing often séene are taken by the people watching their time some in Cawdrons of hot water with fire vnder them sit vpon shallow or dry places in hope to catch the fattest by reason of their waight that doe leape short The taste of these are estéemed most delicate and their prices commonly great In Scotland it is straightly inhibited to take any Salmond from the 8. of September vntill the 15. of Nouember Finally there is no man that knoweth readily whereon this Fish liueth for neuer was any thing yet found in their bellyes other then a thicke sâ—…ymy humour In the Deserts and wild places of Scotland there groweth an Hearbe of it selfe called Hadder or Hather very delicate for all kind of Cattell to féede vpon and also for diuers Fowles but Bées especially this Hearbe in Iune yéeldeth a purple flower as swéete as hunny whereof the Picts in times past did make a pleasant drinke and very wholesome for the body but since their time the maner of the making hereof is perished in the subuersiâ—…n of the Picts neyther shewed they euer the learning hereof to any but to their owne Nation There is no part of Scotland so vnprofitable if it were skilfully searched but it produceth either Iron or some other kind of Mettall as may be proued through all the Iles of Scotland A memoriall of the most rare and wonderfull things of Scotland AMong many commodityes that Scotland hath common with other Nations it is beautified with some rare gifts in it selfe wonderfull to consider as for example In Orknay the Ewes are of such fecundity that at euery Lambing time they produce at least two and ordinary thrée There bee neyther venemous nor rauenous Beasts bred there nor do liue there although they were trâ—…ported thither In Schetland the Iles called â—…hulae at the entring of the Sunne in Cancer the space of 20. dayes there appeares no night at all Among the Rockes growes the delectable Lambre called Succinum with great resort of the Mertrik for costly Furrings In the West and Northwest of Scotland there is a great repayring of the Erne of a maruelous nature the people are very curious to catch him punze his wings that hee flie not he is of a huge quantity a rauenous kind as the Hawkes and the same quality they do giue him such sort of meat in great quantity at once that he liues contented there with 14. 16. or 20. dayes and some of them a moneth their Feathers are good for garnishing of Arrowes for they receiue no rayne nor water but remayne alwayes of a durable estate and vncorruptible the people doe vse them eyther when they be a hunting or at warres In the most of the Riuers in Scotland beside the maruelous plenty of Salmond and other Fishes gotten there is a Shell Fish called The Horse-mussell of a great quantity wherein are ingendred innumerable faire beautifull dâ—…lectable Pearles conuenient for the pleasure of man and profitable for the vse of Physicke and some of them so fayre and polished that they may be equall to any Orientall Pearles And generally by the prouidence of Almighty God when dearth and scarcity of victuals are in the land then the Fishes are most plentifully taken for the support of the people In Galloway the one halfe of Loch Mirton doth neuer fréese By Innernes the Loch called Lochnes and the Riuer flowing from thence into the Sea doth neuer freese but on the contrary in the coldest dayes of winter the Loch and Riuer doe both smoke and réeke signifying vnto vs that there is a Myne of Brimstone vnder it of a hote quality In Carrik are Kyne and Oxen delicious to 〈◊〉 but their â—…esse is of a wonderfull temperature all other â—…estable Beasts fatnesse with the cold ayre doth congeale by the contrary the fatnes of these Beasts is perpetually liquid like Oyle The Woo and Parke of Commernauld is replenished with Kyne and Oxen and those at all times to this day haue béene wild of a wonderfull whitenes that there was neuer among all that huge number there so much as the smallest blacke spot found to be vpon one of their sainnes hornes or clâ—…e In Kyle is a Rocke of the height of 12. foote and as much of bredth called The deafe Craig for although a man should cryneuer so loude to his fellow from the one side to the other hee is not heard although hee would make the noyse of a Gunne In the Countrey of Stratherne vpon the water of Farg by Balâ—…ard there is a Stone called The Rock and Stone of a reasonable bignesse that if a man will push it with the least motion of his finger it will mooue very lightly but if he shall addresse his whole force he profits nothing which mooues many people to be wonderfull merry when they consider such contrariety In Lennox is a great Loch called Loch-lowmond 24. miles in length in bredth 8. miles contayning the number of 30. Iles In this Loch is obserued 3. wonderfull things The one is Fishes very delectable to eate that haue no fynnes to moue themselues withall as other Fishes do The second tempestuous Waues and Suâ—…ges of the water perpetually raging without winds that in the time of greatest calmes in the fayre pleasant time of SuÌ„â—…r when the ayre is quiet The third is one of these Iles that is not corroborat nor vnited to the ground but haue béene perpetually loose and although it be fertill of good grasse and replenished with Neate yet it moues by the waues of the water is transported sometimes towards one poynt and other whiles towards another In Argyle is a Stone found in diuers parts the which laid vnder Straw or Stubble doth consume them to fire by the great heat that it collects there In Buquhan at the demolished Castle of Slâ—… is a Caâ—… from the top whereof â—…illes water which in short time doth congeale to hard white stones the Caue is alwayes emptied In Louthian 2. miles from Edinburgh Southward is a Well spring called Saint Katherins Well flowing perpetually with a kind of blacke famesse or Oyle aboue the water procéeding as is thought of the Parret Coale being frequent in these parts this fatnes is of a marueilous nature for as the Coale whereof it procéedes is sudden to conceiue fire or flame so is this Oyle of a sudden operation to heale all salt scabs and humours that trouble the outward skinne of man commonly the head hands are quickly healed by this Oyle it renders a maruelous swéet smell At Abridene is a Well of marnelous good quality to dissolue the Stone to expell Sand from the Reyâ—…es Bladder good for the Collick being drunke in the moneth of Iuly a few dayes of August Little inferiour to the renomed water of the Spaw in Almaine In the North Seas of Scotland are great Clogâ—… of Timber sound in the which are maruelously ingendred a sort of Géese called Clayk Geese and doe hang by the beake till they bee of perfection oft times sound kept in admiration of their rare generation At Dumbartan directly vnder the Castle at the mouth of the Riuer of Clyde as it enters in the Sea there are a number of Clayk Geese black of colour which in the night time do gather great quantity of the crops of the grasse growing vpon the land and carry the same to the Sea then assembling in a round and with a wondrous curiostly do offer euery one his owne portion to the Sea floud there attend vpon the flowing of the tide till the grasse be purified from the fresh taste and turned to the salt and left any part thereof should escape they labour to hold it in with their nebs thereaster orderly euery Fowle eats his portion and this custome they obserue perpetually They are very fat delicious to be eaten FINIS Errata Pag. 〈◊〉 lin 〈◊〉 wordâ—… for wierds p. 42. l. 35. Malonus Malcolme p. 66. l. 35. buries beares p. 77. l. 10. Higger Bigger Ibid. l. â—…5 peece pâ—… p. 7â—… l. 〈◊〉 Tâ—… Tyâ—… p. 87. l. 17. hal-â—…ds halyards Ibid. l. 31. 32. Pictonweme Pittinweme Ibid l. 〈◊〉 bufy bufy p. 88. l. 〈◊〉 Kipper Kippo p. 92. l. 〈◊〉 Poâ—…yll Poâ—…yll p. â—…6 l. 1â—… new other 〈◊〉 Pag. 5. 〈◊〉 2â—… Rocira 〈◊〉 Roâ—…ia Ibid. 〈◊〉 2â—… Trondar for Trondra Printed at London by Simon Sâ—…afford Originall of the most ancient surname of Murrayes The originall of the noble surname of the Grahams The comming in of the Saxans in Brittaine The beginning of the League with Fraunce Beginning of the Normanes Originall of the noble surname of Hayes Original of the noble surnames of Keith Original of the royall and auncient name of Stewarts First Earles Originall of Surnames the time of the conquest Originall of the Perceyes Originall of the ancient noble and valiâ—…nt sùrname of Dowglasse Tewiotdail Liddisdail Eskdail Annandail Edinburgh West-Lothian Linlithgow The originall of the name of Wdny Rosse Sutherland Stranauern I le of Man pertayning now to England Arrane An ancient Castle Rosa. Iura Taxus like the Firâ—…e tree the fruit thereof is venemous Yla Iland like a Man The weauers Iland The Mule Buriall places of the Kings of Scotland Kings of Ireland Kings of Norway Horse Iland Swine Iland Iland of Pigmeis Lewis Rona A maruell Colca 〈◊〉 fowle vn knowne Orknay Saint Magnus Cup. Kirkwaa Hethland Wild Horses Wolues Foxes Three sort of Dogs Otter Sleuthhound Capercaily Moore Cocke Blacke Cocke Salmond Haddeâ—… The Erne Pearles Lochmirton Lochnes White Kyne Oxen. Deafe Craig Rockand Stone LochlowmoÌ„d S. Katherins well The Well at Abridene Clayk Geese Blacke Clayk Geese
damage of his people The Picts assembled an army wich many Britaines concurring to their support appear'd on eyther side a wicked vnnatural battel between two confederate people friends fathers and sonnes The Pictes came first iâ—…o the Scots lands against whom with no lesse courage then manhood the King with his valiant Scots with auncient armes displayed in forme of a Banner in which was a â—…dde Lion Rampant in a fielde of golde whilst the Scots and Pictes were in array in each others fight the armie of Britaines stood in array also deuising what way they might destroy them both with fâ—…me purpose when the Scots and Pcties were vanquished the one by the other that the party victorious should vtterly bee destroyed by their fresh army and when both these peoples were destroyed by this fleight the Britaines might enioy both their Realmes in Albion without any impediment This subtill sleight was discoured to King Fergusius by a banished Britaine through which both the armies moued no lesse by feare of enemies then by their own proper damage prolonged the battell certaine dayes King Fergusius desiring communication with the King of Picts who willingly with some of his Nobles had communication a long time together after long conference and deliberate consultation with their Counsellors on both parties and ruefull crying of the Pictes wiues being the Scottes daughters peace was finally concluded betweene the two confederate people vnder these conditions redresse of all iniuries being made on all parties The Britaines mouers of this battaile shall be reputed enemies to them both all other charges to be at the pleasure and will of the two Kings And when any enemy occurred that they and their people should conioine together vnder one minde and ordinance This peace being more strongly corroborate the Kings returned home King Fergusius in a most dangerous battell assisted by the Pictes vanquished the Britains which time King Coyl or Chimarus vnwatily kept by his Nobles was killed in the land after his name then called Coyll now Kyle in Scotland After this victory the King called his whole Nobles and Subiects to a general conuention and hee making a large and plausible Oration and speech the Nobles and Subiects condiscended and agreed that King Fergusius and his posterity should possesse the Crowne of Scotland whereupon Charters and Euidences were graunted to him and his sucessors for euer The Kingdome of Scotland being confirmed to King Fergusius his heyres and successors with deliberate counsell of his Nobles he diuided the whole lands then inhabited by the Scots amongst his Nobles and Captaines of the Tribes by lots or cauils The first lot chanced or fell vnto Cornath Captaine and his Tribe the land of Caithnes lying ouer against Orkeney betweene Dum misbye and the riuer of Thane Secondly to Captaine Lutorke the landes betweene the water of Thane Nesse now called ROS This Lutorke came with a band of valiantmen out of Ireland with King Fergusius into Albion This land of Ros lyeth in breadth from Cromarte to the water of Lochtie In this countrey was the famous Castle of Vrquhart of which the ruinous walles remaine in great admiration Thirdly to Captaine Warroth the lands lying betweene Spey and Neffe from the Almaine to the Irish Seas the people inhabitants of this part after their Captaine were called Wars being seditious they were expelled and the Murrayes possessed that land and called the same land Murray land Fourthly to Captaine Thalis the lands of Boyne Aynie Bogewall Gariot Formartyn and Bowquhan These landes were then called vnder one name Thalia by the name of their Captaine Fiftly to Captaine Martach all the lands of Marre Badzenoth and Loth Quhabar The sixth to Captaine Nouance the landes of Lorne and Kyntier with the high places and mountaines thereof lying from Marre to the Irish Seas The seauenth to Atholus the lands of Athole for he was descended of the Scots of Spain and came out of Spaine into Ireland and with Fergusius he came into Scotland The eight to Creones and Epidithes two Captaines of the Tribes the lands of Strabrawne and Braidawane lying West from Dunkeld The ninth to Captaine Argathelus the lands of Ardgile his people were named Argatheles from Gathelus their first progenitour but now they are called men of Ardgile The tenth to Captaine Lolgonas the lands of Leuenox and Cliddisdale The eleuenth to Captaine Silurch the lands of Siluria which Region is now diuided into Kyle Carrike and Cunningham the inhabitants were right ingenuous and strong The twelfth to the Brigandes the lands of Brigance now called Golloway King Fergusius after the diuiding of these lands he instituted lawes to represse vice he builded the Castle of Berigone in Longhquhaber He past the remanent of his dayes in good peace with the Britaines and Pictes At the last he was elected as Iudge arbitrall to discerne vpon certaine high Controuersies chancing amongst his friends in Ireland He accompanied with certaine of his Nobles past into Ireland and pacified them of all matters returning home by a very dangerous tempest perished with all his Nobles that were in his company vpon a rocke in the Sea called after his name Craigfergus the fiue and twentieth yeare of his raigne In his raigne was Morindus King of Britaines and Cruthneus Camelon King of Pictes who builded vpon the water of Carron the Citie of Camelon the principall and strongest Citie of the Pictes which resisted the Romanes and Britaines vntill that Kenneth King of Scotland who exiled the Pictes out of Albion brought it vnto vtter subuersion This Cruthneus Camelon builded also the towne and Castle of Edinburgh sometime called the mayden Castle for all the noble young women of the Pictes were nourished and learned in all skilfull labour of their hands vntill they were ready to marry Fergusius departing this present life as aforesaid a conuention was holden by the Nobles for election of a King After a long disputation and reasoning it was concluded by plaine consent of Parliament and enacted when it hapned their King to decease and hauing heyres gotten of his body being children the neerest of the Kings bloud and fittest to doe iustice shall possesse the Crowne for his time after his death the Kings sonne shall succeed to the crown without impediment if he were able thereto by the same acte it was prohibited children to be Kings This custome endured long time which raised much discord in this Realme of Scotland for the fathers brother raigning in the minority of his Nephew cast his chiefest busines to destroy him and likewise the Nephew to the fathers brother for ambition of the Crowne through which occurreth continuall killing of Kings and Nobles to the great damage of the Realme and Common wealth 2 FEZITHARIS brother to Fergusius by the aforesaid act began his raigne the yeare of the world 3666. before the comming of Christ 305. yeares from the beginning of the raigne of Scotland 26. yeares he was a good King and seuere Iusticer and was
and so endlong in the Meir ditch till it fall in the riuer of Carshope and downe Carshope while it fall in Liddail and downe Liddail while Eske and Liddail meete and taking Aiffe at the north side of Eske goeth endlong a ditch while it come to the riuer of Sarke and so downe Sarke while it fall in Sulwait where the waters of Annan and Nith running seuerally in Sulway all in one channell in the Irish Sea maketh plentie of fishes also by â—…owing and ebbing of furious tides made through many lands ends and partly by inundation of the said waters there is very dangerous quicke sands called Sulway sands that no man may passe safely ouer them without perill except they haue one accustomed guide because of sinking holes that are frequent in them being euery tyde ouerflowed with the Sea The trauellers take their iourney through them at a low or ebbe water if any man or horse fall in his fellow trauellers casting their clokes or other clothes about that part where he sinkes in and so running often about the sand swels vp in a height and so vomits out that which is fallen in the sinking hole Vpon the banckes of Sulway in Iune and Iuly the countrey people gather vp the sand within the flood-marke bringing it to land and laying it in great heapes There after taking the salt spring water and casting it vpon the sand with a certaine deuice causing the water to runne through the sand to a hollow pit purposely made to receiue the water which water being boiled in a little vessell of lead there is made thereof good white salt and sometimes gray salt after the temperance of the weather This part is called the salt â—…oats The reason of the variation of the foresaid Marches was vpon diuers debates and controuersies arising betwixt the borderers of both the Realmes which being referred to the arbitrâ—…ment of sundry Commissioners of both the Nations were set down according to the power of the parties Thus the Marches being set forth particularly beginning at the Mers wherein at the mouth of Tweede stands the auncient and martiall towne of Barwicke and strong Castle well walled and strengthned the chiefe town of the Mers the Scottish Sea on the East Next is the towne of Haymouth with the Castles of Aytowne Hutonhall Manderâ—…own Cockburne Easter and Wester Nisbets with Wedderlie the towne and Abbey of Coldingham by the Sea South-west from Barwicke lies the towne of Duns the towne of Langton with the Castle the Abbeyes of Coldstreame and Ecklis demolished the Castles of Craighame the Earle of Homes principall Residence and Wedderburne the very strong Castle of Fastcastle The riuers in the Mers are Ei Whittitur Blakitur and Ednem water This countrey is plenteous and abundant in all things necessary for the vse of man West from the Mers lies Tewiotdail Liddisdail Ewisdail Eskdail Wauchopdail and Annandail taking their names from Tâ—…ot Liddil Ews Eske Wauchope and Annan running seueraily through the said Dailes In Tewiotdail lies the auncient strong Castle of Roxbourgh demolished The Castle of Cesfurd the Lord of Roxbourgh speciall Residence the Castles of Little-deane and Makerstowne the auncient towne and Abbey of Kelso with the Castle of Flures the towne and Abbey of Iedbourgh the Castles of Bown-iedburgh Hunthill Huâ—…delie Crailing and Edyarstowne with many other stone strong houses tedious to describe the Towne and Abbey of Melrose the Towne and Abbey of Driburgh the Towne of Hawicke the Castles of Kaiwers and Branxholme the Lord of Balcleuchs special Residence The Riuers in Tewiotdail are Tiot Tweed Kail Auchnom Ied Rewl Slitricke Borthuike and Eall In Liddisdail is the auncient Castle of Harmetage The Castles of Prickinhauch Mangerstowne and Whittow In Eskdail is the Castle of Langhome In Annundaile is the Castle of Lochmabane inuironed with a number of Loches replenished with diuers goodly fishes The Lord Maxwels speciall residence The townes of Annandaile are the towne of Annanwich a strong demolished Castle the towne of Lochmabane the towne of Moffat the Castles of Bonschaw Newby Bred-kirk Hoddon Howmanis and Hoddamstans next standeth the watch tower of Repentance The Castles of Loch-house Loch-wood Speldings Ros and Kirk-Michael The riuers in Annandaile are Annan Sark Kirtill milk Ey Kinnill Ewan and Moffat a fertile countrie and good for pastoring West from Annandaile lies Niddisdaile taking the name from the water of Nith where stands the towne and Castle of Dumfreis with a pleasant bridge of large fine stones the towne and castle of Sanquhar The Lord Sanquhars speciall residence the town of Disdeare the Colledge of Lincluden the Abbey of Haliwode In Niddisdaile are diuers ancient houses and Castles demolished And yet standing the strong Castle of Carlauerock the ancient Castle of Drumlainrig and Disdeir the ancient Castle of Mortoun demolished the Castles of Closburn the Castle of Torthorrall the Lord of Torthorrails principall residence the Castles of Muswell and Glencarne North from Niddisdaile a little inclining to the East lies Cliddisdaile Cliddisdaile taking the name from the riuer Clyde beginning at Crawfurd moore wherein lies Crawfert-Iohn Dowglasdale Ewendaile Carne-wath moore Bodwell moore the townes of Cliddisdaile are Lanarke Hamilton towne and Palice The Marquesse of Hamiltons speciall residence with the Castle demolished Boithwell with the Colledge The Citie and Castle of Glasgow the Archbishop seate verie populous with a sumptuous Cathedrall Church containing a lower and ouer Church couered with lead also a flourishing Vniuersitie in liberall sciences and Theology adiacient to this Citie is a large stone bridge ouer the riuer Clide wherein falles diuers other the riuers as Ewen Dowglasseâ—… Lismehago there is an Abbey of the same name the water of Ewan the water of Cadder the two Maidens and Cutter water In Cliddisdaile is the Castle of Crawfurde the ancient Castle of Dowglasse the Earle of Anguish principall residence The Castles of Crawfurd-Iohn Lamington Couthley the strong Castle of Draffan This countrey is plentifull of all necessaries In the ouer ward of Cliddisdaile there is a hill or mount where ouâ—… springs three riuers Tweed running in the Scottish Sea Annâ—…n in the Irish Sea and Clide in the great Ocean South-East from Cliddisdaile lyeth Tweddaile named so from Tweed the speciall towne is Peblis with a religious house called the Crose Church and the Castle of Drochellis with the strong Castle of Neidâ—…eth the Lord Zâ—…steris residence The Castles of Traquhair Grisum Ormstoun Horsburge Dawicke Dremmelger Smithfield Cringeltie and Dearn-hall The waters of Tweddaile are Tweede Quair Mamier Higger Tarffe Lyne Peblis water and Lithnops This countrey is good for pasturing East from Tweddaile lieth Heriot moore Galla water and Lauderdaile with the towne and Castle of Lauder taking the name from the water of Lidder there being pendicles of other Shieres I omit particularly to describe them South from Tweddaile lieth forrest Shyre â—…he speciall towne is Sel-kirk three miles distant therefrom is the old Castle of
Neuwark There is two goodly Riuers Zara and Ethrik both falling in Tweede Zara cometh out of a great Loth called the Loth of the Lowis wherein is abundāce of fishes this country is also good for pasturing Lothian taking the name from Loth King of the Pi◅s is deuided from the Mers by one part called the Easter peece by Lammer-mure on the South from Tweddaile on the Southwest In East Lothian are the Castles of Dunglasse Innerwick Broxmouth and Spot Stanypeth Waigtoun Whittingham Nunraw Harmostoun Saltoun Kieto Winttoun Ormestoun the townes in Lothian are Dumbarre with a stong Castle demolished the townes of Tuningham and North Barwicke with an Abbey Dirltoun and Castle Fentoun towne and Castle Seitoun towne and Pallace The Earle of Winton speciall residence the strong hold and Castle of Tamtalloun the towne of Aber-Lady Haddingtun towne and Abbey the Castle of Lethingtoun the Lord Thirlstans speciall residence the the castle of Creichtoun Sowtray Abbey the towne of Prestoun with the castle the towne of Prestoun pannes the townes of Tranent Mussilburgh and Enneresk The towne of Dalkenh with the castle the Earle of Mortons speciall residence the towne of New-botlie with the Abbey The Earle Lothians residence the towne of Letth a commodious hauen for ships and the Sea port of Edinburgh right well shipped Edinburgh the speciall and headburgh in Scotland chiefe Iustice seate of the Realme strongelie builded with stone The most part of the houses are fiue sixe or seuen stories high wherein is a goodly Vniuersity florishing in all sciences for instruction of the youth fortified on the West with a most strong Castle builded vpon a high rock kept by the Kings Captains which Castle commands the said burgh called of old the Maiden Castle founded by Cruthneus Camelon the first King of Picts Before the birth of our Sauiour 330 yeares Circuite vpon the East South and West with a stone wall and vpon the North strengthned with a Loch It is also decored with the kings Pallace and Abbey of Holy Rood-house vpon the East part within seuen miles to this burgh vpon the East South and West parts and within two miles vpon the North part there is of Noble and Gentlemens Pallaces Castles and strong builded Towres and stone houses not as yet nominated aboue an hundreth Also the towne of Cramond lying vpon Almond The riuers in Lothiane are Tene Aske the riuer of Leith the water of Almond Lothiane is very plenteous right abundant in all things necessary for the vse and sustentation of man Next East Lothian lies in West Lothian the Shirifdome of Linlithgow with the towne of Linlithgow and the most pleasant Kings Pallace with a very commodious Parke and Loch vnder the Pallace wall Not farre distant is the strong Fortresse and Castle of Blacknesse inuironed with the Sea The ancient demolished Castle of Abercorne the towne of the Queenes ferry The Castles of Dundas Barnbugall Cragiehall Didestowne Newlistowne the towne of Kirklistown the Castles of Neddrie Cadder Torphican Kinneil the towne of Bareston Nes. Auenne water whereon there is a stone bridge deuides Sterling shire from west Lothean at the South the Firth or Forth at the East which Firth piece and prede becommes narrow till it grow to the quantity of a reasonable Riuer neerer vnto Striueling bridge There is but one water worthy to make account of that runnes thorow it named Carron There are two little earthen knols builded as may appeare by men being auncient monuments called Duini pacis that is the knols of peace Two miles downward vpon the same water there is a round building without lime made of hard stone in such sort that one part of the vppermost stones i◅denied with the stone that lies directly vnder it so that the whole worke by this coniunction mutuall and burthen of the stones vphold it selfe growing narrow by little and little from the ground to the head where it is open like a Doue-coat The common people call it Anthurs Ouen Vpon Carson was situate the famous Citie of Camelon chiefe citie of the Pictes founded by Cruthneus Camelon afore the birth of Christ three hundred and thirty yeares destroyed and abolished by King Kenneth the great about the yeare of Christ 846. In this country is the Abbey of Manwell the Castles of Haning Powerile and Cummernald the Earle of Wigtowns Residence with the woode the ◅ore wood and tore wood side the towne of Falkirk the Castles of Kers and Calender the Earle of Linlithgow Residence The Castles of Donipace Harbertshire west Quarter Arth Poffowles Carnoke Bruse Castle the Palace of Elphigstowne the Lord Elphingstones residence the Castles and Towers of Easter and Wester Polmais and Chattrishall the auncient towne with the most strong fortiesse and Castle and sumptuous Palace of Striueling builded vpon a high rock with a pleasant and commodious Parke vnder the Castle wall In this shire is the Castles and Towres of Towch Gargunnok Broich Lekke Dundaffe Kilsyith Manners and Powes Beyond the bridge of Striueling lies the Abbey of Cambus Kinneth with the Castle the Towne and Castle of Alloway the Towne and Castle of Clackmannan the Castles of Tulliallan Sawchy Blair Valeyfeild Kinnedder Aikinhed Menstre the town and Abbey of Culrosh with the new builded Palace Next adiacent to Striueling shire lies Lennox diuided from the Barony of Renfrew by Clyde from Glasgow by the water of Heluin at the foote of the hilles of Grangebean Loch-lomond runnes downe a low valley foure and twenty miles of length and eight of breadth hauing more then twenty foure Islands within the same This Lo◅ besides abundance of other fishes hath a kinde of fish of the owne named Pollac very pleasant to eate the water of Leuin runneth out of Loch-lomond Southward which water hath giuen the name to the country running so strong that no man without danger may passe the same Lenin entreth into Clyde neere to the most strong and inuincible fortresse and Castle of Dumbarton standing vpon very high Rockes with abundance of fresh water springs one spring being in Summer wholsome cold and in winter sweete warme no rocke nor hill being within more as a mile to the foresaid strength and Castle Next adiacent is the towne of Dunbarton pleasantly situate vpon the Riuer of Leuin the principall towne in the Duchie of Lennox within the which there is many strong Castles Towers and stone houses as the Castles and Towers of Kirkmichael Rosdo Tarbat Arnecaple Kilmahow Ardeth Kilmarannoch Buquhannane Drummakeil Cragiuarne Ballindalloch Kilcroch Balglas Fentrie Duntreith Craigbarnut Clorct Woodhed Cochnoch Balquhannaran Drumry Dunglas with sundry others tedious to declare The Duke of Lennox is superior to the most part of the Gentlemen inhabitants in this countrey and many in the Barony Next lies the Barony of Renfrew taking the name from the towne of Renfrew wherein the Session of Iustice is kept to the Countrey It is diuided in the midst by two waters both called Carth.
Falkland with the kings Palace with a pleasant parke aboundant with Deares and other wilde beasts The towne Stramiglo with the Castle the Loch of Rossy with the Tower thereof Hill-Carney and Nachtoun The two promontories called the Loumonds the towne of Leslie with the Castle the Castles of Straith-Endrie and Arnat the Loch of Inchgaw with the Castle within the Castles of Dowhill Killerny Ady Cleisch the Loch of Loch-lewin with a strong Castle aboundant in all fresh fishes with the New-house adiacent thereto the Castle of Burley the Lord Burleyes residence the Castle of Balluaird the towne of Newbrough the Abbey of Lundors the Lord of Lundors residence The Castle of Bambreich the Earle of Routhous speciall residence The Abbey of Balmerinoch The Castles of Collarny Ferne Perbroth Mordocarny Maquhany Forret Kynneir the towne of Lucers with the Castle the Castles of Earleshall Colluthy the townes of East and West Ferreis the riuers in Fyiff are Lewin Eddin Ore Lochty the two Quichis the waters of Largo Kendlie and Stramiglo This countrey is abundant in cornes fruits bestiall and all sort of fishes with abundance of coale and salt and all the aforesaid Sea townes very populous and wel shipped Straitherne taking name from Erne which runneth out of Locherne The principal country of Perth-shire is diuided on the South from part of Fiffe Kinroshire Clakmananshire by the Ochel hilles the tops of the hils seruing for march for as the water springs doe fall towards the North they belong to Straithern and as they fall towards the South they appertaine to Kinroshire Culroshire and Clakmananshire by ambitiō diuided in old times all their three shires were vnder the iurisdiction of Perth The Stewartrie of Mentieth liand in Perth shire wherein lies the Abbey of Inch-mahomo with the castles and towers of Cardrose Archopple Balinton Quolze Burnbanke Row Keir Knockhill Calendar Leny Cambusmore Torre and Lainricke lying vpon Teith water giuing the name to Montieth The strong Fort and castle of Downe Nowtowne Argatie and Kirk-bryd the Earle of Monteiths residence Next lies in Perthshire the citie of Dumblane the Bishop of Dumblans residence the castles and towers of Kippinrose Cromlix Buttergasse and castle Campbell Returning to the towne of Abirnethy sometime the Metropolitane citie of the Pictes liand in Straithern marching with Fiffe where the Earle of Angusse hath there Sepulchres By Mugdrum and Balgony runneth the riuer of Erne in Tay which is the greatest riuer in Scotland At the foote of the Ochellis lies the castles towers of Craigpotte Knight-potte Fordel Ardrose Balmanno Exmagirdle and Forgon where the water of Meth flowed from the Ochellis giuing name to the castle of Innermeth the Lord of Innermeths residence The castles and Towers of Condie Keltie Garuoke Duncrub Newtowne Glenaigles the towne of Doning and Auchtirardour the castle of Kincardin the Earle of Montroze speciall residence the castles of nether Gaske and Tullibardin the Earle of Tullibardin speciall residence the castles and towers of Aurchtermachonie Orchell Pannels Ardoch Braikoch and Craigrossie The castle of Drymmen the Earle of Perths residence the castles and towers of Balloch Petkellany and Boreland Betwixt Erne and Tay lieth Easter and Wester Rindes the castles and towers of Fingaske Kinmonth Elcho Abbey and castle Easter and Wester Montcreiffis Malar Petthewles Balhoussie the ancient bourgh of Perth pleasantly situate vpon the riuer of Tay betwixt two commodious greene fields or Inches founded by King William sirnamed the Lion after the abolishing of the castle of Bertha by inundation of waters about the yeare of Christ 1210. the King giuing great and ample priuiledges to the said burgh decored with a large and long stone bridge ouer Tay of eleuen Arches partly decayed now reedifying hauing reasonable commodities for shipping with goodly fishings of olde decored with sundry Monasteries and specially the Charterhouse now demolished The strong castle of Dupplin the Lord Oliphants speciall residence the castles of Huntingtore of olde called Ruthwen the castles and towers of Methwen Bachilton Logyalmond Cultmalindis Tibbermure Tibbermallow Keillour Gorthy Trewn and Strowane the town of Fowlis the castles and towers of Cultoquhay Abircarny Inchbreky Monyuard Carriwechter Fordee Comrre Williamstowne and Durndone with the town of Creiffe Octhirtyre and Milnabe the abbey of Incheffrey the Lord of Incheffreyes residence Innerpeffry the Lord of Mathertyes speciall dwelling Betwixt Almond and Tay lies the Stormond of Straitherne wherein is the castles and towres of Strathurd vpper Bāchels Inchstrewy Ochtirgewin Arlywicht Tullibeltane Innernytie Inchstuthil Murthlie the auncient demolished castle of Kinclewin where the water of Ila runneth in Tay. In their countries are the riuers of Farg Meth Erne Vrdachy Schiochy and Lochtre falling in Almond where Lous werke made of stone receiues a great channell of water passing to Perth whereon stands many mils and filling the ditches to Spey tower the rest of Perth is compassed with a stone wal The citie of Dunkeld the Bishops seat situate vpon Tay with little Dunkeld the water of Brane fals in Tay giuing the name to Straitbrane wherein is the castle of Trocharry adiacent to Dunkeld lies the castles and towers of Rotmell Carny Cluny Loch and castle Gowrdy Mekilhour Lethandy Glesclun Drumlochy Gormoke Blair Ardblair Craighall Rettray and Forde In Straithardell named from the water of Ardell lies the castles and towers of Morkley Assintulle and Innerthrosky in Athole liand in Perthshire is the great and strong castle of Blair the Earle of Atholes speciall residence the castles and towers of Strowane Ballachan Balladmyn the olde demolished castle of Muling the old demolished castle of Logyrait where the water of Tynmell flowers in Tay the Castles of Garntully the strong fortresse of Garth vpon a great rock the Castles of Weme Balloch Finlarge Glanurquhar Lawers and Miggerny in Glenlyon where the water of Lyon runneth in Tay. The water of Tay commeth forth of Lochtay in Broad-Albin which Loch is foure and twentie miles of length There is other countries as Rannoch Balquhidder lying betwixt Athole Argyle Lorne and Lochaber vnknowne to the Author Returning to Gowry and the rest of Perthshire lying betwix Tay and Angusse where lies the Castles and Towers of Stobhall Campsey Byrs Petcur Ruthwens Banff Camno Balgillo Moncur Inchstur the ancient and renowned Abbey of Scone where the kings of Scotland were crowned from the exterminion of the Picts vnto the time of King Robert Bruse at which time the fatall Marble chaire was transported to Westminster by Edward the first surnamed Longshanks King of England This Abbey was sumptuously builded now wholy decayed a part whereof is reedified and pleasantly repaired by the Lord of Scone being his speciall residence The Castles and towres of Poknyll Pitsindy Balthiok Rait Kilspindie Fingask Kynnarde Meginshe Murey Hill Petfour the towne and Pallace of Arroll the Earle of Arrols residence Leyis Inchmartine Monorgund Huntley and Innergowry These countreyes all in Perthshire are right plenteous and abundant in all kind of cornes bestiall
and all sort of fishes and all other necessaries for the sustentation of man and Athole abounds in all kind of wild beasts and fowles with wild horses Next adiacent to Gowry lies Angusse beginning at the bridge of Innergowry with the Castle of Fowles the Lord Grayes residence the Castles of Balfour Lundy and Dinnun The towne of Kethens the towne and Abbey of Copar the Castle of Newtyle the towne and Castle of Glammis the Lord Glammis speciall residence The towne of Killy-mure the Castles and Towers of Lowry Brigtoun Thorntoun Innerrichtie Kilkaudrum and Quich Clouoy with parks and woods Innerquharitie and Quich Glen-Ilay Wain Dysart Rossie the Castle of Fyn-heauin the Earle of Crawfurds speciall residence The Castles and Towers of Melgund Flemyngtoun Woodwre Bannabreich old Bar with the Parke Carrestoun and Balhall the Citie and Castle of Brechin the Bishops residence The Castles and Towers of Dun Craig Edzell Balzordy and Newtoun The towne or brugh of Dunde strongly builded with stone houses right populous and industrious with good shipping and a commodious hauen a pleasant Church with a right high stone steeple the castles of Duddope and Autherhouse the Earle of Buquhans special residence The Castles towers of Strickmartin Clawers Mayns wester Ogyll Ballumby and Claypottes the strong fortresse Castle of Bruchty vpon a rocke inuironed with the Sea The townes of north Ferrey and Monyfuth the Castles and townes of Auchinleck Easter and Wester Powreis Glen Drumkilbo and Teling The towne of Forfarre with a demolished Castle with a Loch and an I le therein with a Tower Cassie Logymegle Barnzstaird Innerkelour the demolished Abbey of Resenneth with a Loch and the Loch of Reskobow the Castles and Towers of Woodend Balmeshannoch Hakerstoun Balmady with a Loch Balgayis demolished the Castles and Towers of Turings Carsegowny Guthrie Garne Fernell and Boshane The Lord Ogilbies speciall residence the townes of Barre and Panbryde the Castles of Duniken Pammure and Kelly the towne and ancient Abbey of Abirtrothok with the Castle the Castle of Lethame and Ethy where a Falcon engendes yearely vpon a high rocke past memorie of man The Castles and Towers of Enblackmond Callistoun Bisack Ardbeky and the red Castle the Castles and Towers of Dunnenald Vsum Craig Bonytoun and Kinnarde The ancient towne of Mont-Rosse with a commodious harbery for shipping and well shipped this towne is all builded with stone and populous aboundant with all kinde of fishes the towne and Castle of olde Mount-Rosse and the Castle of Westerbracky The riuers in Anglusse are the water of Innergowery deuiding Gowry from Angusse The riuers of Dichty Carbat Ila Brothat Lunnen North and South Askis This countrey of Angusse is plentifull and abundant in all kinde of cornes great store of bestiall with all sort of fishes withall other commodities necessary for man Next adiacent to Angus is the Mernis where are the townes Kincardin Fordoun Beruy Cowey and Stanehyue Galguein with the Castles of Halgrein and Lowristoun the most strong Castle of Dunotter with many pleasant buildings within the same situate vpon a Rocke inuironed with the Ocean sea and well furnished with Ordinance and all warlike prouision for defence the Earle Martiall his residence with the Castle Fatteresso there is also the Castles of Glenberuy Puttarrow Arbuthnet Thornntoun Balbegenat Hakertoun Morphie Benholme Allardes and Maters This countrey is plentious of Beere and wheat abounding in bestiall and fishes The Barrons and Gentlemen deteste contention in law remitting and submitting alwaies their actions debatable to amicable arbitrements among themselues North from the Mernis is the mouth of the water of Dee where is situate the ancient burgh and merchant towne of Abirdene wel builded renowned for the Salmond-fishing thereof well shipped it hath a florishing Vniueruersitie for instruction of the youth a pleasant bridge builded of stones at the mouth of the riuer Done is situate the old Citie of Aberdone which is the Bishops seate where also is a goodly Colledge for learning in sciences specially in Philosophy Betweene Dee and Done beginneth the countrey of Mar growing alwaies wider and wider till it be threescore miles length and comes to Badezenoch In Mar is the towne of Kinkardin of Neil the Castles of Drum Leyes Skein Monimusk Halforrest the towne of Kyntor the Castles of Abirgeldy Lenturke Corsse Aslun Kyndrymme Innerbuchat Cluny Corsinda Muchall Cragywar Torry and Cowgarth Klenkindy Buchholly and New Lochaber Badzenoch and Mar comprehends the breadth of Scotland betweene the two Seas Next Mar vpon the North lies the Gareoch wherein is the towne of Innerwry The Castles of Balquhan Fethernere Caskybane Auchenhuiff Meldrum Pitcaple Pittodrie Harthill not farre distant is the most high mountaine of Bannachy the highest mountaine in the North for saylers comming from the Easter seas takes vp land first by this mountaine The Castles of Lesly and Wardens the ancient Castle of Dinnedure vpon a high mountaine called the Golden Mountaine by reason of the sheepe that pastures thereupon Their teeth are so extraordinary yealow as if they were coloured with gold there is also the Castle of Drumminor the Lord Forbes residence Next Gareoch vpon the North-East lies Bucquhan wherein is situate the towne of Newburgh vpon the water of Itham aboundant in Salmond and other fishes the townes of Peterhead and Frisselburgh the Castles of Fophern Asselmond Arnage Tochone Kelly Straloch Vdney vpon the North-East side therof there is a rocke where are found sundry well coloured stones of diuers hewes very pleasant some quadrant pointed and transparant resembling much the orientall Diamond for they are proued to be better then eyther the Virginean or the Bohemian Diamond The time of the comming of Hengistus in Britaine there came with him one Noble Germane Prince called Woden about the yeare of Christ 477. as writeth Pomarius who adioyning their forces with Vortiger then King of the Britaine against the Scots and Picts continuing in their fury were called Vodenay conforme to the old Saxon language as writeth Olaus magnus Beda and Vliterpius of whom by long progression and abbreuiation of speech is descended the ancient name of Vdny There are also the Castles of Pitmedden Hadde Gicht Fywie the ancient Castle of Slanes watterton Enderrugy with the strong Castle of the Craig of Enderrugy The Castles of Fillorth Pitsligo Feddreth Towy Balquhaly Dalgatie the tower of Torrey and the Castle of Mures This countrey stretches farthest in the Germane seas of all the countries of Scotland fertile in store and cornes And in it selfe sufficient in all other commodities necessary for the countrey there is abundance of Salmon and other fishes taken in all the waters thereof except the water of Rattry whereunto this day there was neuer any Salmon seene Next Buehquhan vpon the North lies Boyne and Enze in Boyne In Boyne is the towne of Bamst and Castle thereof situate vpon the riuer of Diuern there is also the Castles of Boyne Findetar and Bogygieht with the towne
it Moâ—…ochasgia Drinacha full of Thornes and Bourtrée ouercouered with the ruines of old houses Wrichtâ—…un fertill of Wood. Item Ransa Kernera The greatest Iland next vnto Iura Westward is Yla foure and twentie miles in length and sixetéene of bredth extended from the South to the North abundant in store Cornes Déere and Lead there is a fresh water in it called Laiâ—… and a Créeke of salt water and therein are many Ilands There is also a fresh water Loch wherein stands the Iland named Falingania sometime the chiefe seate of all the Iles Men. There the Gouernour of the Iles vsurping the name of a King was wont to dwell Neere vnto this Iland and somewhat lesse then it is the round Iland taking the name from Counsell for therein was the Iustice seat and fouretéene of the most worthy of the Countrey did minister Iustice vnto all the rest continually and intreated of the waighty affayres of the Realme in Counsell whose great equitie and discretion kept peace both at home and abroad and with peace was the companion of peace abundance of all things Betwixt Ila and Iura lyes a little Iland taking the name from a Cairne of stones At the south of Ila doel ye Colurna Muluoris Ossuna Brigidana Corskera The low Iland â—…mersga Beathia Texa Ouicularia Noasiga Vinarda Caua Tarsheria The great Iland Auchnarra The Iland made like a Man The Iland of Iohn Sâ—…badis At the west corner of Ilâ—… Iyes Ouersa wherethâ—… Sea is most tempostuous and at certayne houres â—…gable The Marchants Iland and South westwards from it Vsâ—…brasta Tanasta and Nefa The Weauers Iland 8. miles from Ila somewhat North lyes Ornansa Next vnto it the Swines Iland Halfe a mile from Ornansa Colâ—…ansa North from Colâ—…ansa lyes the Mule 20. miles from Ila This I le is 24. miles of length and as much in bredth fruitfull of Cornes there are many Woods in it and many Heards of Déere and a good Hauen for Ships there are in it two waters well spred of Salmond Fishes and some stripes not empty thereof There are also two Loches in it and in euery one an Iland and in euery Iland a Tower The Sea running in this Iland at 4. sundry parts makes 4. salt water Loches therein all 4. abounding in Herring To the Northwest lyes Columbaria or the Dowe Iland to the Southeast Era both the one and the other profitable for Beaâ—…iall Corâ—… and for fishings From this Iland lyes the Iland of Sanctcolmâ—… two miles of length and more then a mile of bredth fertill of all things renowned by the ancient Monuments of the Countrey There were two Abbeyes in this Iland and a Court or a Parish Church with many Chappels builded of the liberality of the Kings of Scotland and Gouernours of the Iles. There is as yet remayning amongst the old Ruines a Buriall place or Church-yard common to all the Noble Families of the West Iles wherein there are thrée Tombes higher then the rest distant one from another a little space and thrée little Houses situated to the East builded seuerally vpon the thrée Tombes vpon the West side are stones grauen which stand in the middest bearing this title The Tombes of the Kings of Scotland It is sayd there were 48. Kings of Scotland buried there The Tombe vpon the rightside hath this inscription The Tombes of the Kings of Ireland It is recorded that there were foure Kings of Ireland buried there Upon the left side it hath this inscription The Tombes of the Kings of Norway The report is that there were 8. Kings of that Nation â—…uryed there The notable houses of the Iles haue their Tâ—…nbes in the rest of the Church-yard seuerally by themselues About this Iland and â—…re vnto it there are sâ—…e Ilands right fruitfull giuen by the ancient Kings of Scotland and Gouernours of the Iles to the Abbey of Sanctcolme Soâ—… is a very profitable ground for shéep but the chiefe commodityes of it consist in Sea Fowles that build thereâ—…t specially of their Egges Next vnto it is the I le of Women then Rudana Néere vnto it Beâ—…nira and from that Skennia halfe a mile distant from the Mule The Sea sides of it aboâ—… in Câ—…es Fiue miles hence lyeth Froâ—… All their Iles are subiect to Sanctcolmes Abbey Two miles from Fresa lyeth Vâ—…lua fiue miles of length fruitfull of Corne and shore with a commodious Hauen for Gallies or â—…ates Upon the South side of it lyeth Toluansa with a Wood of Nutâ—…s reasâ—…able fruitfull About thrée hundred paces from this Iland lyeth Gomatra two miles long and one mile broâ—…d extending from the North to the South From Goâ—… foure miles Southward lye two Sâ—…affae both full of â—…ing places From thence foure miles Southeast lye the two Keâ—…burgae the more and the lesse enuiâ—…oned with such shoâ—…e high and furious fide that by their owne naturall deâ—… supported somewhat by the industrie of man they are altogether inuincible One mile from them lyes an Iland the whole earth is blacâ—…e whereof the people make Peatâ—… for their 〈◊〉 Next lyeth Longa two miles of length and Bâ—…cha halfe as much From Bacha sixe miles lyes Tiria eyght miles in length and thrée in bredth most fertill of all the Ihonâ—…s it 〈◊〉 in store Cornes Fishings and Sea to wieâ—… In this â—…and there is a fresh water Lorh therein an old Castle with a good hauen for Boates. From this Iland two miles lies Sunna and from Sunna as farre lieth Colla 12. miles of length and 2. miles of breadth a fertill Iland Not farre from it is Culsa almost full of wood and then two Ilands named Mekle Viridis and Little Viridis Item other two of the same names Ouer-against the Mules head and not farre from it lye two Ilands named Glassae and then Arden-Eider that is the high land of the Rider Then Luparia or the Woolfe Iland and after it a great I le lying north from Colla extending East and West Then Ruma 16. miles in length and 6. in bredth the Sea-Fowles lay there Eggs here and there in the ground in the middest of Spring time when the Eggs are layd any man may take of them In the high Rocks the Solayne Géese are taken in aboundance From this Iland foure miles North-East-ward lyes the Horse Iland From it halfe a mile The Swine Iland fruitfull enough in all things necessary the Falcon builded in it with a good Hauen Not farre from it lyes Canna and Egga fertill enough In Egga are Solayne Gâ—…ese Soabrittella profitable for hunting From this Iland is the I le of Skye the greatest of all the Ilands that are about Scotland lying North and South 40. miles in length and 8. miles broad in some places and in other places 12. miles rising in Hills in sundry places full of Woods and Pastorage The ground thereof fertill in corne and store and besides all other kinds of bestiall fruitful of Mares for bréeding of
Iland and the Mayne-land lye Linga Orna Bigga Sanctferri Two miles Northward lyes Vnsta more then 20. miles of length and sixe miles of bredth a pleasant Countrey and playne Via and Vra are betwixt Vnsta and Zeall Skenna and Burna lye Westward from Vnsta Balta Hunega Forlora seuen miles long and seuen miles Eastward from Vnsta Mecla with the thrée Ilands of east Skennia â—…hualsa Nostwadâ—… Brasa and Musa vpon the West side lye West Scheâ—…niae Rorira little Papa Veneda great Papa Valla Trondar Burra great Haura little Haura and many other Holmes lying scattered amongst them The Hethlandish men vse the same kind of foode that the Orkney man vse but that they are more scarce in house kéeping In this Iland no kind of Shée Beast will liue 24. houres together except Ky Ewes Conyes and such like beasts as may be eaten The people are apparelled after the Almayne faâ—…ion and according to their substance not vnséemely Their commodity consisteth in course Cloth which they sell to Norway men with Fish Oyle and Butter They fish in little Cockboates bought from Norway men that make them they salt some of the Fish that they take and some of them they dry in the wind They sell thâ—…se Wares and pay their Masters with the siluer thereof ¶ Of the great plenty of Hares Red Deere and other wild Beasts in Scotland Of the strange propertyes of sundry Scottish Dogges And of the nature of Salmond HAuing made this speciall description of the Realme of Scotland Now touching some things concerning the same in generall In the Fields and in al places of the Countrey except the parts where continuall habitation of people makes impediment there is great abundance of Hares Red Déere Fallow Déere Roes Wild Horses Wolues and Foxes specially in the High Countreys of Athole Argyle Lorne Loch-aber Marre and Badzenoch where is sundry times séene 1500. Red Déere being hunted all together These Wild Horses are not gotten but by great sleight policy for in the Winter season the Inhabitants turne certayne tame Horses and Mares amongst them wherewith in the end they grow so familiar that they afterward go with them to fro and finally home into their Masters Yards where they bee taken and soone broken to their hands the Owners obtayning great profit thereby The Wâ—…lues are most fierce and noysome vnto the Heards and Flockes in all parts of Scotland Foxes doe much mischiefe in all steads chiefly in the Mountaynes where they be hardly hunted howbeit Arte hath deuised a meane to preuent their malice and to preserue the Poultry in some part and especially in Glenmoores euery house nourishes a young Foxe then killing the same they mixe the flesh thereof amongst such meate as they giue vnto the Fowles and other little bestiall And by this meanes so many Fowles or Cattel as eate hereof are safely preserued from the danger of the Foxe by the space of almost two moneths after so that they may wander whither they will for the Foxes smelling the flesh of their fellowes yet in their crops will in no wayes meddle with them but eschew and know such a one although it were among a hundred of other In Scotland are Dogs of marueylous condition aboue the nature of other Dogs The first is a Hound of great swiftnes hardines and strength fierce and cruel vpon all wild beasts and eger against Thieues that offer their masters any violence The second is a Rach or Hound very exquisite in following the foote which is called drawing whether it be of man or beast yea he will pursue any maner of fowle and find out whatsoeuer fish haunting the land or lurking amongst the Rocks specially the Otter by that excellent sent of smelling wherewith he is indewed The third sort is no greater then the aforesayd Raches in colour for the most part red with blacke spots or else blacke full of red marks These are so skilfull being vsed by practize that they will pursue a Thiefe or thiefe-stollen Goods in most precize maner and finding the trespasser with great audacity they will make a race vpon him or if he take the water for his safegard he shrinketh not to follow him and entering and issuing at the same places where the party went in and out he neuer ceaseth to range till he hath noysed his footing and be come to the place wherein the Thiefe is shrowded or hid These Dogs are called Sleuthhounds There was a Law amongst the borderers of England and Scotland that whosoeuer denyed entrance to such a Hound in pursute mads after Fellons and stollen goods should be holden as accessary vnto the theft or taken for the selfe same Thiefe Of Fowles such as I meane liue by prey there are sundry sorts in Scotland as Eagles Falcons Goâ—…hawks Sparhawks Marlions and such like but of water Fowles there is so great store that the report thereof may séeme to excéede all credit There are other kinds of Fowles the like are rare to be séene as the Capercaily greater in body then the Rauen liuing onely by the rindes barks of trées There are also many Moore Cockes and Hennes which abstayning from corne doe â—…éede onely vpon Hadder crops These two are very delicate in eating the third is reddish blacke of colour in quantity comparable to the Pheasant and no lesse delicious in taste and sauour at the table called The blacke or wilde Cocks Salmond is more plentifull in Scotland then in any other Region of the world in Haruest time they come from the Seas vp in smal Riuers where the waters are most shallow and there the Male and Female rubbing their bellies or wombs one agaynst the other they shed their Spawne which foorthwith they couer with sand and grauell and so depart away from hencefoorth they are gaunt and â—…lender and in appearance so leane appearing nought else but skin and bone and therefore out of vse and season to be eaten Some say if they touch any their full fellowes during the time of their leanenesse the same side which they touched will likewise become leane The foresayd Spawne and milt being hidden in the sand as you haue heard in the next â—…pring doth yéeld great numbers of little Fry so nesh and tender for a long time that till they come to be so great as a mans finger if you catch any of them they melt away as it were gelly or a blob of water from henceforth they go to the Sea where within 20. dayes they grow to a reasonable greatnesse and then returning to the place of their generation they shew a notable spectacle to be conâ—…idered There are many Linâ—…es or pâ—…oles which being in some places among the Rockes very shallow abouâ—… and déepe beneath with the fall of the water and thereto the Salmond not able to pierce through the channell eyther for swiftnesse of the course or depth of the discent hee goeth so nâ—…re vnto the side of