Printed: 2024-12-05
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Collection GD427 - Gillanders family of Highfield
Identity area
Reference code
GB 234 GD427
Title
Gillanders family of Highfield
Date(s)
- 1727-1835 (Creation)
Level of description
Collection
Extent and medium
2.32 linear metres
Context area
Name of creator
Gillanders of Highfield
(1727-1835)
Biographical history
The Gillanders of Highfield papers contain a comprehensive record of the Seaforth estates in Ross-shire and Lewis in the late 18th century under two successive generations of Gillanders factors. George Gillanders of Little Sauchen, Aberdeenshire, became factor of Lewis in 1761 on the death of the former factor, George Mackenzie. He continued to receive advice and guidance from the late factor's brother, Dr John Mackenzie of Strickathrow, commissioner to Seaforth. One of the most informative sections is the series of correspondence from Strickathrow to Gillanders. By 1765 Gillanders had assumed joint responsibility for the mainland estates (GD427/141). Subsequently his son, Alexander Gillanders, succeeded him as factor of Lewis, baron bailie and admiral substitute, while he continued to run Seaforth's estates from Brahan Castle. In 1779 George Gillanders purchased the estate of Highfield, Urray, Ross-shire, which remains in the Mackenzie-Gillanders family. The general factor's papers and correspondence show the struggle particularly on Lewis - for economic survival. The range of activities described includes herring, ling and salmon fishing, trading, salvage of whale and ship wrecks, cattle dealing and attempts to improve agriculture and promote manufacture, despite the islanders' opposition to the spinning factory. The kelp industry is particularly well covered. Correspondence, mainly from Sir John Inglis of Crammond, deals with the employment of kelpers, production, transport and sale of kelp and hazards from privateers. These letters have been retained with the kelp accounts to which they relate (GD427/105-38). Correspondence from Dr John Mackenzie (GD427/213-15) reveals the extent of financial pressure on Seaforth's estates, the commissioner's attitudes to the tenants and Gillanders' disputes with the custom house officers. The correspondence, including that from Dr Mackenzie and the Rev John Downie (GD427/216-220), provides a particularly vivid picture of 18th century Highland emigration to America (GD427/203-7, 211, 214-7) and annoyance at Seaforth's refusal to use military force to halt it. Together the estate and legal papers and correspondence provide an insight into the way of life of Seaforth's tenants. They reveal clan loyalties in changing circumstances; poverty, discontent, disturbances, crime and punishment; health, epidemics and inoculation; the church; drinking and illicit selling of alcohol; fear of press gangs; army recruitment and education. The factor's personal and household accounts and vouchers (GD427/99-104) show food and drink consumed; plants and vegetables bought and grown; clothes, books and journals acquired. The military papers and correspondence (GD427/295-308) cover the period 1778-94 and reflect the contributions of three successive Seaforth chiefs. Kenneth Mackenzie, created Viscount Fortrose in 1766 and Earl of Seaforth in 1771, raised the 78th - later 72nd - Foot of Seaforth Highlanders and died on his passage to the East Indies with the regiment in 1781. Thomas Frederick Mackenzie Humberston, who purchased the Seaforth estates from his cousin, the earl of the new creation, held commissions successively in 1st Dragoon Guards, 78th Foot and 100th Foot. He raised men for a battalion of foot in 1780 and died from wounds received at Geriah in 1783. His brother, Francis Humberston Mackenzie, 9th earl but for the attainder of 1716, raised the 78th Regiment of Foot (Seaforth Highlanders) of which he was appointed colonel. He was created Lord Seaforth, Baron Mackenzie of Kintail in 1797. Source: L De J April 1988
Repository
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Seaforth Estate papers, including, Lewis estate rentals 1740-1791; mainland (Ross-shire) estates rentals 1730-1787; Lewis estate tacks, sets and related papers 1752-1786; mainland (Ross-shire) estates tacks, sets and related papers 1766-1785; factor's annual accounts 1760-1795; estate cash books 1767-1775; livestock and agricultural accounts 1765-1787; miscellaneous estate accounts, receipts and vouchers 1760-1794; factor's personal and household accounts and vouchers 1761-1791; kelp accounts and correspondence 1765-1799; factorial and other commissions 1756-1779; general factor's papers 1727-1792. Factors' correspondence, including, letters to George Gillanders, factor, 1764-1796; factor's correspondence to Alexander Gillanders, Lewis, 1766-1794; letters to Seaforth, 1773-1793. Legal papers, including, contracts and agreements, 1768-1789; papers relating to local courts and litigation, 1754-1832. Military papers, including, papers relating to raising of 78th Highland Regiment of Foot (Seaforth Highlanders), 1778-1794; military correspondence to George Gillanders, Brahan Castle and Stornoway, 1777-1780. Gillanders of Highfield family and estate papers, Urray, Ross-shire, 1755-1835.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
OPen
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
- English
Script of material
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Paper records
Finding aids
Full catalogue available through National Records of Scotland online catalogue at http://www.nrscotland.gov.uk
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
- Gillanders of Highfield (Creator)