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The indications are that, in the
late 17th and early 18th centuries, the Sutherlands of Duffus did not reside
at Skelbo. However, it is said that Kenneth Lord Duffus, who succeeded in
1705, lived in the Mansion house of Skelbo prior to his fathers deaths. What
evidence there is suggests that his residence was not prolonged.
THe estate in Sutherland was managed by factors, most of whom were related
to Duffus. The factors appera to have possesd the Mains farm attached to
Sklebo House. It is possible that some resided in Skelbo house.
One such factor was alexander Sutherland of Procy. In 1684 he is described
as " Alexander Sutherland in Skelbow chamberland to Lord Duffus". The
factots, in 1688, were William Sutherland of Riarquhar who died in Febraury
1688, and Alexander Sutherland of Braegrudy, aged 58 in 1711. Apparently
possessed the Mains farm. They were succeeded by William Sutherland of Ham.
The factors were responsible for collecting the rents which would have been
paid in grain. In 1698 the grain from the estate was sold and shipped to a
brewer in Edinburgh.
The hearth tax return of 1691 lists a fair number of households in "Skelboe".
It must be remembered that the return covers what would have been a number
of seperate settlements, or groups of houses, as well as the mains Farm near
to the mansion house. Each household had one hearth unless stated.
James Inoull
John Rosse, Smith 2 house and smidie
James McThomas
John McKay
John Gun
James Caagach
James McAllister More
Angus Buy ther a poor man
Donald Buy
Angus McBean
Allexr Buy
Wm McAngus
John Mcean More
Donald McAngus
Angus Oge
Donald Tailzoer
John Tailzeor
Angus Grasich
Allexr McGillichallum
James Harper
Isobell Sutherland
Thomas Robstone
Finlay Dinguall
James Mcean More
James Chisolme house and Kiln
John Mcean vic Rorie
Alexr More
John Mchucheone
James Sutherland for housse and Mill
Pre 1708 mention of Angus Sutherland sometime grieve (Farm manager) of
Skelbo
1719-21 people living in Skelbo itself:
John Ross grieve in Skelbo
William Mouat maltster in Skelbo
John McEan voir there
3 maillers (people with very little land)
1743
Mains of Skelbo, Lord Duffus
Knockglass 4 tenants including:
John Mathewson
Alexander Mathewson
Coull
John Sutherland
1765
John Matheson tenant in Achandrew married aged 56
John Sutherland tenant in Knockglass
John Sutherland schoolmaster in Skelbo aged 70 plus.
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