The Invergordon Archive
No: 1634 Contributor: Jim Mackay Year: 1920
Milton, KildaryI recently purchased via e-bay this old postcard of Milton. Thought folk might like to see it. On the back it says "Published by M. Macrae, Kildary" which might approximately date it. Rather an odd card. Does anyone know when "M. Macrae Kildary" was active?
(The date is a guess - Site Admin.)
Picture added on 24 November 2014 at 12:06
Not that much different to when we visited friends there as children. Old Mrs Georgesons shop looks like a house & I believe it is back to being a house now. The Mill is just visible and the Inn is around the corner out of sight.
Added by Liz Taylor nee Askew on 01 January 2015
Picture jogged my memory back to the 1960s. The mill housed piggies (Jack Ross's) then and a visit there plus a wander round Mackays scrap yard after an afternoon at Nigg beach was a perfect weekend! My granda told me a huge hole in the wall at the corner was made by a wartime army vehicle - not sure why this seemed significant but it dad and such local details still do!
Added by Dave Fleming on 01 March 2016
Liz Taylor has one or two things wrong in her comments. The Old Coaching Inn is clearly visible, it is the white building to the left of the picture with one tiny window near the roof. It had stables to the rear and for a large part of his life a man named Ian Mackenzie lived in the stables. He had worked in a bank, and when the First World War broke out he volunteered even though he was in a reserve occupation and only 16. He lost an arm during the war, and lived in the stables with no water or electricity until he died in 1975 or 1976. He visited my family's shop, Balnagown Stores, twice every day for candles, paraffin, a pie, a Milky Way and a Daily Express.
Behind the group of women can be seen the current Milton Inn, and the Mill is out of site to the right of the Milton Inn hidden by the highest of the buildings. The mill was converted into flats many years ago.
The Well and Market Cross are still in the village, and a walk through the old village is very interesting.
Behind the group of women can be seen the current Milton Inn, and the Mill is out of site to the right of the Milton Inn hidden by the highest of the buildings. The mill was converted into flats many years ago.
The Well and Market Cross are still in the village, and a walk through the old village is very interesting.
Added by Catherine Williams (formerly Mackay) on 07 October 2016
Hi Catherine, I didn't realise the building with the pillars had been the old Inn. We used to visit Jack and Ivy Ross when we were children and I remember watching piglets being born at the mill. Mrs Georgeson's shop was like stepping back in time.
Added by Liz Taylor nee Askew on 07 October 2016
Hi Liz, I remember you from school, you were friends with my sister Lesley. I have a lovely vase in my home which my Great Granny bought in Georgeson's shop. She saved up tokens from packets of tea and could have a fruit bowl, a plate or a vase and she chose the vase. The shop was very dark with varnished shelves and a big counter.
Added by Catherine Williams (nee Mackay) on 07 October 2016
Hi David, I read your comment with interest. I recently took a group round old Milton, it has a very interesting history. During my research for the talk I found out that the reason the Mercat Cross is stapled together is because it was hit by a Canadian Army vehicle during the Second World War. Damage to the wall was probably part of the same event. We were at school together at Invergordon Academy if you remember.
Added by Catherine Williams (nee Mackay) on 07 October 2016
Hi all, I am investigating a lead that my ancestor lived in the village of Milton in the 18th century. My question is does anyone know where the kiln was in the village ?
Added by Michael Munro on 13 March 2017
Hi Michael, any idea what kind of kiln we are talking about, what was its function? I know that lime was produced in the village from seashells being broken down. The lime was then used on the land but also to build and render the walls which were made of soft sandstone. If you have any idea what the kiln was used for it may help. Thanks.
Added by Catherine Williams on 15 March 2017
A kiln was usually associated with a mill, and was used to dry the grain prior to milling.
Added by Gordie Peterson on 15 March 2017
Hi Catherine, there is a document in the Cromartie Estate papers in the National Records of Scotland that I am trying to get copies of, but the description in the online catalogue is as follows: "Instrument of Sasine proceeding upon a precept in a Disposition and Assignation in Trust by John Gorry in favour of Alexander Munro and James Watson of the Tenement or Mansion House erected by James Baillie Merchant in Rotterdam be east the Old great Kiln of Milntown with the gardens and enclosures thereof bounded as therein described". I happen to have information that my 4th great-grandfather who I know removed from the county of Ross-shire in 1784 may have actually come from Milntown in the parish of Kilmuir Easter, and he could be the same Alexander Munro mentioned in the said record in the NRS, or it could be his father who I think was also called Alexander Munro. At the moment this is all I have until I get copies of the actual document from the NRS. I also think that my ancestor removing from Ross-shire might have been due to the Cromartie Estates being restored in the same year of 1784 to the Jacobite Lord Cromartie's son.
Added by Michael Munro on 15 March 2017
By the way, the above record mentioned from the National Records of Scotland is from the year of 1782.
Added by Michael Munro on 15 March 2017
Hi Michael, I have a copy of Helen Myers Meldrum Book Kilmuir Easter, The History of a Highland Parish and it mentions on page 7 a handsome mansion house called Millmount at the East end of the village during the latter half of the eighteenth Century. The house was occupied for some time by James Bailie a merchant in Rotterdam. It is speculated that the house was very elegant and it was demolished because the Cromarty family was jealous of the house as it was more beautiful than their nearby home. An inventory of the contents dated 1748 was discovered amongst papers in the Municipal Buildings of Tain. They may be in Tain Museum? Bailout died 1747 aged 45 and is buried in Kilmuir Easter churchyard.
Added by Catherine Williams on 16 March 2017
Hi Catherine, that is most interesting. In fact the record in the NRS is titled: "Tenement of Millmount now entailed and forming part of the Barony of Tarbat". I guess the Alexander Munro and James Watson were tenants in it. I am going to get a copy of the record from the NRS. Although I am not yet entirely sure if the Alexander Munro who was at Millmount is the same Alexander Munro who is my ancestor. Thanks very much for your help. Most informative.
Added by Michael Munro on 17 March 2017
Good luck with your continued search, David, and I'm glad you found my comments useful.
Added by Catherine Williams on 17 March 2017
It's really interesting to see hardly anything has changed in almost 100 years! We live in the Mill (which was converted into 3 flats and 4 houses in 1984) and we're really curious about the exact year it might have been built but we've not been able to find out. Just one thing, it mentions in an earlier comment that the current Milton Inn is behind the women on the right; it's actually right next to the Mill, so at the very far end of this photograph (showing in between the white houses on both left and right, if that makes sense!) and next to the woods. It's still open as of March 2018.
Added by Michaela Gilmore on 22 March 2018
Hi Michael, I have now spoken to a man who was part of the team working to convert the mill into flats. He remembers when the wall was opened and the kiln inside exposed. A local man who had been tasked years before to restoring some of the brickwork of the kiln was there and he said he wished he had made a neater job of the pointing. He had meant to go back to make it neater but other jobs got in the way and he never had and now his work was on show. The kiln was removed brick by brick.
Added by Catherine Williams on 22 March 2018
Very interesting memories of Milton. Mrs. Georgeson was my grandmother! My mum and her sisters and brothers had to run the shop and deliveries when they were kids as my grandfather died at a young age.
Added by John Barrie son of Joanie Georgeson on 24 July 2018
Hi there. I am hoping that someone from this thread will respond, hopefully someone from Milton. My 3x great grandfather, Hugh Urquhart, and later his son William had the smiddy which appears to now be a residence, with some remnants for the smiddy still there. When heading from Milton to Balnagown Store, on the left just after the turn, and before the underpass of the highway. I am wondering if anyone can put me in contact with the current owner, or pass my information on to them. I am making a trip to Scotland in May, and would love to be able to visit the site. There's just something about getting to see (and touch) the buildings that my past family members lived and worked in. Thanks in advance and I look forward to anyone's reply. Cheers!
Added by Jess Urquhart on 19 February 2019
Replying to Jess Urquhart, Hi Jess, my family live next door to The Smidd, they owned and ran the local shop until it closed recently. I knew Charlie and Jean Urquhart very well indeed. They were the last of your family to live in the house. The house was always separate from the smiddy buildings part of which is still remaining. I will speak to the current owners who I am sure would be delighted to meet you. Will be back in touch.
Added by Catherine Williams on 20 February 2019
Replying to Jess Urquhart. Hi Jess I have now spoken to the owners of Appitauld, the name of the Smiddy house. They would be pleased to meet you. Could you please ask admin to let me know some contact details for you so I can give you the name and phone number you need privately.
Also I can’t promise anytthingvbut there may be a relative in the area. Can you give me some more information privately about yourself so I can try to take this forward for you.
Also I can’t promise anytthingvbut there may be a relative in the area. Can you give me some more information privately about yourself so I can try to take this forward for you.
Added by Catherine Williams on 16 April 2019
Hello Catherine
I am new to this post but am interested in the old Kildary station and surrounds.
I would be interested to know when Appitauld was built and when the old Smiddy was demolished or converted. I pass by regularly and admire the od car in the garage being worked on.
Thanks in advance to you and the owners if they can provide any information.
I am new to this post but am interested in the old Kildary station and surrounds.
I would be interested to know when Appitauld was built and when the old Smiddy was demolished or converted. I pass by regularly and admire the od car in the garage being worked on.
Thanks in advance to you and the owners if they can provide any information.
Added by Paul Tollett on 26 June 2019
Just found this lovely site and wonder if anyone could help from local knowledge. I'm interested in identifying a possible location for the following description from the autumn of 1813 in a diary (the writer was then nine years old). The account starts in mid-sentence.I'd be very grateful if those closer on the ground could advise if this might make sense topographically for the (now demolished) Millmount House?
". . . Milltown Road and finding ourselves opposite the house long before there was any appearance of a bridge, we thought we must have mistaken the way. So we scrambled down the bank till we got quite close to the water. Seeing the stream very rappid and four or five yards broad Ina was afraid to venture through. I took off my shoes and stockings, tucked up my pitticoats and through I went--she still lingered—I crossed again and half dragged, half carried her to the other side where, after putting on our shoes & stockings again we made the best of our way to the house through hedges and ditches—over dikes and new plowed land. Seeing us comfortably wet my aunt enquired which road we had come, her astonishment could only be equalled by her gratitude to Heaven for our safety—the burn was much swollen by late rains, and as there are many pots or deep holes in the burn, very few men would have ventured to cross as the water was so thick & dark we could not see the bottom."
The aunt would have been in service, perhaps as housekeeper.
". . . Milltown Road and finding ourselves opposite the house long before there was any appearance of a bridge, we thought we must have mistaken the way. So we scrambled down the bank till we got quite close to the water. Seeing the stream very rappid and four or five yards broad Ina was afraid to venture through. I took off my shoes and stockings, tucked up my pitticoats and through I went--she still lingered—I crossed again and half dragged, half carried her to the other side where, after putting on our shoes & stockings again we made the best of our way to the house through hedges and ditches—over dikes and new plowed land. Seeing us comfortably wet my aunt enquired which road we had come, her astonishment could only be equalled by her gratitude to Heaven for our safety—the burn was much swollen by late rains, and as there are many pots or deep holes in the burn, very few men would have ventured to cross as the water was so thick & dark we could not see the bottom."
The aunt would have been in service, perhaps as housekeeper.
Added by Penelope Wilson on 10 February 2020
Great to read everyone's stories, my dad grew up in Milton. His dad worked at Mill and they lived in Mill House next to it until my grandparents retired, late 60s/early 70s. The history of the area is fascinating. I love hearing all the history and going for walk down the double hedges to black Andrews cave, bonnie green etc!! Would love to see Tarbat house restored one day! I've heard him talk of Mrs Georgesons shop too
Added by Donna (n Grant) on 14 June 2020
Dose anyone know if there's any old pictures of Milton woods back in the day. I have stayed in Milton for 8years and Im fascinated with the woods and all the pottery I have found is unreal anyone know why there would be so much broken pottery.billy
Added by Billy on 20 August 2020
I was born in the Old Inn, the big white house behind the women in the picture. My uncle worked in the Mill and it was not unusual to see him white with flour. There was a big waterwheel at the back of the mill which we used to watch going round with the water from the burn working it. My grandparents Martins lived there and more of my relatives on the Grant side lived there as well. I have many happy memories of Milton, Georgesons shop, the well, Merkat Cross. I remember when the sideshows used to come there. We played all our childhood lives on the Bonnie Green and fished the Balnagown River. Before new houses were added it still looked like it is in the photo. The Old folks home run by Nurse McMillan is in the photo. A lot of the houses are very old.
Added by Ian Grant on 09 December 2020
what happened to the "Poor House" operating as Milltown Home in 1939
Added by Norris M Spence on 22 August 2021
Norris I believe you are talking about "The Home" as we called it. It was an old folks home run by Nurse McMillan an old lady when I was young.
Added by Ian Grant on 22 August 2021
Ian thank you for the response and confirmation of the operator's name.
Added by Norris M Spence on 22 August 2021
Norris in the photo behind the boy with the bicycle is the Home, brownish kind of walls. It is still standing. The house closer to the camera is a house called the Oriel and down to the right of that is where my grandparents lived.
Added by Ian Grant on 24 August 2021
The pottery could possibly be explained, my mam and her pals used to play Hoosies their over 70 years ago and used to get old pots etc for the “cooking”
Anonymous comment added on 08 September 2021
Hi all, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading your comments and learning a bit more about the history of Milton. I was wondering if anyone knew anything about the house on the left of the photo closest to the camera? A family member has recently purchased one of the properties, and I was intrigued about the history of the house. It is split into 2 plots now, rose cottage west and cherry tree cottage, but does anyone know when this happened and what the house was originally called/used for? Many thanks in advance.
Added by Gertrude on 12 January 2022
Lovely read .. was braught up in woodlands drive number 13 .. we left in 1979 .. watched the field across the road be developed for the new houses back then .. the new school all lovely and opened planned .. Winnie and Jim Sutherland owned the shop .. my mam worked for them (Annie mcdonald ) my dad worked for a while with mckays tarrimf the roads in mull I believe .. very happy memories of a lovely old village growing up
Added by Helen Mcdonald on 23 October 2023