View of headstone commemorating Neil Clark (died 1838) with emblems of trade for gamekeepers. Inscription: 'Free for a Blast'.

Description View of headstone commemorating Neil Clark (died 1838) with emblems of trade for gamekeepers. Inscription: 'Free for a Blast'.

Date 1994

Collection Papers of Betty Willsher, historian, St Andrews, Scotland

Catalogue Number C 23433/6

Category Photographs and Off-line Digital Images

Copies SC 801726

Scope and Content Gravestone of Neil Clark, St Munn's Church, Kilmun, Argyll & Bute This gravestone features the Clark family motto 'FREE FOR A BLAST' and coat of arms, which include the figure of a hunter and trumpet. The design may have been copied from a printed source, or from other monuments to the Clark family nearby. King James I of Scotland was once a guest of the Clark family, who owned Inverchapel at the foot of Loch Eck. As part of the entertainments laid on for the royal visit, a hunt was arranged. The royal hound easily outran those of the laird, and so he called them off with a blast on his hunting horn, letting the King's dogs bring down the stag. In honour of this act, the king granted the clan freedom from all taxes. The clan motto 'Free for a Blast' reflects this act of generosity. This gravestone commemorates Neil Clark, who died in 1838. It is inscribed: 'Erected by ARCHIBALD CLARK/Tacksin of Ichafell/In Memory of/NEIL CLARK/his only child/He died February 1838'. The word 'tacksin' is probably a version of 'Tacksman', a wealthy tenant of a chief or laird who rented a 'Tack', or portion of land. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

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