Architecture Notes

Event ID 873031

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Architecture Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/873031

Duncan Macpherson's enlargement of the house was begun in 1802 in front of the earlier house of which a substantial portion survives . See reference below from Mrs Spencer and 1998 RCAHMS survey.

STG RCAHMS 2010

Architect of late 19th century additions W.L. Carruthers of Inverness see drawings IND 129 1-4 dated 1891

REFERENCE

Held at the National Archives of Scotland:

New House at Cluny being built for Col. Duncan MacPherson.

Plumber and gutterwork. Estimates on accounts. Gorgeous printed design for the new loo. 1805

GD80/711

According to transcription of Duncan Macpherson's letter to his nephew in

India (GD 80/903), dated 2nd Nov.1802, "I have, this year, commenced a

pretty large house upon the hill in front of the old burnt one. My progress

hitherto is not very great, and from the expense ... I suspect it will take

some time before it is completed ..." I also have a rather cross reply from

him to poor William Marshall, the Edinburgh supplier of lead for the house,

who had the temerity to demand £200 within a fortnight. The letter (GD

80/711) is dated 22 Nov.and though he doesn't give the year, Marshall's

letter is dated 12 Nov. 1805. Duncan finishes his letter "... when the

plumer work is finished which I cannot expect now sooner than the month of

[April crossed out] May or June, your act will be discharged" which takes it

well into 1806.

Information from Mrs Sally Spencer 2010