Ardmachdonie

Two lime kilns are depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 25-inch map (Inverness Mainland 1876, Sheet XI.5). They were disused by the early 20th century (Inverness Mainland 1904, Sheet XI.5), by which time they were labelled as 'Old Limekilns'.

Information from RCAHMS (GFG) 8 March 2012

NH 5549 4570 In Spring 2022, almost 50 people investigated their local heritage using the ARCH ‘Community Timeline’ format, first by sharing memories, then researching various aspects of the local heritage, and finally creating a display, listing of sites and features, and binders of resources. The group took Kirkhill parish as their focus.

100 new entries, 61 updates, 177 photographs and 25 documents were submitted to the Highland HER, and eventually will be linked to Canmore, showing the wealth of information these community courses provide. As a result of the course, a new heritage group has formed, supported by Aird Community Trust.

The prehistoric past of the area has in many places been obliterated by agricultural improvements and forestry, but some key finds bear witness to occupation from the Neolithic times onwards. Before Culloden, much of the parish near the coast was marshy, but extraordinary drainage works took place in the later 1700s and first

half of the 1800s. There are even sea flaps at some reclaimed land.

Many of the lairds were keen planters, and some special trees survive in a number of sites. The walks at Reelig Glen were laid out in the late 1700s and first half of the 1800s, with many of the bridges and grotto still visible.

The Lovat estates were taken over by the government after Culloden. New ventures were introduced to improve profitability, including three short-lived limekilns, two of which still survive. A later venture near Reelig (Canmore ID: 316272; Highland HER: MHG24760) was on a larger scale, involving a tramway to bring the limestone from the quarry to the three large kilns.

In Kirkhill itself, the Wardlaw Mausoleum is well known. But less well known is Groam Cottage, an extremely rare example of an unmodernised 18th-century cruck-framed dwelling (Canmore 68547; Highland HER: MHG3076). It went from unlisted to Grade A protection in record time!

Wartime remains are scattered in the area as well. Very little remains of the First World War POW camp at Altnacardich where German POWs helped in forestry. More remains survive at the POW camp at Bunchrew Caravan Park, including a water tower and hut bases now used for caravans. Many of the large houses were taken over by military, including a large RAF presence at Lentran.

The project was able to build on the work of the Kilmorack Heritage Association, which undertook historical research in the early 2000s. In addition, participants were able to use the fantastic Lovat Estate maps, now available on the National Library of Scotland website. A rich collection of old photographs collected by Charlie Gair provided a wide-ranging archive of information spanning the 20th century.

The memories shared and research collected in lively sessions are now available on the Aird Community Trust website. The Trust will also make an online version of the display and the Charlie Gair photographic collection. Binders of resources are available at Inverness Reference Library and Wardlaw Mausoleum where the display is housed when not travelling.

www.airdcommunity.com/heritage-group/ https://maps.nls.uk/estates/invernessshire.html

Archive: Wardlaw Mausoleum, Inverness Library

Funders: Historic Environment Scotland, ARCH, Hugh Fraser Foundation, and numerous donations

Susan Kruse – Archaeology for Communities in the Highlands (ARCH)

(Source: DES Volume 23)