Good morning, I've recently acquired a fiddle with a label of James Cardno, Tillinamolt, 1892, and am intending restoring it, but would be interested to know a little more about this gentleman. The fiddle is in a pretty bad state at present and needs a lot of work on it.

Hi, I am the great grand daughter of John Davidson Watson Rollo, he was the illegitimate son of Isabella Rollo and was born at Middlemuir Croft in 1876. On his death certificate in 1939 his reputed father was shown as William Watson. I think there may have been a falling out in the family because by the time John married in Fraserburgh in 1909 he had dropped Davidson and Rollo from his name and was just plain John Watson. If anyone has any information on his name change or his alleged father I would be very grateful. Kind regards Lynn.

I am looking to find an old friend of my Father. Bob Livingstone "Scotch Bob"
He used to live in Bridgnorth, Shropshire. He has two sons Terry & Robert. Also a cousin named Alec.
The last address we have is 12 Church Place, New Pitsligo, Fraserburgh Tel: 01771 653586
If you have any information please send me an e-mail or text
Thanks in anticipation.
Daryl Smallman
daryl.smallman@gmail.com Mob: 07722 011215

Hi admin, can you please put an option on so we can reply to comments in the guest book? So many people are going unanswered that could be helped. You could maybe ask for guests' email addresses rather than a website. sandramcleod@btinternet.com

Hi, my mum was one of the Burnett clan who had Newton of Craigmaud and before that the family lived in the village. Just really interested to know of any other Burnetts from New Pitsligo as I believe there were more than one set although presumably they were related in some way

THANK YOU! for this wonderful website. I SO appreciate being able to look at the photos and learn something about the place. One branch of my family came from Pitsligo. My Great Grandfather immigrated to Canada in 1884 -- but the family go back -- as far as I can trace them - some hundreds of years. He (and three of his brothers were all stone masons.) Your work is very much appreciated!
Gillian Fosdick - Victoria, BC Canada - June 13, 2024

Hi. What a great website this is. My great grandfather was John Smith the founder of John Smith &Sons the bakers. I was fortunate enough to meet him on a couple of occasions before his death. I do remember visits to my great uncle Stanley and aunt Jessie and out of hours visits to the bakery for the broken biscuits. Looking at photos and articles here brings back some memories from my childhood. I’m glad my great grandfather’s coin toss came down in favour of staying in NP and buying the bakery! Can anyone tell me where the name Cyaak for NP comes from? 🤔

Brian Smith

Only recently took an interest in Pitsligo history due to recceing an upcoming walk with Mintlaw Ramblers on 22nd May 2024, what an interesting place it has turned out to be. I then happened upon this site when reading up on a bit of the history, absolutely fascinating thank you

Looking for descendants of my 3 x g-grandparents John & Lydia Barclay nee Sellar (Lydia was from Artamford, New Deer) - they lived in High Street, New Pitsligo in the 19th century. Have included the surnames Quirie and Finnie too who were related.

CORBETT - Looking for any descendants in the area. The family came from Broomhill, New Pitsligo and were mainly stonemasons. Sometimes New Deer was mentioned.
Most of the Corbett family are buried at Turlundie Kirk, New Pitsligo.

Hello, I had wanted to find out something about my G-G-G Grandfather James Robertson who was apparently a blacksmith at New Pitsligo. I had thought that he married one Elizabeth/Betsy Taylor but others assert that together they had an illegitimate son, John Robertson (would illegitimate children have taken the father’s name?) who became a tailor in Peterhead.

in 1878 my great-great grandfather (a tailor, living by then in Peterhead) got married in New Pitsligo (107 High Street - is that the main C of S?) to a Margaret Philip, whose father was a cattle dealer. My great-great-great grandfather, James Robertson, is listed as a being a blacksmith. And I am wondering whether the parents of the groom and bride perhaps came from New Pitsligo. Do you know of blacksmiths in the village at that time?

Can anyone tell me where I can find. Croft called Leechesburn in New Pitsligo. I’m here for 2 days only and would love to see where my dad was born

Hi just realised I didn't leave an email address. lisajpalmer1@gmail.com. I have a road block with Alexander mcgregor born between 1772 and 1781 in Kirkmichael banff * according to his census reports) he died 1857 in highstreet new pitsligo, his daughters home I believe ann sangster. Where his wife grace ann cameron also later died. He is buried in established church graveyard. His parents are not on his death certificate so hoping perhaps something useful on his stone if he has one. Can't be sure the dob on dc is correct either. His parents are not John and Janet Stuart. I've seen the other Alexander's dc. If anyone has any info it would be wonderful thankyou

Eleanor Blair I've seen your comment about George kirk mcgregor. He appears on 3 census for John mcgregor. First as kirk then as the other name then as mcgregor. Not sure how to contact you. I'm hoping for info on John's dad Alexander died 1857 buried at established church graveyard. I cannot find his parents on dc etc so hoping there might be a stone with info . Thanks lisa

I’m looking for information on my paternal grandparents, George Beddie and Isa Beddie, who lived at 112 High Street, New Pitsligo around the beginning of 20th century.

Hiya I lived in new pitsligo in 87/88, just popped on to see if anyone remembers us.

My parents were David and Bille Corder, my sister's were Lorraine and Bridget Hume. We lived in 14 Church Place and my best friend was Alice Walker.

Feel free to get in touch if you remember us.

Annette.

Hi,
Really hoping you can help me. My father James Duquid Smith was born at Leechesburn on the 12th July 1916. And died in January 1982, unfortunately my father never spoke about his childhood and as children we never enquired, however, his sister once said that he had an awfully hard upbringing and that my dad was illegitimate. I myself am now 75 and need to see where he was born and what Leechesburn was in 1916, was it a home where unmarried mothers went to give birth or was it a country estate.
Not sure if this is in your realm of expertise but have got my fingers crossed that you could shed some light on this.

We are coming up to Scotland in September and would love to be able to put this particular ghost to rest.

Also could you advise where I could search to find out more about my fathers mother Jessie Ann Smith who was born on the 28th September 1895.

Kind regards

Jan Nield

Does anyone have information on who "Anderson" the kirk elder at New Pitsligo Church of Scotland paris kirk in the 1870s was?

Replying to Stuart Anderson's post (275):

You might never see this Stuart, but if so, the answer to your quest is on page 135 of Wood's Andersons of Phingask book, which can be downloaded online from various sources. Look at the geneology of page 135 it has everything you need ! Parents, grandparents, grandchildren, locations etc... As a quick reply, George was Blacksmith at Ardlaw (Tyrie) and then farmer at Whiteside, Cortes. His son William took over the farm, and so on. Good luck!

For Helen Finlayson Signed on 11th April and 17th May, 2021 
Thank so much for your information. All the names you quoted are in my family tree and some are in new pitsligo cemetery. Every thing you said is correct apart from my grandfather William Alexander Grant born 1902 as he was married to Isabella Marshall born 1898 and then divorce her and later married my grandmother Isobel Penman Dall from Crossgates Fife. My great grandfather was Francis Irvine Grant - granite polisher born 1868 in New Pitsligo.
Georgina Ross Cooper was born 6 Low Street, New Pitsligo, in 1890 and was the illegitimate child of my great grandmother Margaret Clark Cooper. I believe she moved to Canada but this was never confirmed.
Do you have any further information

Hi there,
I’m trying to find out the identity of a man from picture 484 in the days gone by album. My friend sent it to me and we both agree he’s very much like my Grandfather, my granda never knew his father so would like to know if anyone knows who this is? Thanks in advance

Hi there
Looking for as much info as possible on the life and times of John Catto Shearer born 1901. First wife Margaret Simpson to whom he had at least 7 children. 6 of their children were put into Aberlour Orphanage in 1936 for several years. I wonder why this was? Poverty? I would love to know any stories or memories. Many thanks!
p.s. what a great website, thoroughly enjoyed looking through all the old photos.

I have recently discovered my great great grandmother Mary Jane Chapman nee Whyte lived in New Pitsligo until her death in 1969. I am wondering if anyone can tell me a bit about her many thanks Diane

Hi,
To everyone, we would love to see any photos anyone has of sweetie Hillock Farm, at Bonnykelly. We are in the process of renovating and would just like to see how it would have looked if anyone can help please? LorLear@outlook.com
Thankyou, kind regards Loraine L

Browsing the New Pitsligo site again looking for information on my great grandparents McGregor, 65 Low Street, came upon Posters and billboards where I found my great uncle George McGregor(jun) appearing in the dramatic society billboards and newspaper cuttings. Can anyone add any further information on my family? George McGregor sen was illigitimate, born to Agnes Henderson 104 High street and lived with his grandmother Mc Gregor at74 Low street.

Back in October I posted a comment about my great grandparents McGregor of 65 Low Street and asked if anyone had any information. George adopted the name of mcGregor from his grandmother but was also known as Park or Kirk, His mother was Agnes Henderson of104 High Street. He was born29th Sept 1872, died 19th March 1950.They had 4 children George known as Dod,Jemima, Robert and Douglas.
I have been contacted by Alison Bell who is genetically linked to me, 2nd cousin. Her granny was Jeannie Laing b1927 to Elsie Laing who worked on a farm. Alison reckons her granny's father was one of George's sons. We would both like to know if anyone has any knowledge of these ancestors of ours.

Your website is absolutely fascinating. I have information about the Norrie families in Canada and hope to connect with anyone of Norrie descent. My email is: cruickshank711@gmail.com

Info for Keith Duncan re Elphinstones
Michael and George Elphinstone were sons of Willam Elphinstone (crofter and music teacher) and his wife Catherine MacKay. They also had a brother John and sister Margaret and were brought up at Nether Glasslaw, New Pitsligo. Michael, the eldest, and George, the youngest, were both stonemasons and each had their own business but unsure if they were ever in partnership.
MICHAEL and his wife Mary Duncan had 6 children - Andrew emigrated to South Africa, Isabella and Elizabeth went to Australia, Alexander and John died young and Catherine resided in Aberdeen. I have seen a picture of wife Mary and daughter Catherine on the Ancestry site. Michael died at the early age of 52 and is buried in Turlundie kirkyard.
His brother GEORGE (wife Helen Hadden) remained in business in New Pitsligo until early 1900s when he moved to Lossiemouth and was concerned in a marine engineering business with his son in law John Dunn. George died at Findrassie House near Elgin in 1925 and buried in family plot in Lossiemouth cemetery under a very impressive headstone!!!
Brother JOHN farmed all his life in the Glasslaw area. All the present day Elphinstones living in the Buchan area are probably descendants of John and his wife Margaret Gibb. They are also buried in Turlundie.
Sister MARGARET married Alex. Macintosh who was a labourer in the New Pitsligo quarries, but they later moved to Bucksburn where Alex and their 3 daughters worked in the papermills. They are buried in Newhills cemetery.
Could have more information if required.

message for keith duncan,, the following is what i think you are looking for. michael-elphinstone abt 1824 strichen,died 19/6/1874 pitsligo..he is the son of william born abt 1800 died 1880 married 31/12/1822 old-machar,,catherine-mackay abt 1801 oldmachar-1872 aberdour.their kids are margaret 1829pitsligo,,john 1830died 1908 aberdour,,george 1836??aberdour,,there may be others...... as for michael ,he married 16/1/1853 tyrie??or 9/1/1853??peterhead...mary-duncan abt 1829/?or 1836,,,parents alexr-duncan/margaret-lillie....Michaels kids are,,,katherine abt 1854,,aberdeenshire,,andrew duncan elphinstone,1855tyrie died 1935 east-london-south-africa,,isabella bruce elphinstone 2/2/1858 tyrie,,,elizabeth -jane abt 1860 tyrie-1930 nsw,,married james-dunbar,, also alexander-bruce-elphinstone 24/2/1864 pitsligo,,,also john-thom 3/11/1866 pitsligo....i have more info on eliz jane/james dunbar children, if you wish to email h.finlayson44@gmail.com

hello keith,,i had a browse on family search,,and jotted down a lot of names in elphinstone family and dates,if you give me your contact ie email address i will send what i found regards h finlayson ,

For info I am researching possible Elphinstone connections - mason/builders around Low St?/ High Street New Pitsligo. Michael Elphinstone born around 1826 and his brother George born 1837. Michael was married to a Mary Duncan born 1829 Peterhead, married 1853, banns proclaimed in both parish of Peterhead and Tyrie albeit interesting spellings of both Elphenstone and Elipinston. If as I think Mary may be related, then evidence to suggest she was the daughter of Alexander Duncan (shipmaster Peterhead) and Margaret Lillie (daughter of William Lillie - the Buchan bard and plougman poet of Scotsmill Inverugie).
Aberdeen Journal has some articles about George Elphinstone including his purchase in 1877 of the Baptist Chapel and property belonging to the heirs of the late Rev William Macgowan all for £210.
I am curious to learn more about the Elphinstone family (not sure if related to William Elphinstone, music teacher of Glasslaw) or if there may be any photos, indeed knowledge of the location old Baptist church there. I understand Michael and George were in business together employing at least 10 men and 4 apprentices.

More than 3 years ago I asked on this site about a steam engine and wagons that I found in the bottom of the quarry above "Greenspec Farm" the site of the "Lost" cafe many years ago.
I didn't get any response but after a lot of investigation I have found out that I didn't dream it and it was a railway that took stone from the bottom of the quarry to the top where it was tipped in to a crusher for making smaller stones.
I have another query and I hope I can maybe get a response this time.
This is to try and find out some of the history of the peat mosses around New Pitsligo before and after WW2.
There were a few operators of various bits including Middlemuir Peat and Moss Litter, Northern Peat and Moss Litter and Percy Finnie of New Pitsligo. A few older former peat workers have mentioned a "Dutchman" who was involved probably just after the war but nobody can remember exactly.
I have just found out that a few years ago there was found beside the Strichen to New Pitsligo road, very well hidden, sunk in to the moss a section of one meter gauge railway track. Local companies used two foot (24 inch) gauge track so they couldn't have used it as their wagons would have been too narrow. This is interesting because peat extraction in Holland uses one meter track!
So can anyone (of a certain age!) tell me any more about the mosses.
I work for Maud Railway Museum and we would like to build an exhibit on "The Peat Railways of New Pitsligo" in the future, so any information, photos and tales would be much appreciated.

I have a collection of what I take to be pitsligo lace-cloths decorated with lace-which i found when clearing up my mothers house. My great grandmother Margaret McGregor lived at 65 Low street. She her husband George McGregor and oldest son George Alick known as Dod can be found in 1931 census. Her mother bought 65 Low Street when her husband died and Margaret was about 7 or 8. She had been housekeeper to a farmer in Aberdour and married him and had Margaret. She lived in 65 Low Street as a woman of independant means. Her maiden name was Gordon,married name Guthrie. she married George mcGregor who was adopted by family Mc Gregor. I have found him living with grandmother McGregor also in Low street. Rumour has it that his name was Park but I have found birth registered under another name. I would love to know more about their antecedents. I have memories of going to New Pitssligo in the 1950s with my grandmother Jemima Mcgregor married to Fraser Moir

Hi, Many thanks for this. I did send some comments last week but they don't seem to be appearing. I've got quite a lot of info re the descendants of this couple but am hoping to find more info about the father of Jas Philip. Always grateful for any help. Kind regards, L

Hi, Lorraine here again. I wonder if there's info re Jas P's father? It seems to be Jas or Thos but I can't get sth more definitive than that. Any help always so gratefully received.

Thank you so much for this info. I'll certainly check out the site you mention. Much appreciated. Kind regards, Lorraine

MESSAGE FOR LORRAINE,, IF THE INFO I GAVE IS WHAT YOU NEED,GO ON TO FAMILY SEARCH DOT ORG,,,AS THERES A LOT OF NAMES CONNECTED TO THAT INFO , GOOD LUCK. H FINLAYSON.

message for lorraine seeking info on james philip,,,i had a search,wondered if this is the one you are looking for ,please reply if so as its appreciated,,,james burnett born 1806 fraserburgh,,married jane trail,,daughter sophia burnett born 1833 died 1907 age 74..married 1852 age 19,,james philip,,born 1830 pitsligo,, he was a blacksmith,, they had 9 kids,,,margaret,,married name walker,,alexander,,7 others,,unknown. Sophia/s brothers alexander,,george,,and 11 other siblings unknown, PS,,I JUST GOOGLED JAMES PHILIP/SOPHIA -BURNETT,,,THERE WERE OTHERS IN USA,,BUT I THINK THIS IS YOUR FOLKIES.. HAPPY SEARCHING.. HFINLAYSON.

This is a very long shot but I have just found this site.
I am looking for any additional info on James Philip/Phillips and Sophia, his wife, nee Burnett. James' mother was Mary or Margaret Robertson but his father is unclear. I have assumed it is one of Robert/Thomas/James Philip in relation to research. James and Sophia had a son, also named James, who became a shepherd and died in Ballater.
Someone did write some years ago about them. Here is a copy of the original post: 'Despite my tenuous links to New Pitsligo (via g,g,grandparents James Phillips and wife Sophia, nee Burnett, back in the mid 1800s when James is listed as a blacksmith there), I have found this to be a delightfully refreshing site. Thank you for this insight into some of my "roots". Best wishes and regards, Alan S. Marshall
Signed on 30th July, 2012 by Alan Simpson Marshall'
If Alan is still looking at the site or if anyone else knows anything about this family, I would be extremely grateful.
Many thanks,
Lorraine

hello folkies,,whats happened to my favourite website, I enjoyed trying to help others,,you would see that when you browse through. Please don/t let us lose it altogether,,there must be loads of people researching their family tree,,and especially when there was lockdown you had more time on your hands. Come on folkies,,keep this going, regards h finlayson.

info for catherine who signed 24 march 2021,,,firstly with not knowing the area to look for william -alexander-grant-i couldnt pick out correct one,,however there was one married to MAY-FORREST,,they had a daughter june grant,,,no dates given but were resident in 1962 aberdeen. i did notice a william-alexander-grant,who was in the arm,it gave regiment,and he was in edinburgh at the time,,,i did find this mary-anderson-grant,,born 17/9/1910 died 3/8/2007 buried springbank cemetry,, i wasn/t sure where to look for,georgina ross cooper as you gave no dates or area.. james-grant married 3/5/1863 pitsligo elisabeth alexander,,,if this is your person the following are their children,,james 20/7/1863,,william 10/5/1865,,,francis irvine grant,,16/6/1868 pitsligo... lastly,,george-cooper 19/7/1838new-deer,,died 1916 pitsligo,,married anne-corbet,,,, children,,ann corbet cooper 3/7/1863 died 1915,,,elisabeth 11/8/1867pitsligo,,,margaret-clark-cooper 23/6/1870,,,,george -cooper 14/12/1874,,,,joan -cooper 16/6/1878,tyrie,,,,, they are somehow linked to a family of ross/s,,, maggie-watt-ross 1886 fraserburgh??mary 1888,,,findlay 1889 old-deer,,elsie-ann1892 old-deer,,,alexander 1894 old-deer died 1982 aberdeen,,,john 1898 old-deer,,francie 1900 old-deer ,,isabella 1903....strichen,, ,,,,,,,,CATHERINE I DO HOPE MOST OF THIS IS WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR...

hello catherine,some dates of those you are researching would help,even place names,,,,i had a glance and wondered if these are what you need. george cooper born 19/7/1838new-deer,died 1916 pitsligo,,,married 27/3/1864 pitsligo,,,,ann corbett born about 1844 pitsligo. kids,,elisabeth 11/8/1867pitsligo,,,margaret clark cooper born 23/6/1870 pitsligo..... james-grant,,married elisabeth alexander,,,kids james 20/7/1863..pitsligo...francis-irvine-grant 16/6/1868 pitsligo... I have not looked for marriage for james yet,however i wondered if the following may be of interest too...duncan-grant,,married jane-hebron,,,son alexander -irvine-grant,,born 23/9/1873 pitsligo..

Looking for information please of my gran Mary Noble also her daughter Also called Elizabeth better known as Bessie who married a Thomas McKenzie. Also some information about my dad Robert [Bobby] park.

The website is fantastic. Alot of my family from the past where born and lived in New Pitsligo. My grandfather William Alexander Grant, his sister my great Aunt - Mary Anderson Grant, their half sister Georgina Ross Cooper, my great grandfather Francis Irvine Grant (Granite polisher) his father James Grant, my great grandmother Margaret Clark Cooper, her mother and father Ann Corbet and George Cooper and many more. If anyone has any information on these people or other relatives I would love to hear from you.

hello ann, i tried to send info on the email you have given,but it failed, however i tried again and waiting to see if you got it this time, you can get me on helen.finlayson44@gmail.com

I have a PDF copy of a birth certificate - wrong one, sadly - for Mary Rennie b 15 Jan 1866 New Pitsligo to John Rennie, shoemaker and his wife Mary Stephen. Happy to share. eann.blake@gmail.com

Hello:

Just updating my email address from a 2010 post re Rennie/Rannie family of New Pitsligo c1868: Alexander Rennie and Eliza Malcolmson and family. Our line went to Canada c1906. I can be reached at eann.blake@gmail.com.

I like to come back to this site now and again, brings back great memories of my youth. Moved to new pitsligo in 1989 and lived at 112 low street until I moved in 1998. I was even able to spot myself in a few of the pictures. Great to see old pictures of my old teachers, Mrs Ogg, Mr Hicks and also the late Bob Mcgee. I was a pupil in his class the year he passed on. I only have the one memory of him so to see him smiling in the pics was great.
Im now 40 and live in California, I have wife and 5 month old boy, one day I will be back to New Pitsligo to show my family where I grew up.

to answer the question to Sue Robertson DeLuca I'm connected to the Rollo/ Gray/ Smith family.