Dear Perthshire group. I would like to purchase two books... The book of Garth and Fortingall and The Arrow of Glenlyon. If any one can part with them, please email me. Annie from Ontario.

We have just come into possession of a transcription of a large number of documents pertaining to the Stewarts of Garth. Although these resources do not pertain at all to the Stewarts of Balquhidder, we felt they were too valuable to just let pass. We will be uploading them to the Stewarts of Balquhidder website shortly. I will send a link when they are uploaded. Ryk Brown Stewarts of Balquhidder Research Group

Dear Ryk, This is a long shot, but it's worth a try! My ggg grandfather was Lt. Evan Macgregor, born c.1789, died 1836. After many years searching I have amassed considerable information about him, including a series of letter which he wrote to Sir John Macgregor Murray. The following letter may be of interest to you. What I am wondering is what, if any, was Lt. Evan's connection with the Stewarts of Garth? Lt. Evan, considering his humble beginnings, was a great letter write so there is a slight possibility that he may have also written to 'your' Stewarts. I wonder if you have ever come across him? Although I have great detail re. Lt. Evan and his offspring, it has only been in the last few years that I have been able to definitely identify his father as Donald McGrigor who died at Middle Styx in 1812. Because this Donald sent petitions to the Earl of Breadalbane (re. the appalling state of his cottage on the South side of Loch Tay etc), I now know that Lt. Evan's father married twice and that his second wife was Janet Campbell. The name of his first wife - i.e.. Lt. Evan's mother remains a mystery. It is to locate the name of Lt. Evan's mother and her linage that is my present challenge. Here is the letter which refers to your Stewarts and with your help, may hold some clues. Kenmore 9th May 1815, Honoured Chief, I beg leave to acquaint you that Colonel Stewart's brother was recommended for the Quartermastership of the Highland Perthshire Local Militia, a few days previous to my application. The Colonel showed me a great deal of attention and was so pleased by your letter that he expressed himself very sorry that it was out of his power to serve you by recommending me for the appointment, but in time to come, if he could be of any service to me, he would be most happy. I intimated to Mr Stewart of Garth Junior and to the Rev. Mr Macbean Minister of Kenmore my intention of settling in Perth and that it would be proper for me to have a cash account of three or four hundred pounds at the Bank. As they both know the girl, and consider it a very prudent step, they offered to become my securities to the Bank, for whatever sum I should think necessary. I visit often at Garth where I meet the greatest friendship possible. Mr Stewart returns you his best thanks for your kind offer of sending him a Gaelic prayer book, which he does not want, being himself a subscriber for several copies of the said publication. The school master of Kenmore begs leave to return you his acknowledgment for the Gaelic Grammar, which he finds very useful being a Lowlander and had to have the Gaelic after settling in this part of the Country. On inquiry I find that none of the Parochial Schools in this neighbourhood have received the Gaelic Grammar which you was good enough to send to them through Mr McIvor at Dunkeld. May I beg my most respectful compliments to Lady Macgregor and to John Atholl my young Chief, who promises to be, an honour to his name and to his country, and may I beg you will accept my most grateful acknowledgments for the great friendship and kinship which I have experienced at your hands, and for which my life will be too short to show my gratitude. I have the honour to be Honoured Chief Your most obedient servant, Ewan ? Evan ? Macgregor, Lieut. H.M. 5th Foot. Incidentally, I have not found the burial place of Donald. The Donald Macgregor 'farmer of Styx' buried in the Kenmore churchyard is unfortunately not him! I guess he may be in there somewhere but it must be an unmarked grave, unlike Lt. Evan who has a large monument in Greyfriars in Perth! And finally, my g grandmother told me many years ago that we had Callendar connections. I know from reading your mail that this is a particular interest of yours. I mention this as I have never found the birth place and record of Lt. Evan's birth either! His birth date is just calculated from army records etc. Sincerely, in hope! Janet Hawkins.