Thanks William Re: 'What is a cottar?' you wrote: 'A cottar is a Scots word for a tenant occupying a cottage with or (from the > late 18th century) without land attached to it or a married farmworker who > has a cottage as part of his contract. The word dates from the 15th century.' Silly me, I could have googled the word too ..... didn't think! But thanks so much for your trouble. Have replied via the list in case anyone else is interested. Cheers, Jennie