Hello Thanks to all who responded to the above enquiry. Thanks to Betty for info on the KYDD family of "WHITERIGGS" FORDOUN. They sound interesting. Agriculture was clearly the central occupation of the area. There may have been such a large number of workers on the farm there at the time of the 1841 census as it took place during the harvest period when as many workers as possible were needed. Many harvest workers were temporary, coming from different areas and even other countries (such as Ireland) to earn some extra money. "She ran some sort of business in this little township, and not very successfully, as her will of June 1838 shows book debts owing to her of 92 pounds fourteen shillings and ninepence... ..which were never paid..... amongst the list of debtors there is the name of David JOLLY who was in debt to her for 14 shillings and threepence halfpenny...Laurencekirk is close by to Fordoun...." That's a lot of money! £92 in 1838 - I'd be interested to know what the largest amount owing was and who by. It would be interesting if it were the same David JOLLY. Thanks for mentioning this. I shall investigate this further. David, though, lived in Arbuthnott, not Fordoun. His son James moved to Fordoun to run a farm there as his older brother John had taken over David's old farm in Arbuthnott in the 1850s. I was interested that you have a notice of the listings of burials at Fordoun Churchyard. Would you be able to tell me where I might find a copy of these? [The Jolly listed there may be related, but I think he us probably an Irish Jolly - there are many over there too]. Thanks to Janet who told me about her Sherret/and variations in Arbuthnott. Thanks to Diana. I'm glad you visited Fordoun. I have relatives who visited there too, but all they said was that it was 'small'. If you have anything to add to that, I'd be happy to here from you. Obviously any information on buildings that would have been there in the 19th century such as churches, pubs, stores etc would be of interest. Thanks to Jim Murray. "Charlotte Lyall b 1797. Her parents John Lyall and Isobell Ross married there in 1791": I have Charlotte MITCHELL, whose sister Margaret Mitchell was married to an Alexander LYALL. They had 2 children (that I know of) James and Margaret B. Lyall. I think Margaret Mitchell was born around 1812-20 and she was from Kineff. I didn't know that Lewis Grassic Gibbon's novels were set in the area. I shall seek them out. Best wishes, Emma Jolly. --------------------------------- Yahoo! Messenger NEW - crystal clear PC to PC calling worldwide with voicemail