***************************************************************************** This email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. ***************************************************************************** Ground officers were essential for efficient work management in areas where there were many small tenants or crofters. They were the eyes and ears of the factor. They took special responsibility for overseeing improvements, ensuring good neighbourhood and the upkeep of estate regulations etc. Some were not particularly popular. In Sutherland there tended to be one for each parish. With the introduction of Crofting legislation in 1886 their role began to diminish. In the 17th and 18th centuries one comes across 'officers'. The word presumably derives from the baron court 'officer'. Estates could use the baron court not only for prosecuting tenants for acts such as the illegal cutting of wood, but also for setting lands and decerning for rents. The officer would be responsible for ensuring that decisions of the court were carried out. Baron courts officially went out of business after the '45 Rebellion but in fact continued for a while thereafter. Malcolm Dundee, Scotland -----Original Message----- From: Denise A. Ferne [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 26 November 2002 22:33 To: [email protected] Subject: [SUT] Interesting Occupations Many thanks to Christine, Fraser, Chuber, and everyone who offered definitions of the occupation of Ground Officer. I am now adding your definitions to my new Dictionary of Occupations (I need something to stop me wondering what could be so embarassing about watching the ground). If anyone has a definition of a Catachist, as noted in the Census for Sutherland, I would be pleased to know. Regards to all Denise, Sutherland, Scotland ==== SCT-SUTHERLAND Mailing List ==== Please visit our NEW POSH web site at www.sutherlandheritage.com ============================== To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 PLEASE NOTE: THE ABOVE MESSAGE WAS RECEIVED FROM THE INTERNET. On entering the GSI, this email was scanned for viruses by the Government Secure Intranet (GSI) virus scanning service supplied exclusively by Cable & Wireless in partnership with MessageLabs. GSI users see http://www.gsi.gov.uk/main/new2002notices.htm for further details. In case of problems, please call your organisational IT helpdesk. ******************************************************************* This email has been received from an external party and has been swept for the presence of computer viruses. *******************************************************************