The book Arran; - Cook Clan

236 THE BOOK OF ARRAN
1821-22, a road across the southern part of the island, from
the Parhamentary road at Lamlash by the Ros and Glen
Scorradale to Beinnecarrigan, and at the same time other
portions at Kilpatrick, Largie Beag, and Achancaim. In
time these detached highways were joined up ; the Sannox
to Loch Ranza piece was constructed in 1843, and there is
no more picturesque stretch in the island—from sea to
sea, through deep-bosomed glens under the brow of the
mountains.
For the maintenance of these privately made roads the
method was still that of statute labour. Every tenant and
cottar had to give six days' free work in the year, or compound
for a money payment at rates fixed by the Justices of the
Peace—occupiers at £20 a year or under paying 6s., between
£20 and £30, 7s. 6d., and so on up to £100 and over paying
£l, 7s. 6d.i For by-roads, embankments, harbours, etc.,
tenants had to provide three days' additional labour each
year.^ An overseer under the factor attended to this
business, and saw to it that those liable discharged their
obligation, with due consideration for seedtime and harvest.
The judgment of experience was :
' The system is a very
awkward piece of machinery, and works very badly.' ^ The
conversion money helped to pay the overseer's wages and
the expense of tools. We have seen, too, that fines for
breaking estate regulations were levied in work upon the
roads. Many bridges were constructed by the Duke on the
same terms, but in 1834 there was still no bridge over the
Slidderie Water. In 1878 the whole system of statute
labour, etc., was abolished, and all highways were placed
on the local rates. Bridges are of only a few years ago.
For a brief space the island occupations were diversified
by some minor industries, ere yet they concentrated entirely
upon agriculture and the entertainment of summer visitors,
' Report as cited, p. 711. ' Ibid., p. 71I ; Paterson's Account, p. 140.
' IMd., p. 712. Evidence of James Paterson, factor for the Duke.