Download Volume 12 here

336 Gaelic Society of Inverness.
Sixteen years ago a portion of the cairn was I'emoved to
build the dyke in the march between the estates of Newmore and
Kindeace. The vault was exposed to the public about twelve
years ago, when stones were removed to build a new house for
the tenant who now occupies tlie land. When I visited the place
a month ago, the weather was so frosty that I could not search
the floor for remains, which I believe are still there, for I understand
no search was m;ide. In the remaining portion of this cairn
there is apparantly another similar vault with the roof fallen in.
Two other cists measuring about 4 feet by 3 feet, and 2 feet deep,
formed in the ordinary way of single flags, are exposed, oue at the
north side of the removed vault, and the other at the east end of
the unopened vault. The diameter of the cairn was 80 feet, and
the height about 15 feet. Some of the remaining stones are of
large size, one in an upright position of mica schist measures
7 feet 6 inches by 5 feet and 2 feet thick, and another, which
apparently formed part of the roof of the unopened vault, of
granite, measures 7 feet by 5 feet, and one foot thick.
The other cairn is situated about loO yards east of the one
described above, and is supposed to cover the remains of the common
soldiers who fell in the battle. No portion of it has been
removed. It is oblong, measuring 70 yards long, 22 yards broad
at the east end, 14 yards broad at the west end, and about an
average of 8 feet high.
Smuggling.—Many humorous stories are told of the smugglers
in the upland parts of the parish. I give two as examples.
About seventy years ago two worthies, John Holm and
Sandy Ross (Uaine), who resided a short distance east of the
Strathrusdale river, went to enjoy a day with a friend who had his
bothy in full work at the west side of the river. After having partaken
of their friend's good cheer as much as made them tellingly
affectionate towards each other, they left for home. On coming
to the river, which was slightly flooded, John said to Sandy,
" Sandy, as I am the youngest and strongest, stand you on that
stone, and come on my back, that I may carry you over dry."
Sandy obeyed, but John took only three steps when he fell into
the water, and before they recovered their footing, both were wet
to the skin. " I am sorry I fell," said John, " but come you to
the stone again, and got on my back, that I may take you over
dry." Sandy went to the stone and mounted again, but they
proceeded half-a-dozen yards only when the mishap was repeated.
John again expressed regret, and insisted on the attempt Ixiing
made the third time, which, fortunately, proved successful, and
—