A BRIEF HISTORY

Scotland is a nation rich in history. Crieff and the surrounding area have been fortunate to feature in significant chapters of the nation's history and folklore. The central situation of the town makes it an ideal location from which to explore Scotland's heritage.

Many of the names of Scotland's towns, villages, lochs, mountains and rivers derive from Gaelic, Pictish, British and Scots language. The name Crieff derives from the Gaelic word 'craobh' meaning 'among trees.'

Ley lines, stone circles and monoliths situated in and around the town provide evidence of early settlements in the area.

The name Crieff is found in documents dating from the 12th century. By 1218 the town was granted a charter and formed parts of the lands controlled by the Earl of Strathearn.

Between 1286 and 1320 historic battles took place in and around nearby Stirling as the Scots sought independence from their English neighbours. Legendary heroes William Wallace and Robert The Bruce led defiant Scots in battles against the English kings Edward I and Edward II.

The 23 June 1314 is a date enshrined in the memory of many Scots. On that date an army of some 20,000 men commanded by Edward II was defeated at Bannockburn by Robert I, of Scotland and his 7,000 men.

The Drummond family were originally landowners in Stirlingshire. In 1491 Sir John Drummond founded Drummond Castle, just 2 miles south of Crieff. In 1508 Sir John founded the Collegiate Church at Innerpeffray. Three years later the local powerful families fought each other and many members of the Murray family were burnt to death when Drummonds and Campbells set fire to the old church at Monzievaird (just west of Crieff).

The position of the town, to this day known as 'the Gateway to the Highlands,' contributed to Crieff's becoming the main cattle-trading town of Scotland. Beasts were driven many miles for markets held in the town. Each October a huge sale was held in the Town, known as the Tryst

Clan cattle raids and reprisals became commonplace in Strathearn. In later years a dispute over payment for cattle, with the all powerful and influential Duke of Montrose was to mark the beginnings of a lasting conflict between Montrose and Rob Roy MacGregor.

Around 1700 the River Earn at Crieff was bridged, this must have eased movement into and out of the Town considerably.

In 1707 the parliaments of England and Scotland were combined, the threat of civil war smouldered. Again the central location of Crieff and Strathearn brought the area into sharp focus. Crieff became well known as a town willing to hang lawless Highlanders. To its north many Highland men supported the Stuarts claim to the throne (known as Jacobites) whilst south of the area manifest support could be witnessed for the Hanoverian succession to the combined throne. The timbers used in Crieff's gallows are still preserved in the Town Hall.

After the rebellion of 1715 the government saw the requirement to construct military roads to enable troop movements around the Highlands. General Wade, whose name is still evident on modern Ordnance Survey maps, was tasked with over-seeing the construction of these roads parts of which remain today in and around Crieff.

Rob Roy MacGregor was the son of a Lieutenant Colonel who had served under King Charles II. Living at the western side of Loch Katrine MacGregor was raised in close proximity to a main cattle droving road for the West. As a cattle trader himself Rob Roy was a regular visitor to Crieff.

In 1723 some 30,000 cattle were sold in a single grand fair held in the Town. Many of the animals sold were then driven over 450 miles south to the Smithfield meat market, London.

In 1731 James Drummond, 3rd Duke of Perth, laid out Crieff's central James Square and established a textile industry and flax factory in the Town.

The 1745 rebellion commenced with the arrival of Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) on the West Coast of Scotland in July. On 19 August, 1745, his standard was raised at Glenfinnan and an army of some 2,500 Highlanders rallied for the Jacobite cause. By November he had defeated the Hanoverian Government's army at Prestonpans, near Edinburgh and had marched on into England, crossing the border with an army that had grown to some 6,000.

The failure of the French to support his cause and that of the English Catholics to rise with him caused the Prince to turn back and withdraw to Scotland.

A red plaque is fastened to the wall of the Drummond Arms Hotel, in Crieff's centre and marks the location of Bonnie Prince Charlie's last War Counsel in February 1746 prior to reviewing his men and marching north to his final defeat at Culloden on 16 April, 1746

After the Jacobite wars, Commissioners who were in charge of Crieff continued to develop industry within the Town. The foundations of the Town's industrial trading were tanning and bleaching. By 1748 there were no less than 5 breweries and a papermaking factory was opened in 1763.

In 1775 Scotland's oldest distillery, Glenturret, opened, just outside Crieff. Though the Distillery has changed ownership on a number of occasions it continues to produce fine Scottish whisky. The Distillery tour has been carefully crafted and achieves the successful merger of education with entertainment.

Although cattle markets continued in Crieff, the huge sale held each October, the Tryst, moved to Falkirk in 1770; clearly a substantial loss for the Town.

In 1787 the poet Robbie Burns visited Crieff. He is known to have written poems directly connected to the area. 'Blythe Was She' relates his passion for Euphemia Murray of nearby Auchtertyre.

Victorian Britain saw the introduction of mains gas in 1842, the railway in 1856 and mains water in 1872. The first Crieff Highland Gathering was in 1870 and has occurred every year since with the two exceptions of the two World Wars ,1914-18 and 1939-49.

At Crieff Highland Games, held in August, all the events of traditional skill and field sports take place: -

Putting the shot is probably the oldest of the heavyweight sports, putting an iron sphere of 16 or 22lbs.

Tossing the caber is the most recognisable trademark of Scottish Highland games. Throwing the weight of 28lbs for distance or 56lbs for height.

Throwing the hammer, an iron sphere weighting either 16 or 22lbs on a bamboo shaft.

Highland dancing is the essence of Scotland with bagpipes accompanying a kilted dancer.

Highland Bagpipes competitions of solo piping and of the large Pipe Bands.
Track events, i.e. running, cycling, jumping and tug-o-war

Crieff District Tartan

It was during the 19th century that Crieff's uniquely beautiful location became recognised and tourism grew significantly. Fine hotels and large Victorian villas were constructed in the Town.

On the west side of Crieff, at the base of Milnab Street, is Macrosty Park. The Park was opened in 1902 and named after its patron, James Macrosty, a former Provost of the Town. Throughout the seasons the Park provides a place of tranquillity and beauty and is thought by many to be amongst the most picturesque public parks in Scotland.

As in all towns changes have continued to occur throughout the twentieth century. Passenger trains ceased in 1951 and in 1964 the railway closed completely in Crieff. Tourism and related service industries have taken over as the main source of employment in the Town.

Though the 21st century will undoubtedly bring many further changes it is hard to envisage any that could substantially affect the Town. Crieff remains fortunate, its position and beauty are constant, and its reputation for friendly acceptance of visitors is well deserved.