THE LAND
Geography & Strathardle
Strathardle lies in an area where the Gaelic language was predominant until the mid-eighteenth century. The prefix ‘Strath’ signifies a broad valley.
About Strathardle
Strathardle, historically known as Srath Ardail, is a broad valley flanking both banks of the River Ardle, connecting Glenshee with Atholl. Historically, the Spalding Clan Chiefs once controlled both the barony of Balmachreuchie and the neighboring barony of Ashintully. The barony of Balmachreuchie was established well before Ashintully and was later acquired by the Spaldings of Ashintully. Consequently, the histories of these two baronies and the families that resided there are deeply intertwined.
Lands Formerly Attached to the Barony of Balmachreuchie
Roger James Rutherford Aytoun, in a sasine dated 12 March 1852, referred to the barony of Balmachreuchie being attached to the following lands and farms:
“including Easter and Wester Balmacreuchie, Easter and Wester Dalnabreeks (Dalnabreck), Petermack (Pitcarmick), Balnabreck (Balnabroich), Balmyle, Easter and Wester Ballintyne (Ballintuim), Morchloich alias Whitefield, Kirkassel, Bridgend of Mesteloich (Dalruzion?), Craigadellie, Stewavails, Christamaes, Edinamuchty, Glen Corryvaik (Glen Corra-Lairrige?), Boreland, the Corries, Glentatrich (Gleann Taitneach), Redoch, Enoch Stylemonth, Glenkilry, Crags of Enoch, Brochdearg (Broughdearg), Ballochraggan (Ballachraggan), and part of the lands called ‘Walton of Blair’ in the Lordship of Scone (formerly in the barony of Ruthven), parish of Blairgowrie and County of Perth”. (a farm adjoining the Muir of Blair to the West of Blairgowrie).”
These expansive lands stretch from mid-Strathardle to lower Strathardle and from Glenshee down the Blackwater, essentially the lower third part of Strathardle. Ashintully occupies the central third of Strathardle. Notably, parts of the Cateran Trail, historic cattle droving paths, traverse these lands, adding a layer of historical significance to the area.
