Hello, I had wanted to find out something about my G-G-G Grandfather James Robertson who was apparently a blacksmith at New Pitsligo. I had thought that he married one Elizabeth/Betsy Taylor but others assert that together they had an illegitimate son, John Robertson (would illegitimate children have taken the father’s name?) who became a tailor in Peterhead.

in 1878 my great-great grandfather (a tailor, living by then in Peterhead) got married in New Pitsligo (107 High Street - is that the main C of S?) to a Margaret Philip, whose father was a cattle dealer. My great-great-great grandfather, James Robertson, is listed as a being a blacksmith. And I am wondering whether the parents of the groom and bride perhaps came from New Pitsligo. Do you know of blacksmiths in the village at that time?

Can anyone tell me where I can find. Croft called Leechesburn in New Pitsligo. I’m here for 2 days only and would love to see where my dad was born

Hi just realised I didn't leave an email address. lisajpalmer1@gmail.com. I have a road block with Alexander mcgregor born between 1772 and 1781 in Kirkmichael banff * according to his census reports) he died 1857 in highstreet new pitsligo, his daughters home I believe ann sangster. Where his wife grace ann cameron also later died. He is buried in established church graveyard. His parents are not on his death certificate so hoping perhaps something useful on his stone if he has one. Can't be sure the dob on dc is correct either. His parents are not John and Janet Stuart. I've seen the other Alexander's dc. If anyone has any info it would be wonderful thankyou

Eleanor Blair I've seen your comment about George kirk mcgregor. He appears on 3 census for John mcgregor. First as kirk then as the other name then as mcgregor. Not sure how to contact you. I'm hoping for info on John's dad Alexander died 1857 buried at established church graveyard. I cannot find his parents on dc etc so hoping there might be a stone with info . Thanks lisa

I’m looking for information on my paternal grandparents, George Beddie and Isa Beddie, who lived at 112 High Street, New Pitsligo around the beginning of 20th century.

Hiya I lived in new pitsligo in 87/88, just popped on to see if anyone remembers us.

My parents were David and Bille Corder, my sister's were Lorraine and Bridget Hume. We lived in 14 Church Place and my best friend was Alice Walker.

Feel free to get in touch if you remember us.

Annette.

Hi,
Really hoping you can help me. My father James Duquid Smith was born at Leechesburn on the 12th July 1916. And died in January 1982, unfortunately my father never spoke about his childhood and as children we never enquired, however, his sister once said that he had an awfully hard upbringing and that my dad was illegitimate. I myself am now 75 and need to see where he was born and what Leechesburn was in 1916, was it a home where unmarried mothers went to give birth or was it a country estate.
Not sure if this is in your realm of expertise but have got my fingers crossed that you could shed some light on this.

We are coming up to Scotland in September and would love to be able to put this particular ghost to rest.

Also could you advise where I could search to find out more about my fathers mother Jessie Ann Smith who was born on the 28th September 1895.

Kind regards

Jan Nield

Does anyone have information on who "Anderson" the kirk elder at New Pitsligo Church of Scotland paris kirk in the 1870s was?

Replying to Stuart Anderson's post (275):

You might never see this Stuart, but if so, the answer to your quest is on page 135 of Wood's Andersons of Phingask book, which can be downloaded online from various sources. Look at the geneology of page 135 it has everything you need ! Parents, grandparents, grandchildren, locations etc... As a quick reply, George was Blacksmith at Ardlaw (Tyrie) and then farmer at Whiteside, Cortes. His son William took over the farm, and so on. Good luck!

For Helen Finlayson Signed on 11th April and 17th May, 2021 
Thank so much for your information. All the names you quoted are in my family tree and some are in new pitsligo cemetery. Every thing you said is correct apart from my grandfather William Alexander Grant born 1902 as he was married to Isabella Marshall born 1898 and then divorce her and later married my grandmother Isobel Penman Dall from Crossgates Fife. My great grandfather was Francis Irvine Grant - granite polisher born 1868 in New Pitsligo.
Georgina Ross Cooper was born 6 Low Street, New Pitsligo, in 1890 and was the illegitimate child of my great grandmother Margaret Clark Cooper. I believe she moved to Canada but this was never confirmed.
Do you have any further information

Hi there,
I’m trying to find out the identity of a man from picture 484 in the days gone by album. My friend sent it to me and we both agree he’s very much like my Grandfather, my granda never knew his father so would like to know if anyone knows who this is? Thanks in advance

Hi there
Looking for as much info as possible on the life and times of John Catto Shearer born 1901. First wife Margaret Simpson to whom he had at least 7 children. 6 of their children were put into Aberlour Orphanage in 1936 for several years. I wonder why this was? Poverty? I would love to know any stories or memories. Many thanks!
p.s. what a great website, thoroughly enjoyed looking through all the old photos.

I have recently discovered my great great grandmother Mary Jane Chapman nee Whyte lived in New Pitsligo until her death in 1969. I am wondering if anyone can tell me a bit about her many thanks Diane

Hi,
To everyone, we would love to see any photos anyone has of sweetie Hillock Farm, at Bonnykelly. We are in the process of renovating and would just like to see how it would have looked if anyone can help please? LorLear@outlook.com
Thankyou, kind regards Loraine L

Browsing the New Pitsligo site again looking for information on my great grandparents McGregor, 65 Low Street, came upon Posters and billboards where I found my great uncle George McGregor(jun) appearing in the dramatic society billboards and newspaper cuttings. Can anyone add any further information on my family? George McGregor sen was illigitimate, born to Agnes Henderson 104 High street and lived with his grandmother Mc Gregor at74 Low street.

Back in October I posted a comment about my great grandparents McGregor of 65 Low Street and asked if anyone had any information. George adopted the name of mcGregor from his grandmother but was also known as Park or Kirk, His mother was Agnes Henderson of104 High Street. He was born29th Sept 1872, died 19th March 1950.They had 4 children George known as Dod,Jemima, Robert and Douglas.
I have been contacted by Alison Bell who is genetically linked to me, 2nd cousin. Her granny was Jeannie Laing b1927 to Elsie Laing who worked on a farm. Alison reckons her granny's father was one of George's sons. We would both like to know if anyone has any knowledge of these ancestors of ours.

Your website is absolutely fascinating. I have information about the Norrie families in Canada and hope to connect with anyone of Norrie descent. My email is: cruickshank711@gmail.com

Info for Keith Duncan re Elphinstones
Michael and George Elphinstone were sons of Willam Elphinstone (crofter and music teacher) and his wife Catherine MacKay. They also had a brother John and sister Margaret and were brought up at Nether Glasslaw, New Pitsligo. Michael, the eldest, and George, the youngest, were both stonemasons and each had their own business but unsure if they were ever in partnership.
MICHAEL and his wife Mary Duncan had 6 children - Andrew emigrated to South Africa, Isabella and Elizabeth went to Australia, Alexander and John died young and Catherine resided in Aberdeen. I have seen a picture of wife Mary and daughter Catherine on the Ancestry site. Michael died at the early age of 52 and is buried in Turlundie kirkyard.
His brother GEORGE (wife Helen Hadden) remained in business in New Pitsligo until early 1900s when he moved to Lossiemouth and was concerned in a marine engineering business with his son in law John Dunn. George died at Findrassie House near Elgin in 1925 and buried in family plot in Lossiemouth cemetery under a very impressive headstone!!!
Brother JOHN farmed all his life in the Glasslaw area. All the present day Elphinstones living in the Buchan area are probably descendants of John and his wife Margaret Gibb. They are also buried in Turlundie.
Sister MARGARET married Alex. Macintosh who was a labourer in the New Pitsligo quarries, but they later moved to Bucksburn where Alex and their 3 daughters worked in the papermills. They are buried in Newhills cemetery.
Could have more information if required.

message for keith duncan,, the following is what i think you are looking for. michael-elphinstone abt 1824 strichen,died 19/6/1874 pitsligo..he is the son of william born abt 1800 died 1880 married 31/12/1822 old-machar,,catherine-mackay abt 1801 oldmachar-1872 aberdour.their kids are margaret 1829pitsligo,,john 1830died 1908 aberdour,,george 1836??aberdour,,there may be others...... as for michael ,he married 16/1/1853 tyrie??or 9/1/1853??peterhead...mary-duncan abt 1829/?or 1836,,,parents alexr-duncan/margaret-lillie....Michaels kids are,,,katherine abt 1854,,aberdeenshire,,andrew duncan elphinstone,1855tyrie died 1935 east-london-south-africa,,isabella bruce elphinstone 2/2/1858 tyrie,,,elizabeth -jane abt 1860 tyrie-1930 nsw,,married james-dunbar,, also alexander-bruce-elphinstone 24/2/1864 pitsligo,,,also john-thom 3/11/1866 pitsligo....i have more info on eliz jane/james dunbar children, if you wish to email h.finlayson44@gmail.com

hello keith,,i had a browse on family search,,and jotted down a lot of names in elphinstone family and dates,if you give me your contact ie email address i will send what i found regards h finlayson ,

For info I am researching possible Elphinstone connections - mason/builders around Low St?/ High Street New Pitsligo. Michael Elphinstone born around 1826 and his brother George born 1837. Michael was married to a Mary Duncan born 1829 Peterhead, married 1853, banns proclaimed in both parish of Peterhead and Tyrie albeit interesting spellings of both Elphenstone and Elipinston. If as I think Mary may be related, then evidence to suggest she was the daughter of Alexander Duncan (shipmaster Peterhead) and Margaret Lillie (daughter of William Lillie - the Buchan bard and plougman poet of Scotsmill Inverugie).
Aberdeen Journal has some articles about George Elphinstone including his purchase in 1877 of the Baptist Chapel and property belonging to the heirs of the late Rev William Macgowan all for £210.
I am curious to learn more about the Elphinstone family (not sure if related to William Elphinstone, music teacher of Glasslaw) or if there may be any photos, indeed knowledge of the location old Baptist church there. I understand Michael and George were in business together employing at least 10 men and 4 apprentices.

More than 3 years ago I asked on this site about a steam engine and wagons that I found in the bottom of the quarry above "Greenspec Farm" the site of the "Lost" cafe many years ago.
I didn't get any response but after a lot of investigation I have found out that I didn't dream it and it was a railway that took stone from the bottom of the quarry to the top where it was tipped in to a crusher for making smaller stones.
I have another query and I hope I can maybe get a response this time.
This is to try and find out some of the history of the peat mosses around New Pitsligo before and after WW2.
There were a few operators of various bits including Middlemuir Peat and Moss Litter, Northern Peat and Moss Litter and Percy Finnie of New Pitsligo. A few older former peat workers have mentioned a "Dutchman" who was involved probably just after the war but nobody can remember exactly.
I have just found out that a few years ago there was found beside the Strichen to New Pitsligo road, very well hidden, sunk in to the moss a section of one meter gauge railway track. Local companies used two foot (24 inch) gauge track so they couldn't have used it as their wagons would have been too narrow. This is interesting because peat extraction in Holland uses one meter track!
So can anyone (of a certain age!) tell me any more about the mosses.
I work for Maud Railway Museum and we would like to build an exhibit on "The Peat Railways of New Pitsligo" in the future, so any information, photos and tales would be much appreciated.

I have a collection of what I take to be pitsligo lace-cloths decorated with lace-which i found when clearing up my mothers house. My great grandmother Margaret McGregor lived at 65 Low street. She her husband George McGregor and oldest son George Alick known as Dod can be found in 1931 census. Her mother bought 65 Low Street when her husband died and Margaret was about 7 or 8. She had been housekeeper to a farmer in Aberdour and married him and had Margaret. She lived in 65 Low Street as a woman of independant means. Her maiden name was Gordon,married name Guthrie. she married George mcGregor who was adopted by family Mc Gregor. I have found him living with grandmother McGregor also in Low street. Rumour has it that his name was Park but I have found birth registered under another name. I would love to know more about their antecedents. I have memories of going to New Pitssligo in the 1950s with my grandmother Jemima Mcgregor married to Fraser Moir

Hi, Many thanks for this. I did send some comments last week but they don't seem to be appearing. I've got quite a lot of info re the descendants of this couple but am hoping to find more info about the father of Jas Philip. Always grateful for any help. Kind regards, L

Hi, Lorraine here again. I wonder if there's info re Jas P's father? It seems to be Jas or Thos but I can't get sth more definitive than that. Any help always so gratefully received.

Thank you so much for this info. I'll certainly check out the site you mention. Much appreciated. Kind regards, Lorraine

MESSAGE FOR LORRAINE,, IF THE INFO I GAVE IS WHAT YOU NEED,GO ON TO FAMILY SEARCH DOT ORG,,,AS THERES A LOT OF NAMES CONNECTED TO THAT INFO , GOOD LUCK. H FINLAYSON.

message for lorraine seeking info on james philip,,,i had a search,wondered if this is the one you are looking for ,please reply if so as its appreciated,,,james burnett born 1806 fraserburgh,,married jane trail,,daughter sophia burnett born 1833 died 1907 age 74..married 1852 age 19,,james philip,,born 1830 pitsligo,, he was a blacksmith,, they had 9 kids,,,margaret,,married name walker,,alexander,,7 others,,unknown. Sophia/s brothers alexander,,george,,and 11 other siblings unknown, PS,,I JUST GOOGLED JAMES PHILIP/SOPHIA -BURNETT,,,THERE WERE OTHERS IN USA,,BUT I THINK THIS IS YOUR FOLKIES.. HAPPY SEARCHING.. HFINLAYSON.

This is a very long shot but I have just found this site.
I am looking for any additional info on James Philip/Phillips and Sophia, his wife, nee Burnett. James' mother was Mary or Margaret Robertson but his father is unclear. I have assumed it is one of Robert/Thomas/James Philip in relation to research. James and Sophia had a son, also named James, who became a shepherd and died in Ballater.
Someone did write some years ago about them. Here is a copy of the original post: 'Despite my tenuous links to New Pitsligo (via g,g,grandparents James Phillips and wife Sophia, nee Burnett, back in the mid 1800s when James is listed as a blacksmith there), I have found this to be a delightfully refreshing site. Thank you for this insight into some of my "roots". Best wishes and regards, Alan S. Marshall
Signed on 30th July, 2012 by Alan Simpson Marshall'
If Alan is still looking at the site or if anyone else knows anything about this family, I would be extremely grateful.
Many thanks,
Lorraine

hello folkies,,whats happened to my favourite website, I enjoyed trying to help others,,you would see that when you browse through. Please don/t let us lose it altogether,,there must be loads of people researching their family tree,,and especially when there was lockdown you had more time on your hands. Come on folkies,,keep this going, regards h finlayson.

info for catherine who signed 24 march 2021,,,firstly with not knowing the area to look for william -alexander-grant-i couldnt pick out correct one,,however there was one married to MAY-FORREST,,they had a daughter june grant,,,no dates given but were resident in 1962 aberdeen. i did notice a william-alexander-grant,who was in the arm,it gave regiment,and he was in edinburgh at the time,,,i did find this mary-anderson-grant,,born 17/9/1910 died 3/8/2007 buried springbank cemetry,, i wasn/t sure where to look for,georgina ross cooper as you gave no dates or area.. james-grant married 3/5/1863 pitsligo elisabeth alexander,,,if this is your person the following are their children,,james 20/7/1863,,william 10/5/1865,,,francis irvine grant,,16/6/1868 pitsligo... lastly,,george-cooper 19/7/1838new-deer,,died 1916 pitsligo,,married anne-corbet,,,, children,,ann corbet cooper 3/7/1863 died 1915,,,elisabeth 11/8/1867pitsligo,,,margaret-clark-cooper 23/6/1870,,,,george -cooper 14/12/1874,,,,joan -cooper 16/6/1878,tyrie,,,,, they are somehow linked to a family of ross/s,,, maggie-watt-ross 1886 fraserburgh??mary 1888,,,findlay 1889 old-deer,,elsie-ann1892 old-deer,,,alexander 1894 old-deer died 1982 aberdeen,,,john 1898 old-deer,,francie 1900 old-deer ,,isabella 1903....strichen,, ,,,,,,,,CATHERINE I DO HOPE MOST OF THIS IS WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR...

hello catherine,some dates of those you are researching would help,even place names,,,,i had a glance and wondered if these are what you need. george cooper born 19/7/1838new-deer,died 1916 pitsligo,,,married 27/3/1864 pitsligo,,,,ann corbett born about 1844 pitsligo. kids,,elisabeth 11/8/1867pitsligo,,,margaret clark cooper born 23/6/1870 pitsligo..... james-grant,,married elisabeth alexander,,,kids james 20/7/1863..pitsligo...francis-irvine-grant 16/6/1868 pitsligo... I have not looked for marriage for james yet,however i wondered if the following may be of interest too...duncan-grant,,married jane-hebron,,,son alexander -irvine-grant,,born 23/9/1873 pitsligo..

Looking for information please of my gran Mary Noble also her daughter Also called Elizabeth better known as Bessie who married a Thomas McKenzie. Also some information about my dad Robert [Bobby] park.

The website is fantastic. Alot of my family from the past where born and lived in New Pitsligo. My grandfather William Alexander Grant, his sister my great Aunt - Mary Anderson Grant, their half sister Georgina Ross Cooper, my great grandfather Francis Irvine Grant (Granite polisher) his father James Grant, my great grandmother Margaret Clark Cooper, her mother and father Ann Corbet and George Cooper and many more. If anyone has any information on these people or other relatives I would love to hear from you.

hello ann, i tried to send info on the email you have given,but it failed, however i tried again and waiting to see if you got it this time, you can get me on helen.finlayson44@gmail.com

I have a PDF copy of a birth certificate - wrong one, sadly - for Mary Rennie b 15 Jan 1866 New Pitsligo to John Rennie, shoemaker and his wife Mary Stephen. Happy to share. eann.blake@gmail.com

Hello:

Just updating my email address from a 2010 post re Rennie/Rannie family of New Pitsligo c1868: Alexander Rennie and Eliza Malcolmson and family. Our line went to Canada c1906. I can be reached at eann.blake@gmail.com.

I like to come back to this site now and again, brings back great memories of my youth. Moved to new pitsligo in 1989 and lived at 112 low street until I moved in 1998. I was even able to spot myself in a few of the pictures. Great to see old pictures of my old teachers, Mrs Ogg, Mr Hicks and also the late Bob Mcgee. I was a pupil in his class the year he passed on. I only have the one memory of him so to see him smiling in the pics was great.
Im now 40 and live in California, I have wife and 5 month old boy, one day I will be back to New Pitsligo to show my family where I grew up.

to answer the question to Sue Robertson DeLuca I'm connected to the Rollo/ Gray/ Smith family.

Hi, Does anyone know if there is a list of the people buried in the graveyard? I am trying to find whether John Henderson (died 1902) and his wife, Helen Watt (1898) are buried in the cemetary along with a James Henderson and Helen Henderson (Riddle), his parents. I know that John Henderson / Helen Watt died in New Pitsligo - lived at 102 High Street. Thanks Lesley (lascaswell@yahoo.com)

message for sue robertson deluca signed 25/1/21...... perhaps the following info are your links, Firstly,,james-gray/margaret -hutcheon-rollo i think born 11/3/1860 pitsligo?? lived 1 low-street??.in household,was jeannie -rollo,,,,john-rollo,,,jeannie-gray,,,, I also found, a James -rollo,,born abt 1815 aberdour,,,died 1888,,,,married margaret-robertson, from fraserburgh abt 1815-8/3/1900,,,son john-robertson-rollo,,,22/8/1842,,aberdeebshire---died 12/3/1918 ---illinois,,,,also son alexander-14/10/1844 scotland?? blacksmith,,,died 1927 ,,,illinois,,,he was widowed by 1920 census,,his wife was mary/or maria-harper,,,their kids were william,,and edith,,maybe more??,,,its listed as edith -g-rollo born 1879 illinois,and william -h-rollo born 1875,,,,,,,,,check also margaret-robertson-rollo 25/7/1869pitsligo,,,living 1880 illinois,,,sister anne-craigen-rollo 4/4/1866 pitsligo,,,their parents were john-rollo born 22/8/1843 aberdour,,,,died 10/3/1918,,,illinois. married 9/12/1865 pitsligoanne-allan,,,born october 1845,,,died 1912 illinois,,,, good luck sue..

What a wonderful, insightful web site of your town and surroundings. Thanks.

I'm looking for information on my great grandfather, born Alexander Robertson Rollo, 1879 in New Pitsligo, the illegitimate son of Margaret Hutcheson Rollo, dau. of John Rollo and Margaret Robertson. all of New Pitsligo.
Research on census shows he was not raised by his mother, however, it does look like there was always a connection with her. I am trying to determine that connection and who did raise him. There is a story that when his mother Margaret, married James Gray in 1888, he went to live with the Smith family who ran a butcher Shop, James Smith & Sons. As this is a very common name, I have not been able to pin point this Smith family down.
Any information would be highly appreciated.

just wondering what happened to mhairi, i am disappointed i didn/t get reply,after doing a research for her, it does help to reply as perhaps if its the correct info then one maybe able to help little more.

message for gina samson, signed 6th june 2020, if the following is your links to ancestors, please email at helen.finlayson44@gmail.com as i have too much for the one go. here goes. george-gray, abt 1749 pittully=pitsligo,,, married jane-mackie abt 1753 pitully, children,,christian ,,23/9/1775,,pitsligo,,,,alexander ..7/8/1777,pitsligo,,,alexander,,22/8/1778..pitsligo,,,also son francis baptised 11/7/1788 pitsligo. perhaps theres more you may come across,also all this needs confirmed. regards helen.

message for .gina samson, signed 6th june, I had a wee search,and thought this may be your link, Alexander -gray about 1777,pitsligo,, died abt 1851,,,married 13/7/1805 ,,old-machar ,,,helen- brown about 1788 aberdeenshire..... children,,,george,,8/7/1805,,st-nicholas,,,,helen,,baptised,,20/12/1806,,,christian,,,4/2/1809,,,,, jane..??/ baptised 7/2/1814,,all st-nicholas,,,, mary ,,10/1/1816...sarah,,16/4/1818,,,, beatrice,,,1/8/1820,,, there was Ann,,24/3/1826?? also james,, 22/5/1828.... all st-nicholas,,, maybe grn/children..??? it all needs confirmed, but i do hope its of some help to you Gina,,,,,, R egards helen.

message for mhairi signed 24/9/2020. I think these folkies are your ancestors, john-barclay 25/12/1785 aberdeenshire,,,,died 1845 aberdeenshire,,,,married 20/11/1811 old=meldrum,,,,,lydia-sellar born artamford???? scotland,,,died 16/4/1858 tyrie......children,,,william 1/12/1814 tyrie,,,,james 18/11/1820 tyrie,,,,,peter,,22/6/1826...tyrie, isabella??? 18/1/1842 tyrie, this maybe grn/child,,,,,and maybe you will come across other children.... Peter 1826-march 1905 pitsligo,,,married 18/1/1845 pitsligo,,,,mary=mcdonald,,born 21/1/1823 gamrie,,, children,,, alexr mcdonald barclay baptised 8/4/1845,,,mary fowlie barclay,,29/10/1846,,,james 20/11/1848,,,william,,,2/12/1850 pitsligo died 22/11/1907 vermont.... lydia-sellar barclay,,2/8/1852pitsligo= 1936 unknown/? Hope this helps but needs confirmed, most dates baptisms.... good luck, helen

My ancestors Lydia Sellar and John Barclay, Peter Barclay and Mary McDonald

Thank you Helen Finlayson I must have missed your comment I have some of those names and I will now check Wednesday
My James (well my late hubby’s) died in Stockport Cheshire England and was buried in a Cheadle graveyard
Thank you will post and let you know