THE FARMER AT BALLACHROAN

      Ballachroan House stands just north of the main road that runs between Newtonmore and Kingussie. It is not visible from the road because it is situated just back from the edge of a fairly steep embankment that parallels the road. The driveway that leads to the top of the embankment is quite steep and runs at an angle that favours travellers from Kingussie in gaining access to it. However, it is quite negotiable and to visit is quite worthwhile because of the magnificent view of Strath Spey and the Monadhruadh that it provides when you get there.

      At the time of his death in 1800 Ballachroan House had been the residence of Capt. John Macpherson for many years. The name is derived from the Gaelic Bail'-a-Chrodhain meaning 'Township of the Sheepfold'. Its present ruinous state can be seen in the adjacent photograph but despite its fallen roof and the surrounding sea of nettles, its former functional integrity and solid baronial style are still evident. The surrounding farm land is still productive and in active use.

      Captain Macpherson had retired there after a long and distinguished military career. According to Affleck Gray in his Legends of the Cairngorms, "Macpherson became totally engrossed in agricultural pursuits and hunting. He introduced new methods of farming, and better types of grain and root crops which resulted in crops superior to any others in the district. His cattle were fatter and sleeker, and produced rich milk in quantities previously unknown in the district. His methods were so far in advance of the primitive husbandry of the time that they gave rise to much speculation in ... Badenoch especially. This added fresh fuel to the conviction already held that he was 'deisciobul an Diabhol' (a disciple of the Devil)."

      "Weird tales circulated about . . . his compact with the Devil, and how he had . . . outwitted the Prince of Darkness. In the course of their relationship, the Devil had promised to give him, [under certain conditions], all that he might desire. First, the Captain asked that all the crops at Balachroan should be the wonder and envy of those who saw or heard of them. The Devil readily agreed, providing that he would get the roots. That year the fields at Balachroan carried nothing but grain, and the harvest the Captain reaped was almost beyond belief. In due course the Devil arrived to claim his share, and the Captain told him to take the roots [per] their agreement. The Devil was furious and accused the Captain of cheating.

      "All right then" the Captain replied, "I will give you the crop next year and keep the roots for myself." With astonishing lack of guile Donald Dubh agreed. The following year every field at Balachroan carried root crops, potatoes, turnips, and carrots. At harvesting time Satan arrived and demanded his share. Pointing mockingly to the shaws the Captain said, "There it is as agreed. Take it."

      ". . . fuming with rage the Devil howled, 'You will not cheat me a third time', but the wily Captain did." His third wish was for a herd of cattle of a quality undreamed of in the Highlands, and Old Nick agreed, providing that all the beasts in one corner of the steading would be his share. The Captain immediately replaced the rectangular steading with a circular one. Soon it was stocked with the finest cattle in all Scotland, and when the Devil called to collect his dues, he positively screamed with frustration because he could see no corner in the steading.