Limekilns of Upper Donside

'It is evident from the numerous disused limekilns and abandoned workings that the quarrying and burning of limestone to produce lime was a small-scale but widespread local industry, involving every farmer.'

'The Limekilns of Upper Donside - a forgotten heritage'

The Archaeology Service of Aberdeenshire Council has published a 71 page booklet called:

'The Limekilns of Upper Donside - a forgotten heritage'

Written by Ken Cruickshank, John Nisbet and Moira Greig,
ISBN No 1-903714-09-5

This booklet is a full colour publication, with a survey of the old farm limekilns of the Upper Donside area.

It reviews the lime production and its importance in the development of agriculture in an upland area of Aberdeenshire in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The whole of the upland parish of Glenbuchat and part of the neighbouring Glen Nochty were parts of the vast Fife Estates, who acquired Glenbuchat estate in 1737 until the 1880's.

With the Duff House/ Moncoffer Papers recently becoming available by consultation (MS3175 Aberdeen University Library, Historic Collections, Special Archives and Collections) it has been possible to give a fascinating glimpse into the hard lives of the small farmers and crofters, and some of the characters who lived in the area in the 18th and 19th centuries, and how they were at the mercy of the great land owners.

Books, price £13.50, can be ordered from the distributor John Nisbet by phone (01330 823145, or 01224 274523) or e-mail nisbetbanc@aol.com