Jane Batho Collection

Images contributed by Jane Batho.

Jane says:

‘My maiden name was McDonald. My father James McDonald was born at Ashintully in 1916. His father was James McDonald too but most fathers going back the family tree before that time were all Alexander McDonald. My Grandfather lived originally at the Lair in Glenshee and 2 of my Aunts and 1 Uncle were born there. Sadly when the third child was born his first wife died. A member of the Lamond family at Slochnacraig came down to help with the young family (Alexander, Mary & Meg) and the baby (Meg) went up to Slochnacraig to stay (for the rest of her life). she also became the post Mistress which was run from the house. I have pictures and photos of the family at Slochnacrig plus a postcard of the house too.

My Grandad then remarried to Margaret Fleming and at some point the family moved to Ashintully. As mentioned above they had my father in 1916. His half brother (mentioned above) was born in 1897 at the Lair but died in 1931 at Ashintully so it couldn’t have been him that died in the war either. When my Grandad died his widow and my Dad moved down to Kirkmichael and when she died he moved in with Jeanie Wallace (land lady) in the village. Dad worked for Donny Menzies doing Joinery until he married my Mum in 1957 and moved away from the area…

My Mother Agnes (Nancy) Leslie was born (1930) at Whitehouse Farm Ballintium where my Grandad farmed. I see in one of the pictures that there was reference to Lady Owen and I am sure my mother spoke of meeting her. Mum went to school in Ballintuim with her 2 sisters (Beth and Mary) and brother Charles (Chick) who became a post man making deliveries up both glens.

Most of my family are burried at Sillerburn.’