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The existing buildings stand on the site of the "Great Ha'" a fortalice built by the great MacCombie Mohr AKA Iain MacIntosh in 1660.  He was a big man of great personal strength, magnetism, sagacity and was recognised as a superb swordsman. He was a Royalist, and friend and confidant of James Graham 5th Earl and 1st Marquess of Montrose. He probably fought along side Montrose in his long  campaign throughout Scotland (he was certainly present at the battle of Alford) .  He changed sides after Montrose was executed, probably because there was no real effective resistance to the Covenanters left and to boot his wife (Elspeth Campbell) was close kin of the Duke of Argyll, the leading light in the Covenant camp. He came to regret this come the Restoration of the Crown in 1660, but it was unlikely he would've survived long as a Royalist for all his sword skills and strength. There are many stories of the exploits of MacCombie Mohr. If you are interested follow the links below or try to get hold of the following books. 

Bonnie Glenshee by Colin Gibson, Published by Wm. Culross & Sons Coupar Angus

The Story of Glenisla by David Grewar, Published by Milne & Hutchison, Aberdeen 1926.

The History of the Clan MacThomas. This might be available through the Clan MacThomas Society, whose annual magazine the Clach A' Choilich is a useful source.

Montrose by Napier is probably the most comprehensive book on Montrose and the period I've read. You should be able to get this through your local library.

Another great source for the serious researcher is the Scottish Records Office, PO Box 36,  HM General Registry House, Edinburgh. EH1 3YY. 0131 556 6585. A good place to start would the Muniments of the House of Airlie, this is a massive accumulation of documents from the Airlies dating back to at least the 16C.

http://a2fister2000.tripod.com/id40.htm    http://hometown.aol.com/jjrmccomb3/

 N.B. The two carved lintels had been removed, one now is in Airlie castle and the other in the Garden wall at Balharry House. I have restored copies of the lintels in the Steading when I rebuilt it some years ago.

    The quarry below Creagan Soilleir that supplied the stone for the bottle mouldings around the doors and windows in the Great Ha', some of which are still in the Steading and the cottage.

McCombie Mhor's chair   looking E and looking W.  NO 16 NE 1830 6722        

This might be a 4 stone circle above Creagan Soilleir

A cup marked stone that came out of a wall during renovation work. This cup mark faced into the wall and there are at least 3 others on the stone.

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Last modified: December 20, 2005