Stream supplied water

“One hundred years ago, Clayhills, the owner of Invergowrie House and lands was asked if there were ever nine streams flowing from farm lands of Menzieshill to the Tay,” writes Keith Walker of Dundee.

“He said that at one time the family had an estate map from circa 1800 which showed the nine streams, but over a period of time the small streams were united with the three larger streams to supply a plentiful source of water.

“Two of these streams still flow – one running down through the gardens of the 1960s bungalows on the northside of the Perth Road and then from under the road to Laurie’s old garden centre.

“The main well of Ninewells was the Butterwelle of Lower Balgay Farm – the tenant farmer was called Butters 200 years ago. This stream is still flowing into the Botanic Gardens where it forms a large pond. I have walked around this impressive estate now and again.

“Lower Balgay farm was on the site of the Invercarse and the stream supplied the water carts before Dundee had a piped supply. The stream appears to run from the old quarry of Hillside Farm then down the west side of Glamis Road where it once formed a pond at the top of Glamis Drive.

“In Dundee city archives I have found some old papers from the masons of 1800 who are quoting prices for the repair of the old cottages and the water supplies (course).”