The church at Rait

There has been a church at Rait in Perthshire since the 13th Century as a chapel of Scone Abbey,” writes Donald Abbott of Invergowrie. “By April 21 1491, it was described as the parish church.

“During the times of ongoing disputes between Perth and Dundee as to which was senior in the Convention of Royal Burghs and arising from discussions held at three meetings of the Convention held in Glasgow in February 1579, they thought a way of settlement had been reached.

“The kirk of Rait was designated as a meeting place for representatives of the litigants on the Wednesday ‘immediately preceding Palme Sonday next’. Three commissioners were chosen from each side, with a complicated method set in place for appointing a chairman. They duly met on the appointed day but, singularly and not surprisingly, failed to agree.

“It is interesting that the kirk of Rait was chosen for the venue, presumably as it was halfway between both towns. Perth and Dundee had other issues such as which town held the admiralty of the River Tay. That issue was not settled until November 26 1602, with Dundee having jurisdiction from Invergowrie and Balmerino to the mouth of the river, and Perth having jurisdiction from Invergowrie and Balmerino to Perth.

“During the Cromwellian period, General Monck’s troopers, camped at the Swirlhead in the Sidlaws above Rait, were intent upon carrying out demolition works at the castle of Fingask. However, they left the castle well alone and are said to have satisfied themselves with setting fire to the roof of this old church in Rait and on the Fingask estate, dedicated to St Peter – says Lawrence Melville in his 1939 book The Fair Land

Of Gowrie. In any event, the parish of Rait amalgamated with Kilspindie in the 1600s.

“Recent investigation by an eminent Perth researcher confirms that the University of St Andrews has revealed that this church was dedicated originally to St Michael the Archangel and to St Ulcan the Confessor.

“The kirkyard was the burial place for many generations, but few gravestones are seen today. Its adjacent glebe still forms part of the lands held by Kilspindie and Rait parish church.”

Shirts were starched

Reader Tom Green has sent in this poem and says: “This verse might strike a chord with those who indulge in reminiscing. Oh for the days when social distancing did not impinge when we went dancing.”

The Dancin’

So we go tae the dancin’ tae meet oor fate Tae find a wonderfu’ lassie tae be a mate We’ve polished oor shoes, pit pomade on oor hair

An’ done oor best tae look debonair. Nae medallions or earrings or stripped tae the waist

Oor shirts were starched and oor troosers well creased jeans wi’ knees oot, deodorant spray Guaranteed tae pull lassies away.

We’ve practised oor chat up lines the lasses tae soften

We’ve learned no tae use the auld “Dae ye come here often?”

That line aye comes oot when we feel nervous

An’ the lassies tae oor blandishments seem impervious. tae Glesca, the terse

“Are ye dancing?” “Are ye askin?” was how we’d converse.

The lassies a’ lined alang one wa’ Lads werena’ welcome there at a’ The lads lined up at the opposite side Eyeing the lassies frae every side. Then the band sterted and we a’ made oor move lassie selected approve Then,“Sorry, ahm jist sittin’ this ane oot At the last ane someone stood on ma fuit” Then back forlorn tae join the men’s side Wi’ a big red face you’re tryin’ tae hide.

Nae

Hopin’ the nae frae

Lynx far far

George, left, and Ed Jarrett who worked at Chapelton smiddy. Read more in the column above.