The Jacksons of Mugdrum Island

I HAVE had an email from Bertha Mansfield (nee Muir) who has provided information about Mugdrum Island which was mentioned in the column recently.

“The island lies just to the north of Newburgh in Fife,” she says. “James Jackson – or perhaps his father, also called James and known as the ‘Auld King’or ‘The Lord of the Isles’ in Newburgh – seems to have taken over the tenancy of the farm on the island some time before 1853.

“James the younger’s first child, Agnes, was born on the island in September 1853 and the 1851 Census records the one house on the island being empty at that date.

“The centre of the island consisted of about 50 acres growing cereals, potatoes and turnips in rich, alluvial soil. Cattle grazed among the marshmallow flowers amid the reeds surrounding the island.

“Cutting reeds was of such importance to the economy of the farm that a special clause was placed in the lease regarding it. Originally the reeds were used for thatching, but during the First World War they were used to make paper. The farm possessed a special boat to transport the reeds to the shore. Butter and eggs were sold in the Thursday market in Newburgh.

“James the ‘Auld King’s’ grandson David took over the tenancy upon his marriage in 1907 and held it until 1926, when the farm was abandoned as uneconomic.

“James the younger and his family were living in Hawthorn Cottage in Newburgh.”

If you want to hear almost all of the Vespers, head for St Andrews, where the choir will be joined by the Priory Singers.

The concert starts at 7.30pm. Contact Jill Craig on 01382 540031 or jill@ hawkhill.myzen.co.uk.