Crossroads and Characters
37. MANSES AND WHISKY.
This handsome house, built in 1863 as a manse for St. Serf's, stands in an area now known as The Glebe. The manse it replaced had at least one memorable occupant. Around 1800, illegal whisky stills abounded; there were said to be 17 in the hills above Dunning. Lord Rollo and Mr. Graeme of Garvock visited the manse to ask Rev. Charles Hardy about allegations that he was being supplied with illicit whisky. Hardy solemnly assured them not a drop of smuggled whisky ever entered his door, and his servant Annie swore the same. The delegation left, satisfied of his innocence. Hardy turned and said 'Aye, ye ken it was the truth, Annie, for it was yersel' that took it in at the window. The Rev. 'Drouth' as he was known died in 1814, his death hastened when a group of dissatisfied parishioners hung him by the heels one night from Dunning Bridge.
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