History Page
Monzievaird and Strowan
Following the Scottish Poor Law Act of 1845, which made it possible for two or more parishes to join together to operate a single poorhouse, Monzievaird and Strowan combined.
And although the parish was abolished in 1975, it was once a thriving community with its own schools, church and village hall, the latter of which celebrated its centenary in 2008.
Long before the two parishes combined, the area had a colourful and eventful history, evidence of which is still retained in the surrounding countryside.
In 1811 Monzievaird and Strowan's total population was 1,123. In 1901 it was 588 and by 1951, that number had dwindled to 497.
The old church of Monzievaird (Gaelic: monadh-a-bhaird - "the bard's hill") was dedicated to St Serf, and that of Strowan to St Ronan or Rowan, from which the name Strowan derives. Both were in use on alternate Sundays till 1804.
The original Monzievaird Church was situated at Ochtertyre on the site of what is now a mausoleum.
The new Monzievaird and Strowan Parish Church was built at Monzievaird and stood from 1808 - 1964. All that remains of it now is part of a wall.
As times changed, people moved away from the area, and the church and school were no longer required.
In its hey day the school had a roll of over 100 pupils but this number gradually reduced throughout the 20th century until the school was forced to close in 1977.
The three old school buildings are now private homes.
However many local people still remember with fondness the outstanding education they received at Monzievaird School.**
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**LOCH Monzievaird was created in the 18th century. Prior to that it was marshland and two of the islands on it were originally crannogs - man made constructions built from piles of stone and timber.
Carbon dating taken from them suggests a long history of use from around 610BC to the 19th century AD.
The remains of Castle Cluggy, a medieval tower, also still sit on the north side of the loch, on what was known as the ‘Dry Isle’, probably because it would have only been accessible by a drawbridge.
This old fortress was once home to Sir William Murray, first baronet of Ochtertyre at least until the 17th century. However, it traditionally belonged to the Red Comyn, Robert the Bruce's great antagonist.
About 80 yards to the west of the ruin is a small artificial island that served as a prison and at the west end of the loch is a large mound where plague victims were once buried.**
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**QUEEN Victoria and Prince Albert visited the area in 1842.
Whilst attending a reception attended by the monarch, the minister of Monzievaird Church at the time, Reverend Gordon, was delighted to hear her royah highness describe Monzievaird as “the sweetest neuk in all Strathearn”.**