Tain Museum Image Library
Dr Aird's Well, Kilmuir Easter
The only information we have about this well is what is said on the front of the post card on which it appears i.e. "Dr Aird's Well" , Heathfield, Kilmuir Easter. We would be interested to know who Dr Aird was, why the well should be named after him and if it is still identifiable and known as such in the district.
Picture added on 28 January 2006
I have a copy of "The Life of Dr. Aird" & I see that he's buried at Migdale. Of course, he lived there for many years when he was the Minister in Creich. His services were regularly held in the open air to accomodate the vast congregation which came many miles to hear him.
Added by Katharine Broome. on 01 February 2006
You are quite right Ross, Rev. Dr. Gustavus Aird was born at Heathfield, Kilmuir Easter. I didn't make the connection when I came across the photo. After I put it up I wondered if it had any connection with the Reverend but associated him with Croick and Creich where he practiced. I should have done more research. I have now re-read what is on his memorial plaque in the Collegiate Church and confirmed his birthplace. So I suppose the well is named after him. Still there must be more story behind it if anyone out there knows about it.
Added by Margaret Urquhart, Tain & District Museum on 01 February 2006
An article in the Scotman newspaper on 27/12/1887 tells that the Moderator-Elect of the Free Church, Dr. Aird of Creich, intimated from the pulpit that a collection would be made for the destitution in Lewis - he did not believe it was a sin in the eyes of God to kill the wild animals [ deer ] fattening on the land, while human beings were allowed to starve
Added by Peter Aikman on 30 March 2006
People
http://www.tainmuseum.org.uk/imagelibrary/picture/number133.asp
The Rev Dr Gustavus Aird D.D. Born at Heathfield Kilmuir Easter 29 June 1813
Minister of Croick 1841 to 1843 and Minister of the Free Church Creich 1843-1898.
Moderator of the General Assembly, Inverness 1888. He died 20 Dec 1898.
He married Mary Sim b: 1818 - d: 1900.
Gustavus Aird was the 5th Child of Gustavus Aird, J.P.
Who was descended from William Aird, farmer - Wester Kincraig - Parish of Rosskeen.