The Story Behind the Inscription on James Winter's Grave

The grave of James Winter, located in a quiet churchyard near the ancient ruins of Inverquharity Castle, carries with it a tale of bravery, local lore, and an obscure battle that has faded into the mists of history. The inscription on his grave is worn with age, its letters barely discernible, yet it tells a remarkable story of one man’s participation in a conflict known as The Battle of Saughs. This battle, shrouded in mystery and folklore, has become an integral part of the local history of the Fern district, even though its precise date and full details remain elusive.

The stone itself, of the old "table" type, is a stark reminder of the passing of time and the persistence of memory, albeit in fragments. The inscription reads:

"I.W. 1732. This stone was erected by Alexander Winter, tenant in the Boat, in memory of James Winter, his father’s brother, who died on Peathaugh, in the parish of Glenisla, the 3rd January, 1732, aged 72. Here lies James Winter, who died in Peathaugh, who fought most valiantly at ye Water of Saughs, along with Led en Hen Dry, who did command ye day – They vanquish’d the enemy and made them run away."

While this short epitaph is the only physical trace of James Winter’s involvement in the battle, the broader story behind it unfolds through oral traditions, historical texts, and the landscape that surrounds his final resting place. To fully appreciate the significance of this inscription, we must explore the context of the battle, the life of James Winter, and the larger-than-life legacy that he and his comrades left behind.

The Battle of Saughs: A Brief Overview

The Battle of Saughs, also known as the "Raid of Fearn" or sometimes referred to as the "Cateran Raid," is an event that occurred sometime between the 17th and early 18th centuries, with some accounts suggesting it took place as early as 1690 and others placing it between 1703 and 1711. The date of the battle remains uncertain, as does the exact nature of the conflict, but the battle was a clash between the Caterans, a group of Highland reavers, and the local inhabitants of the Fern district.

Caterans were notorious for their raids and pillaging, often plundering cattle and other valuables. This particular raid is said to have been led by a fearsome chief, the "Hawkit Stirk," a man whose origins are as mysterious as his actions. Some traditions suggest that the Hawkit Stirk was a foundling, raised by a family in the Parish of Kingoldrum after being discovered outside their door as an infant. This same man would grow up to become the leader of a band of ruthless reavers who terrorized the local population, especially in the areas around Fern and Glenisla.

As the story goes, the people of Fern were gathered by the ringing of the kirk bell, rallying together to recover stolen cattle and horses. Despite their desperation to reclaim their livestock, many of the villagers were hesitant to engage the much stronger and more experienced reavers in battle. It was only through the bravery of Macintosh of Ledenhendry, a young man enraged by the fear of his fellow villagers, that the pursuit of the Caterans was reignited.

Macintosh rallied a small group of eighteen young men, including James Winter, and they pursued the reavers to the Water of Saughs, where the battle would unfold.

The Role of James Winter

James Winter’s participation in the Battle of Saughs is significant, not only because of his personal bravery but also because of the manner in which he helped tip the scales in favor of the locals. According to the inscription on his grave, James Winter fought valiantly alongside Macintosh of Ledenhendry and the rest of the villagers. The battle was hard-fought, with casualties on both sides, but the turning point came when Winter stealthily approached the bandit leader, M'Gregor, and hamstrung him. Despite being severely wounded, M'Gregor continued to fight, but he was eventually slain by Macintosh.

Winter’s act of bravery helped to neutralize the Cateran’s leader, and with the chief fallen, the remainder of the raiders scattered in disarray, fleeing the battlefield. It is said that none of the Caterans escaped alive. This decisive victory was celebrated in local song and legend, with James Winter's name becoming synonymous with courage and resilience.

The inscription on his tombstone not only commemorates his actions during the battle but also marks him as one of the heroes who helped to defend his community from the chaos of the reavers. The mention of "Led en Hen Dry", likely a reference to Macintosh of Ledenhendry, emphasizes the importance of their leadership in securing the victory, but Winter’s role as the man who removed the Cateran leader from the fight has immortalized him in local memory.

The Legacy of James Winter and the "Hawkit Stirk"

In the years following the battle, the "Hawkit Stirk" would remain a figure of legend, and the conflict at the Water of Saughs became a focal point for local folklore. The Cateran raids in Scotland were not uncommon during this period, and such skirmishes were often resolved with violence, yet the Raid of Saughs stands out for the way it inspired both fear and admiration in the hearts of those who lived through it.

James Winter, through his involvement in the battle and his eventual death, became an enduring figure in the local narrative. His grave, marked by a simple yet poignant inscription, continues to serve as a point of reflection for those who seek to understand the harsh realities of life in 18th-century Scotland, where everyday people were forced to defend their homes from marauding bandits.

Winter’s final resting place also stands as a reminder of the transience of life, as well as the resilience of the human spirit. His bravery at Saughs was celebrated not only in the inscription on his tombstone but also in the way the local community honored him for generations. The historical significance of his actions, though now overshadowed by time, still echoes in the streets and valleys of the Fern district, where the battle took place.

The Enduring Mystery of the Battle of Saughs

Despite the rich traditions surrounding the Battle of Saughs and the valor shown by figures like James Winter, many aspects of the event remain shrouded in mystery. The precise date of the conflict is still unknown, and the full extent of the combatants’ lives is lost to history. Yet, the inscription on James Winter’s grave serves as a testament to the bravery of one man—and to the power of oral history in preserving the legacies of those who fought to protect their homes from those who sought to destroy them.

James Winter’s life and death are just one piece of the puzzle of The Battle of Saughs, but his inscription on the gravestone remains a symbol of the courage, sacrifice, and determination that define the Highland people’s ongoing struggle to protect their land and their way of life. His legacy, though hidden in the words of a fading stone, is still very much alive in the stories passed down through generations.

Adapted From: Edwards, D. H. (Ed.). (n.d.). Six circular tours in Angus and Mearns: Historical and descriptive, with notes on the ancient superstitions, folk lore, eminent men, and curious characters in various districts of Forfar and Kincardineshires (2nd ed.). D. H. Edwards, Advertiser Office