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This area includes Keith, Drummuir, Newmill,
Grange, Mulben and Rothiemay.
Keith
Keith
is divided into the three parts of Old Keith, New Keith and Fife
Keith. The name Keith is derived from the Gaelic, geith/goath,
meaning wind.
Official history began with a charter from
William the Lion around 1195. Keith was a Barony, then, with power
of "Pit and Gallows" and could convict persons charged with
Robbery, Murder, Rape and Arson. Prior to 1195, there is no doubt
that a settlement of sorts had grown up and around the River Isla Ford
near the Auld Brig. This is the area now know as "The Auld Toon"
or Old Keith.
In 1750 the 5th Earl of Findlater, Viscount
Reidhaven, decided to extend eastward. New Keith was built.
This was a planned village of one central square and three parallel
streets linked by a series of lanes - gridiron style. The Square was
the scene of the annual Simmereve Fair, which is still held today as
"The Great Keith Show."
Keith expanded with the formation of Keith
Junction allowing the Railways to branch out in all directions, bringing
trade and commerce to the town. In addition to this, the first two
of three Distilleries was established in 1785, followed rapidly by Kynochs
Mills in 1788 and Seafield Mills in early 1900s. Production peaked
during the World War II and continued to be a good source of employment
until the latter part of the 20th Century, as did the distilleries and the
railways. Agriculture is the predominant industry in the surrounding
area.
Keith is now a service oriented town and
diversification is strongly encouraged e.g. The Kilt School and the Tartan
Museum.
Newmill
Newmill
has the largest rural community in Strathisla (around pop. 500) and has a
clear centre of population. It is situated some 1.5 miles from
Keith. There is a network of Glens running up to 4 miles north of
the village, and the primary school catchment area includes the hamlets of
Aultmore and Auchinderran to the west. The area was originally part
of the Glengerrack estate, which was broken up over one hundred years ago.
Grange
The
Parish of Grange (meaning 'farm' of 'country') covers a large expanse of
primarily agricultural land and, yet enjoys the luxury of a relatively
small population.
Standing stones and stone circles remain in
the surrounding areas of Grange as evidence of Pictish inhabitation as
early 3000BC. The Picts were ousted by the Scots in 843 AD and the
end of the 9th Century saw invasion by the Danes. The Romans had
almost certainly arrived, albeit briefly, by the first Century AD, leaving
some interesting historical sits, such as evidence of a Roman camp large
enough to accommodate 10,000 men found at Murifold. They also
inspired a rich legacy of stories and traditions, such as a belief that
the vicinity of the Knock was the location of a battle of Mons Graupius -
a claim that may be supported by finds of burial cairns and earth works in
the area.
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