Moine House
"Moine House, Tongue"
Watercolour on Fabriano Artistico 300gsm Rough paper
25 x 36 cm
West of Tongue, in Sutherland, there is a large peat bog called The Moine, which stretches all the way over to the next valley. At more-or-less the highest point there is a ruined building, called Moine House, which I have always found very striking. It is a wild and lonely spot and it has a background of dramatic mountains. I assumed that it was an old drovers' inn, but a plaque* on the wall tells the story of how it was erected as a refuge for travellers.
In 1830 the Marquis of Stafford had a road built over the bog to make travel easier, and a house was erected at the half-way point. The building was occupied by a family who provided shelter for any weary travellers who needed it. The roof fell in long ago and all that remains now are the walls, and especially two large gables which make a striking profile. A new, modern road passes close by, but the old road can still be followed for long stretches.
In 1830 the Marquis of Stafford had a road built over the bog to make travel easier, and a house was erected at the half-way point. The building was occupied by a family who provided shelter for any weary travellers who needed it. The roof fell in long ago and all that remains now are the walls, and especially two large gables which make a striking profile. A new, modern road passes close by, but the old road can still be followed for long stretches.
* Wall Plaque -
THIS HOUSE
Erected for the refuge of the traveller
Serves to commemorate
The construction of the road across the deep and dangerous morass of the
MOIN
Impracticable to all but the hardy and active native to him even
It was a day of toil and labour
This road was made in the year 1830 and at the sole expense
Of the
MARQUIS of STAFFORD
Those who feel not the delay nor experience the fatigue nor suffer
From the risks and interruptions incident to the former state of
the country
can but slightly estimate the advantages of its present
improve conditions or what it cost to procure them
To mark this change – to note these facts – to record this date
This inscription is put up and dedicated
By
JAMES LOCH ESQr MP
Auditor and commissioner upon his Lordships Estates
and
JOHN HORSBURGH ESQr
Factor for the REAY country, STRATHNAVER, Strathalladale and Assynt
Under whose directions this work was executed and who
Alone know the difficulties that occurred
In its execution
And the liberality and perseverance by which
They were overcome
PETER LAWSON Surveyor
Erected for the refuge of the traveller
Serves to commemorate
The construction of the road across the deep and dangerous morass of the
MOIN
Impracticable to all but the hardy and active native to him even
It was a day of toil and labour
This road was made in the year 1830 and at the sole expense
Of the
MARQUIS of STAFFORD
Those who feel not the delay nor experience the fatigue nor suffer
From the risks and interruptions incident to the former state of
the country
can but slightly estimate the advantages of its present
improve conditions or what it cost to procure them
To mark this change – to note these facts – to record this date
This inscription is put up and dedicated
By
JAMES LOCH ESQr MP
Auditor and commissioner upon his Lordships Estates
and
JOHN HORSBURGH ESQr
Factor for the REAY country, STRATHNAVER, Strathalladale and Assynt
Under whose directions this work was executed and who
Alone know the difficulties that occurred
In its execution
And the liberality and perseverance by which
They were overcome
PETER LAWSON Surveyor
"Sunlight on Moine House"
Watercolour on Saunders Waterford 300gsm Rough paper
13 x 18 cm
Comments
I love the ever-present inclusion of your historic information as well. It offers me the (virtual) sense... though distant as it is... of being a traveler in your space.
Good Painting!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
Sharing makes life richer.
All the best, Keith