Poor Andrew. On his journey from Bottacks, he had met and chatted with so many people. They were now about to appear before him to give their account of their meetings. Surely he must now be regretting his actions. He didn't stand a chance. Andrew had made his way to Fort Augustus that fateful weekend…
The trial also heard the testimony from people who Andrew met and spoke to during the days before he headed off to Fort Augustus from Strathpeffer. Reading the testimonies gives a small insight into Andrew's personality. He seems to be full of plans and ideas, talking to everybody he meets, trying to involve his mates…
A variety of people were called upon to provide statements for Andrew Ballantyne's trial. Crofters, constables, cabinet makers and now we have the statement from the post runner. John Stoddart, ran with the post between Fort Augustus and Inverness. He was unmarried and about 25 years old and lived with his father, James Stoddart, in…
After the thorough witness statement from John Stoddart, another witness was called against Andrew. Ann Park, servant to and residing with Robert Helm, keeper at (Kinlochurigan?) in the parish of Boleskine aforesaid - aged about 26 years declares: "My master's house is fully a mile from Fort Augustus. On Saturday 8th June, current, in the…
The final witness statement in Andrew Ballantyne's trial was John Fullerton, Inn keeper, residing at Ruskich in the parish of Urquhart in the county of Inverness. The statement is headed, Rushie, 17th June 1844. He was a married man, aged about 46 years. My house is situated on the side of the road leading from…
Discovering My Family 