Stracathro

" .... about 7 miles long and 2 broad, stretching across the valley of Strathmore. The surface, which rises at each extremity, is uncommonly pleasant; and the soil varies from a rich clay to a black gravel, though the former is the most prevalent. Very little of the parish is enclosed; but, upon the whole, considerable attention is payed to the agriculture. Freestone and limestone are abundant; but, thoguh the latter is wrought, the great distance and expense of fuel render the advantage which might accrue from it less general. The churchyard of Stracathro is noted as having been the scene of the abject surrender of the crown of Scotland by John Balliol to King Edward I in 1296."

The Gazetteer of Scotland, W Chalmers, Dundee 1803.