Dyce Parish, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Written and Researched by Margaret Odrowaz-Sypniewska, B.F.A.
Dyce Parish in the 1800's (nineteenth century)
Dyce is a parish containing a post office station of its own name, 7 miles north-west of Aberdeen, Aberdenshire, Scotland. It is bounded by Fintray, New Machar, Old Machar, Newhills, and Kinnellar. Its length south-eastward is 6 miles; and its greatest breadth is 3 miles. The river Don traces all the northern and eastern boundary. A ridge of hills called Tyrebeggar runs directly through the parish from north to south. The soil near the Don is deep and rich, producing fine crops. Agriculture here is in an advanced state; nearly 3,000 acres are under cultivation. In the hilly ground of Tyrebeggar, however, upwards of 1,000 acres are covered with heath or underwood. There are several plantations of larch and Scots pine. Quarries of granite have been worked since the middle of the last century; and dressed stones, for paving the streets and for building, were some time sent hence in great quantities to London. On the top of one of the hills there is a Druidical temple, consisting of 10 rough stones planted in a circular form. There are also several cairns on the hills. The great north of Scotland railway traverses the parish, and has a station in it. There are six principal landowners. The yearly value of raw produce was estimated in 1840 at 7,765 pds. 18 shillings. Assessed property in 1843, 3,570 pds. Population in 1831, 620; in 1861, 585. Houses 100.
The parish is the presbytery and synod of Aberdeen. Patron, Gordon Cumming Skene of Dyce. Stipend 150 pds. 11s. 2d.; glebe 6 pds. 10s. The church is an old building situated on a rocky promontory, formed by a winding of the Don, and commands a fine view of the river's course through the valley for 20 miles. Schoolmaster's salary is 55 pds per annum, with 14 pd. fees.
Sources:
Wilson, Rev. John Marius (editor). The Imperial Gazetteer of Scotland. London: A Fullarton & Co., 492.
This page was last updated on February 21, 2005
