KILMICHAEL-GLASSARY, a parish, in the district of Argyll
and county of Argyll, 18 miles (S. W.) from Inverary;
containing, with part of the quoad sacra parish of Lochgilphead,
4700 inhabitants. This place, the early history
of which is almost unknown, is supposed to have derived
its name of Glassary from the general appearance
of its surface, as being more adapted for pasture than
for tillage. It is said to have formed part of the possessions
of the Mac Donalds, of whose baronial castle, situated
on the northern bank of Loch Awe, and which according
to tradition was destroyed by fire, there are still
considerable remains. From the eleventh to the thirteenth
century, the place appears to have been exposed
to frequent incursions of the Danes, who held nearly the
whole of the western coast; and there are several watchtowers
yet existing, which were erected to give notice of
their approach. The parish is bounded on the south
and south-east by Loch Fine, and on the north-east by
Loch Awe, and varies from twelve to sixteen miles in
length, and from eight to ten miles in breadth, comprising
an area of nearly 150 square miles. Its surface,
which rises gradually from both sides towards the centre,
is diversified with hills of no great elevation; and on
the west is an extensive valley, varying in height from
200 to 600 feet above the level of the sea. The acclivities
of the valley are partially wooded, and in the centre
is the small lake of Lochan Leamhan. There are other
lakes in the parish, the principal of which is Loch Ederlin,
about a mile to the west of Loch Awe, beautifully
embosomed in hills crowned with thriving plantations;
and Loch Glaissean and Loch Shineach, from which
latter issues the river Ad, are situated in the moorlands.
The chief river is the Ad, which flows through the valley
of Glassary: this stream, which is subject to great inundations
from heavy rains, abounds with trout and sal-
mon, and a fishery for the latter is conducted under the
superintendence of the proprietor.
Along the banks of Loch Fine, towards the south-east,
the SOIL is gravel intermixed with peat; and towards
the south-west, a deep rich loam of great fertility.
Considerable portions of land have been improved by
furrow-draining; but much yet remains in an unprofitable
state. The system of husbandry, also, has made
some progress under the auspices of the agricultural
society established here, which includes also the neighbouring
parishes of Craignish, Kilmartin, and North and
South Knapdale; but the lands are but very partially
inclosed, and the farm-buildings are still of an inferior
description. The cattle reared in the pastures are generally
of the Argyllshire or West Highland breed, and
the sheep principally the black-faced, with some of the
South-Down breed on the lands of Kilmory, which thrive
well. There are considerable remains of natural wood,
consisting chiefly of oak, birch, and hazel, of which fine
specimens are to be seen on the shores of Loch Awe;
and extensive plantations of oak, Scotch and silver firs,
larch, ash, and other trees, have been formed in several
parts, all of which, with the exception of the ash, are in
a thriving state. The principal substrata are mica-slate,
greenstone, and limestone. Copper-ore has been found,
and a mine was opened by the Duke of Argyll; but
though the ore was of good quality, it did not occur in
sufficient quantity to remunerate the expense of working
it, and the mine was abandoned. The annual value of
real property in the parish is £11,343. Kilmory House
is the seat of Sir John P. Orde, Bart., by whom it has
been enlarged and greatly improved: the present structure,
which is of blue ashler stone, is spacious, and surmounted
at the south-west angle by a lofty octagonal
tower, containing a dining-room twenty-nine feet in
diameter, and other stately apartments. Over the entrance
hall is what is called a Chinese drawing-room,
fifty-seven feet long, and twenty-seven feet wide, fitted
up in appropriate style, and furnished with hangings
and drapery made for the purpose in China. From the
summit of the tower is obtained an extensive prospect,
embracing the mountain of Ben-Ghoil in Arran, the
Mull, and the hills of Cowal. The village of Kilmichael
is small, and not distinguished by any important features:
that of Lochgilphead is separately noticed. Fairs
for cattle are held at Kilmichael in May and October,
and on the following days at Lochgilphead; and they
are so regulated, that the stock remaining unsold may
be driven to the Inverary markets.
For ecclesiastical purposes the parish is within the
limits of the presbytery of Inverary, synod of Argyll.
The minister's stipend is £266, with a manse, and a
glebe valued at £28 per annum; patron, Campbell of
Auchinellan. Kilmichael church, erected in 1827, is a
spacious structure containing 1500 sittings. A government
church was erected at the village of Lochgilphead
in 1828; and in 1841 a church was built by the committee
of the General Assembly at Camlodden, for the
benefit of that portion of the parish and an adjacent
district of Inverary. There are preaching stations at
Lochfineside and Lochaweside, where a missionary
preaches alternately; also places of worship in the parish
for Independents and members of the Free Church.
The parochial schoolmaster has a salary of £25, with a
house and garden, and the fees average £35. There is
a female school in the village of Lochgilphead, maintained
by the heritors; and a school in the Camlodden
district is supported by the General Assembly, who pay
£25 per annum to the master, for whom a house and
garden are provided rent-free by Sir Archibald Campbell,
Bart. Remains of ancient churches exist in various
parts of the parish, of which the most prominent are
those of Kilbride, on the west; Killevin, on the shore of
Loch Fine; Kilmory, near Lochgilphead; and Kilneuair,
on the bank of Loch Awe. The remains of Kilneuair
display much beauty of style; the cemetery of Kilmory
is still used as a place of sepulture.