| Notes |
- John McDonald of Monachyle was born John McDonald Stewart, but later changed his name to John McDonald Stewart McDonald as a condition of his inheritance of Monachyle and Craigruie from his great-uncle John McDonald of Monachyle, in order to keep Monachyle in the name of McDonald.
According to Mrs Stewart of Milton: "John Stewart Macdonald now of Monacheil who is married to a Miss Hodgeson from Fife."
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"Death of Highland Laird
MacDonald of Monachyle, Balquhidder.
The death took place at his residence, Rhuvaig, Lochearnhead, of Mr. John Stewart McDonald of Monachyle and Craigruie, Balquhidder.
"The deceased, whose name was originally Stewart, his forebears being a long line of Balquhidder farmer, inherited the estate 25 years ago from his maternal uncle, Mr. John MacDonald, on condition that he assumed the surname of MacDonald. Monachyle and Craigruie is a beautiful sporting property of ten thousand acres amid fine Highland scenery.
"The deceased was a magnificent specimen of a Highalnder, standing 6 feet 4 inches in his stockings, and being broad in proportion, and for years his striking-looking figure in the kilt was conspicuous at cattle shows and other gatherings in the district between Bridge of Allan and Oban. He is survived by a widow, but no family. He was 45 years of age." (Dundee Courier, Friday 14 May 1909)
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“Death of Monachyle -- Well-Known Balquhidder Laird
“There passed away early on Thursday morning at his residence, Rhuvaig, Balquhidder, Mr. John Stewart McDonald of Monachyle and Craigruie. He had been in indifferent health for some time, and suffering from complications his death was not altogether unexpected. Deceased, who was in his 45th year, succeeded to the estates on the death of his uncle over 20 years ago, and has since then almost continuously resided in the district where he was a very familiar figure. “Monachyle,” for as much as such he was known, was a man of tall and powerful physique, and, garbed as he usually was in the tartan of his clan, he presented a striking and picturesque appearance on the heather slopes of historic Balquhidder.
“He was educated at Edinburgh University, and during his stay in the Scottish capital he identified himself with the athletic side of University life, and for some time,in the days before professionalism took hold, he took a prominent part in the conduct of the famous old Hibernian Football Club. He was a keen sportsman and was thoroughly at home with both rod and gun. Monachyle was a Celt of Celts, and of the folklore of his own district and its clan history, he had an intimate knowledge.
“Our Balquhidder correspondent says: The “laird,” as he was familiarly called, took a deep interest in all matters concerning the welfare of the community, and his demise will leave a blank not easily filled. He was Vice-Chairman of the Parish Council and at different periods was representative member to the Western District Committee of the County Council. He was also a useful member of the last School Board, and had it not been for the state of his health he was most likely to have been re-elected. He had the pluck to stand at the election which took place on Friday last week, but the electors were not at all hopeful of his recovery - hence his position at this poll.
“Invariably dressed in the Clan Highland costume, his tall, handsome figure, his ever courteous manner, will be much missed on the shore of Loch Voil, both by visitors and residenters.
“He took a keen interest in all manly sports and repeatedly won medals at foorball in his younger days, and later at shooting competitions, etc. His taste for music, too, led him to be frequently asked to judge at Highalnd gatherings.
“Both in public and in private life the “Laird’s” individuality will be greatly missed by a large circle of friends.
“Deceased was married to a daughter of the late [illegible] Hodgson, Cupar, by whom he is survived.” (Strathearn Herald, Saturday 15 May 1909.)
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1863 - 1909 (45 years)
