104 REPORT OF MEETINGS FOR 1901 



the song, and wedded it to the beautiful tune of her own 

 composing, to which it is now always suag. The Colonel 

 happened to have as his g:uest at Caldra Dr Wood, organist 

 of Exeter Cathedral, and the Doctor, hearing what was 

 wanted, volunteered to harmonise the song for the occasion, 

 which was done. [Plate XVII.] All joined in the singing, 

 which was led by a quartette consisting of Colonel and the 

 Misses Milne Home and Dr Wood, and which will abide 

 with those who heard it, as a memorable incident of this 

 day. On the motion of Sir George Douglas, a cordial vote 

 of thanks was accorded to Mr and Mrs Verdin for their 

 kindness. 



Our fellow member, Mr George Fortune, Kilmeny, Duns, 

 gives the following notes upon the house. 



Notes regarding Spottiswoode. 



The old mansion house of Spottiswoode is now used as the 

 kitchens, hall, and servants' rooms. It was slightly altered and 

 made to communicate with the present mansion house, which 

 was built sometime about 1830 (see date on house) by the 

 late John Spottiswoode, the father of Lady John Scott, the 

 last of the race. The buildings were designed by the late 

 David Bryce, architect, of Edinburgh, and they are in the 

 Elizabethan style of architecture, with a long corridor from 

 east to west, with dining room and drawing rooms off 

 this hall or corridor. There used to be a painting in this 

 hall of the celebrated Spottiswoode, painted by Alexander 

 Naesmith, the well-known Scotch artist ; there were also family 

 portraits of Strahan, the famous publisher, and friend of 

 Benjamin Franklin ; also of Archbishop Spottiswoode ; Lord 

 John Scott ; and the late John Spottiswoode. There were 

 portraits too of the Black Land Steward, of whom it is said 

 he ruled Mr Spottiswoode and Mr Spottiswoode ruled the 

 County Gentlemen. The house is beautifully situated, with 

 the old formal grass walks, and garden with statues, and an 

 old and interesting dial. The stone the house is built of is 

 from the now disused quarry at Bassendean. 



Near the house stands the Eagle Hall, formerly built for 

 the yeomanry cavalry called the Eagle Troop. In this hall 

 used to be stored the late Lady John Scott's collection of 



