A most alarming and destructive fire happened lately in the parish of Towie, which burnt to the ground a fine square of Offices, consisting of the Kiln and Barn, Stables, Byres, Cart-shade, &c. belonging to Mr Meston, Farmer at Kinbattoch. The fire was not discovered until the flames had got to such a height that all attempts to arrest their progress proved fruitless; and so rapidly did the devouring element spread, that the whole was soon consumed, the roofs of the several buildings, covered with slate, being of the best resinous Highland fir wood, tending to strengthen the conflagration. - Seven fine Cows and a Bull fell victims to the flames, and by their dreadful bellowing and noise, added to the awfulness of the scene: two of them were got out alive by a passenger, with great hazard to himself, but both died afterwards. A variety of Farming Utensils, Cloaths, &c. were consumed; as also, a considerable quantity of Grain, part of it on the Kiln, which, being overheated, is supposed to have occasioned the accident. Fortunately the men servants, who were accustomed to sleep in the lofts near the Kiln, were at the time engaged as Local Militiamen, otherwise the consequences might have been more tragical. Mr Meston's loss, we regret to learn, is very great, as none of the premises were insured; but it was prevented from being still more considerable, by the accidental circumstances of his Horses, and some other Cattle, being neglected to be taken from the grass parks the night the fire happened.
Published in the Aberdeen Journal, Wednesday 29th July, 1812.
