Grants of Oakbank
(L to R) William (1857-1923), James (1847-1918),
Evan (1860-1955), Alfred (1852-1935), Peter (1845- ?)
Grant Family (photo taken at Oakbank, Milton, Drunmadrochit)
Mother: Mary Johnson (1825-1900), Father: John Grant
(1815-1899)
GOLDEN WEDDING REJOICINGS IN GLEN URQUHART
Extract from Northern Chronicle of 4 Aug 1896 (Submitted
by Ian M. Allan)
Yesterday Mr. and Mrs. Grant, Oakbank,
Glen Urquhart, celebrated their golden wedding, in the presence of all
the members of their family, and a large number of friends from far and
near. The event was observed at their home at Oakbank, and the people
of the Glen recognised the occasion with great rejoicing. The members
of the family present were Mr. and Mrs. James Grant and family, of Messrs.
Arthur & Co Ltd, Glasgow; Dr. Alfred A. C. Grant, Glasgow; Mr. William
Grant, Metropolitan manager, Greenham Life Office, London, who is so well
known as the hon. Secretary of the London Inverness-shire Association;
Rev. Evan Grant and Mrs. Grant, Nigg; Mr. And Mrs. Peter Grant and family,
all of Messrs. Bradley Oatly & Co......... among the general Company
were-Mr. And Mrs. Alice Saunders, London Mr. & Mrs. Jebron, London,
Mr. & Mrs. Anderson and Miss Rowe Brazil, ...... and many others, the
company numbering over 100. Mr. And Mrs. Grant are held in the highest
esteem, not only by the Glen people, but by others, on account of the hospitality
and good fellowship they've always extended; and congratulations they have
received on this interesting occasion testify to their popularity at home
and from home. The occasion was celebrated in true Highland fashion,
invitations been given to nearly all the people in the Glen. The
rejoicings commenced in the afternoon when dinner was served in the large
marquee on the lawn, Mr. MacDonald of the hotel being purveyor.
Over 100 sat down under the presidency
of Mr. James Grant, who was supported right and left by his father and
mother, both of whom looked hale and hearty. Dinner over, Mr. William
Grant read a few of the many telegrams and letters of apology received,....
The chairman then proposed the toasts to the Queen, the Prince and Princess
of Wales, and to the Duke and Duchess of York, especially distinguishing
them by their Scottish title as Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, and Earl
and Countess of Inverness. Rev. Mr. Mackay then occupied the chair, and
gave the toast of the day,"Mr. and Mrs. Grant", in felicitous terms.
He at the same time, in the name of the members of the family, presented
Mr. and Mrs. Grant with a purse of sovereigns. On behalf of his father
and mother, Dr. Alfred A. C. Grant, responded to the remarks made by Rev.
Mr. McKay, and in doing so, said "the occasion of our meeting is unique;
it speaks more loudly in their honour that any words can do; for the presence
of so many friends and neighbours is a silent testimony of highest weight
to the fact that they are liked best by those who know them most intimately
-- (applause); 50 years of married life, with its joys and sorrows, its
sunshine and shadow, are something accomplished, ..... "Our Neighbours",
was proposed by Mr. Cumming, Kilmarnock, and responded to by Mr. Grant,....
The "Clan Grant" was given by Mr.
William Grant in an eloquent speech. He pointed out the several distinctions
the clan had gained in the army, navy, law, literature, and art. In the
army, General Sir Patrick Grant had played a hero's part, as did also in
the law Sir J. P. Grant of Rothiemurchas, and another Strathspey man who
rose from humble origin to be Master of the Rolls. In literature, not to
be too invidious, Mr. James Grant, in the "Romance of War", and other tales,
acquitted himself with credit to the Clan. In art we had a President of
the Royal Academy in Sir Francis Grant. The Clan Grant have missed for
a number of years the presence of their chief amongst them; but after the
sad misfortunes that had attended the house of Seafield, they were delighted
to think of their present chief, who is just coming of age, and was about
return to this country, gave promise of following in the footsteps of his
predecessors. The Countess of Seafield is always remembered with
feelings of respect and affection by the clan in the sore bereavement's
through which she had to pass.
Major Grant, Drumbuie, suitably replied to the toast.
The "Visitors" was given by Rev. Evan
Grant, who gave a cordial welcome, on behalf of his father mother, to those
who had come to grace the proceedings. Mr. Cruikshank replied... "Prosperity
to the Glen" was given by Mr. Peter Grant, who said-"I rise to propose
prosperity to Glen Urquhart, which I am proud to claim as the place of
my birth. It is acknowledged to be one of the first glens in Scotland,
and for natural beauty and charming scenery it can compete with any other
place in the country. From an agricultural point of view, farmers can always
hold their own in these days of keen competition in the open market.
As a health resort, the medical profession are beginning to find out that
they do not require to send their patients to foreign climes in search
of health, but in the Glen they have a perfect sanatorium equal to all
the ills of life. With regard to the past, Glen Urquhart has every
reason to be proud of its sons and daughters, as many of them have done
well in almost every department of life. In Church, medicine, and
law, and perhaps, I may be allowed to add, commerce, Glen Urquhart sons
have proved themselves to be possessed of character and ability." In conclusion,
Mr. Grant said he had no hesitation in saying that the success of the Glen
was largely due to the way it is being managed, and for this we indebted
to the honourable Countess of Seafield and to Major Grant her respected
representative, whom we are proud to have with this day. Mr. Donald Grant
responded in happy terms. The toast of the "Ladies" was proposed by Dr.
MacDonald, and was responded to by Mr.Stewart, Inverness; and the "Chairman"
was given by Mr. MacDonald, Drumnadrochit Hotel. The company was photographed
on the lawn, after which dancing was engaged in with much enthusiasm.