Luthermuir

   LUTHERMUIR, a manufacturing village, in the parish of Marykirk, county of Kincardine, 6½ miles (N. N. E.) from Brechin; containing 967 inhabitants. This place, formerly a barren tract of uncultivated moorland on the banks of the river Luther, has within the last few years risen into importance through the introduction of the linen manufacture into this part of the country, and is now become an extensive and populous village. The inhabitants are still partly engaged in hand-loom weaving for the houses of Montrose and Brechin, who supply the yarn. At present, however, only about 200 persons are employed in this branch of manufacture, which was till lately carried on to a much greater extent, but has experienced considerable depression. The remainder of the population are occupied in agriculture; the neighbouring lands have been brought into cultivation, and the district is progressively improving. A handsome schoolhouse, with a dwelling for the master, has been erected by Sir John Forbes, Bart., and the heritors, and is supported by the Society for Propagating Christian Knowledge, who allow the master a salary of £15 per annum; the fees average about £22, and the master has also three acres of land rent free, given by Sir J. Forbes.