By Mark Mackay

A PAIR of teenage boys are set to inherit thousands of pounds from a 250-year-old Scottish family legacy provided for a benefactor who is in danger of being lost to the ages.

Little is known about Perth shoemaker Charles Cairnie, but for generations he has been providing for his family’s male descendants.

Born in 1683 at Fowlis Wester, he was married to Isobel Laing, although it is understood the couple had no children.

Instead, he made a bequest that would support the futures of his five brothers’ male descendants, establishing a legacy in his will before his death in 1744.

The bequest is made every five years and specifies that two boys should receive up to £1000 a year for ten years, followed by a lump sum equal to that already awarded.

The money will to those who can prove they are blood relations of Mr Cairnie and are nearest to the age of 14 when the bursary becomes vacant on November 11.

It can then be put to any use, though it is thought the money is commonly used to further education.

Responsibility for carrying out Mr Cairnie’s wishes was given to the Kirk Session of Perth—in essence St John’s Kirk, as it was the only kirk in Perth during Mr Cairnie’s lifetime.

Over the years 55 young men have received the bequest, though in 1829 one of the recipients was aged 41. In a twist of fate, however, no one bearing the Cairnie name has claimed the bursary since 1870.

In a bid to preserve what little is known about Mr Cairnie, the latest recipients will be presented with a history compiled by trustee Graham Mackenzie, who is also hospital master at the King James VI Hospital.

“This year for the first time I am going to put together a potted history of Mr Cairnie and give it to the two successful candidates when they receive their money,” said Mr Mackenzie.

“I don’t think they should just take the cheque—they should know something about the person who left the bursary from which they are benefiting.”

This proved to be no easy task and Mr Mackenzie spent a lot of time poring over old documents and books within the confines of the AK Bell Library’s local studies section only to find that much has been lost.

Mr Cairnie joined the shoemaking trade in Perth, eventually becoming a deacon in the shoemaking incorporation and also served as a baillie, meaning that he could dispense justice at the town’s courts.

A study compiled in the late 19th century of graveyard inscriptions at the Greyfriars churchyard in Perth records that he was buried there, remembered by a stone erected by his widow, who lies next to him.

However, time has erased many of the inscriptions and the exact location of the stone within the peaceful little cemetery is unknown.

Identifying the genuine Cairnie descendants is proving increasingly difficult and Mr Mackenzie admitted he may have to enlist professional help.

The trustees places a news-paper advert every five years asking for claimants to come forward. Few ever reply, though many have been known to the trustees from infancy.

“There are always people who can prove their blood connection to the Cairnie family,” Mr Mackenzie said.

“We have them on file because their parents send us a copy of the birth certificate as soon as the birth takes place. It’s a bit like putting your son’s name down at Eton.”

He added, “I intend to employ the services of a professional genealogist as it is simply becoming too complicated.

“We want to ensure that we are paying the correct person. There is too much money involved to get it wrong.”

The five claimants with a genuine blood claim will have to wait until the end of the month to discover who has been successful.

Despite the sums awarded down the years, the legacy is no diminishing pot of gold.

Mr Cairnie owned part of the Scones Lethendy farm between Perth and Blairgowrie and it is the rent from the tenant farmer there that continues to pay for the legacy, ensuring that future generations will be similarly provided for.