A FEW years ago, when I was looking through the wonderful Oban Times archives, I came across an article about a little known roadside well in Appin, dated August 28, 1880.
Major James Robertson, the 79th Cameron Highlanders, from a portrait.
According to the contributor it had been restored by a Major Robertson [1823-1886] of the 79th Cameron Highlanders who provided an inscribed drinking cup in the shape of a Roman helmet, found in a fort in the Ochils, and a plaque with the following Gaelic inscription: Tobar Chloinn Donnachaidh ‘s e mar thanbhartas do Mhuinntear na h-Apann le deagh rubn a Seumas Robanach, maidsear ann an Reiseamaid Fhir na h-Earrachd, 1880, which translates as: ‘The Well of Clan Donnachaidh as a goodwill gift to the people of Appin from James Robertson, major in the Regiment of the Man of Erracht [Sir Alan Cameron], 1880’.