Hi Steve,
Many thanks for doing all that investigation!
Yes, because my gt., gt., grandfather was there mid-19th century it is more than possible cottages dating from his time were replaced.
I have researched the Bleachworks and the owners. The hey-day, if I remember correctly, was later than Andrew's time and that is when the owner's house, now hotel and other buildings were built. I must look back at my notes.
Had Andrew been there at the time of a census I would have learned who he worked for then. He was obviously working on an estate---that's what he did in other parts of Scotland.
I was so pleased to learn the exact location of Huntingtowerfield from you and the locals. That narrows the search down.
It is possible Andrew and family were not in a humble cottage but a house. That was the case many years later at Ravelston. Do you think The White House was originally Huntingtower Cottage which on the map looks quite substantial?
Perhaps some day I will contact the Bell Library again and see whether there are any rent books, etc. in existence.
Regards,
Mairi.
