Port Allen

[fortiter]

Does anyone know the origin of the name Port Allen on the River Tay?

[KGarrad]

A history of Errol (and Port Allen)
http://perthshire.blogspot.com/2007/12/errol-perthshire-scotland.html
mentions that embankments were constructed, to allow drainage of the land, by Mr Allen in 1836 and Captain Allen RN later.

So, maybe a link to the Allen family?

[fortiter]

Thanks, KGarrard.

I am assuming that there is a connection to the Allen family. John Allen purchased property at Inchmartine in 1783, so there was quite a period when Allens were present in the area. It would be nice to know whether there was a "Port Allen" prior to 1783.  If there was, then maybe this a reason for John Allen to have bought in the area, although the family seem to have come from Glasgow.

Jonathan

[fortiter]

Further information on the Allens in the area:  John Allen also acquired property at Errol at some later date, which appears to be even closer to Port Allen. Captain Allen, R.N. apparently lived at Errol.

[bleckie]

Hi All

I have had a look at the maps on the NLS site

http://maps.nls.uk/

The first map I have seen with Port Allen on it is the first edition O.S. map prior to this I think the area was called The Pow of Errol.

I could be wrong

Yours Aye
BruceL

[fortiter]

Thanks, Bruce.
I think I can safely assume that "Port Allen" dates from the time that John Allen and his two sons were at Errol and Inchmartine.
Jonathan

[RBcabal]

The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS) has historical and descriptive data on Port Allen http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/search/?keyword=port+allen&submit=search which may assist you.

Bill

[fortiter]

Thanks for the lead, Bill. The website looks very interesting.

Jonathan

[fortiter]

Thanks everyone.

I have located a book which might provide the answer: Melville, Lawrence: Errol, Its Legends, Lands and People, 1935. Amazon have it listed on CD, so I have ordered one. Fingers crossed!

Jonathan