North Grummond

North Grummond 2001

On nearing North Grummond I told Chas I would like to tell him about his forebear Francis Smollet, an extremely colourful character, who had lived there. I also had yarns of the supernatural to reveal.

North Grummond

'One half of this land is fine, the remainder very wet-requires draining. Davidson's house requires harling. Johnson is leaving; house good-1878'

In 1861 there were two inhabited houses in North Grummond. One of the original houses was abandoned when the family became ill and they moved out to live at Uphouse while they built a new house which was finished in 1907. They felt that the cause of the illness lay in the old house. The first was eventually used as an outhouse. The outhouse is constructed with a ‘hipped gable’ style. This meant less maintenance on the roof.

In earlier times it was at North Grummond that Francis Smollet lived. The Smollet family originated in Bonhill, Dumbarton where they established themselves and became the principal landed family in the district. There are several stories about the Smollet family who were all renowned for their strength. John Smollet died after lifting a heavy stone lintel in place at the building of the South Haa, Westsandwick. Francis, his son, was cared for by Scott, a laird of Graveland. Francis was a crew member on a sixareen fishing boat. Once he was travelling through Mid Yell when he was tackled by a biting grice. On his way back the grice tackled him again but this time Francis knocked it out with a blow to its head. Francis’ son John also inherited great physical strength.

Once, when at Fethaland during the fishing season, young John was involved in a fight with the factor’s brother who wanted the men to go to sea in bad weather. The instigator died of his injuries. When John was an old man he was challenged to a fight but again John was the victor. The younger man was unable to work for the season through his injuries. John Smollet was said to regret what he had done. John’s son Charles was able to get the anchor of the sailing ship which he was on, over the side in bad weather. The ship was saved and Charles was awarded a substantial sum of money. Hannah, his sister, worked as a gutter at the herring station in the Herra. She was able to handle herself well against any of the men working there. Their great physical strength seemed to be passed down through the family as it was often commented on that descendants had the same power and ability.

North Grummond was occupied until the early 1970s. A roup was held and some very interesting items were sold, namely sailing gear such as traditional sails in dark colours.

North Grummond is the location of the 'Story of Tarrel' which is based on the disappearance of a Mid Yell haaf sixereen fishing from Funzie, Fetlar on Aug 12, 1812. William Tarrel, Robert Manson, Thomas Hoseason, Henry Irvine, Andrew Groat (Grott) and Thomas Fraser were all lost at the Fetlar haaf fishing. Mally (William) Tarrel’s father had come from Northmavine. Tarrel families lived in Voe.

Andrew was born at Vatsie, East Yell. He had a son William born in 1811, by Mary Robertson and he had a daughter Barbara born in 1811, by Jane Scollay. Mary and Jane petitioned for some share of his property to go towards provision for their illegitimate children.

South and North Grummond 1970s