Doon Hill and the Reverend Robert Kirk
The Reverend Robert Kirk, a seventh son said to have been gifted with second sight, wrote the Secret Commonwealth of Elves Fauns and Fairies in 1691. The extraordinary book explores the nature and social structure of a race of supernatural beings, or fairies, that inhabited Doon Hill in Aberfoyle. The church where he served as Minister stands nearby, and Kirk would take daily walks there for exercise. In 1692 his dead body was discovered on the hill, having apparently collapsed whilst on his daily stroll. The story goes that shortly after his burial Kirk appeared to his cousin, Graham of Duchray, and informed him he was in fact not dead, but a prisoner in Fairyland. His release could be obtained at the baptism of his posthumous child, when his apparition would appear. Duchray was instructed to throw a knife over the apparition to ensure Kirk’s escape. However when the time came and Kirk duly appeared in the room his cousin, whether though surprise or terror, neglected to throw the knife and Kirk disappeared again.
To this day Robert Kirk’s spirit is said to be held in the Fairy realm, or else imprisoned in a tree standing on Doon Hill known as the Ministers Pine. The tree is festooned with ribbons and rags bearing wishes and petitions to the Fairies, an old custom practised in many places. The church now stands in ruins, but on the southeast side visitors can see a memorial to Robert Kirk, although this was only erected in 1793, a hundred years after his death!
Photo courtesy John Webster.
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I find this acticle rather facinating, concidering this is my very great great grandfather. My mothers surname is Kirk , her father (my grandfather) was also named Robert, and he was a Reverend as well.I am the only one to trace our family heritage,and I belong to the Maxwell clan . – Timothy Proctor(Kirk)
Hello there, I too have a great interest in Robert Kirk as he was the 7 x great grandfather of my husband Ian. Robert had two wives, the first was Isobel with whom Robert had one son Colin, Isobel died on Christmas Day and Robert later married again to Isobels cousin Margaret Campbell, they had one child Robert who was the child at who’s baptism Robert snr made his appearance, to no avail….. This Robert also became a Minister, he was my husbands 6 x great grandfather…. A fascinating tale to pass to our children. Patricia Valentine.
What a fascinating relative to have! I did hear a rumour that his descendants still one day expect him to reappear at a family christening… do you know if that is true? I love the idea that the tradition has survived down the years!
Hello Tangle, it is only through recent research that we discovered my husbands 7 x great grandfather, we are still researching and have discovered that Robert and Margaret had two children, Robert was the first and the second was a girl who was named Marjorie, it was at Marjories baptism that Rev Robert Kirk appeared. There is to be a talk on the life of the Rev. in Sterling on 15th November, my husband and I hope to be there to see what other information we can gather. Louis Stott is to give the talk, he lives in Aberfoyle and is apparently quite an authority on Robert Kirk…. I have heard that it is the belief in Scotland that Robert will still appear at a childs baptism…. as a plus we also discovered that both Isabel and Margaret were descended from Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland…. how exciting… Regards Patricia