James Stobie's map of Perthshire, 1783, shows Loinchopagach (Linehagoch) of Murlagan situated to the north of Milnavaddie. It is mentioned in the Statistics of the Forfeited Estate of Alexander Robertson of Struan, 1755-56, but as records for this period are scant, the census produces more questions than answers.
There were no Cumming families living in the adjacent settlements of Culnansaugh, Loinmore and Loinmeanoch, but these two Cumming families were sharing Loinchopagach and it is assumed that they were brothers. Duncan Cumming was farmimg all of the land and John Cumming was classed as a cottar - a weaver, mason, wright, tailor, shoemaker? Both Cumming families spoke Gaelic and knew very little English.
Statistics for Loinchopagach tenant: Duncan Cumming
People under 10 years: 1 female
People betwixt 10 and 17 years: 2 females
People above 17 years: 1 male, 1 female
Number who spoke English: none
Number who could spin: 2
Livestock: 5 horses; 8 cattle; 3 sheep; 0 swine; and 0 goats
Acres in tillage: 1½ acres
Statistics for Loinchopagach tenant: John Cumming, cottar
People under 10 years: 1 female
People betwixt 10 and 17 years: 2 females
People above 17 years: 1 male, 1 female
Number who spoke English: none
Number who could spin: 2
Livestock: none
Acres in tillage: none
The area of land being ploughed for crops was very small, being thin soil at a high altitude. The three sheep would have provided the wool for spinning (and weaving?), with additional income from breeding horses and cattle, plus the production of butter, cheese and illegal spirits.
It is an odd coincidence that both families had three daughters and no sons, with one of the girls under 10 years old. The older of the teenage girls would have been taught to spin yarn, by their mothers.
Margaret Cumming in Loinchopagach of Murlagan
The Blair Atholl Kirk Session minutes for 28th May 1758 record that Margaret Cumming, a lass in Kinaldy, was delated to be with child. It was recommended to the Elders residing next to said place, to enquire and report what information they could find about her.
30th July 1758, Kirk Session minutes
The Elders being interrogated if they could give any sure account anent the lass delated to be with child in Kinaldy,
answered not and were enjoined to enquire more narrowly about her and report.
12th August 1758, Blair Atholl OPR
John Cameron in Wester Baluaine and Margaret Cumming in Landachain of Murlagan had an illegitimate child baptised and named Donald (Cameron).
It would seem that Margaret Cumming had been working as a domestic servant in Kinaldy in Blair Atholl parish, but had returned to her family home for the birth of her child. As Landachain of Murlagan was in Fortingall parish, the Blair Atholl Session Elders may have been unfamiliar with the settlement, which probably was the same place as Loinchopagach. If so, then Margaret Cumming would have been one of the teenage females listed in the 1755 census.
17th September 1758, Kirk Session minutes
John Cameron in Wester Baluaine paid £5 Scots to the Session as his fine of fornication committed with Margaret Cumming,
now in Landachain, and they received the said Margaret Cumming and her cautioner's bill of £5 Scots, payable against Michaelmass next.
24th September 1758, Kirk Session minutes
Margaret Cumming in Landachain of Murlagan made her first appearance for her fornication with John Cameron
in Wester Baluaine, was rebuked and ordered to continue her appearances.
1st October 1758, Kirk Session minutes
Margaret Cumming in Landachain made her second appearance for her fornication with John Cameron in Wester Baluaine, was
rebuked and dismissed.
17th February 1760, Kirk Session minutes
John Cameron in Wester Baluaine paid in £5 Scots as his party Margaret Cumming's fine. His bill was ordered to be brought
out for him or cancelled.