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Canal was built in 1820 - 1850ish but has had loads of maintenance over the years so that's possible. In fact there was a time it 'sprang a leak' and I believe that was major refurbishment. I assume that wouldn't have happened between 1914 and 18 so that still leaves a while. Tell you what though, there's a Power plant at Foyers and there was a British Aluminium factory there once as well. For both of these and indeed for the canal construction there were hundreds of Irish immigrants employed. In fact, that was why supposed to be the reason the distilleries were built in Inverness - the workers used to drink claret faster than it could come in to Inverness (and then fight Scots v. Irish) and it was thought they could be better controlled with whisky!! Not sure I see the reasoning there, actually, I think McKinlay & Birnie knew perfectly well that they were on a winner!

Hi again Christine, What would they have done with the graves if the land was sold, don't they have a 100 year rule or something. Betty

Hi Christine sent you a pm of searches I have done, my friend has done more than double that. I am just going by info from my friend she said her dad told her about it, John Fox was his grandfather. Also the fact that there was a grave in the Monastry as he said for a John Fox. Was there sum big construction thing going on at the time, was it the caladonian canal or something. Betty

Just saw your reply!! It would come under Inverness (I would expect) but I was thinking if he was in hospital and died the death would be reg in Inverness. It's a hard name to do any other way! Fawkes maybe - but none! Anyway, hang fire and I'll check the newspaper on fiche see what it shows - at least it's free!! How's she so sure it was Fort Augustus?

Looked at one in 1901 - he was widower of Evangelina Skinner and married to Mary MacKenzie but cause of death shows he was ill. I'm surprised if someone was buried in the Abbey grounds - unless he was under their care. However if he died as a result of being attacked then the case may well have made the papers. If you're able to get to the library see if the P&J is on fiche there. I need to go to Inverness library as I have lots to look up but I'll need to make time - don't want to go just for an hour or so. I'll be looking at the Courier for 1923 amongst others so will look at other years as well, so any help/info will be handy.

Christine what area would I put in the searches for Scotlands people I have tried so many and it is a common name, does it come under Inverness or what. Fort Agustus area is not listed on Scotlands people. Betty

Hi Chistine, This is the problem, I have him in the 1901 census and then he has gone. His wife died in 1924 and she was a widow, so sometime between these date he died. I can't find anything on Scotlands people, spent a small fortune on it. The main problem is his age, it changes every census. I also know that he was buried in the graveyard with the monks because some went up there manay many years ago to search for the grave, they found the one in the monks graveyard but thought it couldn't be him as they wouldn't bury him in holy ground. The story goes he had been attacked and was either killled or died after it. His wifes name was Catherine, sometimes the spelling is Katherine, also know as Kate. If you need anymore information I can phone my friend!! Betty

Hi Betty, I'm in Ardersier near Inverness, but my son stays in Fort William. We often go down there and have to pass Fort Augustus on the way. I'll have a look next time I'm there. Is he buried at the old Monastery? That's been sold and has been renovated - it's now luxury apartments costing up to £500,000!! Jane in the Highlands lives in Fort Augustus itself so if she comes on I'm sure she'd do it quicker than I would - nothing like local knowledge. Saw a posting from her over Hogmanay but she doesn't often use the boards. Have you got his date of birth or anything? Have had a look at SP and there are 105 in that time span. What ones have you tried? Christine

Oh I didn't know that she worked up that way Sandra, Its just I don't like people having to put themselves out just for me. I am trying to do this for a friend I have known since primary school. Betty

That is near where she is..! Drives past there often. There is also Jane in the Highlands on here as well, lives there I think. Met them both in August..I'm a bit further west..I'm sure Woody will help..!

Thanks Sandra, I don't know if Woody will be able to help, the area is away up North, Fort Augustus is way up near Inverness. Betty

Woody just texted, she will be back about 3.She knows you are looking for her..

Nudge for Woody.

Sorry I obviously got this all wrong, I think I was up too late last night/this morning. I don't know where Woody is just now. Betty

no betty i said you need to talk to woody

Ooops Sorry Woody, I didn't notice there was a reply to my message on the board. It would be great if you could Woody I know the Abbey is closed now but someone did go up north some years ago. John Fox from Dundee was working up in St Augustus area, he was attacked and died later, we think from his injuries. All we know is it would have been some time between 1901 and 1922 as his wife died in 1923 and she was a widow. If you need anymore information on him please let me know. They said there was a grave but as it was among all the monks graves they didn't think it was the correct one, we are now sure this is the John Fox we are looking for. Betty p.s. Sorry Woody should have said if its far from where you are just leave it with this weather.

NOT SURE BUT TRY WOODY

I have been looking for the death of John Fox and have been told he is buried in the grounds of a Benedictine Abbey there. I have searched Scotlands people but have been unable to find the death, would anyone be kind enough to look if they live in that area. Betty