Frasers of Philorth > Volume 1

162 THE FRASERS OF COWIE, DURRIS, AND PHILORTH.
the discharge of those obligations, which reduced the family possessions to a
very considerable extent.
It is neither agreeable nor easy to follow these transactions in all their
minutiae ; but a short and general statement of the circumstances is neces-
sary.
During the first few years of the seventeenth century his creditors began
to press Sir Alexander Fraser, and to institute proceedings at law for the
recovery of their claims.
In 1608 he resigned to his son and heir, Alexander, a considerable portion
of his property, the latter either paying his debts, or, more probably, becoming
security for the payment of them ; but this measure was not effectual, and
he had shortly afterwards to apply for assistance to other kinsmen and
friends. 1
By various deeds, of date from the years 1608 to 1616, Simon Fraser
Lord Lovat, the same to whom he had been one of the guardians appointed
in 1587, George Ogilvie of Carnousie, his son Sir George Ogilvie, and William
Forbes of Tolquhoun, were constituted trustees of his whole estates, with the
exception of those settled upon his eldest son, for the purpose of selling, with
his consent, such parts of the property as might be necessary for the payment
of his liabilities, and of infefting his eldest grandson in all that could be saved
of the family possessions. 2
In pursuance of this arrangement, he and his trustees, in 1615 and 1616,
sold the lands of Inverallochy to Simon Fraser, Lord Lovat ; those of
Kindrocht, Denend, and the third part of Saithlie, with Easter Tyrie, to
Thomas Fraser of Strichen; and the lands of Cairnbulg and Invernorth,
with a piece of land where stood the old manor-place of Philorth, at which
he had ceased to reside after building Fraserburgh Castle, to Alexander
Fraser of Durris and his son Eobert, to whom he had granted them in pledge
three years previously ; but this last sale was made under certain restrictions,
and upon the following conditions : —
First, that Alexander Fraser of Durris and his son Eobert should not
part with the lands of Cairnbulg and Invernorth during the lifetime of Sir
Alexander Fraser, or of Alexander Fraser of Durris, under a penalty of
1 Philorth Charter-room. 2 Ibid.