Today, the last of the homes built in 1885 by Alexander Baird, and a fine example of Elizabethan style, is now a ruined, roofless shell. Having fallen into decline when the James Ian Baird, Viscount Stonehaven's second son, moved to URY house. Although still approachable along one of the original shrub covered driveways. It is in such a poor state that entry into the structure is prohibited and "Dangerous Structure" notices abound. But the scope and scale of its former grandeur can still be seen.

 

De Berkeley was changed to Barclay in the 15th century, connection with Stonehyve begins in 1648 when Colonel David Barclay attempted to purchase the nearby Ury Estate. However the then owner, the Earl Marischal, was arrested under religious persecution and his lands forfeit. Not perturbed, the Colonel successfully ran for Parliament and was promptly appointed trustee for all confiscated lands in Scotland. This allowed him to promote his case for ownership of Ury. He was however still supportive of the Earl Marischals family. A crime for which he was confined to prison. But in 1666, after 6 years imprisonment he was released and obtained a Charter from the King for the Barony of Ury.

Converted to Quakerism while in prison, David Barclay established Ury House as the organisations headquarters in N.E. Scotland for over 100 years. In which time he and others spent time in Stonehaven's Tolbooth Gaol for their beliefs. David Barclay died on 12th October 1686.

His eldest son was Robert Barclay, born in 1648 and also converted to Quakerism. Noted for writing the "Apology for the True Christian Divinity", detailing the principles the "Friends" beliefs. He later became Governor of New Jersey in America and in that office freed the Covenantors that had been transported in slavery to America for refusing the "Test Oath".

When "Robert the Apologist" as he was known died in 1690 his son, again Robert, enlarged the estate by a series of land exchanges with the Earl Marischal. He was survived by his son, "Robert the Strong". Reputed to have had Jacobean leanings but careful not to expose himself to accusation during the 1745 rebellion.

By far the most important Barclay was the fifth generation, Robert. He had a keen interest in agriculture and after the death of his father in 1760, worked for nearly 40 years to improve the quality of the land. This was achieved by draining and levelling large areas. Construction of dykes and ditches and the adoption of many farming techniques which were widely adopted in the surrounding area. In all over 2000 acres of arable land was cultivated by him in this way, and 1500 acres of wood planted. It is he we have to thank for the development of the Mearns as the foremost agricultural county it is today.

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