Published: Thursday, 28th August, 2008 09:00
Part of village's history remembered
By Jim Stark
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SCOTLAND'S last duel was remembered on Saturday when a plaque was unveiled by local history enthusiasts in Cardenden.
The site for the unveiling was near where the last duel took place at Cardenbarns Farm and the project was made possible by financial support from Cardenden Environment Group.
The group felt it was fitting that such a momentous happening should be marked and the process began to erect a suitable memorial.
And on Saturday it was unveiled at Cardenbarns Farm by original members of Cardenden History group Tom Kirk and Tom McIntyre.
The last duel took place there on 23rd August 1826, 182 years to the day when George Morgan, bank agent, and merchant David Landale squared up.
Landale accused Morgan of making public, details of his i situation.
Morgan attacked Landale with his umbrella and later that day Landale challenged Morgan to a duel.
The two men and their seconds met the next day at Cardenbarns Farm. Morgan refused to apologise and the distance was marked off.
On the command, both men fired simultaneously and Morgan was killed. Landale was tried for murder at Perth High Court and acquitted. He continued as a respected businessman in Kirkcaldy and served as Provost. He died in 1861.
Morgan's son later married Landale's daughter and established a jute business known as Landale and Morgan. His pistols can be seen at Kirkcaldy Museum and Art Gallery.
The man behind the project was Jack Robinson, from Orebank Road, who said, "This has been only possible through tremendous support from the Forestry Commission, the Environment Group, local farmer Robin Blair, James White, Robert Purvis, Premier Engravers from Glenrothes, and Des McGovern and Bill Wallace.
"I feel this is an important piece of local history which must be preserved and the plaque and the accompanying garden goes a long way to doing this."
A total of 17 people attended Saturday's unveiling ceremony.
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