Carmunnock at its height on the braes is in any case liable to frosts from early autumn to late spring, and with wind blowing unhindered across open land, it is accustomed to a brisk fresh air. But it must have been bleak indeed in those long-ago days when living conditions and farm buildings were poor.
Apart from the Laird’s aim to increase his own income, it was his responsibility to improve his Estate and the lot of its inhabitants. Much needed to be done to make the land and the labours of his farmers more rewarding and to supply more and better food for the district’s increasing population.
In 1796 the Rev Adam Forman described in his report on the parish, which at that time was bounded on the east by Cambuslang, on the south by East Kilbride, on the west by Mearns and on the north by those of Cathcart and Rutherglen, that 1500 acres of land were arable and about 1,000 were in pasture. The soil, he said, was here and there “of a light quick mould or of a strong deep clay” and “of a light shallow clay mixed with sand”, was poor unless well drained and enriched for the growing of good grazing grass or grain crops.
It was recommended that fields be marked off, and that they be enclosed by dykes or hedges for shelter from harsh winter winds; it was suggested too that trees be planted for area protection. Although much of the land here was unable for rotation of crops without constant feeding of the soil, there was criticism of the farmers’ laziness in persistently allowing it to return to pasture. And they even held to the old Scots method of using the heavy plough that needed four horses to pull it as well as a lad to attend them, instead of using the newer lightweight plough that needed only two of the fine Clydesdales and no attendant.
But Mr. Forman reported that a few such as Mr. MacLae of Cathkin had done much to improve their land and its value, using the local lime and spreading manure from their own cattle, or having it brought in loads from the midden-yards down in Glasgow. Trees for area protection and hedges to enclose fields had been planted, with much use made of strong wind-resisting hawthorn; stone dykes had been put up and the wealthier were able to build better farm steadings, although all this improvement meant that there was a rise in tenants’ rents.
Gradually there were more efficient farm implements and new farming skills were taught. Over 100 fine Clydesdale horses, bought or sold at Rutherglen’s famous Horse Fair or bred on Carmunnock’s land, worked on parish farms, and there were more than 200 milking cows.
Dairy produce including good Carmunnock cheese was taken down to the markets or to private customers in Glasgow, while enough was kept to supply the village. The price of manure brought by the load, and corn and grass seed may have been high, and according to the Statistical Accounts of the time, so was the cost of labour in and around Carmunnock, and consequently the price of provisions. For instance, a man servant could expect to earn £10 a year and a woman £4 or more.
Meal cost 1/1d per peck.
Cheese 4½d per lb.
Butter 10d or even 1/-d.
Hens 1/8d or 2/-d.
Eggs 6d, 8d or 10d per dozen.
Beef or mutton 6d or 7d per lb.
These were higher prices than walking down to the markets in town.
Carmunnock village and farm families living on the same land generation after generation, regarded themselves as “naturalized to the soil”. Independent in attitude and protected to some degree, they seemed remarkably healthy despite their stubbornness against smallpox inoculation. With good oats and dairy food to eat, Carmunnock children would be far healthier than the ill-fed youngsters down the hill in Glasgow’s smoky damp air near the river. Separated by distance from cities and towns - although a safeguard in many ways - nevertheless meant that there was much intermarriage in this rural community.