Hangman's rope found in Moray
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Taken from the files of the Northern Scot on August 22, 1922:
A hangman's rope was sent to the offices of the Northern Scot on Thursday – not, we hasten to added, with the idea that it might usefully adorn the neck of one of the staff but as a grim relic of the past!
The rope, which is in a remarkable state of preservation, was found in the Moss of Auchmair, Cabrach, about three weeks ago by Mr Peter Gordon, Dykeside, Cabrach, a nephew of Provost Gordon, Rothes.
From the fact that it was buried in the moss to the depth of four feet, it is estimated that it must date from the fourteenth century.
It is made of stout fibre, is about an inch in diameter, and about ten feet long. It is noosed in construction, proving that its purpose could only have been the gruesome one of launching lawbreakers into eternity.
Despite the many centuries that it has lain hidden in the moss the rope is pliable.
It was lying at the foot of a large stump of a tree, and one wonders for what offence some poor wretch met an untimely end at that lonely spot in those wild and lawless times.
Was he some daring Highland cattle thief who had once too often augmented his herds at his neighbour's expense – an annoying little habit in those days – or had he the brand of Cain? Of the two offences perhaps the former was considered the most heinous in those days.
It is interesting to note that it is reported that two hundred years ago a coffin was found near the spot. That coffin can now be seen in Edinburgh Museum. Is it the coffin of the man who was thrust into eternity with the rope that has been sent to the Northern Scot.
The rope, we understand, is to be presented to Elgin Museum.
