I am most grateful to Mr. B. Bowman and Mrs. E. McGillivray who gave

generously of their time in helping me to understand legal documents. Mr.

RB. Wood of Morton, Fraser & Milligan WS is also thanked for allowing me

to see Melville Deeds in their possession.

The staff of the University of Edinburgh and the Hay-Fleming Library

were most helpful, and the staff at the University of St. Andrews Library is

especially thanked, and in particular the Muniments Department where Mrs.

C. Gascoigne and Mr. R. Smart were indispensible with their assistance on all

manner of things; Mr. Smart enduring with great forebearance constant

interrogation.

Mr. Cooper, of Osborne House, Kirkcaldy is thanked for his patience and

willingness to help at all times with information about the printing of the

book. Also Mrs. J. Walker for the admirable way in which she has typeset the

manuscript, for the sympathetic manner with which she dealt with the many

problems presented to her.

The Russell Trust, and in particular Miss C. Russell, are warmly thanked

for their grant which made it possible to print a book which could be made

available to anybody in the village who wished to have a copy.

Miss Mary Taylor is thanked for being willing to type material of any length

at any time and always getting it done quickly and efficiently. Mrs. Sybil

Davis is also thanked for giving me sanctuary in Kingsbarns to allow me to write

without interruption. My husband is thanked for the many, many things

he did to allow me to get the book finished on time.

Finally, I would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. R. Verner for their kindness

in selling the book in the Village Shop.

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