In 1562 after the General Assembly of the Reformed Church met, a celebration was held at the Chapel of the Garioch with Queen Mary present. In 1600, the King James VI and I turned vicarages of Lindores into parishes. Later in 1602, the King gave John Leslie, son of William Leslie of Balquhain, the defender of Aberdeen Cathedral, permanent possession of the bishop’s lands of Fetternear with the title of Constable of Fetternear.
While there were opportunities for learning in the Garioch prior to 1600, efforts in the Garioch were made to establish a grammar school for the welfare of the country. A school was erected and John Johnston, Patrick Leslie of Kincraigie and Norman Leslie and a few other baillies got the community to adopt a resolution to erect the school. Patrick Leslie emerges at this time as a person of considerable importance and one of the community leaders along with John Johnston of Caskieben, and George Makie.
During this time, there was an influx of other families, The book lists these family names as living in the vicinity of Bonnie Patrick Leslie of Kincraigie include: Angus, Nuccoll, Smythe, Ledigen, Crombie, Bichie, Mackieson, Pirie, Donald, Glennie, and Bonald. Life in the Garioch was changing, with an influx of new families who were tradesmen, artisans and shopkeepers.
In the mid-1600’s municipal rulers were almost all Leslies and Johnston cousins, from the families of Balquhain and Caskieben. It seems that with this influence there were extravagances in spending which resulted in reducing the size of the land holdings. It is referred to in the book as “alienating” the lands. Also, it is reported in the book that the Leslies tended to be quick tempered.
(The book mentions a branch of the Leslies, not found in other sources.)
“George Leslie, a minor, was the half brother of Norman Leslie. The minister married George’s mother, in her widowhood. He became George Leslie of Rothmaise, and after 1640 was, for a time, chief badlie of the burgh. He was the builder of the first stone and lime dwelling house in Inverurie—named, in consequence, Stone House.” p. 193.
A side note is needed here. When it is mentioned Patrick Leslie of Kincraigie, Kincraigie is perhaps a farm or significant lodging with a few other buildings comprising an estate.