The Dundee Advertiser, Thursday, February 14, 1867.
A BISHOP'S TOMBSTONE IN THE HOWFF BURYING GROUND.
A correspondent writes from Garvock to a contemporary:-" The mention of a farmer named Strachan," in the paragraph regarding the new parochial buildings in the parish of Garvoch, reminds me of an anecdote I have heard of Mr Strachan and his son the minister.
About 'The Forty-five' when the chapels at Glenesk, Drumlithie, and other places were burned by the Duke of Cumberland's soldiers, and the Episcopalians forbidden to meet to worship God, young Strachan officiated stealthily to his adherents in and around Garvock; and the fact becoming known to those in power, a body of soldiers called at the farm-house of Redford (Mr Strachan's father's) and asked if he knew where his son was. 'He rose from his bed in my house this morning,' was the undisguised reply, 'but God knows where he is now.' It is further told that the contemporary parish minister, anxious to make himself serviceable to the State, lodged the information against poor Strachan; and that the officer in command, less desirous than the minister to have himself branded as a persecutor, having noticed the latter turn pale and his hand shake as he lifted the pen to sign the note of information, said, 'You seem ill, sir; what ails you?' Upon this the clergyman inquired what would follow on his signing the paper? 'Why,' said the soldier, boldly, 'the young man will be hang'd and you'll be damn'd!' Upon hearing this, it is added, the minister retracted his words, and denied all knowledge of Strachan's whereabouts. Mr Strachan live to see better times, and more toleration. He subsequently became Bisop of Brechin, and died at Dundee at an advanced age. A chest-shaped tombstone, with a nearly effaced inscription (which we could wish to see restored), marks his grave, which is on the south-west side of the Howff burial ground.
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David Strachan, originated from a branch of the house of Thorntoun in the Mearns, he became parson of Fettercairn. On the 1st of June 1662 Strachan was consecrated and appointed Bishop of Brechin. He continued to hold this position until his death in 1671.
Reference:
Keith Robert, An Historical Catalogue of the Scottish Bishops: Down to the Year 1688, P.167
There is a tenuous link between the above description and the revised monument No. 138 which carries the arms of Strachan of Thornton.