The house and estate of Makerstoun was home of the Makdougall family for many years. In 1860, following the death of Sir Thomas Brisbane, it was inherited by Maria Scott Makdougall, a spinster, 76 years of age. Miss Makdougall was a staunch teetotaler who now found herself in possession of one of the finest wine cellars in the county. While some might have thought to give the wine away or simply allow it to mature where it was, Miss Makdougall conceived of a grand gesture. Having invited a select group of like-minded friends, she instructed her butler, Howieson, to bring up all the bottles to the side of the Tweed. Dozens of corkscrews were passed around and an orgy of destruction began. It is said that Howieson turned pale and actually sobbed as his faithfully guarded cellar was poured away. Laffitte, Yquem and Chambertin stained the water above the run known as the Goat’s Trot. Soon, the corkscrews were thought to require too much effort and work slowed, so the assembled zealots began smashing the precious bottles. Shortly after this act of gross vandalism, Miss Makdougall became bed-bound and soon died. Her heir had adopted brewing as his profession. I am told that bottles can still be seen in the area.
