This is one of several articles written by Louis Stott who generously offered local aspects of his scholarship to the archive of Loch Ard Local History Group–our thanks to Louis and his family for this material.

Bailie Nicol Jarvie Court was once a very busy hotel where many visitors to the Trossachs once stayed.  The inn was originally called Jean McAlpine’s Changehouse and was the only inn in the area.  The name changed to the Bailie Nicol Jarvie Hotel in honour of one of its famous residents. 

One night Bailie Nicol Jarvie having decided to go for a drink, was met by three highlanders.  They drew their swords and advanced towards him.  The bailie himself wore a sword but seldom used it as he was really a quiet and peaceful man.  The sword became stuck in its sheath and he could not draw it out to defend himself.  He turned quickly and grabbed a red hot poker from the fire.  As he struck out towards the highlanders the plaid of one of them was set afire by the poker. 

The poker hangs on a tree opposite Bailie Nicol Jarvie Court.  This, unfortunately, is not the original.  It was taken home as a souvenir by a long ago visitor.