Since earliest times, the lands of Mearns have been farmed, but over the years the ownership and use of land have changed. Geographically, the parish rises gradually from the valley of the River Clyde gaining height as it approaches the boundaries with the County of Ayrshire.
Mearns has a reasonably high rainfall, predominantly light and porous soil and good natural drainage of the land. This produces rich pasture and successful crop returns. The following pages give an overview of farming life in Mearns over the years.
Land Ownership and Use
Early farming units consisted of very small parcels of land attached to a basic one room cottage, where a family would endeavour to survive through binding themselves to the landowner in a form of serfdom.
Dairy Farming
Until the late 1700’s it was difficult to transport fresh dairy products any distance from the farms. At that time the roads around Mearns were poor but as the roads improved so did the trade.
The Farming Community
Despite the ever growing incoming population of industrial workers engaged in the expanding textile industries within Mearns, the farming folk maintained a very healthy presence in the community.
Fairs and Shows
Farming was very much a family affair but where there were not enough sons and daughters to carry out the work of the farm, extra “hands” had to be hired. This was done at the hiring fair.
Farm Census Returns
Census returns 1841 - 1901 for farms in Mearns. The Census pages have been compiled by Brian Bittle, who has kindly allowed us to use them on our website.