ON FRIDAY, September 5, 1862 fire broke out at the manse at Blairlogie, badly damaging it.

At the time it was the home of Logie minister the Rev Robert John Johnstone, his wife Margaret Buist, and their large family.

The fire engine belonging to Mr Pullar in Bridge of Allan was immediately dispatched when news reached him, and under the command of Ensign Pullar of the 6th Perthshire Volunteer Company, assistance came quickly.

As soon as word reached the Stirling fire brigade, they too were dispatched quickly to the scene on the order of Captain Andrew Murdoch.

The fire had been noticed at 5 o’clock that morning and the alarm was raised immediately.

At first efforts were directed to protect the western part of the manse, which consisted of two storeys and the attics, to stop the fire from spreading.

By the time the Stirling fire fighters arrived, much of the roof had fallen in, with flames and sparks lighting up the sky.

Nearby was a little burn that ran to the north of the building and the three engines set themselves up to make good use of the running water.

The hoses were laid in it and directed to the western side of the house.

Despite their best efforts, the eastern side of the manse was internally completed burned out, although thanks to neighbours and others in the village, much of the furniture was saved.

That morning had been quiet and calm with little or no wind to fan the flames, and this proved to be one of the factors in how much damage the blaze caused.

If it had been windy, it would have spread more rapidly throughout the house.

A crowd of onlookers gathered as the firemen fought to save the manse.

Mr Steel, a former captain and fire fighter with the Stirling fire brigade, offered his help, which was accepted by Murdoch, and he did all he could to assist.

The fire continued to burn between 8 and 9 o’clock when Mr Pullar’s engine left, but the Stirling engines remained, and water continued to be poured on the smouldering embers of the house until around 11 o’clock when the fire was finally extinguished.

Some of the firemen had arrived without putting on their uniforms so their normal clothes were damaged as they fought the flames.

No-one was injured during the incident.

The manse was insured, with the damage was estimated by the Liverpool and London Assurance Company assessor at £313 3s 3d

Rebuilding work began as soon as it was paid out.