Gutcher,
I thought the incident between Captain Ker and Adam Gordon was well documented in the 1570s even if the castle itself was disputed. How would this fit in with Achruglen and Lady Loudon?

Richie, the letter from Sharpe is certainly interesting, if rather cryptic. Any dates mentioned? I like the bit that says, 'this is serious'. I find it rather amusing that a ballad scholar should think that somebody was descended from someone else simply because they had the same name. Perhaps he had other reasons! We've already seen that the name Allen/Allan was very common in Scotland and England from a very early period.

Gutcher, I've lost your contact details. If you can send me your name I'd be obliged. Please pm me if you don't want it posting here.