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Roy was by now a renowned cartographer and scientist and visited the team at their mountain redoubt. He verified their measurement of Schiehallion’s height barometrically, by relating air pressure to elevation. Though the scientists complained about the weather and how it interfered with their observations, they were also kept company by local people, who brought them gifts of food. At the farewell party in October a local boy, Donnchadh Ruadh (red-haired Duncan), entertained the party with fiddle music and songs. The party, fuelled by local whisky, went so well that the observation hut burnt down and Donnchadh’s fiddle was left behind in the rush to escape the flames. Maskelyne sent a replacement from London a few weeks later. Duncan called it A’ Bhan-Lunnainneach Bhuidhe - the Yellow London Woman, and composed a song in her honour.

On the trip I took to Schiehallion,

I lost my wealth and my darling,

… Mr Maskelyne, the hero

… did not leave me long a widower,

He sent my choice treasure