Mary Gordon of Independent means - Tomintoul

[rowanali]

Hello,
I have a Mary Gordon and an Elspet McDonald living in two separate parts of a cottage/croft called Lagganvoulin (mile south of Tomintoul).  They are recorded on the census report of 1841 as being 'Ind' - presumably this means of independent means.  They are both aged 60.  I know that Mary Gordon was married for a few years to a Stewart/Stuart and that she did have a few children to various men.  She was the daughter of John Gordon, and she had two sisters Ann and Jane.  Her grandfather was likely a George Gordon (of Laggnavoulin) who is mentioned in Victor Gaffney's 'Lordship of Strathavon'. 

I am struggling to trace her line to find out where her Gordon's came from (so many of them in the area and surrounds).  I am intrigued that she should be living 'independently' - was she a relative of the Duke?  Also, that her immediate neighbour (Elspet McDonald of same age) was also independent.
Any help much appreciated.

[Skoosh]

Probably supported by her family or inherited a few bob!

Skoosh.

[GR2]

Being of independent means does not imply any great wealth. It can just mean she is not working, but is not poor enough to receive assistance from the parish.