I had looked at the 1817 marriage entry. In full it reads:
Portpatrick 30th October 1817
James McPherson and Elizabeth Armstrong of this Parish having had the benefit of Proclamation of banns in this Church were married upon this thirtieth day of October one thousand eight hundred and seventeen years By the Revd J Mackenzie D.D. Minister of this Place.
signed by John Mackenzie D. D.
Interesting wording - not the more usual 2 liner
Do you have any further info on Elizabeth Armstrong? It might give some background info.
Gadget
Hey Gadget,
I do have a little more info on E. Armstrong...
I have, from the 1817 census, that she was born ~1798 or so (was listed as 73 at the time, and was living with her daughter and son in law, her son in law being the Robert Shaw I spoke of before). At this point in time her last name was listed as McGarvie. This threw me for a loop at first until I found her death cert ((Statutory registers Deaths 886/ 16)) where it lists her parents as what looks to be Thomas Armstrong (can't read it very well, not 100% about the first name) and Susanna Armstrong, nee Rennie (I think).
Here is the link from SP...
https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/view-image/nrs_stat_deaths/1999020?image=1&viewed_images=trueAnyway, on that death cert (she died in Inch in 1877, looks to say May 24th) it lists her first husband as James McPherson, and agricultural laborer, listed as deceased at the time. Her second husband, who I think was also deceased at the time, Robert McGarvie, a carpenter.
Hopefully some of that helps!