Strath, Inverness-shire, Scotland Genealogy

Parish #119

History
This parish is known by the names of Srath Mhie Johmhuinn, or Mackinnon’s valley, and of Strath-Swordale, from the Gaelic word Srath, signifying a valley through which a river runs, and Swordale, a place situated in the centre of the parish. But for the sake of brevity, it is always called Strath.

This parish is known to have been, as far back as the year 1354, the family property of the Mackinnons, who took a prominent part in the turbulent proceedings of that period, as well as in the more recent disturbances of 1715 and 1745.

The only heritors in the parish are Lord Macdonald, and Mr. Macalister of Strathaird. This parish originally the property of Mackinnon, was purchased about eighty years ago by the Trustees Sir James Macdonald.

There is some acrerage used for oats and bear, a species of barley,and the cultivation of wheat has been attempted with no success. Potatoes however, form the principle crop. Sheep of the Cheviot breed, and small flocks of the black-face breed, graze in the hill pastures.

The earliest entry in the parochial register is dated 1821; from that period it has been regularly kept.

The church is situated in the burying ground of Kilchrist, and might accommodate about 200 sitters. It is very old, and was formerly a Roman Catholic place of worship. It is now in a very ruinous condition, so much so, that for nearly two years there has been no preaching in it. A new church at Broadford is being constructed, which will seat 600.

Public worship is generally well attended; but, owing to the extent of the parish, the ruinous state of the church, and the remote distance from it at which the great majority of the people reside, their attendance is much influenced by the state of the weather.

This account was written April 1840.

Source: New Statistical Account of Scotland, FHL book 941 B4sa, series 2, vol. 14.

Also available online at http://edina.ac.uk/stat-acc-scot/. Browse the scanned pages under ‘For non-subscribers,’ then search for the parish report.

Condition of Original Registers—
Index: For an index to these records, see the Scottish Church Records Index available on computers at the Family History Library and family history centers. The records may be indexed in the International Genealogical Index. Note: No record prior to 1820

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
No known pre-1855 records.

Strath Free Church
History— After the Disruption this district was served by catechists. By the efforts of John S. Macphail of Sleat, a preaching station was organized. In 1857 the charge was sanctioned. In 1850 the parish was described as 27 miles long by 7 broad, with seven separate groups of population, and without exception the most neglected portion of the Church. Strathaird Church was built about 1845. Membership: 1861, 200; 1900, 44. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. W. Ewing, 2 vols. pub. 1914. Film #918572. More details may be given in the source, including list of ministers.

Records— The extent of records is unknown.

Broadford Baptist Church
History— Baptist missionaries arrived in Skye in 1805–1806, and a small church was formed in Uig about 1808. The congregation at Broadford was established in 1827. Revivals in the 1840's resulted in an increase of membership from 34 to 63. The time of the Great Famine was hard on the people of Strath and many emigrated. In 1926 the Baptist population at Broadford stood at 19. The Broadford church closed in 1944. Source: History of the Baptists in Scotland, by Geo. Yuille, 1926, FHL British Book 941 K2hi, includes list of ministers; also The Baptists in Scotland, A History, by D. W. Bebbington, 1988, FHL British Book 941 K2bs.

Records— The extent of records is unknown. For more information write to: The Baptist Union of Scotland 12 Aytoun Road Glasgow G41 5RT Scotland

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