Rosskeen, Ross and Cromarty, Scotland

Rosskeen # 81

History
The name of this parish seems to be derived from the Gaelic word Coinneamh, signifying a meeting or junction; and Ross-coinneamh may denote the place where the districts of Easter and Wester Ross join, which is the western boundary of this parish, and where the inhabitants might occasionally assemble. This parish is situated on the northern shore of the Firth of Cromarty. It is bounded on the east by the parish of Kilmuir; on the west by Alness; and on the north by the parish of Kincardine and Edderton; and on the south by the Firth of Cromarty.

William Macintosh, the author of Travels in Europe, Asia, and Africa, and other literary works, was born at Newmore, in this parish in 1738. He was the son of Lachlan Macintosh, a descendant of the family of Macintosh of Balnespick, in Badenoch, and of- Macpherson, of the family as Sir John Macpherson, at one time the governor of India.

The principle heritors are, the Duke of Sutherland; M’Leod of Cadboll; M’Leary of Newmore; Hugh Rose Ross of Glastullich and Cromarty; and M’Kenzie of Kincraig.

The population in 1801 was 2074 persons, and in 1831 it increased to 2916.

Produce that is raised in the parish is wheat, barley, oats, grass, potatoes, peas, and turnips.

The church is situated in the center of the parish, and is most convenient so far as population is concerned. About 2800 of the population are within three or three and one-half miles of the church, which to a hardy Highlander is only a pleasant walk. The church which is perhaps the most comfortable and commodious in the north of Scotland, was built in 1832, and is seated for 1360 persons, and may contain about 1600, if closely occupied. There are no Dissenters of any kind or class.

The registers of births and marriages both commence in 1781, and have been regularly kept.

This account was written October 1838.

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

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. Births: The first two pages of birth entries are missing. These probably contained the record from 1781 to December 1783. Between August and September 1784 eight or nine families are recorded in groups, covering the years 1767–1813. Marriages: Marriages were regularly kept. Deaths: Deaths also were regularly kept. There is one death entry in 1853. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British Book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Minutes 1754–1778, 1780–1820, 1875–1942 Poors’ Fund Minutes and Accounts Minutes of Heritors and Kirk Session 1844–1845 List of Male Heads of Households who are Communicants 1835–1842 Notes Including Dispositions of Lairds in Burying Ground 1796–1842 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/1136.

Rosskeen Free Church
History— The minister of Rosskeen, and his congregation, adhered to the Free Church in 1843. The church and manse were erected, but no information as to dates is available. Membership: 1855, 1400; 1900, 123 Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. Film #918572. More details may be given in the source, including ministers.

Records— The extent of records is unknown.