Portree, Inverness-shire, Scotland Genealogy

Portree #114

History
The ancient name of the parish is Ceilltarraghan. In Gaelic language, Ceill signifies a burying-ground, Tar, bottom, and Glean, a glen; Ceiltarraglan then signifies a burying-ground placed at the bottom of a glen. The modern name of the parish is Portree, compounded of two Gaelic words, port signifying a harbor, and righ, a king, the King’s Harbour in consequence of King James the Fifth.

It is bounded on the north by the parish of Snizort; on the south by the parish of Strath; on the east by that arm of the sea which seperates it fom the parishes of Gairloch and Applecross; and on the west by the parish of Bracadale.

Neither the lands nor the climate in this parish are suitable for agricultural purposes. The sheep in the parish are of the Old Highland breed, very small in size; but the fineness of their wool approaches or is equal to that of the Chevoit sheep, and the quality of their flesh is far superior.

The Right Honorable Lord Macdonald and Macleod of Rasay, are the only land-owners in the parish.

A parish register of births and marriages was commenced in 1800, but discontinued six years later, but resumed five years later. From a variety of causes, which could not be prevented, it has been irregularly kept.

The parish church is situated in the village of Portree, at a distance of about two miles from the northern, and fifteen miles from the southern extremity of the parish, and is not convenient to a great body of the people. It will accomodate about 800 sitters, and there is no payment.

In 1811 the population was 2729; and in 1831, 4000.

This account was written January 1841.

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

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: After February 1806, there occur only the following entries: one for September 1806, two for April 1808, one for December 1809, and one for August 1810. Record is resumed in March 1811 and continued until March 1813, after which except two entries for 1814, there are no entries until June 1815. Marriages: There are no entries after March 1806 until July 1811 and no entries January 1812–1816. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British Book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Minutes 1854–1900 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/1116.

Portree United Presbyterian Church
History— In 1831 a few individuals in Portree petitioned the Glasgow Presbytery of the United Secession Church for supply of sermon, which granted the petition, and sent preachers to Skye until 1842. The services were in English. It was about this time that Mr. Alexander Adam, preacher, having acquired some knowledge of Gaelic, was sent to Portree for five months. He began his labors in March 1842, the English and Gaelic hearers petitioned that he should be continued among them, which was agreed to. In 1854 Mr. Adam was ordained in Erskine Church, 20th August 1855, as missionary of Portree. The church was erected and opened in June 1860. The congregation was formed in 1861, and Mr. Adam was called and inducted in 1862. Source:  Annals and Statistics of the United Presbyterian Church, by Rev. William MacKelvie, D.D., pub. 1873. Film #477618.

Records— There are no known pre-1855 records.

Portree Free Church
History— The minister of the parish did not come out in 1843, but almost all the congregation adhered to the Free Church. Elders were ordained immediately after the Disruption. The charge was sanctioned in 1849, and a minister was settled in December of that year. The church was completed in 1854. Membership: 1855, 450; 1900, 58. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland,1943-1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 Vols. Pub. 1914. Film #918572. More details may be given in the source, including a list of ministers. Records— The extent of records is unknown''. ''

Raasay Free Church
History— After the Disruption this island, on which a church was built, was for several years under the care of probationers and catechists. The congregation eventually found themselves in a position to maintain an ordained minister. The charge was sanctioned in 1851, and a minister was settled in November of that year. Membership: 1855, 215; 1900, 20. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1943-1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 Vols. Pub. 1914. Film #918572. More details may be given in the source including a list of ministers.

Records— There are no known pre-1855 records.

Portree Episcopalian Church
History— Unavailable

Records— The extent of records is unknown. The incumbency is currently vacant. For more information write to;

Office of the Bishop of Argyll and the Isles at: The Pines, Ardconnel Road, Oban, Argyll PA34 5DR, Scotland

Return to Inverness-shire parish list.