Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire, Scotland Genealogy

Kiltarlity # 101

History
It is supposed that the name Kiltarlity is derived from Gaelic words signifying the place of sepulture of Tarrail.

Kiltarlity is bounded by the united parishes of Urquhart and Glenmorriston on the south and south-west; by Glanshiel on the west; by Kintail on the north-west; by Kilmorack on the north; Kirkhill on the east; and by the parish of Inverness on the south-east. The whole northern part is bounded by Kilmorack.

There are many Druidical remains in the parish, and also some vitrified forts supposed by most people to be where beacon fires used to be lighted in ancient times. A prominent and remarkable site is a lofty turreted building called Erchless Castle. It is said to have been built in the fifteenth century, but is still in a state of excellent repair, and is kept up as the family mansion of “The Chisholm,” chief of that ilk. It overlooks a noble park, studded with venerable aged-looking trees, among which are some of the remains of the old Caledonian forest.

In Strathglass, sheep farming is carried on to a considerable extent, and that with less risk than in most other Highland district, owing to the excellent shelter which is afforded to the flocks in winter, by the natural wood, with which the sheep-walks abound.

The population in 1801 was 2588, in 1811 it was 2601, in1821 2429, 1831 it was 2715, and in 1841 it was 2881. By a census taken under the direction of the minister, in 1837 the population was estimated at 2669.

The only public records of any kind kept in the parish, are those of births and marriages. The former begins in 1714, and the latter in 1812; but though the former was kept for the whole of the period since 1714, it is to be regretted that the entries were not by any means regularly made, and this circumstance is probably owing to a strong prejudice which obtained against it in the minds of the people, as from any remissness or neglect on the part of the clerk.

This account was written December 1841.

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

Condition of Original Registers—
No entries prior to 1823. Births: There are no entries, except one in 1726, December 1722–October 1728 and September 1731–January 1734. There are two pages of irregular entries 1765–1780, after April 1777. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British Book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Minutes 1814–1829 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/963.

Kiltarlity Free Church
History— The people in this parish, with few exceptions adhered to the Free Church in 1843. A minister was settled in September 1843. A site having been obtained, the church and manse were completed in 1846. In 1900, more than half the adherents, two elders, and twenty-four communicants refused to enter the Union. Membership: 1848, 102; 1900, 69. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. Film #918572. This source may contain additional information, including a list of ministers.

Records—                                                  FHL Film Number  Blotter Registers, 1843–1854                         1068241 item 11 Index of Extracted Births and Christenings       6902017 (fiche) Index of Extracted Marriages                           6902018 (fiche)

Fasnakyle, Marydale, Catholic Church
History— This is in an area known as Strathglass. Early in 1670, a large proportion of the inhabitants were converted to the Catholic Church. In 1707, 125 were confirmed at Knockfin, and in 1709, 50 were confirmed at Brahan Castle, seat of the Earl of Seaforth. In 1764, there were 1321 Catholics in Strathglass. A congregation was formed at Fasnakyle in 1723, which succeeded other congregations at Knockfin and Clachan. It was renamed Marydale in 1868. Source: Catholic Missions and Registers, 1700–1880 In Scotland, by Michael Gandy, pub. 1993. FHL book 942 K24gm, vol. 6.

Records— Baptisms 1793–1828 Marriages 1827–1844 Seat Rents 1824–1844 Later records were lost in a fire in 1929. Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record RH21/28.

Eskadale Catholic Church
History— This is also in the area known as Strathglass. This congregation was formed about 1827, succeeding one at Aigas formed in 1801, for which there are no early records (see Fasnakyle). There is a cemetery at Eskadale church. Source: Catholic Missions and Registers, 1700–1880 - Scotland, by Michael Gandy, pub. 1993. FHL book 942 K24gm, vol. 6.

Records— Baptisms 1828–1959 Marriages 1845–1954 Communicants Lists 1838–1857 Deaths 1845–1867 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record RH21/21.