Snizort, Inverness-shire, Scotland Genealogy

Parish #117

History
This parish is bounded on the south, by the parish of Portree; on the south-west and west, by the parishes of Bracadale and Duirinish, and Loch Snizort, an arm of the sea; on the north by the parish of Kilmuir; and on the east, by that of Steinscholl, and the channel which divides Skye from Rasay.

The most remarkable character connected with this parish is Flora Macdonald, a name which will ever be recorded as an ornament to her sex, for the fortitude and heroism which she displayed in favoring the escape of Prince Charles Stuart, after the memorable battle of Culloden. She was the daughter of Macdonald of Milton, in South Uist, of which island she was a native

There are five land-owners in the parish; the principle one is Lord Macdonald.

From the physical quality of its surface, a great part of this parish must remain uncultivated waste. Pastures form the principle employment of the inhabitants. Their cows are more celebrated for their fine symmetry, than for the quantity of their milk.

The church, which is situated at the head of Loch Snizort, near the southern extremity of the parish, was built about forty years ago. It was originally intended to accommodate 450 sitters; but, from the great increase of population, being considered too small, it was lately enlarged by the addition of 300 sittings. The manse, which is situated near the church was built at the same time, and has lately undergone repairs. The minister of the parish preaches also every third Sunday at Uigg, one of the most destitute localities in the Highlands. The Anitpeadobaptists, who are the only Dissenters in the parish, have a meeting-house here, and have been making some converts; but, from recent events, there is reason to believe that their progress is more rapid that lasting. There are not more than thirty members in full communion with their church.

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 1823.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
None available

Snizort Free Church
History— The minister of Snizort, and almost all his congregation, came out in 1843. Besides the church he had two regular meeting places, one twelve miles distant, the other eight miles distant. For some years the congregation worshipped in the open air. A church and manse and schoolhouse were built at Snizort; and a church at Uig, at the other end of the parish. All were completed in 1847. With the exception of two or three families, all the people were crofters. Membership: 1855, 1200; 1900, 80. 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 list of ministers.

Records— The extent of records is unknown.

Return to Inverness-shire parish list.