Lochalsh, Ross and Cromarty, Scotland

Lochalsh, # 74

History
The name of this parish is supposed to be of Danish origin. The parish has for its western boundary the Kyle, or narrow sea which separates the adjacent Island Skye from the mainland; the bays of Lochduich and Lochlong encompass it on the south; and that range of high hills which divides the east from the west coast of Scotland, bounds it on the east.

Mrs. Lillingstone of Lochalsh is sole proprietrix of the parish.

The population of the parish in 1801 was 1606, increasing to 2433 by the year 1831.

The agriculture of the parish consists of raising barley, oats, potatoes, and hay. Cows and sheep graze in the pastures.

A register of births and marriages has been kept in the parish, since the year 1820. All the families in the parish attend the Established Church, except 23 families of Roman Catholics. There is a Government church in the parish, at Plockton.

This account was written October 1838.

Source: 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 on computer at the Family History Library under “Databases on the Network.” Births:Very irregular and incomplete throughout, the whole being contained on six pages. No entries 1804–1811 inclusive. Marriages: No entries 1788–1794 and 1806–1821. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British Book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Records— The extent of records is unknown.

Lochalsh Free Church
History— In response to an application made by the adherents of the Free Church at Dornie Ferry, the Presbytery organized a congregation at Ardleve, Lochalsh. A church was built and a minister settled in January 1844. He preached alternately at Ardleve and Dornie. In 1846–1847 the congregations of Lochalsh and Plockton became vacant. Both charges were united under the minister settled at Plockton in 1850. In 1856 it was arranged that a minister should be placed at Lochalsh and have charge also of Kintail and Glenshiel. No settlement was made until 1862. The church at Ardleve was renovated in 1866. Membership: 1861, 450; 1900, 50. 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.

Plockton Free Church
History— The minister of the Parliamentary Church at Plockton, with many of his people "came out" in 1843. The church and manse were soon erected. From 1850 to 1856 Lochalsh was also under the charge of the minister of Plockton. A large part of the congregation may have acceded to the Free Presbyterians in 1893. Membership: 1855, 800; 1900, 28. 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.