Gairloch, Ross and Cromarty, Scotland

Gairloch # 66

History
The name of the parish is compounded of gearr, short, and loch. This parish takes its name from a salt water loch of the same name. It is bounded on the south by an arm of the sea called Loch Torridon, that runs in between it and the parish of Applecross; on the north, by the river Gruinard, that separates it from the parish of Lochbroom; on the east, by a chain of hills, where the mountain streams running towards the east and west coasts, separate; on the west, by the Minch, that separates the Long Island, or Lewis, from the main land.

This parish has been fortunate as most of its neighbors, in being the birth place and residence of eminent men, of which William Ross, the celebrated Gaelic bard, was born in 1762 in the parish of Strath, Isle of Skye.

The land-owners of the parish are; Sir Francis Alexander M’Kenzie of Gairloch, Bart.; Sir George Stewart M’Kenzie of Coul, Bart.; Duncan Davison, Esq. of Tulloch; James Alexander Stewart M’Kenzie, Esq. of Seaforth; and Hector M’Kenzie, Esq. of Letterewe.

The population in 1801 was 1437, and increased to 4445 by 1831.

There are no parochial registers kept in the parish previous to 1802; since that period, they have been regularly kept. The parish church is as conveniently situated as it could well be, considering the extent of the parish; its distance from the eastern extremity of the parish, is twenty-eight miles; from the southern, fifteen miles; from the western, twelve miles; and from the northern extremity, twenty miles. The church was built in 1791, and has accommodations for 500 sitters.

This account was written September 1836.

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: The record was begun in 1802; the entries prior to that date are irregular. The records are incomplete 1814–1819. There is a supplement at the end of the record. Marriages: The records are incomplete around 1814–1819. There is a supplement at the end of the record. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British Book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
There are no records available.

Gairloch Free Church
History— To provide for the adherents of the Free Church in the district, a catechist was appointed immediately after the Disruption. A minister was settled in 1844. His call was signed by upwards of 1000 persons. Later the membership suffered through emigration, especially of the young people. Membership:1855, 750; 1900, 63. 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.

Kinlochewe Aultbea Free Church
History— In July 1844, in response to a petition to the Presbytery from the adherents of the Free Church in Kinlochewe, the minister of Gairloch was asked to preach there as frequently as possible. He started the movement for the building of a church in 1871. The population then numbered about 300 over fourteen years of ages and there was no place of worship within 19 miles. Regular services were begun in 1875. The charge was sanctioned in 1889. Membership: 1889, 173; 1900, 19. '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— There are no pre-1855 records. Check for records of Gairloch.

Poolewe Free Church
History— The minister of Poolewe, and his congregation "came out" in 1843. He was soon called to Tarbert and a probationer was placed in charge. The charge was sanctioned in 1847, and shortly thereafter the church, manse, and school were erected. Membership: 1855, 1000; 1900, 153. 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.