Colinton, Midlothian, Scotland Genealogy

Parish #677

History
The original name of this parish was Hailes, probley from the name of the property of the glebe. The name of Colinton was given to it to honor the principal family in the parish. On the barony of Redhall there use to be a castle. In 1650 this castle endured a regular siege from Cromwell's army. The Foulis of Colinton is the most ancient family in the parish.They seemed to have come to Scotland from France in the eleventh century. The parochial registers are in seven volumes. the begin 3rd September 1650, but there are years not recorded. The population in 1791 was 1395, and in 1838 it was 1982. There are 269 families connect with the Established church and 171 families connected with Desenters. The nearest market town is Edinburgh, the villiage of Slateford is in the parish.

This accound was written in 1839.

Source: New Statistical Account of Scotland ( FHL book 941 B4sa, series 2 vol.1)

Condition of Original Registers—
Indexed: For an index to these records, see the Scottish Church Records Index on computer at the Family History Library and family history centers. Some records may be indexed in the International Genealogical Index. Births: On the flyleaf are two entries, 1645–1646. Entries are irregular and incomplete April 1689–May 1694 and are out of order of time after 1797. After the record for 1819, there are twenty–six pages of transcribed entries, 1815–1819 included. Mothers’ names are not recorded until November 1683. Marriages: There are no entries September 1689–October 1693 and April 1711–May 1713. The lower portion of the page at 1721 is cut off. There are no entries May 1742–March 1748. After the record for 1819 are twenty–four pages of transcribed entries of irregular marriages, 1724–1820 and eight pages of transcribed entries of proclamations 1815–1819 inclusive. Deaths: Registers are burials and Mortcloth Dues. There are no entries December 1724–January 1728, March 1730–December 1747. Entries for 1815–1819, inclusive, are recorded twice. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British Book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Burials 1761–1764 Proclamations 1761–1764, 1854–1954 Minutes 1651–1933 - with some gaps Accounts 1713–1818, 1841–1906 Disbursements 1654–1713 Collections 1663–1713 Communion Rolls 1841–1952 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/123.

Slateford United Presbyterian
History— For several reasons, including the settlement of an unpopular minister in the parish of Colinton, a petition was made to the Burgher Presbytery of Edinburgh for supply of sermon and it was granted in 1782. A church was built in Slateford. The session was constituted in July 1783 with 94 members. In 1858 the membership stood at 268. Source: Annals and Statistics of the United Presbyterian Church, by Rev. William MacKelvie, D.D., pub. 1873. FHL Film #477618. More details may be given in the source including ministers.

Records— Various Minutes 1783–1955 Accounts 1823–1943 Seat Letting Book 1815–1890 Inventory of Various Papers 1767–1878 Note: Available in the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/490.

Juniper Green Free Church
History— Dr. Lewis Balfour, grandfather of Robert Louis Stevenson, minister of Colinton, and Dr. Robert Jamieson, minister of Currie, were expected to “come out” in 1843 but stayed in the Established Church. The Free Presbytery of Edinburgh in July 1843 constituted the elders and people adhering to the Free Church as a congregation. A church was built in Juniper Green about midway between the two parishes. It was called Colinton and Currie Free Church until 1880. Then the church was rebuilt and enlarged and a hall added, the name being changed to Juniper Green Free Church. The prosperity of a paper mill at Kinleith brought an increase to the population. The district became a favorite residential suburb of Edinburgh. Lord Cockburn of Bonaly sat in the first church as a hearer. Mr. Gladstone’s was the first voice heard in the rebuilt church in 1880. A manse was provided in 1858. Membership: 1848, 220; 1900, 407. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. FHL Film #918572. More details may be given in the source including ministers.

Records— Minutes 1844–1974 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/951.

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