Tain, Ross and Cromarty, Scotland

Tain # 82

History
The Gaelic names of the burgh and parish are Baile-Dhuich, or Duthus’ town, and Sgire-Duich, or Duthus’ parish; so called from the patron saint. The origin, however, of the more ancient and now more general name of Tain, (or, according to the oldest orthography, Thayne), has long puzzled local etymologists.

The burgh of Tain serves as a market-town, not only for this parish, but for the whole surrounding district, and for a considerable part of Sutherland.

Tain appears to have been, in ancient times, a place of considerable importance. From a well-authenticated document, it is found that the Burgh dates its constitution from the latter half of the eleventh century, having been originally privileged by Malcolm Canmore, a king celebrated as the successor Macbeth, and son of the murdered Duncan. The oldest existing charter of the burgh of Tain is one granted by James VI, in 1587 followed by another in 1612. A third was afterwards issued by Charles II.

There are twelve landowners possessing property in the parish. They are, Hugh Rose Ross of Cromarty; R B Aeneas Macleod of Cadboll; Hon. Mrs Hay Mackenzie of Cromarty, patroness of the parish, the duchess Countess of Sutherland; Sir Charles Ross of Balnagown; George Mackenzie Ross of Aldie; Hugh Ross of Knockbreck; Fitzgerald Murray of Pitculzean; Daniel Ross of Hartfield; Donald Kennedy of Bogbain; Malcolm Fraser of North Glastullich, and George Ross of Moorfarm. Only Malcolm Fraser and George Ross are permanent residents.

The population in 1755 was 1870 persons, and in 1831, there were 3078 inhabitants.

From the charter of Charles II, it appears that Tain was formerly a collegiate charge, though this would appear not to have continued beyond the times of Episcopacy.

The new church was built in 1815, and is situated at the eastern extremity of the town, pretty near the center of the parish. It is designed to accommodate 1200. In St. Duthus’ church, all the sittings were free; in this church none are free. All the families in the parish, with the exception of 3 or 4, attend the Established Church.

There are no trustworthy parochial registers now in existence of a date beyond 1765; at which period it is recorded that general discontent had been raised by the total want of any registration for nine years before; since that time they have been tolerably well kept, except that there are no records of deaths. The burgh records commence in 1734.

This account was written August 1837.

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 available on computers at the Family History Library and family history centers. The records may be indexed in the International Genealogical Index. No birth entries January 1727–February 1767. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British Book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Minutes 1701, 1743–1828, 1867–1943 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/349.

Tain United Associate Church
History— Previous to the year 1834, a Dissenter was looked upon by the inhabitants of Tain much in the same light as an Infidel or Papist. In August of that year an application was made to the Rev. Mr. Munro of Chapelhill, in the parish of Nigg, to come to Tain and baptize a child, which request was accepted. So far as is known, sermons had only been preached twice before by Secession ministers in that place, and intimation that a sermon would be given produced considerable excitement. In the spring of 1836 petition was made to the United Associate Presbytery for a mission station. A place of worship was built in 1836. Source: Annals and Statistics of the United Presbyterian Church, by Rev. William MacKelvie, D.D., pub. 1873. Film #477618. More details may be given in the source, including ministers.

Records— The extent of records is unknown.

Tain Free Church
History— The minister of the parish, with his congregation and practically the entire population, adhered to the Free Church at the Disruption in 1843. A few years later a church of the Disruption type was erected accommodating 1500. This church, which was always full, served its purpose until 1891 when its place was taken by a new building. Membership: 1885, 1100; 1900, 286. 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— Minutes 1843–1906 Deacons’ Court Minutes 1843–1899 Baptismal Register 1843–1866 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/748.