Canisbay, Caithness, Scotland Genealogy

Canisbay # 35

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: There are only two entries for 1661 and none for 1662. They are mixed with marriages and other matters from 1663 to 1866. No entries exist for April 1716-August 1717, August 1719-July 1720, and March 1722-September 1747. Neglected entries for 1841-1854 are found at the end of those for 1854. Entries for the Geddes, Houston, Munro, and Sutherland families for 1847–1862 are inserted in 1880. A register of neglected birth entries, with only one entry for 1833, but register in 1861 is found at the end of the marriages. Marriages: Marriage entries are mixed with baptisms and other matters from 1663-1666. No entries exist between November 1721-October 1747, and between 1779- November 1780 except for one entry for July 1780. There are duplicate entries of marriages for 1814-1819. A new columnar format starts December 1814. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British Book 941 K23b and an inspection of the record on microfilm.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Minutes 1652-1661, 1706-1738, 1747-1855 Accounts 1832-1864 Note: Available at the Scottish National Archives, Edinburgh, record CH2/52.

Nonconformist Church Records
The Statistical Account of Scotland for Caithness 1840, states that there were no Dissenting families in the parish, and only 24 Baptists and 6 Independents who, along with their families, made about 80 nonconformists total at that time.

Canisbay Free Church
History— The minister of the parish did not leave the Established Church in 1843; however, services were provided for adherents of the Free Church. Although the charge was sanctioned in August 1843, no minister was settled until 1851. The congregation, composed mainly of crofters and fishermen, decreased because of emigration. Membership: 1855, 520 (including adherents); 1900, 162. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843-1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. Film # 918572. More details are given in the source.

Records— Baptismal Register 1843-1949 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/894.