Dunnet, Caithness, Scotland Genealogy

Dunnet # 36

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 is only one entry October 1784 August 1785. The entries are irregular at the period between 1768 and 1852; there is a page of irregular entries for 1774-1803 at March 1800. Marriages: The regular record commences September 1806, but there is a page containing nine irregular entries from 17971814. No entries exist between 1807 December 1814. 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 known pre-1855 records.

Dunnet Free Church
History— Services for followers of the Free Church were provided soon after the Disruption in 1843, and the charge was sanctioned in August 1843. Many families who were seafarers later moved to larger seaports with the advent of steam power, and the population in Dunnet began to decline. Membership: 1855, 330 including adherents; 1900, 90. 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— Baptisms 1843-1897 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/913.

Scarfskerry Baptist Church
History— Although a congregation was not formed until about 1816, Baptists had been in this area since the 17th century. They first met on the estate of the 12th Earl of Caithness but later were forced to meet at various locations until 1868 when a pastor was installed and a small stone chapel was built. Source: History of the Baptists in Scotland, by Rev. George Yuille, pub. 1926; FHL book 941 K2hi. Source includes lists of ministers.

Records— The extent of records is unknown. For information write to: The Baptist Union of Scotland 12 Aytoun Road Glasgow G41 5RT Scotland