Ross & Cromarty Roots | Lochbroom Parish Church, Clachan.

	1513
	Roddie Macpherson
	2008

Lochbroom Parish Church, Clachan.

The Church of Scotland parish church of Lochbroom sits on flat bottom land of Strath More at Clachan close to the head of Loch Broom. The scenic location, next to a sheep farm, appears isolated as it is almost 10 miles from the parish's main centre of population at Ullapool. However, it is about the central point of a huge parish, and Clachan in the past would have had more inhabitants than it does today.

The area has ancient christian associations. The existing church, the first Presbyterian church built in the parish, replaced an earlier one in 1816-17. Most of the visible stones are in good condition. The earliest recorded death inscription is dated 1724.

Mackenzie names predominate amongst the older inscriptions.

(The Clachan Burial ground is a modern extension of the churchyard, but is included under Lochbroom Parish Churchyard in this image library).

Photograph of former manse see Link below the Comments.

Picture Added on 03 April 2008.

Comments

My ancestors - McLeans and Camerons - were christened in Lochbroom Parish and probably in the Church pictured. I have visited Ullapool and the area and certainly wish I had visited this lovely old Church. Thank you for the beautiful scene.
Added by Marilyn Cameron Stinson on 22 July 2009.

My great great grandfather was Rev. William Cameron. He was the minister at this church for over 50 years! He and his wife, Isabella raised their family in the manse. This wonderful website has enabled me to be in touch with an entire branch of the family of which I was previously unaware!
Added by Lorraine Cameron on 23 November 2009.

My ancestor was the Rev. John MacMillan, he was the Minister of Lochbroom 1872-1905. I wonder if this would have been his church? I have still yet to find where he is buried, and his mother, Mary (Todd) MacMillan. They lived in the church manse in Ullapool, but don't know where that is. If anyone has photos or information about the burial locations, the church or the manse, it would be very much appreciated.
Added by Gary S.A. Haslam on 24 November 2009.

Hello Gary. The Church at Clachan is the original site of the the Church of Scotland Parish Church. The manse(now a private house)is directly behind the church. The Church of Scotland's Church in West Argyle Street, Ullapool, was built in 1829 (image 1501). I think I've got a pic. of the former Clachan manse and will look it out. Email me if you need anything further.
Added by Roddie on 24 November 2009.

Gary, had a quick look at the history books. John MacMillan was prominent minister of the Free Church. His church would have been in Ullapool. He was a thorn in the side of landowners, particularly at Leckmelm. If you contact the Free Church of Scotland, they should be able to give you chapter & verse, and the whereabouts of his grave.
Added by Roddie on 25 November 2009.

Visited Lochbroom area in 2007 looking for ancestor surnames Ross and McKenzie who lived in the area - Ardcharnich, Loggie, Blarnalearoch in the 1854 - 1867. Passed by the churchyard on our way along the west side of the Loch. Your picture reminds me of the beauty of the area. Would this have been called ChurchYard of Lochbroom in death notices during those times? We took many photos! Hope to return.
Added by Ron Ross on 25 November 2009.

Ron, as it was the site of the Parish Church of Lochbroom, I believe that this would be the "Churchyard of Lochbroom" in official notices. I hope you do return!
Added by Roddie on 26 November 2009.

My great grandfather and g. grandmother are buried there. Donald and Isabella Mackenzie, also their daughter Ann. My grandfather William migrated to South Africa. I wonder if there are any of this family left in the area.
Added by Donald Mackenzie on 11 January 2011.

Hi Don, it seems a lot of families moved to South Africa, including my MacMillan ancestors (the family of Rev. John MacMillan, he was the Minister of Lochbroom 1872-1905). I wonder why all of a sudden so many up and left their native Scotland?
Added by Gary S. A. Haslam on 17 January 2011.

For more information on this subject see the following website.
Lochbroom manse