Scotlands Religion

[wini]

I have been watching Neil Oliver's History of Scotland. Last episode was about the Covenanters and Claverhouse
According to this most of the protestants were in the south of the country so my question is: When did the North of Scotland become protestant? My research on my family shows that both in Skye and Sutherland they were either the Free church or the established church.
Admittedly I have only one ancestor I can trace back to the 18th Century thanks to the Gunn Museum. So is there a book I can read or can someone enlighten me

Thanks wini

[johnniegarve]

The North of Scotland was generally Presbyterian, the Episcopalians (therefore Jacobites) were mostly in Inverness-shire, Angus, Aberdeenshire & Perthshire. Shortage of money for schools & kirks was the problem after the Reformation. The Church lands whose revenues should have been used to combat illiteracy & poverty, were grabbed by the aristocracy, so progress was slow.

[LesleyB]

Hi wini

When did the North of Scotland become protestant? My research on my family shows that both in Skye and Sutherland they were either the Free church or the established church.

The Free Kirk is a protestant church, and the "established church" is Church of Scotland, so also Protestant - not clear if that is what you are unsure about.
This article may not give you enough detail:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottish_Reformation

I think there were some areas of the highlands which remained Roman Catholic despite the Reformation.

This may be a more useful article
http://home.comcast.net/~gmcdavid/HistN ... d_rel.html

Best wishes
Lesley

[wini]

Thank you for your replies, I have looked at the Samuel Johnson link and will get to the others later today.

wini

[bleckie]

Hi Wini

A book worth reading is The Book of Perth it gives an insite to the power of the church before and after the reformation.

in google type in book of perth and you will be able to download.

Yours aye
BruceL

[wini]

Thanks Bruce will have a read.

wini

[Andrew C.]

I have to say I thought Neil Oliver's book was awful. He shouldn't be allowed near Scottish History.