In 1882-4, Frances Groome's Ordnance Gazetteer of Scotland described Kilbrandon and Kilchattan like this:
Kilbrandon and Kilchattan, a united parish in Nether Lorn district, Argyllshire, comprising the four preReformation parishes of Kilbrandon, Kilchattan, Kilbride, and Kilchoan. It comprehends a section of the mainland, with the inhabited islands of Seil, Luing, Easdale, Shuna, Torsay, and Inis Capel; contains the villages of Toberonichy, Ellanabriech, and Easdale, the last with a post and telegraph office under Oban; and enjoys communication by means of the Clyde and Oban steamers. ...
It is bounded N by the Sound of Lorn, NE by the Sound of Clachan, E by Kilninver parish, S by the northern outlet of the Sound of Jura, and W by the Atlantic Ocean. Its length, from N to S, inclusive of intersecting sea-belts, is 10 miles; its breadth is 6 miles; and its area is 14, 457 acres, of which 996 ½ are foreshore and 746/7 water. The inhabited islands are all separately noticed. The mainland section, comprising 5052 ½ acres, is connected with Seil island by a bridge, and chiefly consists of hill pasture. No ground either in it or in the isles rises higher than from 600 to 800 feet above sea-level. The rocks of the mainland section are interesting chiefly for a marble which was at one time worked near Ardmaddy; those of the islands are remarkable for extensive slate quarries, and for ores of silver, copper, lead, zinc, and iron. Much waste land has been reclaimed, and agriculture has been greatly improved. The ruins of several old fortalices are the only antiquities. Ardmaddy Castle and Ardincaple House have separate articles and the Earl of Breadalbane is much the largest proprietor, 1 other holding an annual value of more, and 3 of less, than £100. Kilbrandon is in the presbytery of Lorn and synod of Argyll; the living is worth £240. The old parish church, built about 1743 on the S end of Seil island, near Cuan ferry, is now abandoned, a new and handsome edifice, with stained-glass windows, having been erected in a more central part of the island. There is also a Free church; and three public schools - Ardincaple, Easdale, and Luing - with respective accommodation for 40, 240, and 100 children, had (1881) an average attendance of 14, 161, and 37, and grants of £22, 3s. 1d., £157, 6s. 6d., and £22, 16s. 4d. Valuation (1860) £8064, (1883) £6521. Pop. (1801) 2278, (1831) 2833, (1861) 1859, (1871) 1930, (1881) 1767, of whom 1621 were Gaelic-speaking, and 93 belonged to the mainland.
Kilbrandon and Kilchattan through time
Kilbrandon and Kilchattan is now part of Argyll and Bute district. Click here for graphs and data of how Argyll and Bute has changed over two centuries. For statistics about Kilbrandon and Kilchattan itself, go to Units and Statistics.
GB Historical GIS / University of Portsmouth, History of Kilbrandon and Kilchattan in Argyll and Bute | Map and description, A Vision of Britain through Time.
URL: https://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/place/17158
Date accessed: 26th April 2024
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