The Second or "New" Statistical Account - 1834 to 1845

Parish of Tongue, County of Sutherland

Presbytery of Tongue, Synod of Sutherland and Caithness

The Rev. Hugh Mackay Mackenzie, Minister

III. - Population

Population:

In 1755, the population by return to Dr Webster was: 1093
In 1791, the population by return to Dr Webster was: 1439
In 1831, the population return by Government census was: 2030
In 1838, the population return by Government census was: 2080

Of these 956 were males; 1124 were females. In 1731 it is stated that the births were 47, and marriages 17. Since 1831, births have averaged 44, and marriages 11. It thus appears that, in a population of 1439, there were more births and marriages, especially the latter, than there are now in a population of 2080. The probable solution to this strange fact is, that the population, having increased till it has become a burden on the land at present cultivated, the subdividing of crofts having been prohibited, and the ordinary sources of industry by sea and land having, for some time, either proved unproductive or being shut up, the young of both sexes felt that they could not marry without running the hazard of being soon exposed to hardships and want. When marriages decrease, births of course share the same fate.

The Duke of Sutherland, the only nobleman connected with the parish as proprietor, has a residence in it - the House of Tongue, which he occasionally occupies for a few days in autumn, when visiting his extensive domains in the north. Part of it is inhabited by his Grace's factor. There are three substantial resident sheep-farmers; a medical practitioner, whom the proprietor encourages by giving a free house and L. 60 annually; and a fishery officer. The peasantry reside in hamlets, and when a road passes through, the houses are arranged in a straight line on the one side, each standing on the croft of land attached to it, 244 pay rent. There are about 116 families, besides, who are mere cottars, having no land, in the majority of cases without any trade, and depending for their sustenance on a little day labour and on the kindness of their neighbours, who often give them patches of their own small crofts for raising a few potatoes. There are 4 carpenters, 10 masons, 8 tailors, 9 shoemakers, 3 smiths, and 1 watchmaker. There are 6 fatuous, none insane, 2 dumb, and none who were blind from birth.

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