URRAY, a parish, partly in the county of Inverness,
but chiefly in the county of Ross-and-Cromarty,
5 miles (S. S. W.) from Dingwall; containing, with portions
of the two quoad sacra parishes of Carnoch or
Strathconon, and Kinloch-Luichart, 2716 inhabitants,
of whom 23 are in the county of Inverness. This place,
which consists of the ancient parishes of LTrray and
Kilchrist, derives its name from the river Orrin, on
whose banks its church is situated, near the confluence
of that water with the Conon, or Conan. The parish is
partly bounded on the north by the Conoa, and is about
seven miles in length and from three to six miles in
breadth. Its surface is varied with rising grounds, in
no part, however, attaining any considerable elevation;
and the scenery, enriched with wood, and including
some fine views of the Firths of Beauly and Dingwall,
is pleasingly picturesque. The river Conon, after forming
its boundary for some distance, intersects the parish;
and the Orrin, a very rapid stream, which flows into the
Conon near Brahan Castle, waters the south-western
portion of the parish. The Conon abounds with salmon
and pike, and sea-trout are also found in it during the
months of July and August: on its bank is a sulphureous
spring, powerfully impregnated, and resembling in its
properties the water of Strathpelfer.
In the lower lands the soil is generally heathy and
unproductive, but on the rising grounds fertile, and of
good quality, producing favourable crops of oats, barley,
and potatoes. Agriculture is improving; a rotation of
crops is duly observed, and the lands have been mostly
inclosed. The plantations, especially those around the
houses of the landed proprietors, are extensive and in a
thriving condition, consisting of firs, oak, ash, and the
other usual trees; and on the banks of the rivers are
some considerable remains of ancient wood, chiefly alder,
ash, and willow, with a few oak and birch trees. The
annual value of real property in the parish is £7012.
In this district the principal seats are, Brahan Castle, on
the north bank of the Conon, pleasantly situated in a
well-planted demesne; Highfield House, on the east
bank; and Ord House, situated on an acclivity near the
south bank of the Orrin. Fairburn Tower, on the opposite
bank of the river, is now in ruins. There are no
villages. A distillery of whisky has been estalilished,
which consumes a considerable quantity of the barley
grown in the parish. Facility of coinmu\ncation is
maintained by the great north road to Sutherland and
Caithness, which passes through the parish; by the road
leading to the Western Highlands; and by good cross
roads, and bridges over the rivers. Ecclesiastically this
place is within the limits of the |)resbytfry of Dingwall
and syno<l of Ross. The minister's stipend is £249.9.6.,
with a Tuansi', and a glebe valued at £15 per annum;
patron, the Marchioness of Stallord. The church is a
spacious and handsome structure, well adapted for the
accomnioihition of the parishioners. The members of
the Free tJluirch have a place of worship. The parochial
schoolmaster has a salary of £25. 15., with a house, an
allowance of £2. 2. in lieu of a garden, and the fees. In
a barrow near Brahan Castle was found, some years since,
an uru of burnt clay containing some fragments of human
bones.