STATISTICAL ACCOUNTS

The statistical accounts of Scotland were published in the 18th, 19th and 20th century. They are generally prepared by the parish minister and covered life in the parish at that time.

The First (Old) Statistical Account

This was co-ordinated by Sir John Sinclair of Ulbster and published between 1791 and 1799. It gives an understanding of Scotland on the eve of both the Industrial Revolution and the French Revolution. Questionnaires were sent to parish ministers with questions on geography and topography, population, agriculture and industrial production and miscellaneous questions.

The account for Blackford was written by Rev John Stevenson in 1792.

The Second (New) Statistical Account

This was produced under the auspices of the Church of Scotland between 1834 and 1845. This was also to draw on the specialist knowledge of local doctors and schoolmasters.

The account for Blackford was written by Rev John Clark in May 1837.

The Third Statistical Account

This was published between 1951 and 1992.

In Blackford, the minister, Rev Milne, was ill. He recommended Daniel Stewart, the local banker. This account was written in 1950, but was not published until after Daniel's death.