FORGAN PARISH

PAROCHIAL REGISTERS:- The parochial registers do not extend farther back than 1701.

This increase of population in the parish is obviously caused by its contiguity to, and ready communication with, the town of Dundee, and it is highly probable that the thriving village of Newport will ere long become a large and populous town.

The village population is somewhat more than 600

Total number of families, 205

Of which employed in agriculture nearly, 90

From 40 to 50 are artisans or connected with trade, and not more than 10 are engaged in seafaring occupations.

The yearly average of births for the last seven year, was, 23

deaths, 22

marriages, 7

CHARACTER OF THE PEOPLE:-The parishioners are in general quiet ,and orderly in their deportment. Their houses are for the most part clean and well kept while some of the cottages are distinguished for their neat and tasteful appearance.

MANUFACTURES:- There is some weaving in the parish, chiefly of the fabric suited to the Dundee manufacture of coarse linen, etc. The number of individuals thus employed does not exceed 20.

ECCLESIASTICAL STATE:- The church is situated in a most beautiful and sequestered spot but being at the south-east extremity of the parish, it is very inconvenient for the population in general, and particularly for those resident in the villages along the banks of the Tay, from whom it is distant from three to four miles. The date of its erection is not known. It formed one of the priory kirks belonging to St Andrews, and was built, according to tradition, in its present site, for the special accommodation of a wealthy lady resident in the adjoining mansion house of Kirkton, who contributed largely of her substance for that purpose. It received a thorough repair in the year 1770, and was reseated at the commencement of the present century. It is seated for about 350, so that the extent of church accommodation is greatly under what is required for the population. During the last year, the heritors have contemplated the erection of a new church in a more central situation. And although some difficulty has been experienced in determining the site that would prove most advantageous for the parishioners, it is to be hoped, that this inestimable boon will not be long withheld, as it is at present impossible for the aged, the infirm, and the young to enjoy the benefits of religious instruction in the parish church.

There is a meeting house near Newport in connection with the Independents. The number of families belonging to it is about 10, and the clergyman is an individual who is highly respected for his personal piety, and his anxious endeavours to benefit the neighbourhood in which he resides.

The manse, which is in good condition, was built in 1803.

EDUCATION:-There are two schools in the parish. The parochial teacher's salary is the maximum, and the branches taught are, English, writing, arithmetic, geography, practical mathematics, Latin, and French. The number of scholars is about 120, and the fees, varying from 2s. 6d. to 5s. per quarter, amount to L.24 per annum.

A new school-house was erected by the heritors, about ten years ago, in a central part of the parish, in consequence of which the attendance has greatly increased. And an excellent dwelling house for the schoolmaster, with a suitable garden attached to it, has this year been built adjoining the schoolhouse.

The other school is kept by two females, and is attended by about 30 very young children, who are instructed in some of the elementary branches of education.

POOR:.- The average number of regular paupers is from 4 to 6, who receive a weekly allowance of 1s., 1s. 6d., or 2s. There are from 12 to 15 more, who obtain occasional relief in money, and regular supplies of meal and coals. The church-door collections have hitherto been sufficient for defraying these expenses. But, for several years, a heavy charge has been incurred for the support of two lunatics, who are boarded in the Dundee asylum. There is also a fatuous young man, for whose maintenance a yearly allowance is given from the session funds.

INNS:- There are two inns and four alehouses in the parish.

MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS.

The more striking differences betwixt the present state of the parish and that which existed at the time when the last Statistical Account was published, consist in the improvements that have been made in agriculture, which have been such as greatly to increase the produce, and to improve the appearance of the lands ; in the improved state of the roads. some of which, particularly the present great road to Newport, were at that time nearly impassable ; in the important changes that have taken place in regard to the Dundee Ferry ; in the large increase that has been made to the village of Newport; in the reclaiming and cultivation of much waste land; and in the plantations that have been made on the estates of St Fort and Tayfield.

By the number and excellent condition of the roads, and the ready means of communicating with other parts of the county, every obstacle to the farther improvement of the district has been removed ; and from the character of the present proprietors and tenants, there can be no doubt that these advantages will be made available for advancing the prosperity of the parish, and promoting the welfare of its inhabitants.