Historical records of 262 congregations which broke away from the Church of Scotland during the 18th and 19th centuries are now available. 

Among them are congregations which split in the Great Disruption of 1843. In time 470 ministers would leave to found the Free Church of Scotland. 

The records date from between 1739 and 1900, and include congregations which left in earlier splits. Among them are United Presbyterian, Free, United Free and other Protestant churches. All 262 congregations in this release had rejoined the Church of Scotland by 1929.

Among the records are kirk session minutes, accounts and cash books, communion rolls, deacons’ court minutes and seat rents.

Kirk sessions were the lowest court in the presbyterian system of church government. Discover how they settled disputes among members and even issued punishments for misbehaviour. Return to a time when Sabbath-breaking, irregular marriage and drunkenness were not allowed. 

Uncover rich detail on the life of each congregation. Learn how churches were built, examine the accounts, even find out the cost of a seat on a front row pew. 

You can search and browse kirk session records in the Virtual Volumes area of our website. 

Read our guide and learn how to use kirk session records for research.