Lybster

   LYBSTER, a village, and lately a quoad sacra parish, in the parish of Latheron, county of Caithness, 13 miles (S. W.) from Wick; containing 2699 inhabitants, of whom 461 are in the village. This village, which is situated near Amherst bay, on the eastern coast, was originally planned by Lieut. Gen. Sinclair, of Lybster House, who, in 1802, granted certain portions of his lands on building-leases; and within the last twenty years it has rapidly increased in extent. It contains many well-built houses, and, from the improvements which have been made by the present proprietor, Temple Frederick Sinclair, Esq., promises to become a place of importance. The inhabitants are principally employed in the herring-fishery; and for the protection of the numerous boats, a harbour has been constructed at the cost of the proprietor, affording shelter for more than 100 boats, and capable of receiving vessels of 100 tons' burthen. A stone pier, 300 feet in length, has been carried out from the bank of a small river which flows into the sea at this place; and within the last three years not less than from sixty to eighty vessels of 100 tons have landed, and taken in, their cargoes here during the summer and harvest months. A post-office has been established. Facility of communication is afforded by the great north road, which extends along the coast, and by steam-boats, plying from Wick to Aberdeen and Leith. The parish was, for ecclesiastical purposes, separated from Latheron by act of the General Assembly, after the erection of a church here in 1836. The church was built by subscription, at an expense of £830; it is a neat and substantial structure containing 800 sittings. There is also a place of worship for members of the Free Church, erected in 1845.