John Farquharson of Perthshire was an independent itinerant preacher who visited Skye for a short period about 1805-6. He had previously studied at a seminary set up by the Haldane brothers, themselvs revivalist preachers, to train young men in the art of gospel preaching.

Farquharson however was dismissed after six months because "his capacity for learning, seemed on trial, hardly to warrant his persevering in academical studies."

Although dismissed from academic training Farquharson was sent to Breadalbane to see if he "might not be of some use as a scripture reader amongst the poor and un-educated highlanders." While there, against much opposition and persecution, he went from village to village preaching the gospel.

In the spring of 1802 revival visited the area under his labours and over a hundred people were truly converted.

During that same year Farquharson was imprisoned in Aberdeen as a result of his preaching in Braemar. The term of his imprisonment was comparatively short. The next we hear of John Farquharson is in Skye sometime during 1805-6.

It appears that he had decided to leave Scotland for America. The reason for his emigration is uncertain. However, once the journey had been undertaken adverse weather or some other unknown reason forced the ship on which he was sailing to put in to Uig.

Always the evangelist John wasted no opportunity and once on Skye immediately set about the purpose of his "calling".

Preaching on weekdays, and by one who held no communion with the clergy, was a novelty. The people flocked in crowds to hear him. From Uig he travelled to Portree, Snizort, Kilmuir, Duirinish and Bracadale preaching as he went. He was followed by many people.

It is recorded that on one occasion he preached to a large congregation assembled in the open air in Uig. He was not allowed inside the walls of the established church. He also preached at Cuidraich and it may well have been on this occasion that Donald Munro was converted. Donald Munro was later to become known as the "Father of Evangelical Religion in Skye".

On one occasion Kilmuir minister Revd Donald Martin was passing the place where Farquharson was preaching. He was attracted by his zeal and earnestness. At the close of the service Martin invited Farquharson to his Manse, where, it appears, he resided during the remainder of his stay on Skye.

Of Farquharson, apart from the fact that he eventually left Skye and emigrated to America, nothing else is known.