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In a superb location on the northern tip of the Black Isle where the narrow mouth of the Cromarty Firth is guarded by the twin heights known as the Sutors. the tiny port of Cromarty has been described as "the jewel in the crown of Scottish vernacular architecture". Cromarty was a 13C Royal Burgh, but owes much of its present appearance and allure to its development in the late 18C by Sir George Ross, who encouraged a high standard of building and rebuilding, improved the harbour, and established industries, including a ropeworks (now housing) and a brewery (now a university study centre). Once used by royal pilgrims to the shrine at Tain. the ferry across the deep water of the Firth still operates, but since the building of the railway and the improvement of roads, Cromarty no longer lies on the main route north: little more than a village, it seems content with its tranquillity and its present status as a popular holiday place. Once a haven for the Royal Navy. Cromarty Firth has become a base for the rigs used in the offshore oil industry. Hugh Miller's Cottage Cromarty's most famous son, Hugh Miller (1802-56) was a mason turned writer and geologist. His birthplace, a thatched cottage with crow-step gables, is a museum, with geological specimens, documents and personal souvenirs of the man who wrote the classic work on the Old Red Sandstone. Hugh Miller's Web Site Cromarty Courthouse Built by Sir George Ross in 1773, the courthouse is a splendid five-bay structure dominated by an octagonal clock tower. The interior gives a good account of local history, while courtroom scenes are brought to life by talking figures. If you would like to visit this area as part of a highly personalized small group tour of my native Scotland please e-mail me: |
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