DOWN MEMORY LANE: Bill McAllister reflects on the legacy of architect William Lawrie who created the beautiful and striking Inverness Town House, opened in 1882 by by Prince Alfred Ernest Albert, Queen Victoria’s third son, then Duke of Edinburgh
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The 140th anniversary of the opening of Inverness Town House has passed quietly, a key creation of architect William Lawrie who won a competition to undertake the civic project.
His ornate Victorian Gothic building was based on the Albert Institute – now the McManus Museum and Gallery – in Dundee, opened in 1867 to honour Queen Victoria’s husband.
The Royal connection continued when, on January 19, 1882, Inverness Town House was formally opened by Prince Alfred Ernest Albert, Victoria’s third son, then Duke of Edinburgh and married to Grand Duchess Marie Alexandrova, only daughter of the then Tsar of Russia.
Alfie was awarded the Freedom of Inverness and a ball was arranged in his honour at the Northern Meeting Rooms in Church Street though, due to being in mourning for the death of his father-in-law, he did not attend.
Provost Alexander Fraser, with Lord Lovat and the Earl of Seafield, greeted Alfred on his arrival at Inverness station and the duke inspected HMS Brilliant at Muirtown Basin before going to the town house.
There were 10,000 coloured lamps on High Street and fireworks around the floodlit castle with 700 guests crammed into the town house.
William Lawrie, born in Stonehaven 201 years ago, came north to assist James Matthews’ business and helped it flourish, eventually becoming a partner, with offices at 4 Castle Street.
His first local foray was Croy Church Manse in 1855, with alterations to Ness Castle the same year. In 1859 he won a competition to design Inverness District Asylum at Craig Dunain and the Inverness Poorhouse, later Hilton Hospital and now flats in Muirfield Road.
The Royal Marine Hotel, Nairn, and Lovat Arms Hotel, Beauly followed while, in 1869, he designed and built Inverness Markets and Arcade.
The Highland Railway Company offices in Station Square and Merkinch Primary School were also his and he pioneered housebuilding in Southside Road in 1875.
The town house is a magnet for visitors. Built of ashlar stone, it appears like a Ruritanian fantasy between McDonalds and Bella Italia.
Terraza-style mosaic flooring catches the eye on the ground floor but the central horseshoe-shaped wooden staircase is particularly impressive and the staircase’s stained glass windows show the coats of arms of Great Britain, Inverness and Scotland respectively.
The glass chandeliers from the former Northern Meeting Rooms illuminate the staircase, town hall and council chamber. Behind the original Provost’s chair are stained glass windows marking Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897.
The high-roofed town hall oozes grace. It smacks, too, of history, with military colours and, above the stage, two swords, one wielded by a Chisholm at the Battle of Sheriffmuir in 1715 and another belonging to Hugh Chisholm of Glenmoriston and used at Culloden.
Paintings and sculptures featuring many local notables of past eras are a superb collection worthy of being more available to the public.
The most valuable piece is considered to be “The Holy Family” painting, from the mid-16th century, donated by Naples-based Invernessian James Clark.
Lawrie’s creation cost £12,500, of which £5000 came from the will of Duncan Grant of Bught Estate, whose father had been Provost.
Lawrie, known for his “genial and kindly temperament”, died on April 12, 1887, five years after the opening of the town house, his enduring legacy.
• Sponsored by Ness Castle Lodges.
