From the Archives: Historic Croy and Dalcross parish
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Continuing our study of Highland parishes today we are looking at the Parish of Croy and Dalcross.
Situated in both the counties of Inverness-shire and Nairnshire, the Parish of Croy and Dalcross is bordered by the parishes of Nairn, Cawdor, Moy and Dalarossie, Daviot and Dunlichity, and Petty. The two parishes of Croy and Dalcross were united in 1618 and there is some debate as to how the parish came to be named.
The Old (or First) Statistical Account for Scotland (1794) claims Croy is derived from the French “croix” meaning “a cross” whilst Dalcross comes from “de la croix”, of the cross. The New (or Second) Statistical Account (1845) claims Croy may have originated from the Gaelic word “cruaidh” meaning “hard” and Dalcross from “dal aig ceann rois” – “the dale at the head of the ravine”.
One of the parish’s most notable buildings is Kilravock Castle, the seat of the Clan Rose. Hugh Rose was granted a “licence to build” a defensive tower in 1460 and the castle was completed around 1475. The castle has had many notable visitors across the centuries including Prince Charles Edward Stuart who visited four days before the Battle of Culloden, and the Duke of Cumberland who visited after the battle.
The Ordnance Survey Name Book (written in 1869) which goes along with the first edition Ordnance Survey maps, describes Kilravock Castle as: “A Mansion Situated at the South end of the parish, with handsome Ornamental Grounds Attached. It is four storey in height Castellated and in excellent repair – Property of Major Rose. Within the policy, 600 yards southwest of the Castle, Stands an Obelisk, erected in 1846 in memory of the late Mr. Rose, Kilravock.”
The Name Book also describes the various buildings, farmhouses and outhouses that make up the whole of the estate.
Within collection HCA/D456 Baillie of Dunain papers, there are many letters that were written by the Rose family from Kilravock Castle to members of the Baillie family, as the two were connected through marriage. In one letter dated February 4, 1813 Hugh Rose writes to Isabella Baillie regarding the birth of his son George Henry. Through this letter we can feel the joy and delight that Hugh feels at the arrival of his new son:
“My Dear Madam, I have great pleasure in acquainting you that Mrs Rose was last night safely delivered of a fine stout Boy. She had been playing cards… and was not taken ill till 10 o’clock and before 11 the young gentleman was in the world.”
These letters cover the first half of the 19th century and are written by various members of the Rose family. They provide a fascinating insight into two prominent families in the Highlands at the time.
The Highland Archive Centre will be closed over Christmas and New Year from Friday, December 18 until Monday, January 11. Visits are by appointment only; bookings can be made for Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. To make a booking or to enquire about remote archive or family history research please contact us on 01379 781130.
