FROM THE ARCHIVES: Landmarks in and around Cromarty in the Highlands
Ordnance Survey maps are a great resource for anyone studying local history or for family historians looking to gain a greater understanding of the area their ancestors came from.
Ordnance Survey Name Books provide descriptive information about places and buildings mentioned on the maps and are fantastic for providing more information about communities. Because local historians and word experts were consulted when the first edition Ordnance Survey maps were produced in the 1860s and ‘70s, entries can often contain interesting information.
Many copies of these maps are available at the Highland Archive Centre as well as Ordnance Survey Name Books.
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Today, we are looking at some landmarks in and around Cromarty as described on the 1876 OS map.
Fort: This name is applied to what appears and is commonly Supposed to have been a Danish fort; in form it is oval and raised about three feet above the surrounding surface on the outside and about 18 inches inside. It is supposed the battle fought between the Scots and Danes on Mullbuy Muir terminated here but it looks much like a strong encampment as there is three of these forts along this Muir within half a mile of each other. It also appears to have been the scene of a very bloody battle as there are numerous graves or mounds for a couple of miles along the Muir, they are generally about seven yards long by about four yards wide and raised above the surrounding Muir about two feet, they are generally covered with green grass and the rest of the Muir is only barren heath, the graves or mounds all point north and south. There is no person in this neighbourhood who will allow their name to be used as an authority for these names, although it is generally supposed they are Danish camps and that the Muir around them has been the scene of a great battle at some early period.
Gaelic Chapel: This chapel was built in the year 1783 by George Ross esq to meet the requirements of a number of Highlanders then employed in the factory. It was endorsed by government with the understanding that either Mr Ross or the members should keep it in repair. It is neither a Quod Sacra, Parish, or Chapel of Ease although it belongs to the Established Church, and being a separate endowment by the government it is written in its present character of writing to denote its connection with that church.
Gallow Hill: A considerable eminence covered with firs, it is situated immediately south of the South Sutor, so called from its being at one time a place of execution for criminals.
Clach Mallach/Clach Mhallaichte: A large stone situate at the Low Water, and forming one of the boundary stones of the burgh, the reason of its having this name is, that a young lad while sitting on it was overwhelmed by the advancing tide and drowned, his mother when told of it, cursed the stone, hence the name Clach Mallach (accursed stone).
Doors Open Day
Come and discover what happens at the Highland Archive and Registration Centre! On Saturday, September 7, from 10am-4pm, we are taking part in Doors Open Day with displays of documents and information about our conservation and family history services. Come along for a chat with a family historian, took a look at some of Am Baile's fantastic photographs, grab a chance to read documents from hundreds of years ago. Email for more information: archives@highlifehighland.com
