Heritage

Beauly Priory

The remains of a thirteenth century Valliscaulian priory, with sixteenth century additions.

Castles

The following castles are within easy travelling distance from Cromarty:

• Brodie Castle Off A96 between Forres and Nairn
• Cawdor Castle Off B9090, five miles S of Nairn
• Dunrobin Castle Ten miles north of Dornoch on the A9
• Urquhart Castle On A82, two miles S of Drumnadrochit, by Loch Ness

Cromarty Courthouse

The Museum of Cromarty with animated figures, video, costumes and prison. Winner of 13 Awards and Commendations. Cromarty Courthouse is a registered museum providing an enjoyable way to explore Cromarty’s resources for those with a serious interest in the history of the North of Scotland.

Culloden Battlefield

Site of the last pitched battle fought in Scotland, when the Jacobites were defeated by the Duke of Cumberland and Government forces in April 1746. Turf and stone dykes, used during the fighting, have been rebuilt round the Culloden Battlefield area. A cottage which stood on the site as fighting went on all around has been restored and opened up to the public who can also see the clan graves, the Well of the Dead, a memorial cairn and a visitor centre featuring an exhibition and battle sampler.

Fort George

This complete eighteenth century artillery fortification, surrounded by sea on three sides, was used by George II’s army before being used as a barracks. Fort George contains reconstructed barrack rooms from different eras, weaponry and the regimental museum of the Queen’s Own Highlanders.

Groam House Museum

Groam House Museum is situated in the seaside village of Rosemarkie and is an outstanding Pictish Centre for Ross and Cromarty. The unique display is focussed on 15 carved Pictish stones. All the stones originated in Rosemarkie, some dating back to the 8th century AD, when it was an important centre of early Christianity.

The Highland Museum of Childhood

Situated in Strathpeffer, discover the customs and traditions of Highland Childhood through audio-visual displays, childhood treasures and a fascinating doll and toy collection.

Hugh Millers Cottage, Cromarty

This 300-year-old furnished cottage was the birthplace of Hugh Miller who rose to international acclaim as a geologist, church reformer, editor and writer. His history is told here in a fascinating exhibition, and his love of nature is reflected in a ‘wild garden’ of native plants. National Trust for Scotland property.

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

Various displays look at the social and natural history of the Highlands, with a full programme of temporary exhibitions and events. The permanent collection contains weaponry, musical instruments, costumes and Jacobite memorabilia.

Pictish Trail

Follow the Pictish Trail from Groam House Museum in Rosemarkie via Cromarty and the King’s Ferry to Nigg, where Nigg Old Church houses the Nigg stone. Continue onwards to the new Tarbat Discovery Centre, which is housed in a beautifully restored 18th century church, and provides a focal point for the latest Pictish research. Historic highlights include the Shandwick stone and a replica of the magnificent Hilton of Cadboll stone. Learn how to unlock the secrets of the past with a lesson in archaeology.

Storehouse of Foulis

The fully restored eighteenth century Storehouse of Foulis now houses a series of educational history and wildlife exhibitions on the Clan Munro. Outside visitors can see an exhibition of local fishing boats and watch for seals in the Cromarty Firth.

Strathpeffer Spa Pump Room

Beautifully restored Pump Room encapsulating the spirit of a bygone era. Provides a glimpse of a Victorian spa through  a superb range of interpretive displays, life size models and video.

Tain Through Time

This fourteenth century church, once the shrine of Tain’s St Duthac, now houses a museum giving a history of Tain.

Tarbat Discovery Centre

The centre uses touch screens, and videos to describe how archaeologists have discovered a Dark Ages monastic settlement. Many Pictish carved stones are on display along with finds from other periods, and a gallery devoted to Tarbat through the centuries.

The Kings Route

A day out driving in the Black Isle and Easter Ross, taking in a number of museums and Pictish places of interest, as well as the ferry ride between Cromarty and Nigg.