16th April 2015    

AGM followed by Two Communities Changed by War    

Speaker: Dr Jim Mackay

Dr Jim Mackay is chairman of the Kirkmichael Trust which is seeking to restore the derelict Kirkmichael site in the Black Isle and create a display of ornamental medieval stones in the restored buildings. He is the author of the guidebook "Resolis 'Slope of Light’, Guide to a Black Isle Parish" and innumerable articles in the Highland Family History Journal. He has a particular interest in the old ferries of the north, and has lectured widely on this subject.

Following a brief AGM, Jim will introduce the successful WW1 commemoration community project run by Cromarty Courthouse Museum and The Kirkmichael Trust and funded by Heritage Lottery Fund. The purpose of the project was to compare the impact of the First World War on the two contrasting parishes of Cromarty and Resolis. This was researched through letters, visual sources and oral history with a particular emphasis on the effect on individuals and families and the results are both fascinating and poignant. 

This is the final talk of the season, but Cromarty History Society programme resumes on Thursday 17th September 2015 in the West Church Hall, Cromarty. Thank you to all our speakers for another fabulous series of talks and our members and supporters for continuing to come along to meetings. We look forward to seeing you all in the Autumn.