September 2017 – April 2018 Meetings

Meetings are held the third Thursday of each month at 7. 30pm, West Church Hall, Cromarty

The Cromarty History Society begins the 2017–18 season on Thursday 21st September with a talk by well known Black Isle resident, Verity Walker. Her work in the field of interpretation will take us on a light hearted journey to some of the most beautiful corners of the Highlands with the promise of a surprise - and a story or two!

The following month is Jim Leslie’s look at the hospitals of Inverness, which at one time included a poorhouse, convalescent home, fever and military hospitals. He will show how they developed through evolving social conditions and advances in medical science, culminating in the establishment of Raigmore Hospital.

Eric Grant has undertaken a great deal of research on the history of Tarradale House near Muir of Ord and its previous owners. Miss Amy Yule purchased the house in the 1890s and began a series of impressive improvements. Although no known portrait of her exists, her character will be brought to life by this illustrated account of a “lady laird”.

The ’Christmas‘ talk will be an expansive timeline of Cromarty history by David Alston, followed by complimentary festive mulled wine and mince pies.

Terry J. Williams is the author of the book of the talk title, ‘Walking with Cattle’, which includes excerpts from her interviews with the few remaining individuals who remember the days of droving in the Uists and Benbecula. She will share the highlights of her research and intriguingly, some adventures that didn’t make it into the book!

Two Cromarty residents, Sheila Currie and Janie Verburg have been working over the last year on delving into the past of their own early 19th century homes. Each will share what they have found and explain the process of research that helped them achieve this inspirational project.

Following a short AGM, the final talk of the season will take place. The annual Cromarty Courthouse Lecture is fittingly focused on Crime and Punishment at this well known Cromarty landmark building and is delivered by their Trustee, Paul Monk.

2017/18 Annual Membership of the Cromarty History Society is £10 single member, £15 for a family. There is a fee of £3 per meeting for non-members. Children under 16 admitted free. The Society promotes the knowledge of the history of the town and parish of Cromarty and is the Friends organisation for the Cromarty Courthouse Museum.