Cromarty Image Library

Gun placements, North and South Sutor

Two very interesting photos in Scotsman supplement 8/3/10 from RCAHMS National Collection. Anyone interested browse www.rcahms.gov.uk

Tom Hogg

Does anyone know,how many Hogg familys are still resident in Cromarty.

North Kessock Link

Could you please redirect the link for North Kessock & District Local History Society to www.northkessockhistory.com Many Thanks. Linda

Welcome Home Shop

My Aunt Louisa Taylor, daughter of Lila and Davy Taylor, Burnside has been staying with me. I knew my Grandmother, Lila, had organised dances and concerts for the troops stationed at the fort during WW2, but my Aunt also told me of ' The Welcome Home Shop' Lila and the ladies of Cromarty organised to raise money for the servicemen returning home. (Did Cromarty have the first Charity Shop!) Does anyone have any recollections of the concerts or the shop? My Aunt thought the shop may have been at the top of Bank Street

George Hossack

I am trying to trace the names of my grandfathers parents. I know my grandfather was born in Cromarty and his name was George Hossack, but he changed his name in later life to George Watson for an unknown reason. He moved to Glasgow and married Isabella Ferguson and they had one son. Does anyone have a listing for George Hossack's parents, born late 1800s, early 1900s, in their family tree? His parents never married.

The Dingwall Melotones

I played with the Dingwall Melotones in the 60s and 70s. We played in Cromarty, Fortrose and Culbokie often. We also had beach parties in Rosemarkie. I live in Alberta, Canada and meet many Scots here. I recall Pearl More, Mardy Grant, and Willie Trail who used to be fans of the Melotones. John Reddigan also played. He is now in Strathblane. Any friends of the Melotones e-mail me anytime at address below. Best wishes to all in the Black Isle. My sister Fiona works at Pace Petrol Station in Tore. I was born in Beauly. This is a great website.

Bertie Whiteman

I would be eternally grateful if anyone can advise me info about my Grandfather. My Dad was Bertie Whiteman and my Grandmother was Catherine Whiteman (nee Watson )and they were married on 24/07/1917 in Cromarty. I believe they lived at no 57 Shore Street in Cromarty at the time of my Dads birth. They also had a girl called Kathleen who was born in 1918 and my Dad in 1920

Hi I am trying to build a picture of my Dads family who lived in Cromarty in the early 1900s. My Gran , Catherine (nee Watson) is buried in the cemetary as she died in 1983 after living in Edinburgh for over 40 years. She also had a daughter Kathleen who sadly along with my Dad are no longer with us. I would like info re my Grandfather who was a master mariner and also called Bertie and I believe from Grimsby. I also have an Auntie who was known as Gladys Watson till her later marriage. My "E"mail is shown so if you can help I would greatly appreciate this although as my Dad was born in 1920 it could be a long shot.!!!!

At the end of America's Civil War, many slaves took the surname of their previous owners. In Elizabethtown, North Carolina, where William Cromartie settled, as a holdover from segregation times, there is a cemetery where many African American Cromarties are buried, who are perhaps related to your family. Almost 30 years ago, I met a senior Army NCO, Alexander Cromartie, who was also African American. The families in Elizabethtown are gracious in sharing their records, and can given a good bit of information. I have some records of Cromartie family wills in which African Americans are listed who may be related to your family.

I am doing my family tree and am currently researching my mother's time in the WRNS. She was stationed at HMS Fieldfare from 20.11.1944 to 29.10.1945. I have little information at all about what she did there, although I do know she was a leading Wren/Air mechanic ordnanace. Her name was Patricia Hesk. Can anyone help with any info ....does anyone remember her?

William Hughin McDonald

May have lived in Resolis after being born in Lewiston 1825. Anyone have any info? Stephen MacDonald Toronto, Ontario, Canada

McDonalds, Cullicudden, Springfield, Balblair, Resolis areas

Maternal ancestors of my husband (John MacLeod, of Inverness) were McDonalds from Resolis area. Researching family tree back to early 1800's. Any McDonald, McKenzie or Urquhart contacts would be great. Ruth MacLeod (Australia).

Rurki House

Am I correct in thinking that Rurki House used to be a pub in years gone by? Does anyone know what it was called?

Thomsons of Cromarty

Thank you to all those who made my visit so special - I am a 3G grandson of James Thomson who built the house in the High street. I am now determined to find more relations and descendants of his ! Any help would be apreciated.

Website

What a great site, lots of old photos. Used to visit every year hope to be back this year. Stayed at Balbair caravan site and went to the Ferry Inn at night for a pint or 2!

Straugheir family tree

Hi just looking at your site and noticed that they called your dad Derek and he lived in Yorkshire.I had a cousin with that name who lived in Castleford and they called his father Bob who was my uncle. I only met him a couple of times and he was a Prison Officer working in Manchester Prison around the early 70s.I met him there because I am a prison officer and just happened to bump into him when I was visiting the Prison. Not seen him since but I heard that he transfered to the Scottish Prison Service. I am sure with a name like ours we must be related somewhere along line.

How others see us...

Have a look at www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3imrhEMA0c for a very nice view of Cromarty, from a group of photographers who visited the town back in March.

3 vessels in the firth

The rig is not the Sedco 714 but is in fact the Sedco 706 which is I believe going to Singapore for refitting and not the Black Sea as stated.

The Dogs of Cromarty

Colin - I've just been looking at all the 'Dogs and their Owners' photos (again!). Cracking idea. Loads of beautiful photos. Well done and thanks.

Hey ian u wont remember me coz im only 26 but ul know me in a minute ! My mum is 45 just turned and all my family r in cromarty well most of them , im a shepherd ha ! Know me now ? U will prob know my father and uncle 2 and all the rest 2 b honest ! My mother : Caroline shepherd father william nicolson ? My uncle maurice shepherd ? And so on . Shepherds very well known in cromarty 2 everyone that lived there ! Do u know us ?

Would be nice if people who left comments left their email addresses, so people who had seen these comments, and had lost contact with the comment maker, could then get in touch with them.

Yes, we should ask for identification. If folk are reluctant to be identified with their comment... perhaps they shouldn't be making it.

Cool

Hi Jim. Photos i received. Thanks

We talked about this when the Tain Museum image library started and decided to publish anonymous comments, subject to the usual editorial rules about content. However, in view of some of the discussions that have developed on this site, I now think that it is not unreasonable to expect people to identify themselves in some way. It does not seem balanced for some contributors to be able to hide when most are out in the open. Creative but shy participants could still make it very difficult for others to work out who they were anyway. So I think yes, insist on a username and email address, then if people want to remain obscure at least they will have to try a bit harder to do so, and in long exchanges, unless people keep changing their details, participants will know how many different people they are talking to.

Yes and if they don't have emails then at least their names.

Anonymous Comments?

Are users of this site happy with the publishing of comments by others who are not prepared to leave their names? Should we insist on commenters leaving valid email addresses? What do you think?

RSS Feed

Hi Guys, Could you upgrade the RSS feed to actually include the posted image too? This would make the RSS feed for the site much more useful. Thanks

I am doing my family tree, and have found through the Royal Navy, that my farther was at H.M.S. Fieldfare, from October 1946-march 1947, his name was Peter Bickerton, and he was an Air Mechanic 2nd class, and was very interested to read your comment.

thank you Garve I will print that out from Luka

Hi Luka, When I was your age Laurel House was owned by a builder in the town called Cathel Mackenzie. You can see him in picture #1537. Alse, picture #1833 shows your house when it had a telephone box and a flagpole in front of it. If you type Laurel into the search box you might find a few more.

Laurel House

This is Luka here. Luka Coutts. I live in Laurel House, and am doing a project on the history of my house for Primary School. If anyone has any memories, or stories, about the house, I would love to hear them.

The hogg family

My great grandmother Sarah Hogg was born in Cromarty in 1888. She married my great grandfather William Morgan Duthie (Rosehearty). They had 3 kids, Alex my grandfather, Eliza and George. They were born in Cromarty before moving to Rosehearty, north-east Scotland. Any information would be appreciated.

Congratulations on an excellent website. I have visted Cromarty many times and I like very much.

Good On You!

During 1972/73 we worked across the wash for George Wimpey and much to our regret we rarely got closer to Cromarty than the Nigg Ferry Hotel. So thanks for this thoroughly well constructed web site with great historical presentation.

memories, [happy ones]

It's been many years since I was in Cromarty; I was a young seamen then, and we used to lay at anchor at Nigg and come ashore with the the 1st mate and three crew members on the rubber z-boat to collect our mail from the post office. This would take place every five weeks or so; she was a fishery protection ship called [fp.LONGA]1960, and on one trip to the harbour when tying the boat to the rails I slipped down the barnicle covered steps causing a deep gash on my wrist and still have the scar to this day; I fell into the sea, my hat floating above me, the crew were furious with me as it happend in front of american tourist;s who were filming the whole episode [wish I had that film now] on our next visit to Cromarty I was a wee bit more alert. A beautiful place Cromarty is. We were invited to a wedding in the Nigg hotel - the owner did not have enough pint glasses for the party and had to go to Invergordon for some more, and the bride and groom and guests came over on a life boat. Happy memories.

Well done you!

Been away for a lot of years but if anything can bring me right back home it's this website! Good work!

Hi Mary, I've reinstated the Random Picture facility - you'll see a link at the top of each page.

Hi Vicki, This is Margaret Cassie ( Clelland ) Sorry to read the above news maybe you could email me on my own email address. megcassie@aol.com look forward to hearing from you.

Hello Trevor Davidson, In your mail, you mention a Violet Francis Davidson, this was my grandmother. She married Hugh Whitfield and they had a daughter called Valerie Heather Whitfiled, she married my dad, Derek Straugheir, whom she met in Yorkshire. We did move back to Cromarty where my mum and dad unfortunately divorced and she met and married an Angus MacEachern from Avoch. They then moved, not to Shetland, but Orkney. My grandmother passed away 1968, and my grandfather took her ashes back to cromarty. My grandfather passed away 2001 and he is buried in Yorkshire. and sadly my mum passed away on the 5th September 2006. I would be pleased to hear from you, unfortunately i do not know of the woman with the dog, as i now live in County Durham.

Easter Suddy- Does Anyone remember my Mum and Grandparents?

I would be interested to hear from anyone who remembers my mother, and perhaps my father, from the period 1945-50. My mother, Joan Ross lived with her parents, Dan and Kate Ross, at Easter Suddy, just below Avoch, during most of the 1940s. She met my Dad, Bobby Gofton, when he was in the process of being demobbed from the RAF and was stationed at Black Stan (which seems to have been an assembly point for troops at the end of World War 2). I would be very interested to hear from anyone who knew my grandfather in particular.

Hi Estelle - on the top menu you'll see an option - additions - it lets you view the pics since you last visited if you've been before, or the pics added in the last XX days if you prefer.

Garve, How can you easily look at all the new pictures or comments now? Am I missing something?

Website Upgrade

The long overdue upgrade of the site is now taking place. For a short time some of the facilities you are used to may be missing. Please reply to this post with any comments about the new look and functionality.

Dear Webmaster and the Cromarty Community, This is a fantastic website you have here! The nearest I could get to yours in terms of quality is this one here click here But it has no community Spirit like yours has. I have thoroughly enjoyed visiting your website, and it has brought back happy memories when I was first in Cromarty as a teenager way back in 1975. I am teaching myself how to design websites, so maybe, I should contact people here in Southern England and put some Community Websites online a bit like yours with the actual people contributing to the site, after all, it's the people that make a community! Well done!! Best regards,

William Forsysth Ink Seal

Hi I was the finder of an ink seal beloning to "WILLIAM FORSYTH" what i wanted to know is it on display, I have moved temporarily down to london and am taking a trip home to Inverness at the end of Sept and woulk like to see it again, many thanks.

Does anyone have photos or documents of Grigors who lived in Cromarty in the 19th. Century?

I am trying to date the ironwork on the front of the High Street Antique shop - the components were manufactured by Walter Macfarlane & Co, probably pre 1890. Was the Jubilee fountain 1887 or 1897? fascinating pics, regards JB www.scottishironwork.org

My father is trying to trace an former freind from the army his name was Albert Sheppard although may be (Shepherd). He was in the Royal Engineers on national service many years ago and would be around 70 years old now. My dad's name is Terry Pumfrey. Albert was last known to be living in Cromarty about 15 years ago. We have tried ringing the Cromarty post office who suggested we try this site to see if anyone can help us. My Dad would be overjoyed if he could find him again.

Davidson Family

Hi my name is Trevor Davidson. I've been searching my family history through your website plus other sources. I visited Cromarty on 31 July 06 but only a flying visit. I visited my grandparents grave in Cromarty to pay my respects. While there me and my wife and youngest son got talking to a nice lady with a Jack Russell dog. She knew my father when he was young - he used to run errands for her father who had a butchers shop. She also told me about his sister Violet Francis Davidson who married and is now called Whitfield. She has got a daughter who came back to Cromarty to live for a while but moved to the Shetland isles. If anybody reading this comment knows the lady with the dog could you please pass on my thanks to her - she was really kind and helpful. Also I would like to thank Andrew Bathie and his family who through your wonderful site have helped me with my family history.

Sandy Pringle

HEllo does anybody have any photos or information on my grandfather Sandy Pringle. he was married to Margret Ferguson and he drove the burnets van. thank you this site is excellent nice to see both sides of my family...

I was born in 1937 inSapporo, northern part of Japan. When ‚Qnd world war had finished I was 8year old. However I remembered sad scene even now. I would like to be happiness in the world everywhere. I visited Scotland 5years ago. People were there were kind, I took pictures with them but I did not ask thier address so I couldn't send them. Thanks everyone, love Motoko

Thanks many pictures. I enjoyed and I have known about people in Scotland a little. I have been studying English here in Japan. Thank you very much.

I have to say how wonderful your site is. I first heard of Comarty and the Black Isle when I was visiting Scotland from America while staying over in Inverness. I was there with a Celtic Band from Canada at a pub called Hootenanny where I met a few nice people from Comarty. They were telling me about the Black Isle and Comarty. If I remember right, one was a primary teacher named Ann. You have a wonderful site and I enjoy seeing and reading all about it. I hope to return to Scotland next year and will have to make sure I visit your area. Thank you for making this site

Hi I have cine camera footage of a Cromarty Gala Day around the mid 1960's which has been converted to electronic format. How do I forward the clips for inclusion on your site?

I have had a look at your Cromarty site and you are right to be very proud of it. In time this kind of site will become more and more useful to the growing numbers of people doing family and local history research. Gillian, National Archives of Scotland

I could spend all day on this site - it really is great seeing old faces and bringing back memories.

This is a wonderful site, I really enjoy all the photos etc.

Hi there many congraulations on haveing a wonderfull website. I am looking to see if you can help me i am looking for detailed pics of the nigg oil yard of any close up type. Hope you can help me With kind Regards Euan G murray

I used to live in Cromarty 1973 to 1980. How do I go about sending photos of Cromarty to your web site

pic no 550 The person 4th from left on back row is said to be Walter Davidson. My father was called Walter Andrew Davidson. He was born in 1923 at no27 High St Cromarty. His fathers name was Andrew Lincoln Davidson his mothers name was Mary Ann Skinner. If anybody could help with my family history I would be grateful. My father passed away when I was young. So I didn't have the chance to really get to know him.

We, who look at the site daily, are enjoying the wonderful variety of photographs and the memories they evoke. Would you consider adding a section for 'written' Cromarty memoires? The older residents have a lot to share as do those who just love Cromarty. Aye yours, Margaret

Was not aware this site existed. My son rang me today, really excited, to tell me he was looking at an old school photograph of me taken in 1951, of course he then discovered the many links to our family, and we have been trawling all day - GREAT memories. Fantastic to see so many photographs of immediate family and many old faces from the "good old days". Would love to hear from school friends 1949 - 59. My Mum and Dad were Dot and Jack Shepherd I am "Little" Ann, my Auntie (still in Cromarty) is "Big" Ann. (Nothing to do with size she is the oldest) I returned to Oxford, place of my birth, 45 years ago, and have now retired after working as a Administration /Personnel Officer with MOD Bicester for 35 years . ANYONE OUT THERE WHO WOULD LIKE TO GET IN TOUCH??????? Would love to hear from you.

What an informative site for someone wanting to know something of their heritage! I am a Watson who lives in Australia. My grandfather was David Manson Watson and I know that we are related to the Mclemans as I have been twice to Cromarty and have met Popas relatives and of course seen the graves of his parents etc. We are also related to the Finlaysons, Mansons and I think the Hoggs???. Popa wrote for 50 years to his sister and cousins. I can relate to the fishing photos as they were fishing people who lived in Gordon Street. 60 years later we are still keen fishing and sailing people!

I love this site as every time i log on i'm finding something new, and it takes me back to my childhood growing up in Cromarty. (Happy Days)

i love this site i am in ohioUSA and i have a son in Cromarty when i think of him and am missing them i go to this web site thank you

I am enjoying the album of Cromarty pictures I am very interested in my background so I am glad to find this website. My Cromartie heritage begins with William Cromartie from the Orkney Islands immigrating to North Carolina and settling Bladen County, near Wilmington on the coast of NC. I visit the area often and I used to stay on the farm my grandparents had as a young girl in the 40's. I remember lots of stories and there is a cemetery still on the property where my great grandparents, etc. are buried. Thank you for your website.

Hello, from Canada I'm searching for my Scottish roots. please email, if you have any information. thankyou

Thanks for the 'virtual tour'. My ancestors came to New Zealand from Evanton, and my wife's from Nairn, so it was nice to see such a well-organised site to give a feel for 'our' territory.

Great site. I lived in Cromarty 1974-76. It is great to see the the town again. Kenny (the painter) Shepherd was my father-in-law.

I would be grateful if anyone has any memories of a Avro Shackleton crashing near Cromarty off Tarbet Ness in October 1952 . My grandad was the pilot John Western. Apparently all 14 crew died but I would like to know more because I don't think all the bodies were ever found - they were just presumed dead. Please let me know if anyone can help. Thank you.

Interesting would like to find out more on my ancestors

Shauntaine The Surname Cromarty or Cromartie is actually an Orcadian Surname, from the Orkney Islands which lie just north of the Scottish Mainland (about 100 miles North of the Town of Cromarty). Research suggests that a man from Cromarty moved to Orkney in about 1410, and all his descendents took the name Cromarty, or Cromartie. I have a GGGGG Grandmother who was born in Orkney around 1750, called Elspeth Cromarty, and can trace my family tree right back to this man in 1410. All people called Cromarty can trace themeslves back to him. Many Orcadians went to live in North America, mainly Canada, and I know that it was quite common for marriages between American Indians and Orcadian Men - there is some evidence that I had a Cree Indian GGGG Grandmother who came back to Scotland about 1790, for example. I do not know enough about African American history to comment on your family, but I would guess that it would have been quite possible for an Orcadian Cromartie man, living in North America, to have had an African American spouse. That may explain your fathers name. If so we are very distant cousins :-) Regards Calum

In viewing the photos, etc. I have noticed that everyone is Caucasian. My father's last name is Cromartie but we are African American.

Congratulations to Nora, her Queen Mary 2 photograph is really beautiful and definitely deserving of 1st place.

Looking for any information or pictures of Alexander Watt McIntosh who was married to a Jessie Munro and farmed at Muirtown (possibly).

This site is really good seeing pics and comments from the locals keep up the great work

Brilliant website. from the New Zealand Cromarty's. Thanks

love your website brings back memories of great holidays and great people.

Well that came as a deeply disturbing surprise. Everytime I google myself I get a photo of me in primary 1...

Eexcellent. I have spent a lot of time doing my Robertson Family Tree and it is super to see photos.

Very interesting - nice to see old photos of people I know from when I lived in the area keep the pics coming. Hazel

When I was a little girl in Jemimaville a gentleman from Cromarty called Geordie Skinner used to come and wallpaper and distemper in our house. What a nice man he was he had endless patience with me who must have been a real pest getting in his way etc. God bless him I wont forget him.

Loved going through your website. Brought back memories as I lived in Cromarty as a young child and spent most of my school life there ...um ...40 years ago. I remember as a school boy being told the story of "Sandy Wood" and his grave outside the cemetery wall. I am surprised that this isn`t mentioned on any site that I can find. I have enthralled many children and adults with the tale of Sandy Wood. Surely people of Cromarty have not forgotten of him?

Looking forward to your info re Cromarty Harbour potnoons. Meanwhile, I have enjoyed roaming round your excellent website. Try www.sandhavenharbour.org.uk

Brilliant site! I look forward to seeing more photos in the future.

I used to live in Cromarty and I think you should have more pictures of present day Cromarty on your website.

Brilliant. Just what I wanted for the Fortrose & Rosemarkie History Group.

Superb site, well done

My Anderson ancestors came from Cromarty. What a thrill to perhaps see everyday sights that they saw. I'll be sure to visit when I come over.

I was stationed at H.M.S. Fieldfare in 1944 I loved the place. Had Chips and beans at Morgantys the only thing you could buy during the war, went over to the Black Isle. Was there when the KG5 docked in Invergordon. I was a Wren in those days, now I am researching the Ord family, as I am a descendent of that family. I have many happy memories of Evanton. Bye Doreen.

I would be pleased to know if there is anyone who can let me know if there is any information on Annie Taylor Skinner and George Skinner who was listed as living in 27 Church Street. We know that he was a grocer and fish curer. Regards

Nostalgia for me. Great site

I have a photo of Elizabeth Ellen Simpson (born17.6.1856)who married David Manson Skinner. If you are interested. Would you let me know how to send it to you.Regards Pamela Hoad

This is one of the best local sites I have ever found. I live in Essex, England, but am determined to come and see it all for myself. (if you all don't mind!) Keep up the good work, and good luck for the future.

Great site. I love the pictures and the information, love Jess

I just had to leave a comment on the latest Aerial Shots of good old Cromarty - Stunning pictures of the most beautiful part of Scotland - a great addition to the this Image Library.

I found your site extremely interesting as it will be to other members of our museum.. I am Treasurer of the Buckie District Fishing Heritage Museum at www.buckieheritage.org Your site was recommended to me by our member Margaret Tong who lives in California.

In this you have started a wonderful site and I plan on monitoring it regularly. Is there anyone in Avoch interested in researching the McLeman tree? I would like to contact anyone Regards Jim

Congratulations on an excellent, user-friendly website. I heard about it from my friend, Mary Cambell (nee Munro). Her Granny, Bella Chapman, had the paper shop. My Granny was Ena (Robina) McLeman, who lived in Bayview. Mary and I grew up in Buckie, but spent our summer holidays with our Cromarty grannies. Now, I'm in California, but thanks to your website, I can visit Cromarty anytime. I have a few pictures and will email them in due course. Margaret

Thank you Sue Florence for your help on Donald Skinner, 15.3.1792. From this information I have found that he was born in Avoch. I am coming to Cromarty in August and would like to know if there is a church graveyard in Avoch where I could find out more. Many thanks again. Pamela Hoad

Pamela Hoad, inscription on stone in eastchurchard placed here by Ann Ionstone in memory of husband Donald Skinner died 15 March 1792 aged 46 and 6 children

To Pamela Hod, there are 9 recorded stones in the east churchard regarding the Skinners, earliest 1792.

My family on my fathers side were Watsons who lived at 70, Big Vennel. I used to visit my great uncles George and Donald and great aunt Annie Fraser as a child. Other family names are Finlayson and Skinner. I came from Nairn now live in New Zealand. I visit this site frequently it is a great tie with home.

I have been doing a family tree with my brother on the Skinner Family and was wondering if I could ask if there were any documented deaths in the East Church. I am particularly interested in early to late 1800's.

Coming soon - version of the site for advanced users which will cut out unnecessary instructions and add a more powerful search facility. Other possibilities could be a list of the last 10 pics you looked at to help navigate. Any other suggestions?

New - we've included a feature called 'zoomify' on a couple of pictures. It allows you to zoom in to see much more detail. See picture #459 or picture #544. Let us know whether you think this should be used on more pics. Also see the zoomify site if you're interested in the technology.

Superb stuff. None of me, but never mind. Greig

Great to see the pictures. Brings back lots of good memories of the 6 years we had in Cromarty.

We have just completed a family tree for Donald Skinner and Ann Johnston - 1746 - and have found your library most helpful. Many thanks.