East Church Archive
Images from the worksite
A detailed photographic record is being kept of the work at the East Church. John Wood of Highland Archaeology Services - who is based in Cromarty - has made his photos available for public viewing - take a look at them on his photo site - and see what you can make of some of the East Church puzzles that emerged in the revealed stonework.
Calum Davidson has been taking beautiful black and white photographs of the work in progress. Take a look at these on his website. Calum's photos on other subjects are well worth looking at too - you'll be impressed!
You can find lots more pictures and comments from the East Church on the Cromarty Image Library where you can add your own images and comments about the East Church.
Mermaid Seen at East Church
You might be surprised to hear that the East Church can boast its own mermaid. David Alston was alerted to its possible existence by an early manuscript of 'Scenes and Legends' by Hugh Miller that contained unpublished tales, and is now available on the internet.
In the tale a mermaid haunts the burn gully and appears in a dream saying that she would only find peace if a likeness of her was placed by the burn.
Nowadays she’s tucked away at the back of the eastern boundary wall but once ornamented a bridge (possibly 17th C crossing the burn on a pathway to Cromarty House.
Document Library
You can browse through the full catalogue of the East Church archive. If anything interests you to follow up further, just get in touch and we'll get a scan of the document to you . . .
Our thanks go to Nick Ray for all his help in digitising these documents.
1847 - 1851 Marriage Banns Download the set (950KB)
Poor Relief Documents (Cromarty Courthouse Museum Archive: Bundle 4) Download the set (3.8MB)
Coffin Receipts 1832 - 1845 Download the set (1.9MB)
Gravestone inscription survey Download (224kb)
Gravestone layout plan Download (208kb)
Other websites to check
If you are interested in local history, these sites are well worth looking at too:
www.ambaile.org.uk/en/ the Highland archive - a search for Cromarty will give you a good selection of links.
www.rosscromartyroots.co.uk is developing a library of reports and images of headstone inscriptions throughout Ross & Cromarty.
Latest News Stories
The hatchment of George Ross
Hatchments, funeral banners developed in the early 17 century, are unusual in Scotland, being found in only around a dozen churches. Most of thes...Learn more »Collies and bells in the winter newsletter
The East Church winter newsletter is out now bringing you news of collies and bells, guttering and limewash. To find out more download a copy. If you...Learn more »“The support of the people of Cromarty during our Restoration Village bid was fantastic and we are looking forward to working with the community again as the Church undergoes major conservation and repair work.”
Victoria Collison-Owen, SRCT Director