Cromarty Live Guestbook
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Week in Cromarty
We've just returned from our annual week in Cromarty. We stayed for the first time in Neil and Janice's flat at 5 the Byre in the old Hemp building. We really had a wonderful time as always but we were really delighted with the accommodation having always been spoilt by staying at Janes place in Little Vernal. The giant window overlooking the Firth was a great touch. The beds were comfortable, the kitchen nicely equipped and everyone enjoyed themselves...
Posted by John and Heather Grimes [johngrimes1967@yahoo.co.uk] on 20 February 2018
A book about the sinking of HMS CROMARTY on 23 Oct 1943 and Minesweeping in WW2 was published last week. If you would like to buy a copy for just £9.99 inc P&P to UK, please email with your address and payment details. Thank you.
Posted by Richard James [info@bernardupton.co.uk] on 29 October 2017
Info on Townsland Dairy
Hello, my father (Martin McBean) was born 1923 in Cromarty. I was given a coffee mug of their family farm, Townsland Dairy. I was hoping someone might recall or know of this dairy. Please reply if you do, would like to get some history
Posted by James McBean [james_tami@hotmail.ca] on 23 September 2017
Maclennan family message
I am descended from William McLennan b 1818/1820c Avoch he married Mary Clark b 08/03/1807 in Dyke married Nairn 20/11/1842. From what I know their son Roderick John McKenzie McLennan b 15.06.1848 Rosemarke, Ross and Cromarty died in Forres and married to Jessie Ann McGregor b 17/01/1867 New Elgin d 07/07/1942 Peebles. Their son John McLennan born Grantown on Spey is my Grandfather. Jessie Ann McGregor was the daughter of Alexander McGregor b 07.08.1845 Elgin d 28.03.1927 and married to Jessie Raff or Roff b 13/01/1845. There is an address for Alexander McLennan as Old School House, Ardclach,Nairn
Posted by Jeanette John nee McLennan [143.159.35.20] on 09 June 2017
Junor family links
My wife's family the Davidsons kept in contact with one of their relations Annie Palmer for many years until her death in 1992. She was the daughter of James Palmer and Mary Ann Palmer nee Junor . We don't have any current info on the family. On our last visit we were unable to locate Nan's residence at Chapel Hill Fearn.
Posted by Allen Linning [101.165.244.34] on 31 December 2016
My recent visit to Cromarty
I was very impressed with my accomodation
both in the cromsrty Arms and in Sydney house during my stay. i was less impressed however with my visit on Sunday to the local parish church where i worshiped on a regular basis over 50 years ago There seemed to be a real lack of interest in promoting the word of God my message to The Kirk Session is to get out amongst the people of the town and begin to rebuild the church in this place
Posted by Eddie Phillips [79.71.34.37] on 11 October 2016
Holiday
Cromarty has got to be the most friendly place on the planet. All generations passing the time of day. Time taken to talk. We had a fantastic week sharing our holiday with local people. What a relaxing holiday. Cromarty community should be proud of how they present their town and the standards that are the norm. Well done all it was a privilege to visit.
Posted by J.Willson [92.18.229.220] on 25 August 2016
Repy to Mclennan or Maclennan family message
There was a message posted 1/4/1916 by jim mclennan, regarding ancestors. I googled, john maclennan/grace macaulay and got this info: William maclennan/margaret bain, their son john 21/2/1792, married 1813 grace macaulay born lochbroom, her parents were angus macaulay/isabella mackenzie, there is a little more, i suggest you try yourself. hope this is of some help.
Posted by helen finlayson on 18 May 2016
Mclennan or Maclennan family
Looking for any information on my family my gt.gt.gt.grandfather John Maclennan was born in Avoch in 1793 he married Grace Macauly in 1813. they had one son William & five daughters.I have traced William working as a Butler in Edinburgh in the 1851 census but no further trace of him.In the 1851 census the parents & children lived in Aberdeen father John was a Shoemaker any info would be very grateful.Regards Jim Mclennan inverurie.
Posted by james Mclennan on 01 April 2016
Mary and Jean Hay's Wool Shop
I am trying to find any pensioner whose parents remember Mary and Jean Hay. They had a "Wool Shop" in Cromarty. I have no location where. Mary was married to a RAF Pilot Sqd Ldr sadly shot down 1942 over Channel near France. She had 2 sons and one was also in RAF. She married RAF Officer again but later divorced her 2nd husband. Their father, Dr. Hay was 50+ years Peterborough much loved Doctor. He drove his car up to Cromarty every year !! Wool Shop location needed, and any memories passed on to next generation.
Posted by Brian Douglas on 08 March 2016
Thank you
We'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone in Cromarty who helped make our wedding earlier this week so very special — all at the Courthouse, the Royal, Sutor Creek, Ecoventures, the pottery, and of course our home-away-from-home, Fisherman's Cottage. We rounded off a wonderful week here with a visit to last night's fantastic performance of the Little Sweep by Cromarty Youth Opera. Thankyou to the whole town for making our stay so memorable.
Posted by Gerald and Liz Dickens on 14 August 2015
Music documentary about singer and composer Sofie Livebrant
My name is Peter Wiren and I'm the director of a music documentary about singer and composer Sofie Livebrant, who will visit Cromarty Lighthouse for a concert 18 july.
The film is going to air on the Swedish Television in mars 2016
Now I'm looking for stories that is in some way connected to the lighthouse and that environment.
It can be strange, funny, romantic or scary stories.
It can be real stories or just myths.
Anything really.
The idea is to mix the Sofia concert parts with stories told by people living in different lighthouse areas in Scotland.
So what I'm basically looking for is anyone who lives in the Cromarty area, relatives to lighthouse keepers, neigbours, sailors etc, anyone who have a story to share with Sofie (and me).
The best time to do this interview/meeting would be before or after the concerts. In the morning or late night. Somewhere around or in the lighthouse. Maybe in the home of the storyteller. We are very flexible...
I really would appreciate if anyone in any way could help us with this.
Call or write me if you have any questions.
Kindest regards, Peter Wiren, filmmaker
peter.wiren@home.se
+46707568699
I found a message in a bottle on Nigg beach on Saturday 6th June 2015, it had got wet inside the bottle & was written in green felt pen. I can only make a few words out & a couple are youth club, so I was wondering if it possibly came from a youth club in Cromarty? Would be nice to let whoever, know it has been found.
Posted by Carol on 08 June 2015
Junor family links
I an interested if there are any remaining members of the Junor family in the Black Isle area.My Junor ancestors left Rosemarkie in the late 1800's.I live in Melbourne and have visited on 3 occasions - the last time in 2008.
Posted by John Junor [202.45.119.92] on 15 April 2015
Does anyone remember Harry Earnest Torin?
Does anyone remember a Harry Earnest Torin who married a Mercia McLaughlin before the war. Harry died during the war in 1942 and Mercia went to live in America with her daughter Ann Cherith Torin. Their granddaughter Natalie Arrighi is coming from France to the Black Isle later in April to search for any information about other members of the family who may still be living in the area (She heard about an aunt Kate who brought up Harry Torin and cousins called Johanna and Elspeth). Please reply with details if you can help her search.nath.arrighi@gmail.com
Posted by Jermaine McCracken on 6 April 2015
Co-op Branch Manager 1963-65
I was at 21 years of age the youngest branch manager in scotland in charge of cromarty coop I sang in the church choir and helped the organist run a junior choir with over 40 members.My staff included Grace Clark Jennifer Crowden and Heather hossack I am now 73 but if anybody who knew
me then would like to get in touch would be delighted
Posted by Eddie Phillips on 26 February 2015
School holidays on the Black Isle
I come from Ayrshire but used to spend all my school summer holidays until the age of seventeen in Conon Bridge at the home of my grand parents.During my stay there I would spend several days visiting my Uncle Angie who was sergeant of Police in Cromarty in the 1940s and 50s. I have very fond memories of Cromarty including many trips on the Enterprise and Endeavour to Invergordon and Nigg.Lately after an absence of many years I find myself returning on an annual basis to the Black Isle drawn by a host of wonderful childhood memories.
Posted by George Gilbert on 27 December 2013
Amazing
I am sending these words from Germany and I really enjoy the Cromarty website.
I have a friend who lives in Cormarty. It is no understatement that Cromarty is worth a trip.
Posted by Ralf Mueller 17 April 2013
Duff family in Cromarty
my father used to live at 35 bank street up to the 1960s rodrick james duff left in 1949 with hughie fraser councilor craig frasers father i know he mentioned the shepherd family and i met two sisters in the royal 3years ago while visiting cromerty i have traced my grandfathers grave and know he had a brother but did he live in cromerty i hope there is someone liveing in cromerty who knew the duffs i think they may have come from nigg originaly my grandmother was baine orinally from cromerty i would love to know more about them and their families please if anyone knew them please let me know thankyou x grandfather rodrick duff died at home suddenly while my father was enlisted in seaforth highlanders around 1947/8 my grandmother was isobella duff nee baine grandfathers brother john.
Posted by Glynis Thomas (telephone 01212 416680)
What of the Craggan???
I live here and hold onto the tiny space that is left! I would therefore welcome information from anyone who can tell me more about the Craggan .. (so I can document it !!! ) for over the years it has changed in name and presence and i would like to have a record before it is lost.
Posted by Coleen Mackenzie (coleenmackenzie@hotmail.com) on 18 December 2012
Cromarty Live website
I have been looking at your site for most of the afternoon. I am very impressed! My husband and I would truly love to experience 'his place'! He is very interested in anything to do with his heritage. Thank You for having such a great site.
Posted by Louise Cromarty [65.129.68.9] on 08 November 2012
Bobby Hogg
We visited Cromarty about five years ago and what a beautiful place. I remember walking around and I saw a elderly gentleman in his garden, dressed really nice and when I heard of the passing of Bobby Hogg to me he reminded me of this gentleman. Our sincere condolences to the Town of Cromarty in the passing of this history making man.
Noreen & Laird Howard - Vancouver, B.C. Canada
Posted by Noreen Howard [96.48.226.92] on 07 October 2012
Shop/maisonette on Church Street
I was visiting Cromarty a week or so ago and noticed a note in a window (on the corner of Church street) Shop and maisonette for sale.
Could anyone be kind enough to pass me the telephone number?
Many thanks, Rob
Posted by Rob Rogers [95.147.254.64] on 03 October 2012
Mooring bouy
Mooring buoy washed up on shore at The Craggan, Newhall Point, Balblair. Now pulled above high water mark, if owner rings this number with description:
Colour, dia. Fittings etc. He/She can collect: 01381 610228
Posted by Doug Lillie [146.90.22.49] on 25 September 2012
Miss Morag Campbell
Miss Campbell was the postmistress in Cromarty about the 1930s. Can you tell me where she came from when she was appointed to the position. Did she transfer to another office or did she retire in Cromarty. I am seeking the information for family tree reasons as she may be a far distant cousin on my mother's side of the family who were wester Ross people from Lochbroom. Will you reply by e-mail as I live in Vancouver Canada,
yous sincerely Norris Spence
email
Short film on Hugh Miller
Hi, my daughter Holly Allen has made a 10 minute film which she made this year about Hugh Miller. It was made as part of her final dissertation at QMU in Edinburgh. David Alston and Martin Gostwick featured in the film and it was made with the consent of The National Trust of Scotland. If anyone or group would like to view the film please let me know and perhaps a venue can be arranged. Her film was screened in the Edinburgh Filmhouse on Thursday 5th July and it is very good! Please call me on 600327. Holly attended Fortrose Academy before going on to do her degree course in film and media at QMU in Edinburgh.
Many thanks,
Posted by Dorrie on 7 July 2012
Cromarty visit
Really enjoyed our trip to Cromarty - spent a good amount of time wandering about on 8th June 2012. Will be back again and hopefully the sun will shine.
Posted by John & Judith (Huddersfield, Yorkshire) on 23 June 2012
John Aird/Annie Moir
Hello anyone.
Seeking info on John Aird married to a first cousin of mine - Annie Moir. I know they were married on Cromarty in June 1923. I remember seeing the name of John Aird in an article by Catriona Gillies, which I can no longer find. I was under the impression he had a connection to the post office in Cromarty circa 1945 when I visited, but that may be incorrect. Any info at all, descendants, burials etc most kindly appreciated.
Thanking you for your time
Posted by Brian Menzies on 17 June 2012
Visit to Cromarty
Whilst touring north in our motorhome in May this year we drove out to the Black Isle and Cromarty. Your Town is like a breath of fresh air — not a yellow line in sight, not a single notice to say 'you can't do this' or 'you can't do that'. Clean, tidy, welcoming — all of which encourages the visitor to look, enjoy, stay and leave as you found it. Well done, a town to be proud of.
Posted by Pat Simpson on 12 June 2012
Donald McLeman
Hi I am researching my husband's family tree and would like some information on Donald Mcleman, he was born on the 6th September 1747 in Avoch, Donald was my husband's paternal grandfather x 5 he married a Janet Noble,and then moved to Fraserburgh.
He was also known as 'Highland Donald',I haven't been able to get any further back in the history than this, so would be extremely grateful for any information.I will be visiting Scotland in July with my granddaughter, to show her her Scottish family roots, and hope to visit Avoch, time permitting in a busy schedule. Thanking you in anticipation. Loraine Craig(Husband's name is George Craig.)George's paternal great great grandfather was William Mcleman born 1818 in Broadsea married to Barbara Sim.
Posted by lorainecraig [89.240.183.104] on 15 May 2012
Jane Duncan/Elizabeth Cameron
I'm a writer currently researching the life of Elizabeth Cameron a.k.a. Jane Duncan, and I'm looking to meet local people who knew her or knew of her. If you would like to be interviewed for this project, please get in touch.
Posted by S. Durbin on 28 April 2012
I am an amateur historian who researches traditional Scottish Stones of Strength and have many travels all over Scotland tryig to search out these stones.
I am aware through the many references that are available, that Hugh Miller reputedly lifted "The Great Lifting Stone of the Dropping Cave". From map references etc I have a good idea of how to visit the cave but my question is, does the lifting stone still exist?
You may not be aware that there is a great interest in Scottish Lifting Stones from all over the world, especially the USA and every Summer, a number of "tourists" visit to test their mettle on the more well known stones. My late father wrote a book in 1996 called "Of Stones and Strength" which in esssence was the beginings of this appreciation for Scottish strength worldwide. If the lifting stone still exists, the fact that Hugh Miller lifted it would make it certainly a stone that others would enjoy testing their mettle with. Stone lifting is a minority interest activity but if the stone is extant I am sure that local accomodation would benefit to some degree as the nearest traditional stones to Cromarty at present are at Newtonmore and at Strathmore of Durness.
Should you have any information on this stone, historical, traditional or otherwise I would be most grateful if you could share this with myself.
Posted on 5 January 2012 by Peter Martin
email
Gaelic and folk music instruction required
I'm a local — at 62 Church Street. I'm seeking someone in the village or nearby who can teach me some Gaelic as well as some traditional folk music. Is there anyone with both skills about?
Posted on 4 January 2012 by Melanie Challenger (01381 6003940)
email
Contact
I am a Chelsea Pensioner, at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, London. I was born at the Big Vennel, Cromarty, in 1935 (77). I would be very interested in making contact with any resident of Cromarty, who would consider sending me news of the town, and if possible any photographs, especially of the Big Vennel area.
My tel: 07549955888
Address: The Royal Hospital Chelsea,
Royal Hospital Road,
London,
SW3 4SR.
Donald Hossack.
Posted by Donald Hossack [217.206.107.203] on 28 May 2011
Cromarty is great
Just wanted to say how much we enjoyed our holiday on the Black Isle. We stayed at Jemimaville and visited Cromarty several times. The museums were really interesting. A really beautiful town and friendly people. We got to the Cromarty Queen launch and can see how important the ferry is to the town.
Posted by Keith Moseley [92.21.4.44] on 21 May 2011
Past resident of Cromarty
Looking for people i used to know before i left cromarty with my parents to come to canada in 1957 lived in cromarty until i was 10 years old
Posted by philip j butz [24.66.13.31] on 31 August 2010
Potential hazard on walk to South Sutor
We followed this walk a week or so ago. Just before the final set of steps, the path also continues straight ahead before petering out close to the cliff edge. We missed the steps before retracing our route. A sign to the steps would perhaps assist and reduce the risk of a potential hazard.
Otherwise the walk was lovely.
Posted by David Thomas on 6 July 2010
Cromarty News
I just wanted to say that we appreciate the efforts of the editor in keeping the Cromarty site fresh. I particularly like the news section, which we will keep an eye on and will rely on keeping us informed of what goes on in Cromarty. Thanks Kristina!
Posted by Marcel Gommers [92.41.90.163] on 20 June 2010
Ancestory
Hi I am trying to trace my grand mothers family tree I have been able to get as far as her great grand father Duncan Smith who came over to Canada in the 1800's from Cromarty. I would greatly appreciate any assistance you could give me, as well as any contact info for local archives. Thank you Regards Tracy
Posted by Tracy Mattie on 29 March 2010
Cromarty
How happy I am with the Cromarty websites it brings home to me its 50 years since I left Jemimaville to join the RAF but I spent a lot of time in Cromarty every chance I got I'd jump on my bike and off to Cromarty I remember Singh's shop where we used to hang out also the Fishertown Halcyon days never forgotten
Posted by Mary Mackay now Harrison on 26 February 2010
New Year celebrations
We do hope the weather does not hinder or dampen the torchlight procession. May your torches burn brightly! I hear the Red Hot Chilly Pipers are at a loose end...
Posted by Jim Sutherland, Tronafirth, Shetland on 31 December 2009
Homecoming video
We LOVE Kier's video. It made us laugh and cry. Thank you! x
Posted by Janie and Menno Verburg on 1 November 2009
Cromarty visit
My wife & I paid a visit to Cromarty late September whilst staying at Dingwall in our motor home. We fell in love with it immediatelty and regreted it was the penultimate day of our visit to Scotland. Unfortunately Hugh Millars cottage was closed but it was a glorious day and we spent some happy hours just walking around & sitting on the foreshore. We are in our mid 70's but hope to see more of it next year and maybe stay @ Rosemarkie. On the day of our visit the Google maps cameravan was cruising the area.
Thank you for a very pleasant & relaxing day.
Malcolm & June Harris. South Wales.
Posted by Malcolm Harris on 27 October 2009
Gordons Mills 1997
In the summer of 97, I visited Cromarty and the surrounding area while touring the UK, I've never forgotten your community, or my time there. God willing, perhaps one day I can return to revisit, and remember the journeys of my youth.
Chad, Calgary, Alberta Canada
Posted by Chad P on 13 August 2009
Request for nails
Hello - I am searching for a bunch of big rusty old nails of the kind which are past using. Please can you help me put out a call to see if anybody has the kind of horde of stuff just like my dad used to have? I am here for a wee while as artist in residence at the Stables. I am intent on making a reliquary for the emigrants from these shores to Canada. Amongst the items they took were plenty of nails and hence my interest. I'm spending time looking at the ground searching for them. If I can get any soon then I can be looking at the views instead! Many thanks.
Posted by Lynn Baxter on 7 August 2009
email
Website
Having been away from Cromarty since 2006, I found myself on your website and found it just excellent.
I especially enjoyed the "News" part interesting.
I spent a long time on the Image Library and was thrilled to see so many old friends in photos.
Cromarty and its folk are still wonderful.
Posted by Alex Davidson on 15 July 2009
Congratulations on new website
Well done on the new Cromarty Live website. This is an excellent facility for locals and visitors alike. Thanks.
Posted by Janice & Neil, Royal Hotel, Cromarty on 23 May 2009
Interested?
Anyone interested in setting up a flyball and dog agility group ?
If so, contact Hamish
Telephone No: 600264
Email Address: jimmiestan@gmail.com
Posted on 16 May 2009
From Plexus
Just wanted to say well done on the website. It looks very, very good and is a great advertisement and information system for the town.
Best regards from all at Plexus
Dave & the crew
Posted on 22 April 2009
Cromarty Drama Group
hi
does any one know what tis is about The Cromarty Drama Group presents 'The Cabaret of Blood, Guts and Misery?
many thanks
Posted on 20 April 2009
There is a new display about the production in Jean McBeath's 'shop' window, if that's any help. The poster says "a macabre comedy mix of music, singing, drama and dance with a little magic thrown in .... takes you back to the days of cabaret and vaudeville."
Hugh Miller Museum
I went to the Hugh Miller Museum with my sister in the Easter holidays. I learnt quite alot and it was very child-friendly. My favourite part of the exhibit was the room with the fossils Hugh Miller found, but the whole museum was very good and we all enjoyed it.
Heather (age 10) from Hertfordshire
17 April 2009