Vikings, shopping lists and marriage lintels set for Black Isle spotlight
BLACK Isle history buffs had lots to look forward to as they took stock on an exciting season over festive refreshments.
Following a busy and well-attended trio of meetings in the autumn about Black Isle hospitals pre-NHS, the amazing archaeological discoveries of High Pasture Cave on Skye and Dingwall’s diaspora around the world, Cromarty History Society members enjoyed a fascinating talk from Evanton’s Andrew Newton on the Egyptian, Greek and Roman origins of much of today’s medicine.
That was followed by mulled wine, Christmas cake and mince pies.
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Members are now looking forward to 2025 when on January 30th the Society will join with Cromarty’s Fourways Club at 2-4pm for a talk by Scilla Aitchison on The Countess of Sutherland’s Shopping List, and its Black Isle connections.
February 18th at 7.30pm sees the Society learning about The Vikings in Northern Scotland when they are to hear UHI Professor Donna Heddle explain the Norse invasion of the North Highlands as far south as the Black Isle’s north coast, the Black Isle’s southern parts being still Pictish.
Architect Calum Maclean has worked on many historic sites and on March 18th at 7.30pm will speak on his latest research into the work of Alexander Ross who designed so many buildings across the Black Isle and beyond, the subject of Calum’s latest book.
Finally, on April 15 at 7.30pm, Dr Jim Mackay will explain The Marriage Lintels and Date Stones Close to You, which we all see as we go about our daily business but don’t always understand. There are many such stones on old buildings across the Highlands.
Meetings are followed by refreshments and chat and all are held at the Victoria Hall in Cromarty. Each meeting costs £5 but £15 membership will cover the rest of the meetings until April 2025. The society has members from across the area and visitors are welcome. Further information can be found on the society’s website at www.cromartyhistory.scot.
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