View looking over Fortrose, 1955

View looking over Fortrose, 1955

ID: ROMGH_PA_94_130 DESCRIPTION: The town of Fortrose is situated on the south coast of the Black Isle overlooking the Moray Firth. On the right of the photograph are the ruins of Fortrose Cathedral, built in the 13th century when the Bishop of Ross moved there from Rosemarkie. Fortrose grew up round its Cathedral and was originally known as Chanonry, the Place of the Canons, because the canons of the cathedral lived in manses around the church. By 1584 Fortrose had a grammar school and the town flourished as a centre of the arts and sciences, especially law and divinity. However, by the time of the Reformation the Cathedral was already in a state of disrepair and tradition has it that much of its red sandstone was later removed by Oliver Cromwell to build his fort in Inverness. The rest was taken by local villagers for their houses. Fortrose received Royal Burgh status in 1590, but the settlement does not to appear to have prospered greatly as a result. John Gifford, in his book 'The Buildings of Scotland: Highlands and Islands' quotes from a Town Council report of 1691 which stated that Fortrose was just 'a little village'. However, the town remained a seat of learning. Fortrose Academy was established in 1791, with classes held in the Chapter House and Seaforth House, and was renowned for its education. It moved to its present site in Academy Street in 1891. Access to the town was improved when the sandstone harbour, designed by Thomas Telford, was constructed between 1813 and 1817. In February 1894, a branch line of the Highland Railway was opened to Fortrose, aiding the settlement's development as a tourist resort. This image may be available to purchase. For further information about purchasing and prices please email Groam House Museum PLACENAME: Fortrose OLD COUNTY/PARISH: ROSS: Rosemarkie DATE OF IMAGE: 1955 PERIOD: 1950s SOURCE: Groam House Museum COLLECTION: Groam House Museum Photographic Collection Asset ID: 39208