Author : Christopher J Uncles
ISBN : 9781840334524
Cover : paperback
Price : £21.95

The giant former county of Ross and Cromarty spanned the breadth of northern Scotland, and at the beginning of the nineteenth century its land mass of over two million acres was home to 77,000 people. The eastern parts of the county, Easter Ross and the Black Isle (the latter is neither black nor an island!), are characterised by fertile, gentle countryside and are considered to be amongst the finest farming areas in Britain. During the eighteenth century, and to a lesser extent the nineteenth century, fishing was important, whilst tourism also played its part. Until the outbreak of the First World War, the estates with their big houses played a vital role in the appearance of the landscape and economy of the area. Following the war, many of their fortunes dwindled, with subsequent loss of employment and decline of estate lands. In illustrating this varied and extensive area, Christopher Uncles has drawn upon the fantastic photographic legacy of F. W. Urquhart of Dingwall. The book is divided into three sections. 'Dingwall to Strath Conon' naturally includes extensive coverage of Dingwall, along with the Great Snowstorm of 1906, Strathpeffer, Knockfarrel, Brahan Castle, the Tower of Fairburn, Coul House, Falls of Rogie, Scatwell and Cabaan. 'The Black Isle' covers Maryburgh, Conon, the Hector MacDonald Memorial (Milbuie), St Martins, Balblair Ferry, Jemimaville, Udale House, Cromarty, Rosemarkie, Fortrose, Rosehaugh House, Munlochy, North Kessock, Charleston, Redcastle and Muir of Ord. The final section, 'North to Glen Calvie' features Tulloch Castle, Mount Gerald, Foulis Castle, Kiltearn, Glenskiach Distillery, Evanton, Wyvis Lodge, Ardross Castle, Novar House, Newton of Novar airfield, Alness, Rosskeen Parish Church, Invergordon and the 1931 Atlantic Fleet mutiny, Milton, Tarbat House, Kildary, Balnagown Castle, Nigg, Balnone Castle, Portmahomack, a military camp at Morrich Mor, Tain and Ardgay