Cromarty Courthouse Museum

Cromarty Courthouse Museum

Cromarty Courthouse stands within the town of Cromarty, a fascinating gem from the past, spared the modernisation that most other towns and villages have been subjected to.

Cromarty is an outstanding example of a 18th/19th century burgh 'the jewel in the crown of Scottish Vernacular Architecture'. It is architecturally important for its Georgian merchant houses that stand within a townscape of Georgian and Victorian fisherman's cottages.

The former courthouse, built in 1773, now houses fascinating exhibitions about the historic town of Cromarty. You will discover Cromarty's 18th century Courthouse, where some seven centuries of history is brought to life with 21st Century technology.

See the Cromarty Courthouse prison cells and hear a 1770's trial in the courtroom; you will also be able to meet the eccentric Sir Thomas Urquhart and find out about the unspoiled C18th Cromarty seaport - from where many Highlanders' emigration journeys to the new world began.

We also highly recommend the digital audio tour of the old lanes of Cromarty, you obtain the head sets from Cromarty Court House. Because Cromarty retains many of its 17th and 18th century buildings, this tour really takes you back in to the past.You will get a glimpse of how people once lived in the town.

Each year there is an exhibition that looks at Cromarty. For example in 2011 there is an exhibition on Sir Thomas Urquhart (1611 - 1662) in celebration of the 400th anniversary of his birth. Sir Thomas was a Civil War soldier and remains a notable translator of François Rabelais (c. 1494 - 9 April 1553) a major French Renaissance writer, doctor and Renaissance humanist.

Cromarty Courthouse Opening Hours - Easter to end of September Sunday to Thursday 12noon to 4pm. Free entry - Donations please to keep this important attraction solvent. Manned by volunteers. Tel: 01381 600418