Cherry Caulking
In other parts of Cromarty you can see what pleasing effect is achieved when you use slate as the filler in the 'cherry caulking'. Look out for No 1 Forsyth Place at the end of Church
Street. This building was erected in 1808 for a local cloth merchant, Adam Macrae. It also served as the Caledonian Bank office from 1840-1889.
In parts of the Black Isle you will find examples of a special masonry technique which is both functional and decorative. It is called 'cherry
caulking' or cherry cocking' and it uses lines of small stones, pebbles and other materials in the mortar joints. Without it, large stones would require further trimming and more lime mortar would be needed
to fill the gaps. You can find an example of 'cherry caulking' in the walls of the Old Brewery at Cromarty. Built around 1770 by George Ross, this building is now a field centre for Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen.
More examples of 'cherry caulking' can be seen at Stornoway House on Shore Street, built in the early 19th century for a local wine merchant by the name of John Reid. St Ann's on Church Street and nos 2-4 High Street also have examples of slate 'cherry caulking'. You can also see this attractive finish in Rosemarkie High Street.