Cromarty East Church
This important early post-Reformation church is hidden behind a long white wall at the end of Church Street in Cromarty. Much
of the building dates from the 17th and 18th centuries but it also incorporates part of an earlier medieval structure which includes an aumbry (a recessed cupboard for storing the cup and plate used in the
celebration of mass) at the east end of the north wall. There is also a 14th-century grave slab in the west porch.
The original church was rectangular in shape but when congregation numbers began to increase it was decided to build a new wing to the north, opposite the pulpit. This new north
aisle was added in 1739 with money from the poor fund. In 1756 the walls were heightened and new windows inserted. The numbered pews throughout the church were rented by local families. Some could afford decorated pews and there is a fine example of a MacKenzie decorated pew in one of upper
galleries or 'lofts'. On the front of the north wing gallery are the carved initials of some of those parishioners who rented pews. The church is now owned by the 'Scottish Redundant Churches
Trust'. It can still be used for some Sunday morning services in the summer months and for special occasions such as weddings and funerals. There are also services held to commemorate
the Clan Urquhart Gathering. A memorial to Sir Thomas Urquhart of Cromarty has been erected inside the church by the Saltire Society.