Cromarty East Church (2)

The old parish church at Cromarty contains a fine example of what is known as a 'laird's loft'. In fact, the church actually contains three lofts – a laird's loft, a scholars' loft and a poor loft. If you have ever wondered what these upper galleries might look like, Cromarty East Church is the perfect place to find out.

The oldest loft is the scholars' loft in the west wing. It was erected in the early 1700s for use by the local headmaster and his pupils.

The poor loft, part of the north wing extension built in 1739, was constructed with money from the Poor Fund. It did not mean that the poor people were able to use it as the individual pews still had to be rented out. The poor of the parish had to make do with stools which they placed on the floor, wherever there was a space.

The laird's loft in the east wing was built in 1770s by George Ross. Ross had acquired Cromarty Estate in 1767 and had undertaken many improvements and building projects throughout the area. In his loft he and his family could worship away from the rest of the congregation. It is interesting to compare the spacious pews in the 'laird's loft' with the more cramped seating in the other two lofts!