The Gaelic Chapel, Cromarty

This now roofless chapel on Chapel Brae was built in 1784 by the laird, George Ross. Inside, services were held for the Gaelic-speaking workers and their families who had moved into Cromarty from the surrounding parishes. The reason they were flocking to Cromarty was that the town was enjoying its greatest period of prosperity, thanks mainly to the efforts of George Ross who acquired the estate in 1767.

Ross was from Pitkerrie in the parish of Fearn and had made a fortune in London as an army agent selling arms and stores. With this fortune he was able to build upon the improvements first carried out in the town by a local merchant by the name of William Forsyth. Forsyth had recognised the importance of Cromarty's sheltered harbour and had encouraged trade with other east coast ports and the continent.

George Ross built a hemp factory which produced sacks and bags on hand looms. The factory later produced ropes and became a major employer in the town. Ross was also responsible for the building of a new harbour (1782-86) and the establishment of a substantial brewery (c.1770). He erected the courthouse in 1772 and also replaced the 15^th -century Cromarty Castle with a brand new Georgian mansion, Cromarty House.