Hemp and Rope Factory, Cromarty

In the late 18^th century, Cromarty was enjoying a period of great prosperity. It even had its own factory and the buildings can still be seen today in Marine Terrace, just along from the harbour.

Built around 1775 by George Ross, the owner of Cromarty Estate, the factory initially produced hemp sacks and bags on hand looms. The hemp was imported from Russia and while some of it was spun in the factory, much of it was distributed for home working. At its height, the factory employed up to 200 in-workers and over 600 out-workers.

The finished bags and sacking were transported to London where they were sold for use in the West Indies trade. In about 1805, the factory also introduced rope-making.

The original factory consisted of 5, two-storey blocks, all made from local red sandstone. The spinning processes required lengthy working areas known as 'ropewalks' or 'spinning walks' – hence the long ranges that you see today. Men, known as 'ropewalkers' would walk backwards from a spinning wheel, twisting handfuls of hemp into a long coil. The coils were then dipped in heated tar as a preservative against seawater rot. The stench from the tar kettles could often be unbearable, especially on a hot day!

The Cromarty Manufactory ceased production in the 1805s. The 3 ranges that still remain today have been converted into Local Authority Housing and commercial premises.