BEST RUNNER-UP AND EIGHTH FINALIST: Cromarty East Church, Black Isle, Scotland

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• 1. Background
• 2. Regional Information
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Background

• Listing: Category A
• Date of building: Late 16th century onwards with earlier origins
• Web: www.srct.org.uk/eastchurch
• Cromarty East Church Gallery
• Cromarty East Church Virtual Tour

Described as “the jewel in the crown of Scotland’s vernacular architecture”, Cromarty is an outstanding example of a coastal town of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. As the former parish church, the East Church reflects much of the fortunes of the society it served through the centuries and is rich in the history of Cromarty and its people.

The East Church is almost certainly of medieval origin (a 14th century grave-slab was uncovered inside the church in the 1980s), but the T-shaped building seen today best reflects the design and fashions of the 18th century, when Cromarty was at the height of its prosperity as a trading port and a centre for mercantile activity.

The work carried out during the 18th century, extending, enlarging and refurnishing, has earned the East Church the title “one of the finest post-Reformation churches in Scotland”. At this time, lofts (galleries) were added to accommodate more worshippers – these included a Scholars’ Loft for children from the parish school (“ill conditioned royit loons [unruly children] who raised disturbances and fought”); a Poors’ Loft, where pew rents contributed to the paupers’ fund; and a Laird’s Loft, where the local landowner sat in considerable grandeur and comfort.

The East Church has important associations with notable figures from history. One of these being Sir Thomas Urquhart, translator of the works of Rabelais and noted eccentric, who is reputed to have died laughing when he heard of the restoration of Charles II to the throne. Hugh Miller, pioneering geologist, naturalist, writer and philosopher, worshipped in the East Church (as his family had done for generations) before taking a leading role a religious revolt that led to the Disruption and the formation of the Free Church of Scotland. Tombstones, carved by Miller during his time as a stone mason in Cromarty, can be seen in the East Church graveyard.

After the union of the United Free Church with the Church of Scotland in 1929, Cromarty found itself with two churches, one in the east of the town and one in the west. For over 60 years, the congregation alternated between the two buildings, but by the 1990s fewer worshippers and lack of money led to the decision to close the East Church. In 1998 it was sold to the Scottish Redundant Churches Trust (SRCT) for £1.

Since then, the church has been open every day of the year for people who come to enjoy the history, atmosphere and peace of the building. With the help of local people, the East Church continues to be used for community events including concerts, exhibitions, and even a children’s opera. It is also used for four services a year and for weddings and funerals.

For the last 8 years, the SRCT has fought a losing battle against age, damp and rot to keep the church wind and watertight. The building is now in a perilous state.

Restoration of this nationally important building would preserve a priceless part of Scotland’s heritage and provide a valuable educational resource. For local people, who still think of it as “Cromarty’s Church”, restoration would mean that the East Church could become as much a part of their future as of their past.

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