Fortrose Cathedral, Ross-Shire,

The cathedral was built, using red sandstone, in the early half of the 13th century, though it was extended and altered subsequent years.

Earlier Bishops of Ross might have occupied a cathedral in nearby Rosemarkie. But the diocese of Ross wasn’t particularly wealthy, which is probably why the new cathedral was built on a more modest scale.

In the late 16th century the cathedral fell into disrepair and in 1626 Charles I tried to encourage repairs as part of his efforts to restructure the Church of Scotland on the same lines as the Anglican or English church.

Traditionally, Oliver Cromwell used stone from Fortrose Cathedral for building the new fort in Inverness.

The sacristy and chapterhouse, those parts of the cathedral still standing in the 18th century were used for meetings of the town council and as a court-house. Unfortunately, these parts of the cathedral are currently closed to the public. The remainder of the cathedral site became a place of burial, and there are many fine post-Reformation gravestones and memorials here.

The cathedral was taken into state care in 1851 and some restoration work has taken place.

Opening Times

Keys available locally between 9.30am and 5.30pm in the summer and 4.30pm in the winter.

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Telephone: 01667 460 232

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