The Scots Heritage Society has adopted The Emigrant Stone on the shore of the Cromarty Firth as our Symbol.

In the beautiful 18^th century firth-side town of Cromarty on the Black Isle, 30 minutes from Inverness, The Cromarty Arts Trust, together with the Cromarty Harbour Trust, has undertaken  the construction of an Emigrant Stone to celebrate the contribution that Scottish emigrants and their descendants have made around the world.  Cromarty was a major emigrant port during the 18^th century and the memorial – a massive slab of Caithness Stone, 4.45 metres (13 feet) high, has been erected near  the entrance to Cromarty Harbour, often the last view of the Scottish mainland seen by emigrants.  

Richard Kindersley, acknowledged to be amongst the finest letter carvers in the world,  completed  the Stone in August 2002. On one side he has inscribed the names of the ships which took emigrants from Cromarty to Canada, America, Australia and New Zealand : 

Ami; Ann; Asia; Blagdon; Boyne; Brilliant; Canada: Cleopatra; Clio; Corsair; Dalmarnock; Diligence; Economist; George; Good Intent; Headleys; Industry; Isabella Simpson; John; Jane Kay; Kate; Lady Grey; Lady MacNaughton; Lamb; Lord Brougham; Planet; Poland; Ropbert & Margaret; Rover; Salamis; Theodora; Triton; Tweed; Vestal; Viewforth; XYZ; Zealous and Zephyr. 

On the reverse he has inscribed this poignant extract from the journal of Hugh Miller. 

The ‘Cleopatra’, as she swept past the town of Cromarty, was greeted with three cheers by crowds of the inhabitants and the emigrants returned the salute, but mingled with the dash of the waves and the murmurs of the breeze, their faint huzzas seemed rather sounds of wailing and lamentation than a congratulatory farewell. 

If you would care to contribute your own ‘three cheers’ to the courage, energy and vision of our ancestors and their unique contribution to their New World, tax-deductible donations towards the Emigrant Stone at Cromarty may be made either through Scots Heritage, or directly to The Cromarty Arts Trust, Cromarty House, Cromarty, IV11 8XA, Scotland.  Post your cheque to your  local Scots Heritage office or  make a donation by credit card using our secure on-line facility.  The payment is set at 1.00.  Please indicate the value of your donation in the message box on the order form. 

The Cromarty Arts Trust will confirm receipt of all donations.