A compact industrial building from Cromarty’s expansion now houses creative activity and accommodation rather than brewing.
Quick facts
- Date
- Circa 1785
- Architect / designer
- Built by George Ross of Cromarty
- Type
- Three-storey former brewery adapted for arts accommodation and events
- Designation
- Listed building, Category B (LB23568)
- OS grid reference
- NH 79170 67282
Architecture, archaeology and continuing use
The double-pile red-sandstone building rises three storeys across five bays. A central hoist opening identifies its working function, while raised ashlar margins and a hipped slate roof give the utilitarian block a disciplined finish.
Its story
George Ross built the brewery around 1785 as part of the investment that revived Cromarty’s commercial economy. Brewing ceased later in the nineteenth century. A 1901 plaque records a subsequent phase, and the building now forms part of the Cromarty Arts Trust estate.
Why it is included
Category B listing recognises a substantial survivor of the burgh’s late eighteenth-century industry and an effective example of cultural reuse.
What to notice
- The central hoist aligned through the upper floors.
- Warm rubble walling edged by dressed margins.
- The 1901 thanksgiving plaque on the north-west gable.
Reading the surroundings
This is booked accommodation and a working arts venue. Enter only for a reservation or advertised event, respect guests and staff, and follow any venue-access guidance.
Timeline
- Circa 1785 George Ross established a brewery during the town’s commercial revival.
- Late 19th century Brewing activity ended after decades of production.
- 1901 A dated plaque marked a later chapter in the building’s life.
- Present day Arts courses, performances and accommodation sustain a new use.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
The precise end date of brewing and the meaning of the 1901 plaque were not resolved by the reviewed sources.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: The Old Brewery, LB23568 — Designation status, mapped location, date, fabric and architectural or archaeological interest.
- Cromarty Arts Trust: The Old Brewery — Current accommodation, arts-course and event use.
- Highland HER: Old Brewery — Local historic-environment identity for the former industrial building.
Location
OS grid reference NH 79170 67282 · Location confidence: High: the national designation supplies an official mapped National Grid Reference; an additional source confirms the Place relationship, history or current identity. · Select the marker to open its satellite view in Google Maps. On desktop, drag Pegman (the yellow figure) onto a blue road. On mobile, turn on the Street View layer and tap a blue road. Other photo markers may be user-contributed.
Suggest a marker correction
Suggest a more accurate position
The teal marker is the current published position. The orange marker starts slightly to its right so both remain visible; this is only a visual starting position. Tap the correct place on the map or drag the orange marker. Sending this form creates a private review entry only; it does not move the published marker.
Check this area in Google Maps Choose the Satellite layer there if useful.
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors. You can also enter checked coordinates below.