Black Isle


(Ardmeanach)

South Coast of the Black Isle
©2022 Gazetteer for Scotland

South Coast of the Black Isle

Not an island at all, the Black Isle forms a peninsula in Easter Ross, Highland Council Area, between the Beauly Firth and the Cromarty Firth. Formerly known as Ardmeanach, it is said to be black because it seldom takes the white of winter snow. Measuring 12 miles (20 km) in length by 7 miles (11 km) at its widest, the Black Isle comprises fertile farmland surrounding a central forested ridge. At its northeastern tip is the small town of Cromarty, birthplace of the writer, stonemason and geologist Hugh Miller who is noted for his studies of the local Old Red Sandstone rocks and their fossils. The largest settlement is the cathedral burgh of Fortrose which lies at the head of the Chanonry Point looking out onto the Moray Firth. Relatively flat, the highest point in the centre of the Isle is Mount Eagle which reaches a height of 256m (840 feet).


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