Monument record MHG32163 - 4 Hill St/23 Manse St, Tain

These cottages were owned by the Highland Council and in a derelict state for many years. They were under threat of demolition from road widening on the corner. They were eventually bought in 2003 by Grant Boyd, a Trustee of tain and District Museum, who has completely restored them.

During this work, during July 2003, in the eastern gable end of the former shop in Manse Street, benath rotted panelling and 3-4 layers of distemper etc were several incised crosses cut in the wall above the mantlepiece. They resemble crosses of Lorraine. These were preserved but have been covered up. Inquiries with the RCAHMS and elsewhere drew a blank.

Possible parallels with the cross on the Cromarty Courthouse bell were investigated but not confirmed.

Jw 18-3-04


Houses on corner of two streets, photographed before alteration Planning App 02/911-912/RC. Text with describes an earlier croft building altered and extended etc - HAW 5/2003