Monument record MHG8562 - Cross of the Ness

NH75NW 2 7417 5638.
Cross (NR) Tradition says that here the last witch in Scotland was burnt (NAT).
OS 25" map, Ross-shire, (1905)

Cross of Ness (NR) OS 6" map, (1959)

This is the Cross of the Ness (Info from C G MacDowall, Town Clerk, Fortrose), the remains consisting of a circular stone shaft 1ft in diameter, that stood about 5ft high in 1871.
Name Book 1871.

The remains of a circular stone shaft, reduced to a height of 0.5m, situated on Fortrose golf course. According to Mr Frazer, a retired bank manager (Clifton, Rosemarkie) with a knowledge of local history and place names, it is called "Coinneach Odhar Stone" after the local prophet Kenneth MacKenzie who, it was reputed, was burnt here. This name is also used in local tourist guide.
Mr C G MacDowall, although confirming the name "Cross of the Ness", nevertheless appeared unsure of facts, and may be an unreliable authority.
Visited by OS (NKB) 1 March 1966.

Cross shaft; tradition that last witch in Scotland burnt here. On the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Ross and Cromarty, sheet xc; 1881).
Later 1st Mill AD?
CFA/MORA Coastal Assessment Survey 1998.