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The fisher-folk of Blacktown had to resettle about a mile away on the shores of the Moray Firth. Here was founded two different communities, separated by land ownership and religion. The narrow strip of land on which Stewart-town was built belonged to the Earl of Moray and fell within the parish of Petty. Literally, across the road, the householders of Campbell-town worshipped in the church of Ardersier. Collectively these two settlements were later referred to as Ardersier, but it was not officially known as such until the late seventies, thus preventing confusion on postal deliveries to the other Campbellton which lies many miles away in the county of Argyll.
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This picture taken in the early part of the 19th century, has changed little to the present day. The development of Campbeltown as a service and residential area for Fort George is reflected architecturally by the regular housing on each side of the High Street. Having such a large military barracks on it's doorstep, Ardersier boasted numerous shops and services, as well as the living to be had from the sea. Time passed and the rebel threat died, but as today, the fort was maintained as a residential barracks and served as a training ground for hundreds of different regiments.
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From there, tens of thousands of fighting men, marched along the High Street to board the train at Ardersier Station (long time gone) where they would eventually find themselves in Cuddalore, Assaye, Sevastopol, Kamara, Atbara, Omdurman, Nouve Chapelle and Loos.
Most..... including many locals... would never return (see memorial page).
Today, Ardersier still plays host to the military, as the Black Watch are meantime in residence, but it is also witness to around 80,000 visitors who pass through the village on their way to visit Fort George. Hardly any stop in their haste, and have but a fleeting glance of of the village as they pass. Not seeing the magnificent storm beach, the many sites of scientific interest or the glacial deposits. The dolphins and seals in the Moray Firth, the bird-life on it's shores, the rare flora and fauna, nor the last remaining inhabited thatched cottage. The thackstanes on the chimneys, windsurfers, canoeists hang-gliders, even the village panto. Clubs, societies, meetings, informative walks, not to mention the craic in the pubs at night. But moves are a foot to slow them down, a new pier is planned and the walkway along the foreshore is to be developed.. So if you are in the vicinity, be sure to stop by,to see Ardersier's history for yourself.
For the serious historian please click
on the headings below.
 Parish of Ardrosser
A concise description of Ardersier
by the Rev. John Matheson
(September 1841)
History of Ardersier
Article written by Inverness Field Club. (Highland News March
21st. 1992.)
History of Petty
Article written by Leonella Longmore. (Inverness Courier March
20.1992.)
Campletown Pier
Funding of the pier. (Nairnshire Telegraph
October 1895.)
Click the Thistle to
return to Ardersier Homepage.
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