Ross and Cromarty, Historic region in Highland, Scotland
Ross and Cromarty is a historic region in Highland, Scotland, stretching from the North Sea in the east to the Atlantic Ocean in the west with mountains, glens, and coastal areas. The territory includes the mainland and several islands, including the Isle of Lewis, shaped by lochs and river valleys.
Ross-shire and Cromartyshire shared governance under a single sheriff from 1748 before formally merging in 1889. This consolidation unified the two historic territories into a single administrative region.
The region maintains Scottish Gaelic language traditions through its communities, where local festivals and gatherings keep ancient customs alive in everyday life. These cultural practices shape how people connect and celebrate their shared heritage.
Visitors can take ferries from Ullapool on the mainland to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, or use the Kyle of Lochalsh railway line to reach eastern communities. Travel is easiest from late spring through early autumn when weather conditions are more stable.
The former county of Cromartyshire comprised several separate land portions scattered across the landscape, creating an unusual patchwork of administrative boundaries. This fragmented structure made it a geographical oddity in Scotland's administrative history.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
