Ardross, Highland

Ardross is a rural area in the Highland region of Scotland, 30mi north of the nearest city, Inverness. Ardross lies 10mi inland from the east-coast town of Alness and progressively becomes more mountainous to the west and north. The area is populated by a small rural community mainly confined to the more fertile lower slopes to the east and the glacial glens of Strathrusdale and Strathy . The total area comprises about 30sqmi, most of which is lower slope farming, commercial pine forest on foothills and open mountain to the north and west. The largest concentration of dwellings are in the village of Dublin comprising about 30 houses and a church, so named as it was founded by Irish immigrant workers who built Ardross Castle. HistoryThe earliest inhabitants of Ardross were the Picts (6-10th century), and there are still recognisable remains of Pictish roundhouses at various locations in the area. The most notable surviving artefacts of their time in Ardross are two carved stone slabs depicting a wolf and a deer, some of the finest surviving Pictish animal symbols ever discovered, which are now displayed at Inverness Museum. The carvings were recovered from a drystone wall in Stittenham, Ardross in 1891. After the 10th century, habitation of the area became progressively more influenced by the Norse. The Duke of Sutherland bought the 60000acre Ardross Estate in the late 18th century, and in 1845, sold it to Sir Alexander Matheson, 1st Baronet for £90, 000.

Ardross is a rural area in the Highland region of Scotland, 30mi north of the nearest city, Inverness. Ardross lies 10mi inland from the east-coast town of Alness and progressively becomes more mountainous to the west and north. The area is populated by a small rural community mainly confined to the more fertile lower slopes to the east and the glacial glens of Strathrusdale and Strathy . The total area comprises about 30sqmi, most of which is lower slope farming, commercial pine forest on foothills and open mountain to the north and west. The largest concentration of dwellings are in the village of Dublin comprising about 30 houses and a church, so named as it was founded by Irish immigrant workers who built Ardross Castle. HistoryThe earliest inhabitants of Ardross were the Picts (6-10th century), and there are still recognisable remains of Pictish roundhouses at various locations in the area. The most notable surviving artefacts of their time in Ardross are two carved stone slabs depicting a wolf and a deer, some of the finest surviving Pictish animal symbols ever discovered, which are now displayed at Inverness Museum. The carvings were recovered from a drystone wall in Stittenham, Ardross in 1891. After the 10th century, habitation of the area became progressively more influenced by the Norse. The Duke of Sutherland bought the 60000acre Ardross Estate in the late 18th century, and in 1845, sold it to Sir Alexander Matheson, 1st Baronet for £90, 000.