Symposium celebrates centenary of forgotten Highland architect

Ross had an extraordinarily prolific output, with fine examples of his work to be found in almost every Highland town. 

Inverness Cathedral and its surrounding streets are perhaps his most significant surviving legacy, but beautifully crafted churches, schools, villas and country houses all over the Highlands and Islands bear testament to the range and diversity of Ross’s buildings and an architectural and social vision that deserves to be better known.

Other examples of Ross’ work include the Flora MacDonald Monument on Skye, Jura House, Glenforsa House on Mull, Invermoidart House, the Dunvegan Hotel, Ballachulish Episcopal School, Duncansburgh Parish Church in Fort William, St Columba’s Chapel and Bishop’s House on Iona, Territorial Army Drill Halls in Fort Augustus and Broadford, and police stations in Castlebay, Dunvegan, Tarbert, Campbeltown, and Mallaig.

The symposium will reveal new research and insight into the life and work of an architect who has too often been underrated, and celebrate his contribution to Scotland’s built heritage, in particular that of the West Highlands.

Built in the 1890s for Thomas Valentine Smith, Ardtornish represents the highpoint of the Victorian Highland country house. It survives largely intact, complete with original furnishings and a full ensemble of estate buildings, and is a significant landmark in an outstanding West Highland setting.

The symposium, including a light lunch, will be free of charge to members of the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland (AHSS) and open to non-members if they join the society. Seats will be on a first-come first-served basis, via Hannah@ardtornish.co.uk.

The distinguished panel of speakers will include Ross’s biographer Calum Maclean, Ardtornish historian and leading authority on Scottish furniture David Jones, Ross’s great grandson Angus McCall, historian and author of Slaves and Highlanders David Alston, and architectural writer and author of Highland Retreats Mary Miers.