Cromarty Artillery Volunteers Challenge Cup
Cromarty Courthouse Museum

This cup gives us a great insight into attitudes in Cromarty during the mid-Victorian era. At the time, many people feared another possible war with France.

Parliament developed a series of forts and voluntary artillery regiments at strategic points around the British coast. As Cromarty was at the entrance to the Cromarty Firth, it was viewed as highly significant as a naval anchorage.

A volunteer regiment was formed here. This cup was awarded to George Mackenzie in 1865 for his ‘efficiency as a member of the volunteers’.