Jump to content

Alness: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 57°41′42″N 4°15′29″W / 57.695°N 4.258°W / 57.695; -4.258
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
Adding short description: "Town and civil parish in Scotland", overriding automatically generated description
 
(302 intermediate revisions by more than 100 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Town and civil parish in Scotland}}
{{infobox UK place
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Infobox UK place
|country = Scotland
| country = Scotland
|official_name= Alness
| official_name = Alness
|gaelic_name= Alanais
| gaelic_name = Alanais
|scots_name=
| scots_name =
|population = 5314 [http://www.highland.gov.uk/plintra/iandr/cen/sz/alness.htm]
| static_image_name = Scotland Alness Dalmore Distillery.jpg
|os_grid_reference= NH655695
| static_image_caption = [[Dalmore Distillery]] reception house in Alness
|latitude=57.69514
| population = {{Scottish locality populations|name|POP=Alness}}
|longitude=-4.25815
| population_ref = ({{United Kingdom statistics year|ScotSettlement}})<ref>{{Scotland settlement population citation}}</ref>
|map_type=Scotland
| os_grid_reference = NH6569
|unitary_scotland= [[Highland]]
| edinburgh_distance_mi = 127
|lieutenancy_scotland= [[Ross and Cromarty]]
| london_distance_mi = 458
|constituency_westminster= [[Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross (UK Parliament constituency)|Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross]]
| coordinates = {{coord|57.695|-4.258|display=inline,title}}
|constituency_scottish_parliament= [[Ross, Skye and Inverness West (Scottish Parliament constituency)|Ross, Skye and Inverness West]]
| civil_parish = Alness<br />[[Rosskeen]]
|post_town= Alness|postcode_district = IV17
| unitary_scotland = [[Highland (council area)|Highland]]
|postcode_area= IV
| lieutenancy_scotland = [[Ross and Cromarty]]
|dial_code= 01349
| constituency_westminster = [[Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross (UK Parliament constituency)|Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross]]
}}
| constituency_scottish_parliament = [[Caithness, Sutherland and Ross (Scottish Parliament constituency)|Caithness, Sutherland and Ross]]
| post_town = ALNESS
| postcode_district = IV17
| postcode_area = IV
| dial_code = 01349
}}


'''Alness''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|ɔː|l|n|ə|s}}, {{respell|AWL|nis|'}}; {{lang-gd|Alanais}}) is a town and [[civil parishes in Scotland|civil parish]] in [[Ross and Cromarty]], [[Scotland]]. It lies near the mouth of the [[River Averon]], near the [[Cromarty Firth]], with the town of [[Invergordon]] 3 miles (5&nbsp;km) to the east, and the village of [[Evanton]] 4 miles (6&nbsp;km) to the south-west. The parish has a population of 5,310,<ref>{{cite web|title=Usual Resident Population: Civil Parishes: Alness|url=http://www.scrol.gov.uk/scrol/analyser/analyser?topicId=1&tableId=&tableName=Usual+resident+population&selectedTopicId=&aggregated=false&subject=&tableNumber=&selectedLevelId=&postcode=&areaText=&RADIOLAYER=&actionName=view-results&clearAreas=&stateData1=&stateData2=&stateData3=&stateData4=&debug=&tempData1=&tempData2=&tempData3=&tempData4=&levelId=4&areaId=020|work=Scotland's Census Results Online|publisher=General Register Office for Scotland|access-date=8 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404163841/http://www.scrol.gov.uk/scrol/analyser/analyser?topicId=1&tableId=&tableName=Usual+resident+population&selectedTopicId=&aggregated=false&subject=&tableNumber=&selectedLevelId=&postcode=&areaText=&RADIOLAYER=&actionName=view-results&clearAreas=&stateData1=&stateData2=&stateData3=&stateData4=&debug=&tempData1=&tempData2=&tempData3=&tempData4=&levelId=4&areaId=020|archive-date=2012-04-04|url-status = dead}}</ref> although the census locality, which includes part of the parish of [[Rosskeen]], has a population of 5,186.<ref>{{cite web|title=Usual Resident Population: Locality: Alness|url=http://www.scrol.gov.uk/scrol/analyser/analyser?topicId=1&tableId=&tableName=Usual+resident+population&selectedTopicId=&aggregated=false&subject=&tableNumber=&selectedLevelId=&postcode=&areaText=&RADIOLAYER=&actionName=view-results&clearAreas=&stateData1=&stateData2=&stateData3=&stateData4=&debug=&tempData1=&tempData2=&tempData3=&tempData4=&areaId=489001&levelId=5|work=Scotland's Census Results Online|publisher=General Register Office for Scotland|access-date=8 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404163918/http://www.scrol.gov.uk/scrol/analyser/analyser?topicId=1&tableId=&tableName=Usual+resident+population&selectedTopicId=&aggregated=false&subject=&tableNumber=&selectedLevelId=&postcode=&areaText=&RADIOLAYER=&actionName=view-results&clearAreas=&stateData1=&stateData2=&stateData3=&stateData4=&debug=&tempData1=&tempData2=&tempData3=&tempData4=&areaId=489001&levelId=5|archive-date=2012-04-04|url-status = dead}}</ref>
[[Image:Scotland Alness Dalmore Distillery.jpg|thumb|250px|left|[[Dalmore Distillery]] reception house in Alness]]
'''Alness''' is a town in [[Ross and Cromarty]], [[Highland]], [[Scotland]]. The name is pronounced (roughly) Al'-niss by some Ross-shire residents and Oll-ness' by others. Divided by the River [[Averon]], it is in two parishes, Alness in the west and [[Rosskeen]] in the east. Historically these were in different [[presbytery|presbyteries]]. Population 4960 ([[2004]])


According to the Highland Council, the population of Alness has increased by around 20% since the last census in 2011. The population as of 2016 was 6,101.<ref>{{cite web|title=Population - Highland Profile Alness|url= https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/695/council_information_performance_and_statistics/165/highland_profile_-_key_facts_and_figures/2}}</ref>
In the late 20th century the town saw major expansion with housing schemes being built for new workers, many in the [[oil]] and [[aluminium]] industries. The uprooting of large numbers of people from other areas into housing estates had caused some social problems to become noticeable in the early years, but now the town is known for its friendliness and in recent years for its involvement in the [[Beautiful Scotland in Bloom]] and [[Britain in Bloom]] competitions which have had a unifying effect and given some civic pride to an area which had become somewhat depressed after the withdrawal of the larger industries.


For most of the 1990s and early 2000s, Alness regularly entered and won flower competitions such as Scotland in Bloom, Britain in Bloom and others, winning many awards. This helped regenerate many areas of the town, with housing estates winning separate awards.
==Famous Past==


They have not entered in recent years due to the financial costs. The town is still adorned by flowers maintained by volunteers.
'''Charles Rennie MacKintosh'''


In 2018, the town was crowned the Scottish Champion at the 2018 Great British High Street Awards.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Winners {{!}} The Great British High Street|url=https://thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk/high-street-of-the-year-awards/the-winners|access-date=2021-01-11|website=thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk|archive-date=7 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907085318/https://thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk/high-street-of-the-year-awards/the-winners|url-status=dead}}</ref> The judges visited the shortlisted high streets across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, meeting local businesses, shoppers and community organisations, with Alness impressing with its reinvention over the years to become a place to find everything from florists and bridal wear to delis and bakeries.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Campbell|first=Rita|title=Alness is Scottish high street champion|url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands/1610617/alness-is-scottish-high-street-champion/|access-date=2021-01-11|website=Press and Journal|language=en-US}}</ref>
A famous name with Alness connections is Charles Macintosh. In the mid 1700s George Macintosh lived at Newmore near Alness. His son, the aforementioned Charles Macintosh, was born in 1768. He made his name in science and is credited with inventing a revolutionary bleaching powder. His partner Charles Tennant took out the patent in 1899, but it is widely believed that Macintosh was the real creator.


==History==
But the most famous link with Alness is the MacKintosh raincoat, for it is believed that it was during a stay in Alness that Charles invented a waterproof material. Macintosh was aiming this at the manufacture of tents, but it was also used in clothing The MacKintosh or Mac. The material was first introduced in 1824 and has been used worldwide ever since.
[[File:Dalmore Conventicle Stone, Alness (geograph 1864555).jpg|thumb|right|Monument to remember the Presbyterian communion held by [[John M'Gilligen]]]]
In September 1715 the [[Skirmish of Alness]] took place between [[Jacobitism|Jacobite]] clans such as the MacKenzies, MacDonalds under [[William Mackenzie, 5th Earl of Seaforth|the Earl of Seaforth]], and pro-government Munros, Rosses, MacKays under [[John Gordon, 16th Earl of Sutherland|the Earl of Sutherland]]. The Jacobites drove their opponents over Struie to [[Bonar Bridge|Bonar]].<ref name="RCAHMS">{{Cite journal | url=http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/13775/ | title=Site Record for Alness| publisher=Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland }}</ref>


The [[Fyrish Monument]] is a monument built in 1782 on Fyrish Hill (Cnoc Fyrish), in [[Fyrish (place)|Fyrish]] near Alness, [[Easter Ross]], Scotland, on the orders of Sir [[Hector Munro, 8th of Novar]], a native lord of the area who had served in [[India]]. As the local population were being [[Highland Clearances|cleared]] off their land, employment was a problem and so it was built to give the locals some work. It was said that Sir Hector rolled stones from the top of the hill to the bottom, thereby extending the amount of time worked and paying the labourers for additional hours.<ref>{{cite web|title=Scots Monuments: Fyrish Monument|url=http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/heritage/scots-monuments-fyrish-monument-1-3044571|website=The Scotsman|publisher=The Scotsman Daily}}</ref>
'''David Forsyth'''


It represents the Gate of [[Negapatam]], a port in [[Madras]], India, which General Munro took for the British in 1781. It is visible from almost anywhere in the parishes of [[Kiltearn]] and Alness.
David Forsyth was born in Alness in 1854, maybe not a well known name to most but he is famous within the chess playing community as it was he who invented the [[Forsyth Notation]]. This is one of a number of systems used for recording on paper the positions of chess pieces, such as can be seen in newspapers today.


The site of the monument provides an extensive view over the [[Cromarty Firth]] and beyond, and [[Ben Wyvis]] can be seen clearly, especially impressive if snow-covered. A path to the top starts at a car park northeast of the hill at [[Ordnance Survey|OS]] grid NH627715.
==Alness at War==


During World War II, Alness was home to [[RAF Alness]], a large training and operational base for Catalina amphibians and Sunderland seaplanes, which extended from [[Invergordon]] to Alness point - now an industrial estate. A memorial to the men who were killed on operational missions was placed at this industrial estate in 2001. A propeller from a Catalina was found and restored by RAF apprentices and now resides in the town of Alness. The tennis courts on the industrial estate are the only remaining parts of the estate which date from World War II.
Alness has many links with armed services. These began as early as 1715. Sentry Hill, above the present footbridge at the lower end of the High Steet was a watchpoint. The Earl of Sutherland had gathered around 1200 men on the Government side during the first Jacobite rising. On 5th October 1715 he made his Head Quarters at the Crawl Park, occupying a line along the lower reaches of the Averon. Further reinforcements arrived by sea, which helped to reinforce with the military that the Cromarty Firth could be a great asset in time of conflict. Among those highlighting its potential were Daniel Defoe and, much later, Winston Churchill.


==Geography==
During World War One the American Navy took over Dalmore Distillery and used it as a mine base. The so-called ‘Yankee Pier’ still juts out into the firth. In the 1930s the RAF’s presence grew. Alness became a training base for flying boats. In 1938, 228 Squadron with Saro Londons and Stranraers came to the firth from Pembroke Dock and this was followed in October, 1939 by 210 Squadron of Sunderlands and Catalina Flying boats by 1941 4C OUT was fully established and Alness, with the officers based at Dalmore House and the 'tech site' and repair and maintenance area at Alness Point, became a very busy strategic point for training and North Sea surveillance. Short Sunderlands had a crew of 13 and by 1942 the OUT was producing 22 trained crews a month.
The town is in two parishes divided by the River Averon in the west and [[Rosskeen]] in the east. Historically these were in different [[Presbytery (church polity)|presbyteries]]. Today there are three churches; Free Church, Church of Scotland and Baptist.


==Education==
It was from Alness that the Duke of Kent, the King’s youngest brother, took off on his ill-fated flight in August, 1942. He was due to visit troops in Iceland. The expected route was to follow the coastline of Sutherland and Caithness, but for some, still unknown, reason the aircraft turned inland and, in heavy mist and rain, crashed on Eagle Rock above the village of Berriedale. All crew were killed except rear gunner Flt/Sgt Andrew Jack
The town is served by a high school, [[Alness Academy]], one of the main schools in Ross and Cromarty, with around 400 pupils on the school roll.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Alness Academy|url=https://www.highland.gov.uk/directory_record/1463833/alness_academy|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016085024/https://www.highland.gov.uk/directory_record/1463833/alness_academy |archive-date=16 October 2021 |access-date=2020-12-16|website=Highland Council|language=en}}</ref>


Originally built in the 70s, the school building fell into disrepair by the mid 2010's, being branded by councillors as 'the worst school in the Highlands'.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands-islands/720277/alness-academy-dubbed-worst-school-in-the-highlands-in-row-over-delayed-funds/ | title=Alness Academy labelled 'worst school in the Highlands'... And these pictures show why }}</ref> In January 2016 funds for a new Alness building were confirmed. The government support came from £230m it had allocated to replacing or upgrading 19 schools across Scotland. The new building opened to students on 28 October 2020, and included a new public swimming pool, and an all-weather floodlit sports facility.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ross-shirejournal.co.uk/news/a-building-fit-for-the-21st-century-alness-academy-pupils-take-their-seats-in-brand-new-school-216646/ | title=A building fit for the 21st century: Alness Academy pupils take their seats in brand new school | date=28 October 2020 }}</ref>
==Other Facts about Alness==


There are three primary schools, Obsdale Primary, Bridgend Primary and Coulhill Primary, situated in the east, centre and west of the town respectively. The academy is also fed by schools from nearby towns Ardross and Evanton.
Alness has a [[railway station]] on the [[Far North Line]].

==Distilling==
There are two distilleries in Alness; [[Dalmore distillery]] and [[Teaninich distillery]].

'''Dalmore''' is owned and operated by [[Whyte and Mackay Ltd]], which is owned by [[Philippines]] based [[Andrew Tan|Emperador Inc.]]<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-27340535 "Philippines firm Emperador buys Whyte & Mackay for £430m"]</ref>

The award-winning distillery creates a number of different whiskies that are produced in a combination of different stills, of various sizes which give the whisky a more complex character.

Each expression of The Dalmore is matured in two different types of wooden casks: American white oak bourbon casks and exclusive aged sherry casks from Gonzalez Byass. Each sherry cask – which is hand selected by master distiller Richard Paterson – gives the whisky a deep copper colour and flavours of crushed almonds, cinnamon, ginger and citrus. The bourbon casks give the whisky notes of vanilla, spice, honey and tropical fruits.

To create a more complex character, selected expressions are finessed in exceptional casks, showcasing woods from world-renowned bodegas and exclusive wineries.

'''Teaninich''' was founded and built in 1817 by Hugh Munro on his estate of [[Teaninich Castle]].<ref name="Arthur">{{cite book|isbn=90-5764-236-0|title=The single malt companion|author=Helen Arthur|publisher=Librero|year=2002|orig-year=1997|translator=Liesbeth Machielsen|language=nl|pages=219–220}}</ref> Despite an initial difficulty of procuring barley whisky owing to a high demand from illegal distilleries, by 1830 Teaninich produced 30 times more spirit than it did at its founding.<ref name="Arthur"/> At that point the Munro sold the distillery to his younger brother Lieutenant-General [[John Munro, 9th of Teaninich|John Munro]]. As an officer he spent most of his time in India, so he decided to rent the distillery out to [[Pattison's whisky|Robert Pattison]] in 1850. The lease lasted to 1869 after which Munro leased it to [[John McGilchrist Ross]].<ref name="Arthur"/> Ross relinquished the lease in 1895, and in 1898 [[Robert Innes Cameron]] took a stake in the distillery, and Munro and Cameron renovated and extended the distillery,<ref name="Arthur"/> investing £10,000 in the renovations.<ref name="madness">{{cite web | title=Teaninich | url=http://www.maltmadness.com/whisky/teaninich.html | publisher=malt madness | author=Johannes van den Heuvel | access-date=15 December 2015 | archive-date=3 January 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160103003321/http://www.maltmadness.com/whisky/teaninich.html | url-status=dead }}</ref> In 1904 Cameron, who also owned stakes in [[Benrinnes]], [[Linkwood (whisky distillery)|Linkwood]] and [[Tamdhu]], took over the distillery completely. After Cameron died in 1933 the distillery was sold to [[Scottish Malt Distillers]].<ref name="Arthur"/> The distillery suspended production between 1939 and 1946 due to barley shortages during [[World War II]].<ref name="madness"/>

The distillery mainly produces malts for blending, and it is used in [[Johnnie Walker#Blends|Johnnie Walker Red Label]]. There are no official bottlings of the malt. Since 1992 a 10-year-old malt has been available in the [[flora and fauna (whisky range)|flora and fauna]] series.<ref name="madness" />

In 2023, [[Celtic Connections]] teamed up with a new Glaswegian bottling company Caskade to release a limited edition Teaninich 10 year old malt as the festival's official 30th Anniversary whisky.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/23265449.celebratory-whiskey-announced-30-years-celtic-connections/ | title=Limited-edition whisky unveiled to celebrate 30 years of Celtic Connections }}</ref>

==Amenities==
Alness has an 18-hole golf course, Alness Golf Club, which was established in 1904. The last five holes run alongside the River Averon, offering a contrast from the previous holes. The course was extended from 9 to 18 holes in 1997. A new clubhouse was officially opened in 2000 and offers all facilities.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scotlands-golf-courses.com/index.php?option=com_mtree&task=viewlink&link_id=333 |title=Alness Golf Club |access-date=2015-12-14 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222112358/http://www.scotlands-golf-courses.com/index.php?option=com_mtree&task=viewlink&link_id=333 |archive-date=2015-12-22 }}</ref>

The Ardross Alness Bowling Club is situated next to the railway, and was formed in 1906.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Allenwood (Kildare, All Towns, Ireland) - Population Statistics, Charts, Map, Location, Weather and Web Information|url=https://www.citypopulation.de/en/ireland/towns/kildare/0010__allenwood/|access-date=2021-08-03|website=www.citypopulation.de}}</ref>

==Transport==
Alness is served by [[Alness railway station]] on the [[Far North Line]]. The station consists of one platform on the northern side of the railway, with only a small shelter available. The original station platforms can still be seen on both sides of the single line through the station.
The station is 28 1⁄2 miles (45.9&nbsp;km) north of [[Inverness]] on the Far North Line towards [[Wick, Caithness|Wick]].

The [[Inverness and Ross-shire Railway]] (I&RR), which was to be a line between {{stnlnk|Inverness}} and {{stnlnk|Invergordon}}, was authorised in 1860, and opened in stages. By the time that the last section, that between {{stnlnk|Dingwall}} and Invergordon, opened on 25 March 1863, the I&RR had amalgamated with the [[Inverness and Aberdeen Junction Railway]] (I&AJR), the authorisation being given on 30 June 1862.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ardross Alness Bowling Club|url=https://www.facebook.com/ArdrossAlnessBC1906|access-date=2021-07-21|website=www.facebook.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Vallance|Clinker|Lambert|1985|p=32}}</ref> On this last stretch, one of the original stations was that at ''Alness''.<ref name="Butt">{{harvnb|Butt|1995|p=15}}</ref> The I&AJR in turn amalgamated with other railways to form the [[Highland Railway]] in 1865,<ref>{{harvnb|Vallance|Clinker|Lambert|1985|p=40}}</ref> which became part of the [[London, Midland and Scottish Railway]] during the [[Railways Act 1921|Grouping]] of 1923.<ref>{{harvnb|Vallance|Clinker|Lambert|1985|p=154}}</ref> The line then passed on to the [[Scottish Region of British Railways]] on [[nationalisation]] in 1948. The station at Alness was then closed by the [[British Transport Commission]] on 13 June 1960<ref name="Butt "/> and remained so for 13 years.

The station reopened on 7 May 1973<ref name="Butt "/> and then when [[British Rail brand names|sectorisation]] was introduced by [[British Rail]] in the 1980s, was served by [[ScotRail (British Rail)|ScotRail]] until the [[privatisation of British Rail]].

==Sport==
Alness has one football team who compete in the Scottish pyramid system - [[Alness United F.C.]] They currently compete in the [[North Caledonian Football Association|North Caledonian Football League]], which they have won on four occasions.

Alness United play their home games at Dalmore Park, previously on a grass pitch, but in 2022 they moved to a new artificial turf pitch with floodlights adjacent to [[Alness Academy]].

They were given the [[Scottish Football Association]]'s prestigious Quality Mark Development Award in July 2011.

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}

==References==
*{{Butt-Stations}}
*{{cite book |last1=Vallance |first1=H.A. |last2=Clinker |first2=C.R. |last3=Lambert |first3=Anthony J. |title=The Highland Railway |edition=4th |year=1985 |orig-year=1938 |publisher=[[David & Charles]] |location=Newton Abbot |isbn=0-946537-24-0 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/highlandrailway0000vall }}


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.alness.com Alness.com] Community website commissioned by the Alness Community Association
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20191019171528/http://www.alness.com/ Alness.com Community website commissioned by the Alness Community Association]
* [http://alnessarchives.8m.com/ Alness - PastPresent] history site
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20010726095046/http://alnessarchives.8m.com/ Alness - PastPresent] history site
* [http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/alness/alness/index.html Alness] - entry in ''Undiscovered Scotland''


{{authority control}}
[[Category:Towns in Highland]]
[[Category:Ross and Cromarty]]


[[Category:Alness| ]]
{{Highland-geo-stub}}
[[Category:Towns in Highland (council area)]]
[[Category:Populated places in Ross and Cromarty]]
[[Category:Parishes in Ross and Cromarty]]

Latest revision as of 11:26, 15 March 2024

Alness
Dalmore Distillery reception house in Alness
Alness is located in Ross and Cromarty
Alness
Alness
Location within the Ross and Cromarty area
Population5,950 (2020)[1]
OS grid referenceNH6569
• Edinburgh127 mi (204 km)
• London458 mi (737 km)
Civil parish
Council area
Lieutenancy area
CountryScotland
Sovereign stateUnited Kingdom
Post townALNESS
Postcode districtIV17
Dialling code01349
PoliceScotland
FireScottish
AmbulanceScottish
UK Parliament
Scottish Parliament
List of places
UK
Scotland
57°41′42″N 4°15′29″W / 57.695°N 4.258°W / 57.695; -4.258

Alness (/ˈɔːlnəs/, AWL-nis; Scottish Gaelic: Alanais) is a town and civil parish in Ross and Cromarty, Scotland. It lies near the mouth of the River Averon, near the Cromarty Firth, with the town of Invergordon 3 miles (5 km) to the east, and the village of Evanton 4 miles (6 km) to the south-west. The parish has a population of 5,310,[2] although the census locality, which includes part of the parish of Rosskeen, has a population of 5,186.[3]

According to the Highland Council, the population of Alness has increased by around 20% since the last census in 2011. The population as of 2016 was 6,101.[4]

For most of the 1990s and early 2000s, Alness regularly entered and won flower competitions such as Scotland in Bloom, Britain in Bloom and others, winning many awards. This helped regenerate many areas of the town, with housing estates winning separate awards.

They have not entered in recent years due to the financial costs. The town is still adorned by flowers maintained by volunteers.

In 2018, the town was crowned the Scottish Champion at the 2018 Great British High Street Awards.[5] The judges visited the shortlisted high streets across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, meeting local businesses, shoppers and community organisations, with Alness impressing with its reinvention over the years to become a place to find everything from florists and bridal wear to delis and bakeries.[6]

History[edit]

Monument to remember the Presbyterian communion held by John M'Gilligen

In September 1715 the Skirmish of Alness took place between Jacobite clans such as the MacKenzies, MacDonalds under the Earl of Seaforth, and pro-government Munros, Rosses, MacKays under the Earl of Sutherland. The Jacobites drove their opponents over Struie to Bonar.[7]

The Fyrish Monument is a monument built in 1782 on Fyrish Hill (Cnoc Fyrish), in Fyrish near Alness, Easter Ross, Scotland, on the orders of Sir Hector Munro, 8th of Novar, a native lord of the area who had served in India. As the local population were being cleared off their land, employment was a problem and so it was built to give the locals some work. It was said that Sir Hector rolled stones from the top of the hill to the bottom, thereby extending the amount of time worked and paying the labourers for additional hours.[8]

It represents the Gate of Negapatam, a port in Madras, India, which General Munro took for the British in 1781. It is visible from almost anywhere in the parishes of Kiltearn and Alness.

The site of the monument provides an extensive view over the Cromarty Firth and beyond, and Ben Wyvis can be seen clearly, especially impressive if snow-covered. A path to the top starts at a car park northeast of the hill at OS grid NH627715.

During World War II, Alness was home to RAF Alness, a large training and operational base for Catalina amphibians and Sunderland seaplanes, which extended from Invergordon to Alness point - now an industrial estate. A memorial to the men who were killed on operational missions was placed at this industrial estate in 2001. A propeller from a Catalina was found and restored by RAF apprentices and now resides in the town of Alness. The tennis courts on the industrial estate are the only remaining parts of the estate which date from World War II.

Geography[edit]

The town is in two parishes divided by the River Averon in the west and Rosskeen in the east. Historically these were in different presbyteries. Today there are three churches; Free Church, Church of Scotland and Baptist.

Education[edit]

The town is served by a high school, Alness Academy, one of the main schools in Ross and Cromarty, with around 400 pupils on the school roll.[9]

Originally built in the 70s, the school building fell into disrepair by the mid 2010's, being branded by councillors as 'the worst school in the Highlands'.[10] In January 2016 funds for a new Alness building were confirmed. The government support came from £230m it had allocated to replacing or upgrading 19 schools across Scotland. The new building opened to students on 28 October 2020, and included a new public swimming pool, and an all-weather floodlit sports facility.[11]

There are three primary schools, Obsdale Primary, Bridgend Primary and Coulhill Primary, situated in the east, centre and west of the town respectively. The academy is also fed by schools from nearby towns Ardross and Evanton.

Distilling[edit]

There are two distilleries in Alness; Dalmore distillery and Teaninich distillery.

Dalmore is owned and operated by Whyte and Mackay Ltd, which is owned by Philippines based Emperador Inc.[12]

The award-winning distillery creates a number of different whiskies that are produced in a combination of different stills, of various sizes which give the whisky a more complex character.

Each expression of The Dalmore is matured in two different types of wooden casks: American white oak bourbon casks and exclusive aged sherry casks from Gonzalez Byass. Each sherry cask – which is hand selected by master distiller Richard Paterson – gives the whisky a deep copper colour and flavours of crushed almonds, cinnamon, ginger and citrus. The bourbon casks give the whisky notes of vanilla, spice, honey and tropical fruits.

To create a more complex character, selected expressions are finessed in exceptional casks, showcasing woods from world-renowned bodegas and exclusive wineries.

Teaninich was founded and built in 1817 by Hugh Munro on his estate of Teaninich Castle.[13] Despite an initial difficulty of procuring barley whisky owing to a high demand from illegal distilleries, by 1830 Teaninich produced 30 times more spirit than it did at its founding.[13] At that point the Munro sold the distillery to his younger brother Lieutenant-General John Munro. As an officer he spent most of his time in India, so he decided to rent the distillery out to Robert Pattison in 1850. The lease lasted to 1869 after which Munro leased it to John McGilchrist Ross.[13] Ross relinquished the lease in 1895, and in 1898 Robert Innes Cameron took a stake in the distillery, and Munro and Cameron renovated and extended the distillery,[13] investing £10,000 in the renovations.[14] In 1904 Cameron, who also owned stakes in Benrinnes, Linkwood and Tamdhu, took over the distillery completely. After Cameron died in 1933 the distillery was sold to Scottish Malt Distillers.[13] The distillery suspended production between 1939 and 1946 due to barley shortages during World War II.[14]

The distillery mainly produces malts for blending, and it is used in Johnnie Walker Red Label. There are no official bottlings of the malt. Since 1992 a 10-year-old malt has been available in the flora and fauna series.[14]

In 2023, Celtic Connections teamed up with a new Glaswegian bottling company Caskade to release a limited edition Teaninich 10 year old malt as the festival's official 30th Anniversary whisky.[15]

Amenities[edit]

Alness has an 18-hole golf course, Alness Golf Club, which was established in 1904. The last five holes run alongside the River Averon, offering a contrast from the previous holes. The course was extended from 9 to 18 holes in 1997. A new clubhouse was officially opened in 2000 and offers all facilities.[16]

The Ardross Alness Bowling Club is situated next to the railway, and was formed in 1906.[17]

Transport[edit]

Alness is served by Alness railway station on the Far North Line. The station consists of one platform on the northern side of the railway, with only a small shelter available. The original station platforms can still be seen on both sides of the single line through the station. The station is 28 1⁄2 miles (45.9 km) north of Inverness on the Far North Line towards Wick.

The Inverness and Ross-shire Railway (I&RR), which was to be a line between Inverness and Invergordon, was authorised in 1860, and opened in stages. By the time that the last section, that between Dingwall and Invergordon, opened on 25 March 1863, the I&RR had amalgamated with the Inverness and Aberdeen Junction Railway (I&AJR), the authorisation being given on 30 June 1862.[18][19] On this last stretch, one of the original stations was that at Alness.[20] The I&AJR in turn amalgamated with other railways to form the Highland Railway in 1865,[21] which became part of the London, Midland and Scottish Railway during the Grouping of 1923.[22] The line then passed on to the Scottish Region of British Railways on nationalisation in 1948. The station at Alness was then closed by the British Transport Commission on 13 June 1960[20] and remained so for 13 years.

The station reopened on 7 May 1973[20] and then when sectorisation was introduced by British Rail in the 1980s, was served by ScotRail until the privatisation of British Rail.

Sport[edit]

Alness has one football team who compete in the Scottish pyramid system - Alness United F.C. They currently compete in the North Caledonian Football League, which they have won on four occasions.

Alness United play their home games at Dalmore Park, previously on a grass pitch, but in 2022 they moved to a new artificial turf pitch with floodlights adjacent to Alness Academy.

They were given the Scottish Football Association's prestigious Quality Mark Development Award in July 2011.

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ "Mid-2020 Population Estimates for Settlements and Localities in Scotland". National Records of Scotland. 31 March 2022. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
  2. ^ "Usual Resident Population: Civil Parishes: Alness". Scotland's Census Results Online. General Register Office for Scotland. Archived from the original on 4 April 2012. Retrieved 8 October 2011.
  3. ^ "Usual Resident Population: Locality: Alness". Scotland's Census Results Online. General Register Office for Scotland. Archived from the original on 4 April 2012. Retrieved 8 October 2011.
  4. ^ "Population - Highland Profile Alness".
  5. ^ "The Winners | The Great British High Street". thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk. Archived from the original on 7 September 2022. Retrieved 11 January 2021.
  6. ^ Campbell, Rita. "Alness is Scottish high street champion". Press and Journal. Retrieved 11 January 2021.
  7. ^ "Site Record for Alness". Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  8. ^ "Scots Monuments: Fyrish Monument". The Scotsman. The Scotsman Daily.
  9. ^ "Alness Academy". Highland Council. Archived from the original on 16 October 2021. Retrieved 16 December 2020.
  10. ^ "Alness Academy labelled 'worst school in the Highlands'... And these pictures show why".
  11. ^ "A building fit for the 21st century: Alness Academy pupils take their seats in brand new school". 28 October 2020.
  12. ^ "Philippines firm Emperador buys Whyte & Mackay for £430m"
  13. ^ a b c d e Helen Arthur (2002) [1997]. The single malt companion (in Dutch). Translated by Liesbeth Machielsen. Librero. pp. 219–220. ISBN 90-5764-236-0.
  14. ^ a b c Johannes van den Heuvel. "Teaninich". malt madness. Archived from the original on 3 January 2016. Retrieved 15 December 2015.
  15. ^ "Limited-edition whisky unveiled to celebrate 30 years of Celtic Connections".
  16. ^ "Alness Golf Club". Archived from the original on 22 December 2015. Retrieved 14 December 2015.
  17. ^ "Allenwood (Kildare, All Towns, Ireland) - Population Statistics, Charts, Map, Location, Weather and Web Information". www.citypopulation.de. Retrieved 3 August 2021.
  18. ^ "Ardross Alness Bowling Club". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 21 July 2021.
  19. ^ Vallance, Clinker & Lambert 1985, p. 32
  20. ^ a b c Butt 1995, p. 15
  21. ^ Vallance, Clinker & Lambert 1985, p. 40
  22. ^ Vallance, Clinker & Lambert 1985, p. 154

References[edit]

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Alness&oldid=1213831831"