The physical shape of Cromarty at the start of the 21st century is not too different from that of the 1930s. The principal additions have come at the west end, where the former factory buildings have been converted into housing, and new houses have been built at Townlands Park and along Bayview Crescent. What is more important is what has been lost - several of the old houses in the Fishertown; numerous thriving shops and small businesses; and to some extent also the vibrant social life of a community making its own entertainment in a pre-television age.

The Cromarty We Knew takes us on a guided walk through the tow in the years leading up to World War II. Our guide is Eric Malcolm - a pupil at Cromarty School (where his father was headmaster) at the start of the decade, and a student at Fortrose Academy by the time Hitler's troops marched into Poland. Based on a highly popular series of talks given to the Cromarty History Society between 1997 and 2000, this book will bring back memories of past times to an older generation and give an insight into the lives of parents and grandparents to a younger one.

Published by Cromarty History Society and Friends of Cromarty Courthouse in association with Cromarty Courthouse Publications.

Price £5.99, the book can be bought from Cromarty Courthouse, The Emporium or from Amazon.co.uk.

A unique combination of illustrated guidebook and engrossing narrative, this is a chronological history of Ross and Cromarty, from prihistoric times to the industrial age, including maps and site plans of the district.

The district of Ross and Cromarty stretches across northern Scotland, from the rugged Atlantic coastline to the shores of the Moray Firth. The landscape is one of great contrasts, with majestic ancient mountains to the west and pastoral countryside to the east. Ross and Cromarty holds delights for both professional and amatuer historians, as it was the frontier zone between the emerging kingdom of Scotland and the Viking stronghold of Orkney and Caithness.

This guide explores the diverse history of the area, from the appearance of the first human inhabitants over 8,000 years ago and its later position as a centre of Pictish power, through its popularity as a place of religious worship and study in medieval times, to the coming of the industrial age. The book contains much previously unpublished information and a number of sites are highlighted as Essential Viewing. There is also an introduction to the literature, music and art of the district.

David Alston is curator of the Cromarty Courthouse Museum.

Price £7.99, the book can be bought from Cromarty Courthouse, The Emporium or from Amazon.co.uk.