In September 1843 a riot in Resolis caused a jail break in Cromarty, an event that has come to be known as the Resolis Riot.
The background to the Resolis Riot was the anger caused by the Church of Scotland appointing new ministers for parishes on the recommendation of the local lairds. This upset the many congregations who wished to appoint their own minister and so in May 1843 they broke away to establish a new church – the Free Church of Scotland.

At Resolis Church, near Cromarty, a new minister was appointed by the laird and the unhappy congregation moved with their old minister to the new Free Church. But, feelings there ran so high that a riot ensued. Eventually it was brought under control, with the arrest of one person – Margaret Cameron. She was taken to the cell at Cromarty Courthouse. Her supporters broke down the door of the cell and she was carried out in triumph!

In May 2022 a dramatic puppet performance of the Resolis Riot (written and directed by Jon Palmer) was held at the Crimes and Thrillers Weekend in Cromarty, a fascinating re-teling of the tale from a twenty first century viewpoint. It offered descendents of some of the participants the chance to reconnect with their ancestors’ fame!

Visit the Courthouse and meet the puppets – waiting for you in the prison exercise yard.