Rare Old OS Map of Central Ross & Cromarty, Scotland by Bartholomew, 1901: Dingwall, Ullapool, Loch Maree, Ben Wyvis, River Conon, Fannich Mountains

Sheet 20 - Central Ross & Cromarty, crafted by the esteemed cartographer JG Bartholomew in 1901, is a masterful representation of early 20th-century cartographic innovation. This half-inch to the mile scale map, part of Bartholomew's flagship series, was meticulously designed to cater to the burgeoning interest in cycling and tourism. Its vivid, layered colors beautifully depict the varied topography of Central Ross and Cromarty, providing a captivating visual journey through the Highlands of Scotland. The map's intricate details and color gradations not only highlight the region's natural beauty but also reflect Bartholomew's dedication to precision and clarity.

JG Bartholomew, a renowned Scottish cartographer, was celebrated for his innovative approach to mapmaking. His work, including this map, was based on reduced Ordnance Survey maps of the same period, ensuring a high level of accuracy and detail. Bartholomew's maps were highly sought after by cyclists and tourists, who appreciated their clarity and aesthetic appeal. The use of different color bands to represent landscape relief was a groundbreaking technique at the time, showcasing Bartholomew's commitment to enhancing the user's experience through visual innovation.

The map of Central Ross & Cromarty is a treasure trove of geographical features, showcasing the region's diverse landscape. Prominent lochs such as Loch Maree, Loch Broom, and Loch Luichart are beautifully illustrated, their serene waters contrasting with the rugged terrain. The map also highlights significant rivers like the River Conon and River Bran, which meander through the landscape, adding to the region's natural charm. The depiction of these water bodies not only aids in navigation but also emphasizes the area's rich hydrological network.

Mountain ranges and peaks are prominently featured, with the Fannich Mountains, An Teallach, and Ben Wyvis standing out as notable landmarks. These majestic highlands are depicted with a level of detail that captures their imposing presence and rugged beauty. The map also includes important railways such as the Dingwall and Skye Railway and the Highland Railway, which were crucial for transportation and economic development in the early 20th century. These railways, intricately woven into the landscape, highlight the region's connectivity and industrial progress.

Central Ross & Cromarty's historical and geographical significance is vividly brought to life through this map. The towns of Dingwall, Strathpeffer, and Ullapool, among others, are marked with precision, offering a glimpse into the region's human settlements. The map serves as a historical document, reflecting the early 20th-century landscape and infrastructure. It is not just a tool for navigation but a piece of history, capturing the essence of a bygone era and the cartographic brilliance of JG Bartholomew. This map is a testament to the rich heritage and natural splendor of Central Ross and Cromarty, making it a valuable addition to any collection.

Cities and towns on this map

• Dingwall
• Strathpeffer
• Garve
• Achnasheen
• Contin
• Torridon
• Aultbea
• Lochcarron
• Gairloch
• Kinlochewe
• Poolewe
• Ullapool
• Achnashellach

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Lochs:
• Loch Maree
• Loch Broom
• Loch Luichart
• Loch Fannich
• Loch Glascarnoch
• Loch a' Bhraoin
• Loch Garve
• Loch Achilty
• Loch Kinellan
• Loch Achanalt

• Loch Droma

• Rivers:

• River Conon
• River Bran
• River Blackwater
• River Meig

• River Orrin

• Mountain Ranges and Peaks:

• Fannich Mountains
• An Teallach
• Beinn Dearg

• Ben Wyvis

• Railways:

• Dingwall and Skye Railway
• Highland Railway

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Sheet 20 - Central Ross & Cromarty
• Scale: Half-inch to the mile (1:126,720)
• Creation Date: 1901
• Mapmaker/Publisher: JG Bartholomew
• Context about the mapmaker: JG Bartholomew was a prominent Scottish cartographer known for his detailed and innovative maps. His maps were popular with cyclists and tourists, and the half-inch maps became his flagship series.
• Design and Style:
• Color Bands: Innovative use of color bands to represent various heights of the landscape.
• Reduced Ordnance Survey Map: Based on a reduced Ordnance Survey map from the same period.
• Historical Significance:
• Cartographic Innovation: Represents an important development in the history of cartography with its use of color gradation for relief.
• Tourism and Recreation: Reflects the growing interest in outdoor activities such as cycling and tourism in the early 20th century.
• Regions Covered:
• Countries and Regions: Central Ross and Cromarty in Scotland, including parts of the Highlands and the surrounding areas.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 20in (50cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.