More than just cattle passed through Thurso’s Cowgate
In previous articles, I’ve looked at some individuals and establishments that lined Rotterdam Street, Durness Street and Princes Street. But this time, I thought I’d explore the history of Cowgate, or as the locals affectionately pronounce it, Coogate – now known as Riverside Place.
‘Cowgate’ has ancient origins, tracing back to the Norse language. The word “gate” is derived from the Old Norse word ‘gata,’ meaning a road, and the Cowgate was one of the original medieval streets in the town.
Its significance lies in its role as a thoroughfare for the movement of cattle. In the mornings, during the favourable feeding seasons, the cows would be driven along this street to communal grazing lands. And when the evening arrived, they would be led back through Cowgate, returning to their own byres after being gathered at Clingrag or Lingering Hill. One can imagine the sight with the sound of hooves and moos echoing through the street.
But the Cowgate was not only a passage for cattle. It was a street filled with a number of dwellings, and amongst them stood various commercial businesses, each with its own story to tell.
Over the years, it has seen a joiner’s yard, baker, grocer, and meal dealer. There was also the sheep and cattle market, where farmers and traders would come together to strike deals. A tanyard, where skilled hands transformed animal hides into leather, thrived alongside a brewery, where the aroma of malt and hops wafted through the air.
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Within the confines of the dwellings, Benjamin Davidson, the tailor I’ve previously written about, plied his trade near David Swanson, a wright, and Donald Swanson, a blacksmith. Donald, in fact, was the oldest town inhabitant at the time of his passing, actively working until the remarkable age of 91 and died aged 97.
However, even Donald’s long life was surpassed by another Cowgate resident - Margaret Wares, a domestic servant who lived to the astonishing age of 105 in 1866.
Another business was Donald Coghill, a coffee-house keeper, a forerunner to a modern café. The street also bore witness to the rise and fall of inns, including John Gunn’s Red Lion and another under David Swanson’s proprietorship, which opened their doors to those seeking a stronger refreshment than a coffee.
Like many streets of old, Cowgate faced its share of challenges. Drainage and refuse became issues. In the 1860s, the Widow Morrison received a warning, admonishing her for the “nuisance” caused by her refuse water. She was urged to dispose of it at the nearest grating, putting an end to the unsightly mess on the street.
In the 1920s, the street’s name became a topic of discussion within the Thurso Town Council. A division had emerged for some time, with three-quarters of the inhabitants embracing the name Riverside. At the same time, the rest clung to the traditional moniker of Cowgate. This split in nomenclature continued to my understanding until some of the “Atomics” on the council advocated for removing the old name.
The most recent business in the street, a painting and decorating supplier, opened earlier this year after an extensive renovation to the property and the erection of a large extension to the rear. From its humble beginnings as a cattle thoroughfare, the street continues to see businesses flourish beside residential.
• To get in touch, contact thursoheritage1@gmail.com