Historic churches in Scotland (A - D)

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Aberfeldy, Central Scotland Aberfeldy, St Mary\'s Church 16th century parish church with outstanding painted wooden ceiling. Aberfeldy , Central Scotland , Scotland Location: 2 m NE Aberfeldy, signposted off A827 behind some farm buildings OS map reference: NN886 505 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Auchindoir, Grampian Auchindoir, St Mary's Church Scotland is not blessed with many surviving medieval parish churches, but the old kirk at Auchindoir is one of the best. St Mary's dates to the 13h century, and boasts a lovely 14th century sacrament house, and a wealth of beautiful Romanesque carvings, particularly those on the doorway. The building was remodelled in the 16th and 17th century, but it has stood as a roofless ruin since around 1810. B9002 , Auchindoir , Grampian , Scotland Location: Off the A944 between Rhynie and Lumsden, on the B9002 Website: Auchindoir, St Mary's Church Historic Scotland OS map reference: NJ477244 Photo: JThomas, licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Durness, Highlands and Islands Balnakeil Bay Church Ruined church dating to 8th century. Contains tomb of Donald MacLeod, responsible for 18 deaths. Durness , Highlands and Islands , Scotland Location: on A838 at the Bay by Durness Website: Balnakeil Bay Church OS map reference: NC388685 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Paddockhaugh, Grampian Birnie Church Birnie Church is one of the very few Norman churches in Scotland still in use for worship, and one of the best examples of Norman architecture in the country. The site has been used for worship since long before the current 12th century building was erected, and was probably the site of an early Celtic church dating back to the 6th century. Paddockhaugh , Grampian , Scotland Location: In the hamlet of Paddockhaugh, on minor roads about 3 miles south of Elgin OS map reference: NJ207587 Photo: Iain Macaulay, licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Deerness, Highlands and Islands Brough of Deerness The remains of a 10th century chapel in a spectacular headland setting on the eastern tip of Deerness. Some debate exists whether the site is that of a Norse settlement, early Christian monastery, or Iron Age promontory fort. The Brough has been a traditional site of pilgrimage for centuries. The setting could hardly be more spectacular; the Brough is accessible only by way of a steep path up the side of the Brough from Little Burrageo, but your exertion is well rewarded with fabulous views and the company of seabirds by the hundreds. Mull Head , Deerness , Highlands and Islands , Scotland Location: Parking lot for Mull Head nature reserve, off a minor road signposted from the B9050. The path from the parking lot follows the coast to the Brough of Deerness. OS map reference: HY595088 Photo: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Linlithgow, Lothian Location map Church of St Michael, Linlithgow 15th century Gothic with later alterations, one of the largest and finest medieval churches. West end tower with spire built in 1964. Original south porch with oriel window. Plain interior with stained glass. Linlithgow , Lothian , Scotland , EH49 7AL Location: on A803 Website: Church of St Michael, Linlithgow OS map reference: NT001772 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Stirling, Central Scotland Location map Church of the Holy Rude Scottish Gothic style. Built in stages, oldest part from early 15th century. Nave has 15th century timberwork roof. Massive exterior with buttresses between the great windows. James VI was crowned here in 1567, and John Knox preached the sermon. Stirling , Central Scotland , Scotland , FK8 1ED Location: M9/A9 Website: Church of the Holy Rude OS map reference: NS791936 Photo: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Balnahard, Strathclyde Cill Chaitriona The partial remains of a chapel and burial ground, possibly early medieval, near the northern tip of Colonsay. Local tradition says that the chapel was founded by monks from Iona. Fifty feet or so north of the chapel site is a standing stone known as Clach A'Pheanais, or The Penance Stone, which may have been used for flagellation or other acts of penance by parishioners following confession at the chapel. Colonsay , Balnahard , Strathclyde , Scotland Location: Follow the track past Balnahard Farm towards Balnahard Bay. The chapel is beside a livestock pen to the left of the track. OS map reference: NR421998 Photo: Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Cockburnspath, Borders Cockburnspath Parish Church Unusual round tower in the west gable and sundial. Cockburnspath , Borders , Scotland Location: on A1 OS map reference: NT77447105 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Peebles, Borders Cross Kirk Nave and west tower of Trinitarian Friary. Late 13th century. Peebles , Borders , Scotland Location: on A72 Website: Cross Kirk Historic Scotland OS map reference: NT250407 Photo: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Cullen, Grampian Location map Cullen Old Kirk Much of this ancient church dates 11th century, but the roots of the building go back at least two centuries earlier.  The church is known for its fine stone carvings. Of particular interest is the beautifully carved tomb of Alexander Ogilvie of the Ilk (d. 1554). Old Church Road , Cullen , Grampian , Scotland , AB56 4XW Location: On the A98 Website: Cullen Old Kirk OS map reference: NJ506663 Photo: Anne Burgess, licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Kirktown of Deskford, Highlands and Islands Deskford Church A ruined late medieval church standing beside the Burn of Deskford in a quiet area of Moray countryside. The architectural style is a good example of that traditionally found throughout north east Scotland. Kirktown of Deskford , Highlands and Islands , Scotland Location: 4 miles south of Cullen on the B9018 towards Keith Website: Deskford Church Historic Scotland OS map reference: NJ510616 Photo: JThomas, licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Macduff, Grampian Doune Church Unusual clock tower with only 3 of the 4 sides having faces. Macduff , Grampian , Scotland Location: on A98 OS map reference: NN728015 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Duffus, Grampian Duffus, St Peter\'s Kirk and Parish Cross Roofless remains with 14th century tower and 16th century porch. Burned by Edward I in 1298. Duffus , Grampian , Scotland Location: on B9012, NW Elgin Website: Duffus, St Peter\'s Kirk and Parish Cross Phone: 01667 460 232 Historic Scotland OS map reference: NJ175 686 Photo: Anne Burgess, licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Dunblane, Central Scotland Dunblane Cathedral Restored cathedral now used as parish church. Founded about 1150 by David I. 12th century tower, beautifully designed west front, 210 ft. long interior with simple, soaring lines. Great window with tree of Jesse, carved stalls, wooden barrel vaulted roof. Outstanding choir area and 15th century stalls, Lady Chapel. Dean's House contains a museum. Dunblane , Central Scotland , Scotland Location: N Stirling on B8033, just off M9 Website: Dunblane Cathedral Historic Scotland OS map reference: NN782014 Photo: Barbara Ballard Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Dunkeld, Central Scotland Dunkeld Cathedral Riverside setting with roofless 15th century nave (Gothic tower) and 14th century choir. Small museum on local history. Dunkeld , Central Scotland , Scotland Location: on A923 Website: Dunkeld Cathedral Historic Scotland OS map reference: NO023425 Photo: Barbara Ballard Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering