Historic churches in Scotland Travel and destination information for Scotland
- churches with a particular historic, architectural, or scenic interest.
The church of St Ternan was dedicated in 1242 and is one of the most complete medieval churches in the north east of Scotland. The chancel, and possibly part of the nave, survive from that 13th century building. The west belltower was added by Sir Robert Arbuthnott of that Ilk in 1500.
Arbuthnott,
Grampian,
Scotland
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
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
Only a side apse survives of a Dominican friary church, built in the early 16th century. Blackfriars (so named for the black habits wor by the Dominican order) was a large monastery established by Bishop William Wishart (1272-1279).
South Street,
St Andrews,
Fife,
Scotland
Attraction Type:
Church Heritage Rating:? Location: In South Street opposite the junction of Bell Street. Not signposted.
The first reference to a church at Brechin comes from the reign of Kenneth II (971-995) when the king endowed a monastery here as a base for Culdee monks. Some of the carved stones now on display inside the cathedral are almost certainly linked to the 10th century monastery.
6 Church Street,
Brechin,
Tayside,
Scotland,
DD9 6EU
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.
Deerness,
Mull Head,
Orkney,
Highlands and Islands,
Scotland
A late medieval collegiate church in Gothic style, founded in 1504 by John, Lord Semple. Lord John was killed at the Battle of Flodden in 1513, and an apse was added to the church to make space for his memorial. The roofless church measures just over 71 feet x 24'3" wide, with a striking square tower at the west end.
Howwood,
Strathclyde,
Scotland
Attraction Type:
Church Heritage Rating:? Location: 2 miles west of Howwood on the B787, then on to the B776. You can also reach the church from the country park by way of the Castle Semple Visitor Centre.
The foundation walls are all that remain of a small chapel associated with St Finian. The chapel is set within a walled enclosure, in typical Irish style. The chapel may have been built as a haven for pilgrims making their way to St Ninian's shrine at Whithorn from the nearby landing place on the shore of Luce Bay.
A747,
Port William,
Dumfries and Galloway,
Scotland
Attraction Type:
Church Heritage Rating:? Location: 5 miles north west of Port William on the A747 coastal road. Open site.
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
The most intriguing historic church in Stirling, built in Scottish Gothic style. Holy Rude was built in stages, the oldest part dating to the early 15th century. The nave has a lovely 15th century timberwork roof. The massive exterior features thick buttresses between the great windows. James VI was crowned here in 1567, when John Knox preached the sermon. Several gravestones in the churchyard show bullet holes from action during the second Jacobite rebellion.
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,
Argyll and Bute,
Strathclyde,
Scotland
Attraction Type:
Church Heritage Highlight: Chapel perhaps founded by monks from Iona. Heritage Rating:? Location: Follow the track past Balnahard Farm towards Balnahard Bay. The chapel is beside a livestock pen to the left of the track.
OSNR421998 Nearest
attractions and accommodation Nearest:hotels - cottages - Bed
and Breakfasts
A fascinating site with a rich history, Cille Bharra stands near the northern end of the Eoligarry peninsula, north of Barra airport and its unique beach runway. Within the stone walls enclosing the site stand three chapels, two now ruinous, dedicated to St Barr, the 7th century Irish monk who gave his name to the island of Barra. The chapels probably date to the 12th century and later, but may occupy the site of much earlier buildings.
Eoligarry,
Eoligarry,
Barra,
Highlands and Islands,
Scotland
Attraction Type:
Church Heritage Rating:? Location: Beyond Barra airport, in Eoligarry township at the north end of Barra. Large parking area beside the churchyard.
There may have been a church here in the early medieval period; certainly one existed by the 14th or early 15th century. Much of the current building is the result of a Victorian rebuilding. However the really intriguing feature of Cockburnspath kirk is the unusual rounded tower, situated in the centre of the west gable.
Cockburnspath,
Borders,
Scotland
Attraction Type:
Church Heritage Rating:? Location: Cockburnspath village is just off the A1. The church is just off the market square, a few steps from the mercat cross.
Atop the high sandstone cliffs just north of Stonehaven stand the roofless ruins of a 13th century chapel, dedicated to St Mary, and known locally as St Mary of the Storms. The circular churchyard traditionally marks the site where a chapel was established by the Scottish saint Nathalan, or Nachlan, sometime in the 7th century. Nathalan also established churches at Coull and Tullich and taught his followers how to grow crops.
This quiet little 12th century church stands in a wooded copse set in the middle of a farm field like an oasis in a desert. The church dates to the period between 1125-1150, and is accounted the most complete Romanesque church in Galloway. Cruggleton was built by Fergus, the 1st Lord of Galloway, of nearby Cruggleton Castle, to serve as his private chapel.
B7063,
Garlieston,
Dumfries and Galloway,
Scotland
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
St Bridget's Church at Dalgety is a ruinous 12th century building on the edge of the cliffs looking over Dalgetty Bay. The church first enters the historical records in 1178 when it is mentioned in a papal bull, so it must have ben in existence for some time before that.
A921,
Dalgety,
Fife,
Scotland
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
An unusual clock tower with only 3 of the 4 sides having faces. The church stands in an elevated position overloooking Banff Bay. The church is also known as MacDuff parish church.
We know that there was a church here as early as 1226. The roofless remains feature a 14th century tower and finely vaulted 16th century porch. The kirk was burned by Edward I in 1298, and after it was burned the rector received a gift of 20 oaks from Edward to help with repairs.
Duffus,
Grampian,
Scotland
Attraction Type:
Church Heritage Highlight: Medieval market cross and vaulted porch Heritage Rating:? Location: On the B9012, northwest of Elgin. Keys next door.
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
A mid-15th century church that once served as a collegiate chapel. The original church at Dunglass was founded sometime prior to 1423 as the Chapel of St Mary. Sometime around 1443-4 it was refounded with a college of canons by Sir Alexander Hume (sometimes spelled as 'Home'), and the charter was confirmed by James II in 1450-51.
Cockburnspath,
Lothian,
Scotland
Attraction Type:
Church Heritage Rating:? Location: 1 mile north west of Cockburnspath off the A1
In a secluded spot in Dunnottar Wood, on the outskirts of Stonehaven, stands historic Dunottar church. Hang on, what is Dunottar church doing so far from Dunottar itself? For the answer to that question we have to go back in time to the 5th century, when St Ninian founded a church on the windswept headland known as the Rock of Dunnottar, 2 miles south of Stonehaven.
Dunnottar Manse,
Stonehaven,
Grampian,
Scotland,
AB39 3XL
Attraction Type:
Church Heritage Highlight: 16th century Marischal Aisle and 17th century Covenanter's Stone in the churchyard Heritage Rating:? Location: On the edge of the Woods of Dunnottar park, on the south western edge of Stonehaven
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