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, Tayside Aberfeldy, St Mary's Church 16th century parish church with outstanding painted wooden ceiling. Aberfeldy , Tayside , Scotland Location: 2 m NE Aberfeldy, signposted off A827 behind some farm buildings OS map reference: NN886 505 Photo: Ronnie Leask, licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Arbuthnott, Grampian Arbuthnott, St Ternan's Church 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 Location: On a smalll lane south off the B967 in Arbuthnott village, 2 miles west of Inverbervie OS map reference: NO801746 Photo: David Ross and Britain Express 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: David Ross and Britain Express 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 Photo: Anne Burgess, licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence 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: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

St Andrews, Fife Blackfriars Chapel 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 Location: In South Street opposite the junction of Bell Street. Not signposted. Website: Blackfriars Chapel Historic Scotland OS map reference: NO507165 Photo: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Brechin, Tayside Location map Brechin Cathedral 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 Location: On Church Street, well signposted from surrounding roads. Free parking nearby. Website: Brechin Cathedral Phone: 01356 629360 OS map reference: NO596600 Photo: David Ross and Britain Express 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

Howwood, Strathclyde Castle Semple Collegiate Church 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 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. Website: Castle Semple Collegiate Church Historic Scotland OS map reference: NS377601 Photo: Philip Halling, licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Port William, Dumfries and Galloway Chapel Finian 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 Location: 5 miles north west of Port William on the A747 coastal road. Open site. Website: Chapel Finian Historic Scotland OS map reference: NX278489 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 Photo: Mr H, licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Stirling, Central Scotland Location map Church of the Holy Rude 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. 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

Eoligarry, Highlands and Islands Cille Bharra Church 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 , Highlands and Islands , Scotland Location: Beyond Barra airport, in Eoligarry township at the north end of Barra. Large parking area beside the churchyard. OS map reference: NF705075 Photo: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Cockburnspath, Borders Cockburnspath Parish Church 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 Location: Cockburnspath village is just off the A1. The church is just off the market square, a few steps from the mercat cross. OS map reference: NT77447105 Photo: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Stonehaven, Grampian Location map Cowie Chapel, St Mary of the Storms 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. Stonehaven , Grampian , Scotland , AB39 3RE Location: Immediately downhill of Stonehaven golf course clubhouse. Also accessed via a clifftop trail from Stonehaven. OS map reference: NO884873 Photo: David Ross and Britain Express 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

Garlieston, Dumfries and Galloway Cruggleton Church 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 Location: Immediately east of the B7063, easily visible from the road. Verge parking and a level walk across the fields. OS map reference: NX478428 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

Dalgety, Fife Dalgety, St Bridget's Kirk 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 Location: On the Fife coastal path east of Dalgety Bay, 2 miles south west of Aberdour, south off the A921. Website: Dalgety, St Bridget's Kirk Historic Scotland OS map reference: NT169838 Photo: JThomas, 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 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. Macduff , Grampian , Scotland Location: On the A98 OS map reference: NJ701643 Photo: Martyn Gorman, licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Duffus, Grampian Duffus, St Peter's Kirk and Parish Cross 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 Location: On the B9012, northwest of Elgin. Keys next door. Website: Duffus, St Peter's Kirk and Parish Cross Phone: 01667 460 232 Historic Scotland OS map reference: NJ175 686 Photo: David Ross and Britain Express 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: John Salmon, licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Cockburnspath, Lothian Dunglass Collegiate Church 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 Location: 1 mile north west of Cockburnspath off the A1 Website: Dunglass Collegiate Church Historic Scotland OS map reference: NT766718 Photo: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Dunkeld, Tayside Dunkeld Cathedral Riverside setting with roofless 15th century nave (Gothic tower) and 14th century choir. Small museum on local history. Dunkeld , Tayside , Scotland Location: on A923 Website: Dunkeld Cathedral Historic Scotland OS map reference: NO023425 Photo: Dr Richard Murray, licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Stonehaven, Grampian Location map Dunnottar Church and Marischal Aisle 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 Location: On the edge of the Woods of Dunnottar park, on the south western edge of Stonehaven Website: Dunnottar Church and Marischal Aisle OS map reference: NO862851 Photo: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering