Scottish Highlands - Historic Churches

The Old High Church (so named for the height of its tower) is the oldest church in Inverness and the 14th-century base of its tower is the oldest structure. Jacobite prisoners were held in the tower following the Battle of Culloden and executed in the churchyard.
Church Street, Inverness, Highlands and Islands, Scotland, IV1 1EY

Heritage Rating:   ?

Heritage Highlight: 14th-century tower base
Nearest: Hotels - Self Catering - Bed and Breakfasts

The Italian Chapel is a shrine built by Italian prisoners of war during WWII, using a Quonset hut and salvaged scraps of metal and wood. The chapel is a moving example of the marriage of faith and art under trying circumstances. The interior is beautifully painted and contains lovely ironwork and trompe l'oeil artwork.
Lamb Holm, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland, KW17 2RT

Heritage Rating:   ?

Nearest: Hotels - Self Catering - Bed and Breakfasts

This ancient cross, now covered in lichen, stands on a Victorian plinth atop a small hill beside the road. The cross was discovered in 'the old graveyard' at Kilphedder and set in place by Dr Alexander MacLeod of Balelone.
A865, Scolpaig, Highlands and Islands, Scotland

Attraction Type: Church - Early Christian Cross
Heritage Rating:   ?

Nearest: Hotels - Self Catering - Bed and Breakfasts

The Old Kirk of Nigg dates to at least 1626, on a site where there has been worship for over 1200 years. Inside the church is the Nigg Stone, a magnificent 8th-century Pictish cross-slab carved in superb detail with Pictish symbols and Biblical scenes.
Nigg, Highlands and Islands, Scotland, IV19 1QR

Attraction Type: Church - Pictish Stone
Heritage Rating:   ?

Heritage Highlight: Superb 8th-century Pictish cross slab
Nearest: Hotels - Self Catering - Bed and Breakfasts

One of the most important ecclesiastical sites in the southern isles, Nunton chapel stands in the burial ground near Nunton Steadings cultural centre, just south of Balivanich. It is the only early Christian site on Benbecula still in use. Persistent legend suggests that there was an early Christian presence here associated with the Celtic monastery established by St Columba at Iona.
B892, Nunton, Benbecula, Highlands and Islands, Scotland

Heritage Rating:   ?

Nearest: Hotels - Self Catering - Bed and Breakfasts

Orphir Round Church is the last surviving round church in Scotland. Built in the 12th century, probably by Earl Hakon, whose feasting hall is located immediately beside the church. Both sites are located behind the Orkneyinga Centre, where you can learn about the Norse influence on Orkney and the history of the Orkneyinga Saga.
Orphir, Mainland, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland

Heritage Rating:   ?

Nearest: Hotels - Self Catering - Bed and Breakfasts

A ruined and roofless medieval church looks out to sea at Pierowall on Westray Island. The major historic interest here is a small collection of finely carved medieval tombstones. The church, also known as Lady Kirk, was built in the 13th century, but much of what we can see today is the result of rebuilding in the 17th century.
Pierowall, Westray, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland

Heritage Rating:   ?

Nearest: Hotels - Self Catering - Bed and Breakfasts

The church of St Clements at Rodel is probably the finest late medieval church in the West of Scotland. Rodel is famous for the superbly carved tomb of Alexander MacLeod of Harris (d. 1547), depicting hunting, sailing, and religious figures. There are also three tombs of knights and 16th-century grave slabs carved from gneiss.
Rodel, Western Isles, Highlands and Islands, Scotland

Heritage Rating:   ?

Heritage Highlight: 16th century Alexander MacLeod tomb
Photos of Rodel, St Clements Church
Nearest: Hotels - Self Catering - Bed and Breakfasts

In the churchyard of Avoch Parish Church stands a memorial to Sir Alexander Mackenzie, the first man to traverse Canada from coast to coast. Mackenzie made two expeditions in the Canadian northwest, finding a route first to the Beaufort Sea and second to the Pacific Ocean. He returned to Scotland and became laird of Avoch.
Avoch Parish Church, Braehead, Avoch, Highlands and Islands, Scotland, IV9 8QJ

Attraction Type: Church - Memorial
Heritage Rating:   ?

Nearest: Hotels - Self Catering - Bed and Breakfasts

On an island in the River Snizort stands the remains of the 12th century cathedral of the Bishops of the Isles, plus a 12th century chapel dedicated to St Columba, who is said to have preached here. Look for 16th century grave slabs of crusading knights.
A850, Skeabost, Isle of Skye, Highlands and Islands, Scotland

Heritage Rating:   ?

Heritage Highlight: Site of the 12th century Cathedral of the Isles
Nearest: Hotels - Self Catering - Bed and Breakfasts