Scottish Highlands - Historic Churches

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
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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

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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

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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

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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

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Heritage Highlight: 16th century Alexander MacLeod tomb
Photos of Rodel, St Clements Church
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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

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Heritage Highlight: Site of the 12th century Cathedral of the Isles
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In a stunning location by the shore of Loch Eynort stands a pair of historic chapels. The oldest chapel dates to the medieval period and stands on the site of a much older building possibly established by St Maelrubha.
Eynort, Isle of Skye, Highlands and Islands, Scotland, IV47 8SQ

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Heritage Highlight: Links to 7th century St Maelrubha
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A superb medieval cathedral begun in 1137 in honour of St Magnus, Earl Magnus of Orkney. The building is mostly Norman in character, built of alternating bands of red and yellow sandstone. The saint's bones are buried within a pillar in the nave.
Broad Street, Kirkwall, Mainland, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland, KW15 1NX

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Photos of St Magnus Cathedral
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The roofless ruins of a 12th-century church stand in the north-west of the little isle of Egilsay, off the eastern end of Rousay. The church was built in the late 12th century and is composed of a rectangular nave which terminates in a square chancel.
Egilsay, Skaill, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland

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The first cathedral on Orkney, established in AD 1064 by Earl Thorfinn. Earl Magnus was buried here after his murder in 1116. When miracles were reported at his grave the Earl was canonised as St Magnus and a new cathedral in Kirkwall was built to house his shrine. The church we see today dates from 1664, rebult in 1760.
Birsay, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland, KW17 2LX

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Heritage Highlight: The first burial place of St Magnus Orkney, dating to c. 1064
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