UK – Scotland

N.E. HIGHLANDS

Dornoch Cathedral, On A949, Castle Street, Dornoch, Sutherland, Scotland.
01862 810 357 – revsbrown@aol.com
May – September during daylight hours
Small cathedral founded in 1224, partly destroyed by fire in 1570 and restored in the 17C, 1835-37 and again in 1924. Fine 13C stonework is still visible.

Hilton of Cadboll Chapel, In the Village Of Hilton, 12 miles NE of Invergordon, Hilton, Inverness-shire, Scotland.
01667 460 232
Access at all times
Foundation remains of a small rectangular chapel and modern reconstruction of the famous Pictish Cross Slab found on the site.

Fortrose Cathedral, On the A832, Fortrose, Ross & Cromarty, Scotland.
01667 460 232
Grounds open all year round Cathedral Open April – Sept Mon-Sat 09.30-19.00 Sun 14.00-19.00 Oct – March Mon-Sat 09.30-16.00 Sun 14.00-16.00
Surviving fragments of a 13C vaulted undercroft of the chapter house and the south aisle of the 14C nave. Also canopied monument and memorials.

(NOT FREE) Saint Andrews Cathedral, Ardross Street, Inverness, Inverness-shire, IV3 5NS, Scotland.
01463 233 535 – office@inverness-cathedral.co.uk
Open daily from 08.00
The first new cathedral to be completed in Britain since the reformation, built in 1866-1869, in Gothic style. Features twin towers with a ring of 10 bells, octagonal chapter house, monolithic pillars of polished granite, stained glass and sculptures.

N.W. HIGHLANDS

Croick Church, Croick, 10 miles West of Ardgay, Strathcarron, Wester Ross, Scotland.
enquiries@croickchurch.com – www.croickchurch.com
Open all year
The church and its minister figuerd prominently in the clearence of Glencalvie in 1845, a tragic event that is recorded in messages scratched on its East window.

TAYSIDE

Restenneth Priory, On the B9113 Forfar to Montrose Road, Just over 1 mile outside Forfar, Forfar, Angus & Dundee, Scotland.
Access at all times
A house of Augustinian Canons probably built by King David on the site of an earlier church. An interesting feature is the all square tower with a brooch spire.

Cathedral Church of St Paul Castle Hill, 1 High Street, Dundee, Angus & Dundee, DD1 1TD, Scotland.
01382 224 486 – email@stpaulscathedraldundee.org – www.stpaulscathedraldundee.org
April – Sept ( Tues – Sat ) 11.00 – 15.30 October – March ( Tues – Sat ) 12.00 – 15.00
Built in 1853 by Sir George Gilbert Scott the church is designed in beautiful Neo-Gothic style.

St Andrews Kirk and Glasite Hall, King Street, Cowgate, Dundee, Angus & Dundee, Scotland.
petrieduncan@aol.com
(Tue & Thur) 10.00-12.00
Designed by Samuel Bell in 1722 the church has some fabulous stained glass.

St Marys Tower and City Churches, Nethergate, Dundee, Angus & Dundee, DD1 4DG, Scotland.
01382 226 271 – office@dundeestmarys.co.uk – www.dundeestmarys.co.uk
May-Aug weekdays except Wednesday 10.00-12.00, Sunday 10.00-13.00
This is the most substantial medieval church tower in Scotland dating from 1460 with a hammer beam roof and galleried aisles. There are 232 steps to climb before you can appreciate the view.

GRAMPIAN

Aberdeen Cathedral Church Of St Machar, Chanonry, Old Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, AB24 1RQ, Scotland.
01224 485 988 – office@stmachar.com – www.stmachar.com
Open all year daily 09.00-17.00 Winter 10.00 – 16.00 except for weddings, funerals and unscheduled events.
The present building dates from 1350-1520, but is built on an ancient site of worship which dates from 580 AD. There had been a Cathedral Church on the site since 1140. The building is a twin towered granite structure.

St Laurence Church, High Street, Forres, Morayshire, Scotland.
01309 672 260 – barryj.boydstlaurence@btinternet.com
1st Monday in May – Last Friday in Sept 10.00-12.00 & 14.00-16.00
Built in 1904 and opened in 1906 this church stands on a site of an earlier 13C chapel. The main tower and spire reach a height of 120 feet.

Kirk Of St Nicholas, Union Street, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
01224 643 494 – www.kirk-of-st-nicholas.org.uk
May-Sep (Mon-Fri) 12.00-16.00 (Sat) 13.00-15.00
Historic city church and chapel of the oil industry. St Nicholas Kirk contains the best preserved collection of stone effigies surviving from a Scottish medieval church, comprising four male and three female figures.

Kinkell Church, 2 miles S of Inverurie, Off the B993, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
01667 460 232
Access at all times
16C ruins of a Parish Church with ornate details.

Deer Abbey, On the A95030, 2 miles W of Mintlaw, Mintlaw, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
01667 460 232
Access at all times
The remains of a Cistercian monastery founded in 1219, a beautiful sight at sunset.

St Mary’s Kirk, Auchindoir, Off the A994 Between Rhynie and Lumsden on the B9002, Auchindoir, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
Access at all times
Ruins of a Medieval parish Church including an early 16C Sacrament House.

St Congan’s Church, Castle Street, Turriff, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
Exterior View
13C Church and surrounding church yard containing a variety of sculptured and inscribed stones, in addition to many 16 and 17C memorial stones.

Fyvie Parish Church, East end of Fyvie, Turriff, Fyvie, Aberdeenshire, AB53 8RD, Scotland.
01651 891 230 Please phone for opening times
19C Kirk with Tiffany glass windows, a Laird’s Pew and a Wine Glass Pulpit.

FIFE

St Bridget’s Kirk, Off the A92 at Dalgetty Bay, 2 miles SW of Aberdour, Aberdour, Fife, Scotland.
Access at all times
The shell of a medieval church altered in the 17C by Protestants. Features include a burial vault with a Laird’s loft above for the Earl of Dunfermline.

Blackfriar’s Chapel, South Street, St Andrews, Fife, Scotland.
Exterior View Only
The vaulted side apse of a church of Dominican Friars rebuilt around 1516.

St Mary’s Church, Kirkheugh, St Andrews, Fife, Scotland.
Access at all times
Remains of a small cruciform church situated on the edge of a cliff. The building was the earliest collegiate church in Scotland and was destroyed during the Reformation.

St Fillan’s Parish Church, Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife, KY3 0UP, Scotland.
Exterior View Only – Worship times Sunday 10.30
A small church that dates back to 1123.

ISLANDS

Pierowall Church, On the S coast of the Island of Westray, In the village of Pierowall, Westray, Orkney, Scotland.
01856 841 815
Access at all times
Medieval ruined church with intricately carved tombstones.

Westside Church, Bay of Tuquoy, 3 miles S of Pierowall Village, Westray, Orkney, Scotland.
01856 841 815
Access at all times
Roofless 12C Romanesque church.

Eynhallow Church, On the Island of Eynhallow, Eynhallow, Orkney, Scotland.
Access at all times
Ruined 12C church and remains of a group of domestic buildings.

Church of St Magnus, On the Island of Egilsay, Egilsay, Orkney, Scotland.
Access at all times
A complete but roofless ruin of a 12C church, with Irish style round tower, situated in a dramatic location.

St Magnus Cathedral, Broad Street, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1NX, Scotland.
01856 874 894
Apr-Sep (Mon-Fri) 09.00-18.00 (Sun) 14.00-18.00, Oct-Mar (Mon-Fri) 09.00-13.00 & 14.00-17.00
The building which is still in regular use as a church was originally built between 1137 and 12.00 with remains of a group of domestic buildings.

Italian Chapel, Lambholm, 7 miles S of Kirkwall off the A961, Lambholm, Orkney, Scotland.
01856 781 268 Open all year, daylight hours.
Two Nissen huts that were transformed into a small chapel by Italian Prisoners Of War.

St Clement’s Church, Rodel, At the S end of the Isle of Harris, On the A859, Rodel, Isle of Harris, Scotland.
Access at all times
16C Church built by Alexander MacLeod of Dunvegan and Harris. The interior of the church contains his elaborately carved tomb.

BORDERS

Edrom Church, Edrom Churchyard, Edrom, Off the A6015 3.5 miles NE of Dunns, Edrom, Scottish Borders, Scotland.
Access at any reasonable time
Norman chancel arch from the church dating from around 1105 and built by Thor Longus.

Ladykirk, Off B6470, 5.5 miles NE of Coldstream, Ladykirk, Scottish Borders, Scotland.
Access at any reasonable time
Built in 1500 by James IV in memory of Our Lady who saved him from drowning. The church was built under the order that it should be able to withstand fire and flood, hence it’s all stone construction including no wooden rafters and stone pews.

Kelso Abbey, Bridge Street, Kelso, Roxburghshire, Kelso, Scottish Borders, Scotland.
Open at all times
The west end of the Great Abbey Church of the Tironensians who were brought to Kelso by David I in 1128. Even in it’s present state it remains one of the Great Border Abbeys.

Jedburgh Friary, Jedburgh, Scottish Borders, Scotland.
Access at all times
An ongoing archaeology project has uncovered the remains of this 16C Franciscan building.

Cross Kirk, Cross Road, On A703 Peebles, Scottish Borders, Scotland.
Access at all times
The nave and tower of a Trinitarian Friary founded in the late 13C.

DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY

St Ninian’s Chapel, Isle of Whithorn, On the A747, 4 miles from Whithorn, Isle of Whithorn, Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland.
0131 688 8830
Access at all times
13th century chapel thought to be where St Ninian landed.

Chapel Finian, On the A747 5 miles NW of Port William, Port William, Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland.
0131 668 8800
Access at all times
The chapel which dates from the 10C was probably named after St Finian who studied at Whithorn. The low walls of the building remain on part of a long raised beach.

Durisdeer Church, On the A702 6 miles NE of Thornhill, Durisdeer, Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland.
Open all year
The church houses the Queensberry Marbles and in the vault below are 29 lead coffins containing ancient remains of the Clan Douglas. The well path was once part of a medieval pilgrimage route to Whithorn.

Lincluden Collegiate Church, Of the A76 1 mile N of Dumfries, Dumfries, Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland.
0131 668 8800
Open April-Sept Mon – Sun 09.30-18.30 Oct – March Mon-Sat 09.30-16.30 & Sun 14.00-16.30
Remains of a 15C Collegiate Church which was built by the Duke of Tourane and provided accommodation for its cannons.

Sanquhar Church, Sanquhar, Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland.
01659 50596
Key available from Tollbooth.
19C Church which houses an varied display of historic items. Including a medieval stone effigy of a monk, an early medieval cross slab and an effigy of St Nicholas that was discovered to the South of the town.

CENTRAL SCOTLAND (PERTHSHIRE & STIRLINGSHIRE)

Church of the Holy Rude, St John’s Street, Stirling, Stirlingshire, Scotland.
01786 475 275
Easter – Oct 11.00 – 16.00.
Donations Welcomed. Reputed to be the only church in Scotland still in use that had witnessed a coronation. That of James VI in 1567.

Cambuskenneth Abbey, 1 mile E of Stirling, Off the A907, Stirling, Stirlingshire, Scotland.
Summers Only (Exterior view only.)
Abbey ruins founded in 1147 as a house of Augustinian Canons. Robert The Bruce held parliament here in 1326 and James III and his queen were buried on the site. The fine detached tower had survived in good condition.

Innerpeffray Chapel, Off the B8062, Between Crieff and Auchterarder, Crieff, Perthshire, Scotland.
Open Summer Only
A rectangular collegiate church founded in 1508. Still retains its altar, evidence of its furnishings and some painted details.

St Serfs Church, Dunning, Perthshire, Scotland.
Exterior view only
Square Romanesque tower and tower arch.

(Donation asked of £1) St John’s Kirk, St John’s Street, Perth, Perthshire, Scotland.
bookings@st-johns-kirk.co.uk – www.st-johns-kirk.co.uk
East-Sep (Mon-Sat) 10.00-12.00 & 14.00-16.00 (Sun) 12.00-14.00
Consecrated in 1242 the present church dates for the 15C and was restored between 1923 and 1926 as a war memorial.

Dunkeld Cathedral, Off The A9, High Street, Dunkeld, Perthshire, Scotland.
01350 727 792 – j.f.moffat@amserve.net – www.dunkeldcathedral.org
April-Sep (Mon-Sat) 09.00-18.30
The Cathedral situated on the banks of the River Tay was originally 12C, The restored choir is now used as the Parish Church.

Muthill Church & Tower, on the A823, 5 miles S of Crieff, Muthill, Perthshire, Scotland.
Keys to access the grounds available from the Post Office in Muthill
Ruins of an important 15C parish church with tall Romanesque tower at the West end.

Tullibardine Chapel, Off the A823 Crieff Road, 2 miles NW of Auchterarder, Auchterarder, Perthshire, Scotland.
Open Summers Only
One of the most complete and unaltered medieval churches in Scotland dating from 1446.

Dunblane Cathedral, The Cross, 7 miles N of Stirling, Dunblane, Perthshire, FK15 0AQ, Scotland.
01786 825 388 – office@dunblanecathedral.org.uk – www.dunblanecathedral.org.uk
April-Sep (Mon-Sat) 09.30-18.30 (Sun) 14.00-18.00, Oct-March (Mon-Sat) 09.30-16.30 (Sun) 14.00-16.30
The existing structure was built in the 13C by King David on the site of St Blane’s tiny 8C cell, the site now contains partly restored ruins.

ARGYLL

St Mary’s Chapel, Top of High Street, In the Townhead area of Rothesay, Isle of Bute, Rothesay, Argyll & Bute, Scotland.
Open all year
Late medieval remains of the chancel of the Parish Church of St Mary with fine tombs.

St Blane’s Church, Kingarth, S end of Isle of Bute, 8 miles S of Rothesay, Kingarth, Argyll & Bute, Scotland.
Access at all times
Ruins of a 12C Romanesque chapel set in the foundations of a Celtic monastery.

Ardchattan Priory, On the N side of Loch Etive, 6.5 miles NE of Oban, off the A828, Oban, Argyll & Bute, Scotland.
Open all year
Ruins of a priory founded in 1230 and later. Burned by Cromwell’s soldiers in 1654. The remains include numerous carved stones.

Keills Chapel, 6 miles SW of Tayvallich, Off the B8025, Tayvallich, Argyll & Bute, Scotland.
Access at all times
Small West Highland Chapel housing a collection of early grave slabs and Keills cross.

Kilmory Knap Chapel, on the shore between Loch Sween and Loch Caolisport, In S Knapdale, Off the B8025, Knapdale, Argyll & Bute, Scotland.
Access at all times
Medieval West Highland Church with a collection of typical grave slabs. In the church is Macmillian’s Cross a beautiful example of medieval carving.

Saddell Abbey, On the B842, 9 miles NNW of Campbeltown, Campbeltown, Argyll & Bute, Scotland.
Access at all times
Built in 12C by Somerled, Lord Of The Isles or his son Reginald. Only the walls of the building are now standing with fine sculptured and carved tombstones.

AYRSHIRE, STRATHCLYDE & LANARKSHIRE

Old Parish Church, Strathmore Road, Hamilton, Lanarkshire, ML3 6AQ, Scotland.
01698 281 905 – office@hopc.fsnet.co.uk – www.hopc.fsnet.co.uk
(Mon-Fri) 10.30-15.30 (Sat) 10.30-12.00 (Sun) after 10.45. Evenings by appointment.
Oldest building in Hamilton, the only church designed by William Adam between 1732-1734. The roof timbers are full of lead shot as they came originally from an old Man Of War. Elaborately detailed engraved glass windows depict the history of the church.

GLASGOW CITY

Cathedral Square, Glasgow, Strathclyde, G4 0QZ, Scotland.
0141 552 6891 – cathedral@amserve.com – www.glasgow-cathedral.com
April-Sep (Mon-Sat) 09.30-18.00 Closes at 17.00 on Sundays Oct-March (Mon-Sun) 09.30-16.00
Dedicated to St. Mungo the patron saint of Glasgow the Cathedral is made up of a double church which was begun in the 12C and completed some 300 years later. The lower church contains the crypt of St. Mungo and has been revered since the 6C.

St Mungo Museum Of Religious Life And Art, 2 Castle Street, Glasgow, Strathclyde, G4 0RH, Scotland.
0141 553 2557
Mon-Thurs & Sat 10.00-17.00 Fri & Sun 11.00-17.00
Large collection of artefacts representing the diverse number of religions that have settled throughout the centuries in Glasgow. Salvador Dali’s ‘ Christ Of St. John Of The Cross’ forms the centrepiece to the display.

(NOT FREE) The Mackintosh Church At Queen’s Cross, 870 Garscube Road, Glasgow, Strathclyde, G20 7EL, Scotland.
0141 946 6600 – info@crmsociety.com – www.crmsociety.com
(Mon-Fri) 10.30-17.00 (Sun) 14.30-17.00
The only church designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and now the Headquarters of the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society who have extensively restored the building.

EDINBURGH CITY

St Giles Cathedral, High Street, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH1 1RE, Scotland.
0131 225 9442 – info@stgiles.net – www.stgiles.net
March – Sept (Mon-Fri) 09.00-19.00 Sat 09.00-17.00 Sun 13.00-17.00 Oct – April (Mon-Sat) 09.00-17.00 Sun 13.00-17.00
Principal church of Edinburgh. Contains many memorials to great Scots. Fine Victorian and 20C stained glass and a magnificent modern organ.John Knox is apparently buried under the car park. ( Free Admission but Suggested Donation )

The Tron Church – Old Town Information Centre and Visitor Attraction, 122 High Street, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH1 1RU, Scotland.
0131 225 8408 – oldtowninfo@excite.com
Jan – Dec April – Oct Mon – Sun 10.00-17.00 Nov – March Mon – Sun 12.00-17.00
People traditionally gathered around the Tron to celebrate Hogmany. Inside is an excavated section of Marlin’s Wynd, rediscovered after 500 years and now part of the legendary Edinburgh’s Underground City.

Greyfriar’s Kirk, Greyfriar’s Place, Junction with Candlemakers Row, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH1 2QQ, Scotland.
0131 225 1900 – administrator@greyfriarskirk.com – www.greyfriarskirk.com
April-Oct (Mon-Fri) 10.30-16.30 (Sat)10.30-14.30 Nov – March Thursdays 13.10-15.30 – Churchyard open every day 09.00-18.00
Where the National Covenant was signed in 1638. Scotland’s finest collection of 16 and 17C funeral monuments. Near Greyfriar’s Bobby the monument to the faithful Skye terrier whose stayed by his master’s grave for 14 years after he was buried in the church.

Canongate Kirk, Canongate, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH8 8BN, Scotland.
0131 226 5138 – www.canongatekirk.com
Jun-Sep (Mon-Sat) 10.30-16.30
Historic 300 yr old church recently renovated and restored. Parish church of Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh Castle.

St Triduana’s Chapel, At Restalrig Church, Off Restalrig Road South, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland.
0131 554 7400
Arrange access Mon – Fri 09.00-17.00 contact St Margaret’s Parish Church Restalrig 0131 554 7400.
Lower part of the chapel houses the shrine of St Triduana, a Pictish Saint. The hexagonal vaulted chamber is unique.

St Mary’s Cathedral, Palmerston Place, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH12 5AW, Scotland.
0131 225 6293 – office@cathedral.net – www.cathedral.net
Mon – Fri 07.30 – 18.00 Sat-Sun 07.30 – 17.00
Episcopal cathedral built in 1879. Central spire is 276 feet high. Impressive interior.

Parish Church Of St Cuthbert, 5 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH1 2EP, Scotland.
0131 229 1142 – office@st-cuthberts.net – www.st-cuthberts.net
April-Sep (Mon-Sat) 10.00-16.00
Seventh church on this site, present one built in 1894 retaining 1790 tower. Renaissance style stalls, marble communion table, mural, stained glass by Tiffany. Famous name graves.

LOTHIANS

Dunglass Collegiate Church, West off the A1, signposted Bilsdean, 1 mile NW of Cockburnspath, Cockburnspath, Berwickshire, Scotland.]
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Access at all times
Cross shaped church with vaulted nave,choir and transepts all with stone slab roofs. Founded 1450.

Edrom Church, Edrom Churchyard, Off the A6015, 3.5 miles NE of Duns, Edrom, Berwickshire, Scotland.
Access at all times
Norman chancel arch built by Thor Longus about 1105.

Borthwick Parish Church, Borthwick, 2 miles Se of Gorebridge, Borthwick, Midlothian, Scotland.
Open all year daily
Largely Victorian Church. Aisle and vault dating from 15C, 12C apse and memorials from 18 & 19C. 2 15C effigies thought to be the best preserved in Scotland.

Crichton Collegiate Church, Crichton Village, Off the B6367, 1.5 miles E of Gorebridge, Crichton, Midlothian, Scotland.
01875 320 364 – johnlglamotte@aol.com
Summer Only Sunday 14.00-16.00 Advisable to phone ahead of visiting
Medieval Church built by William Crighton in 1449, with unique 19C stained glass windows.

Saint Martin’s Kirk, On the East Outskirts of Haddington, Off the A1, Haddington, Haddington, East Lothian, Scotland.
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Access at all times
Ruined nave of a Romanesque Church altered in the 13C.

St Mary’s Parish Church, Sidegate, Haddington, East Lothian, EH41 4BZ, Scotland.
01620 823 109
April – Sep (Mon-Sat) 11.00-16.00 (Sun) 14.00-16.30
14C Medieval cruciform church. East Lothian’s “Cathedral”. Completely restored 1971-1973. Features Burne Jones and Sax Shaw windows, Lammermuir pipe organ. Situated beside the River Tyne.

Dalmeny Parish Church, Main Street, Dalmeny, 15 miles W of Edinburgh, Dalmeny, West Lothian, Scotland.
Key available from Manse or Post Office Open April – Sept Sundays 14.00-16.30
Best preserved Norman Church in Scotland dating from the 12C.

Kirk of Calder, Main Street, Mid Calder, 12 miles W of Edinburgh, Mid Calder, West Lothian, EH53 0AN, Scotland.
01506 882 495 – minister@kirkofcalder.com – www.kirkofcalder.com
May-Sep 14.00-16.00
16C Parish Church that won the West Lothian award for conservation in 1992.