From overgrown ruins to magnificent cathedrals, Scotland has something for all aficionados of history, architecture and faith when it comes to the churches on display here. Some like Mackintosh Church in Glasgow are famous for being designed by legendary architects like Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
Others, like St Giles’ Cathedral in the historic Scottish capital of Edinburgh, have recently dominated headlines for acting as the site where Queen Elizabeth II lay at rest while her body was in Scotland after passing away in Balmoral.
The BBC tells us that the “history of Christianity in Scotland goes back to 400 CE” and so these houses of worship scattered across the country represent a prominent aspect of our Scottish heritage. That said, here are 21 incredible churches in Scotland that were voted in by our Scotsman readers, we hope you enjoy them.
Disclaimer: the list is entitled “Scottish churches” but some liberties may have been taken as to what falls under this term e.g., ruins.
5. Kilconquhar Parish Church
Kilconquhar Parish Church is situated on the west end of the picturesque Kilconquhar village. The church as it is seen today was built between 1819 and 1821 and is still in regular use within the Church of Scotland. Photo: alanfin on Flickr
6. Logie Kirk
Logie Kirk can be found on the north-eastern edge of Stirling in central Scotland. Considered something of a ‘hidden gem’, it is nestled in a tranquil spot beneath Dumyat at the Western side of the Ochil Hills. Photo: Peter Moore on Geograph
7. Inverness Cathedral
Also known as the Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew, Inverness Cathedral is located in Inverness in the Scottish Highlands. Aspects of the building like its Red Tarradale Stone see architecture enthusiasts flock to its grounds. Photo: undefined undefined on Canva Pro
8. Coats Paisley
You can find Coats Paisley at the west end of Paisley High Street. Also known as the Paisley Thomas Coats Memorial Church, it was built as a memorial to Thomas Coats who was a member of the revered Paisley thread family. Photo: via WikiCommons