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.
9. Rosslyn Chapel
Rosslyn Chapel rests seven miles south of Edinburgh close to the Scottish Borders. It was founded in 1446 by Sir William St. Clair who was the third and final St. Clair Prince of Orkney. Photo: th_hansen on Flickr
10. Iona Abbey
This abbey is situated on the island of Iona on the West Coast. According to Historic Environment Scotland: “Iona is a holy isle and has been described as the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland. St Columba and 12 companions came here from Ireland in AD 563.” Photo: via WikiCommons
11. Elgin Cathedral
Dubbed the “Lantern of the North”, this historic site rests in Elgin (Moray) in north-east Scotland. The first church at the location dates back to the 1200s and was much smaller than the cathedral ruins we can see today. Photo: BroncoBomber via Pixabay
12. Jedburgh Abbey
The ruined Augustinian abbey was founded in the 12th century by David I. It is located in the town of Jedburgh which is in the Scottish Borders only ten miles north of the English border. It is one of four major abbeys in the area that were built in the 12th century. Photo: Nando Lardi on Canva Pro