Church Overview

All that remains of the 15th-century church on this site is the square rubble-built tower. At some point the storey above the string course was used as a doocot, with flight-holes inserted on the southern face.

The body of the medieval church was rebuilt in 1773 and then recast in 1886 by architect William Young, who added two aisles on the south to match the post-Reformation Gosford and Ballencrieff burial aisles on the north. This addition was made at the request of the 10th Earl of Wemyss who wanted to make a more attractive building. The burial aisles incorporate fragments of 16th and 17th century masonry, as well as tracery later added to by Young. Built in squared and snecked sandstone rubble with ashlar dressings.

Stained glass designed by Edward Frampton and James Ballantine. The impressive pipe organ was transplanted from St Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Braemar in 1992. There are several interesting memorials throughout the church, including a deathbed effigy of Louisa Billingham, Countess of Wemyss, by John Rhind and a marble monument to Maria Margaretta de Younge, Lady Elibank, which may possibly be attributed to Antonio Canova.

The church also possesses a replica cast of an 8th-century cross found in the nearby manse garden and the kirkyard outside contains many interesting 18th century headstones and “table” tombs. Visitors will also see an original 18th century “Loupin-on stane” near the kirkyard gates, used by parishioners in a pre-mechanical age to mount their horses and carriages.

Services

2nd, 3rd and 4th Sunday of each month at 11.15am.
1st Sunday of month sees service alternate with Gullane Parish Church (check church website for details)

Opening Arrangements

By arrangement only

    no toilets

Disclaimer

The information about churches in Scotland’s Churches Scheme has been provided by the congregations or taken from the Historic Scotland list and published sources, in particular, the Buildings of Scotland volumes and the RIAS Illustrated Architectural Guides. To contact this specific church please complete the Contact this Church form above. The information is not authoritative; please contact Scotland’s Churches Trust to let us know of any errors or omissions.