Church Overview

This is the third Findhorn village, the sites of the previous two were consumed by the sea. The village consists of rows of fishermen’s cottages, gable-end to the water in the local manner and the former parish church was originally built as Kinloss Free Church in 1843 to a design by Forres architect John Urquhart. In 1900, its congregation united with the local United Presbyterian congregation, following the national union of the two denominations to form the United Free Church. In 1929, the United Free Church united with the Church of Scotland.

A handsome building, it was built in local stone with a pretty tower and lunette windows along the sides. Its interior is galleried along three sides, each one supported on cast iron columns with lily-leafed capitals. Repaired inside and out by architect John Milne in 1872, its square pulpit with Gothic detailing and pointed-headed backboard dates to this refurbishment, though the cast-iron balustrades leading to the short staircase to the platform are original. Its current bell was gifted in 1898 by Alex McGregor, and is inscribed “A Findhorn Loon”, while the original bell, inscribed “Free Church Findhorn 1843” is now located inside the church.

During a period of property rationalisation by the Church of Scotland the decision was made to close and sell Findhorn Church and its final formal service was held on 7 January 2024. After a fundraising campaign, the church was purchased in April 2026 by the Findhorn Village Conservation Society, who intend to restore the building and utilise it for concerts, exhibitions, gatherings and as welcoming community hub.

Services

Occasional

Opening Arrangements

Open by arrangement.

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.