Church Overview

A distinctive white-harled church that built in 1744 by the mason Thomas Clark, possibly to a design by the architect John Douglas of Edinburgh. Originally octagonal in shape, later alterations, most notably in 1831-32, have masked its original form, changing it from a ‘wide’ church to a ‘long’ church. 

The earliest known church in Killin may have stood near a standing stone known as Fingal’s Stone. A later medieval parish church likely stood in the old graveyard behind the current church, though no visible remains survive. In front of the church is a monument to Rev James Stewart (1701-89), minister of Killin, who first translated the new Testament into Scots Gaelic (published 1767).

A seven-sided medieval baptismal font, discovered half-buried in the old graveyard, is now preserved inside the kirk and the church bell (dated 1632 and cast by Robert Hog) also came from an earlier building, with both items linking the present structure to its predecessors. Some authorities do however question whether the font might in fact have been a large domestic mortar, used to crush grains for use in household cooking, but whatever its original use it has been a treasure piece of the kirk’s furnishings for generations.

Many of its internal fixed architectural features date from the 1831-32 refurbishment. The pulpit was relocated from the south to the east end of the church and there is a handsome laird’s loft in the north end with a panelled balcony. The glazing in the window is mainly simple coloured glass, but there are three stained glass windows, including a beautiful war memorial window commemorating the local fallen of both World Wars created by the artist Robert Douglas McLundie, that was unveiled in 1948 and depicts a medieval soldier receiving a crown from Christ. 

The church was featured in the Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands, with a panel created by the Heartlands Stitchers to reflect its enduring role in the community. The tapestry celebrates the church as a symbol of faith, continuity and local identity.

Killin & Ardeonaig Parish Church was a Destination Hub on our St Andrew Pilgrim Journey.

Services

Sundays: 10.00am.

Opening Arrangements

Open May to October during daylight hours.

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.