Church Overview

The Church of the Holy Rude (Holy Cross) can lay claim to being the one of only two active churches in the British Isles, the other being Westminster Abbey, to have hosted a royal coronation. On the 29th July 1567, King James VI of Scotland was crowned here in a ceremony at which the famous theologian John Knox also preached. 

Founded in 1129 as the parish church of Stirling but largely re-built after a fire in 1405, the open-timbered oak roof of 1414 in the nave is one of very few medieval timber roofs still surviving in Scotland. Its choir and apse were added in 1555, the work of John Coutts, one of the greatest master masons of the later Middle Ages.

Musket ball impact marks still visible on the tower may date from the 1651 siege of Stirling Castle by Cromwell’s troops and from 1656 to 1936 a wall divided the nave from the choir, while the church served two divided congregations.

The historic building was restored between 1936 and 1940 under the direction of architect James Miller. It possesses some notable stained glass by leading studios and artists including Adam & Small, James Ballantine, Cottier & Co, W & J J Keir, Crear McCartney and Douglas Strachan. It also houses the largest pipe organ in Scotland, built by the famous Liverpool organ-builders Rushworth & Dreaper in 1940 and carefully restored and rebuilt in 1994. The finely crafted oak choir stalls and canopies date to 1965.

Outside visitors can explore the wonderful historic graveyard. containing many interesting memorials, and enjoy a truly splendid views towards Stirling Castle.  

Services

Sundays at 11am

Opening Arrangements

The congregation has formed a partnership with Stirling District Tourism to open and staff the church from March to September from 10am to 6pm – Entry for Adults costs £5, Concessions £4, Children under 12 free

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.