Church Overview

Dalmeny Kirk, also known as St Cuthbert’s Kirk, is perhaps the most complete example of Romanesque architecture in Scotland. The core of the building is believed to date from around 1130, with 17th-century additions and alterations and substantial rebuilding work carried out in 1937.

It possesses a superb medieval south doorway, its arch stones elaborately carved with animals, figures and grotesque heads. Above that is a blind arcade of interlocking round-headed arches. Inside, the original nave, chancel and apse are preserved, with crisp, intricated carving of the chancel arch and the ribs of the chancel ceiling.

Geometric designs give lightness to the solid structure and the creamy stone a warmth to the ambiance. The Rosebery Aisle was added to the north in 1671. The church was sensitively restored by Peter MacGregor Chalmers in the early 20th century.

Its Norman tower was rebuilt during a long period of work by the architect Alfred Greig in the 1930s, having been missing since the late 15th century. Greig repurposed the stones that had been saved from the recently demolished Calton Jail. Various medieval mason’s marks were uncovered during these renovations and can be seen throughout the building, along with a very rare piece of painted medieval script.

Its ornate wooden pulpit, created by Harold Ogle Tarbolton in 1928, is decorated with creature capitals representing the four Evangelists. In front of this is the stone font designed in a medieval style by Ian Gordon Lindsay in 1950. The Lammermuir pipe organ was installed 1984 and the kirkyard outside contains a variety of interesting historic grave markers and what appears to be a decorated medieval sarcophagus.

The striking stained glass windows in the apse, depicting the Virgin Mary, St Theresa and St Margaret, were gifted anonymously in 1942 by a Polish officer, then stationed nearby, in memory of his mother who had been killed during the German invasion of Poland. They were designed by the artist Lalia Dickson and predominantly executed in a strong blue tones, inspired by a fragment of medieval blue window glass that was discovered beneath the floor during renovations.

Dalmeny’s congregation is now linked with that of nearby Queensferry Church.

Services

Sundays at 11.15am with tea and coffee served in St Cuthbert Hall afterwards

Opening Arrangements

Check website.

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.