Church Overview

The current church building probably stands on the site of a much earlier church which, until 1688, was the Cathedral Church of both the Roman Catholic and later the Episcopalian Bishops of Argyll. Towards the end of the 18th century the building became dilapidated and was demolished, the stone being used by architect James Gillespie Graham in 1816 to build this late Decorated Gothic Revival gem.

The church was enlarged by architect David Hamilton in 1834, its landmark belfry tower was added in 1839 and the church was lengthened and widened by architect Andrew Balfour in 1909. The striking stained glass window in the chancel is by Douglas Hamilton and was installed in 1939.

The church was deemed surplus to the requirements by the Church of Scotland and closed in 2024 and then sold to a private buyer in February 2025. The surrounding kirkyard remains in public ownership, where visitors can see gravestones of the 13th and 17th century among many other interesting memorials.

Now Closed 

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.