Church Overview

This existing medieval church at Tongue, which was originally dedicated to St Peter, was rebuilt in 1680 by Donald Mackay, Master of Reay and son of John MacKay, 2nd Lord Reay, shortly before his accidental death while hunting in the Reay forest. Further significant additions and alterations were made to the building in 1729-31, 1778 and in 1861-62.

In 1729, George MacKay, 3rd Lord Reay added an aisle to the west of the church, containing a burial vault erected over the graves of his forebears and a timber ‘laird’s loft’ above, for the exclusive use of his family during worship. In 1951, the magnificent carved canopy of this loft was dismantled and taken into the care of what is today the collection of the National Museums of Scotland. The rest of the 18th century panelled loft was left in place, looking down upon the peaceful, simple interior of the historic church below, and the over remains of the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 6th and 11th Lords Reay and other family members that are interred within the mausoleum beneath.

With the church now mothballed and threatened with closure by the Church of Scotland, as the denomination seeks to reduce its national portfolio of buildings, the local community and members of the Clan MacKay have been looking at the possibility of taking on ownership of this historic church. 

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.