Church Overview

The Royal Palace of Falkland, built between 1501 and 1541 was the country residence and hunting lodge of the Stewart monarchs. The palace was restored by the 3rd Marquess of Bute using John Kinross as his architect. The chapel is located in the south range and dates from c.1540 and was decorated in the 17th century: the ceiling with royal coats-of-arms, and the walls with Scriptural texts. The stained glass windows show heraldic badges of Scottish kings and queens associated with Falkland Palace.

The chapel was restored by Kinross in 1896 and fitted out for Catholic worship. The altar, retable, and dais were designed by Robert Weir Schultz and were fitted in 1909. The 17th century tapestries in the tapestry gallery, which were acquired in 1906, originally hung in the chapel.

Falkland Palace is today in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. Entry to the chapel is possible  during normal property opening times and is included with the cost of a general admission ticket to the building. Entry to the chapel for Catholic Mass on a Sunday is free of charge.

Services

Sunday Mass 9.00 am (check parish website for details)

Opening Arrangements

See National Trust for Scotland website for opening times and admission costs

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.