Church Overview

This French neo-Gothic style church was designed in 1875 by renowned Scottish architect Hippolyte Blanc, a member of the congregation. Quite remarkably, this grand Gothic church building was Blanc’s very first architectural competition win. Cruciform in plan, with shallow transepts, a five-sided apse and ambulatory, the apse, with its gables and flying buttresses, faces onto the road and the main entrance is beneath the striking 140ft three stage tower and spire. In 2018, a two decade long, whole building, refurbishment project was completed.

Inside, visitors are greeted by a magnificent timber hammerbeam roof springing from corbelled shafts in the wall. Extensive stained glass by Ballantine of Edinburgh can be seen throughout the building and the west rose window, installed in 1926, is by artist Albert Edward Borthwick, another member of the congregation. Original decorative paint scheme can be seen in chancel, along with the earthy coloured Victorian tiles. Fittings include a shining brass eagle lectern, the carved timber choir stalls and transept screen and the relocated chancel screen on its marble base (designed by Blanc). The beautiful pipe organ was built by organ-builder Peter Connacher and installed in 1875, then rebuilt by C&F Hamilton in 1902 and Ronald L Smith in 1971, then once again in 1993.

The wonderfully ornate and recently restored pulpit and its companion font are favourite sight of many a visitor. The white stone pulpit, with its four angels guarding each corner, was designed by Blanc and carved by noted local sculptor John Rhind. The ladies of the congregation raised the £91 fee to create this beautiful item, but it wasn’t until some years later that the brass handrail to assist the users ascending and descending the steps. In the early years of this century, it was clear that the pulpit was beginning to tilt forward, so the congregation began to raise the necessary funds to fully restore this glorious piece of art. Read more about the restoration project here.

Further information can be found and guides downloaded on the church’s own website here.

Services

Sundays: Holy Communion 8.00am, Sung Eucharist 10.00am, Evening Service 6.00pm;

Monday to Friday Morning Prayer and Eucharist 8.00am; Monday to Friday Evening Prayer 6.00pm

Wednesday Holy Communion 11.00am

Thursday 6.00pm Julian Meeting

Opening Arrangements

The Church is open to visitors at various times during the week – as volunteers are available

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.