Church Overview

Noble Georgian kirk designed by architect builders James Smith (of Nairn) and James Smith (of Auldearn) and built in 1781. Its Gothic gabled porch added 1855-60. 

Rectangular design, with symmetrical six-bay elevation with large round-headed windows, the two end windows surmount the original entrances. The original interior layout remains, with pews on three sides facing the central three-decker pulpit with stairs with slender balusters in the centre of the south wall.

Significant renovations took place in 1952 when the present ceiling was inserted, covering the sounding board of the pulpit. The church hall was converted from an early-mid 18th century burial mausoleum, which may have been an earlier church aisle. There is a mid 18th century door piece that may have been designed by Colin Williamson of Dyke. 

A tombstone from 1446 is set in the vestry wall, a 1790 mural monument is positioned beneath the gallery and a tombstone dated 1613 is located in the south west entrance lobby. The 17th century stone memorialises William Kinnaird and Elizabeth Innes of Culbin and is inscribed ‘The Builders of this Stane, Are Laird and Lady Coubine, Qhilk twa and Thairs, When Braith is gone, pleise God, Vil sleep this bed within”.

The war memorial gate was designed and installed 1921-22 by Scottish architect Peter MacGregor Chalmers. A 9th century Pictish symbol stone, now known as the Rodney’s Stone, was found in the churchyard during the digging of its foundations. It was re-erected on a site in the grounds of Brodie Castle to commemorate the victory of Admiral Lord Rodney over the French and Spanish fleets at Dominica in 1782.

The congregation of Dyke was linked with that of nearby Edinkillie Parish Church, which was closed and marketed for sale in June 2025, with all services now held at Dyke.

Services

Sunday: 10.00am

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.