Church Overview

Howmore has been the ecclesiastical centre of South Uist for at least 1400 years. In the 14th century it had an international reputation as being a place of learning and there are the remains of several different ancient chapels and monastic buildings located in the township, which is one of four designated conservation areas in the Outer Hebrides and lies within several different ecological designations.

The current parish church was built in 1857-58 by local craftsmen, drawn from the local Protestant community, to the design of architect John McDearmid. This handsome white harled little rural kirk has an unusual liturgical and architectural layout with a simple pine lined interior and an enclosed communion table, that has been painted to resemble marble, running down the centre of the church. It is one of the last churches in Scotland retaining this arrangement.

The timber pulpit sits at the west end, a small gallery is located at the east and a pair of simple stained glass panels have been added to two of its windows. Original oil lamps are bracketed to the columns holding the gallery aloft and a small exhibition sharing the history of the church and township was added following a major renovation project in 2020.

Services

Parish Services are at 11am on Sunday and alternate between Howmore and Daliburgh. Please check church noticeboards for further information.

Opening Arrangements

Open daily

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.