Church Overview

Situated in an idyllic spot on the haugh by the Kale Water, the original church here appears to have been cruciform in shape, but was remodelled in 1752 as a rectangle and substantially modernised in 1844. The church was substantially rebuilt by the architect James Pearson Alison following a devastating fire that gutted the church in January 1907.

The little early pointed Gothic kirk, with some Arts & Crafts detailing, opened its doors once again in April 1908, the fire had revealed a previously unknown blocked round-headed doorway in the south wall, thought to date from the late-15th or early 16th centuries, and the fittings of the old jougs punishment collar. The church’s peaceful interior was fully refurbished in 1986, its plastered whitewashed walls contrasting beautifully with the open timber roof beams and stained timber pews.

Hownam Church was marketed for sale by the Church of Scotland in January 2026, during a period of nationwide property rationalisation by the denomination. The surrounding kirkyard containing a number of interesting gravestones, dating from the 17th century to the present day, remains open and in the care of the local authority. There are also several historic grave memorials set into the external walls of the church.

Marketed for sale by the CHurch of scotland in Jan 2026

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.