Church Overview

Built 1874-76 to a design by George Grant of Glasgow on a site near to the ruins of the two previous churches that served this community, dating to the late 12th and 1688-90 centuries. Prior to the Battle of Otterburn in 1388, the Earl of Douglas and his army met at the 12th-century church, whence the survivors returned to bury their dead. The 19th century kirk still possesses a 12th century octagonal stone font that most likely bore witness to both of these scenes. 

The Victorian church houses a splendid carved oak pulpit and matching communion table. The latter has affixed to it a small rectangular stone, with five incised crosses on it, which was also moved from the old church and is thought to have been the seal stone that would have covered the relics held within the mensa of the medieval altar, one of only three known examples found in Scotland.

The church also has some fine stained glass, mostly by James Ballantine and Son. with one window by George Joseph Baguley of Newcastle. The church walls also host several memorials, including one to James Thomson, author of ‘Rule Britannia‘ and ‘The Seasons‘, whose father Thomas was parish minister.

Latterly Southdean was part of a grouping known as Ruberslaw Country Parishes, before the difficult decision was taken to close and market the church for sale in November 2025 as part of the nationwide rationalisation of the Church of Scotland’s property portfolio.

Closed and Marketed for Sale in November 2025

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.