Church Overview

This Decorated Gothic Revival church, with its visually striking Franco-Scottish tower topped with a saddle-back roof. was built 1902-3 by the noted architect William Leiper. Opened on 31st May 1903, the building was originally dedicated to St James by the United Free Congregation that had raised it and worshipped there, taking the name from the church they had previously worshipped in that was situated on St James Terrace. 

The church retained its original name for several decades, following the 1929 merger of the United Free Church and the Church of Scotland, but changed it to St Columba Church in 1957 as a result of a union with the nearby St Columba’s Church (which had been built in the 19th century by a breakaway congregation dissenting from the Church of Scotland). A suite of halls were added in 1968-69 by the architectural practice of Beveridge and Dallachy.

The grand Gothic interior is lit by some fine stained glass windows, including three arresting windows by Gordon Webster, a depiction of “Te Deum” designed by Robert Anning Bell and made by Guthrie (J. & W.) & Andrew Wells, and a modern window, installed in 2002, created by the artists Kirsty Warren & Eilidh Keith. Furnishings include an interesting carved stone font, carved oak choir stalls and pulpit and the notable white marble war memorials were designed by the sculptor Alexander Hamilton. The Brindley and Foster pipe organ was installed just before the church opened in 1903 and was rebuilt in 1927 by William Hill & Son and Normand & Beard. The tower bell was cast by the founders Taylor’s of Loughborough.

The church was marketed for sale in October 2025, during a period of building rationalisation by the Church of Scotland. 

Services

Unknown at this time

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.