Church Overview

Late medieval church, became collegiate in 1406. Greatly altered during Reformation, with choir of church walled, abandoned and later reused as a burial aisle of the Scotts of Buccleuch. Its nave, tower and transepts were all substantially rebuilt and recast 1851-54 by architect David Bryce. Chancel was again recast in 1936, by architect T Aikman Swan, undoing some of Bryce’s interventions. Most recent major refurbishment was carried out in 2018 by the firms of Simpson & Brown. 

James Douglas, 1st Earl of Morton, and his wife Princess Joanna Stewart (1428-1493), the profoundly deaf third daughter of King James I and sister of King James II, are buried within the adjacent ruinous medieval choir. A noted memorial monument with their effigies mark the burial site. The effigy of Joanna is believed to be possibly the oldest depiction of a hearing-impaired person in the world. In 2005, after centuries of being exposed to the elements, efforts were made to slow further weathering of this important monument by placing a wooden canopy over it.

Prior to the mid-19th century restoration efforts, the building once contained numerous lofts, each belonging to a local family, trade guild or other local organisation. These were all removed by Bryce. In 1885, a disastrous fire occurred in the new steeple, bringing it and its bells crashing to the ground. Fortunately the church itself was not too badly damaged, only a new gallery was destroyed and its ancient cutty stool. The present steeple and gallery were restored in 1888. 

Some retained original features of the medieval church may be seen inside 19th century building, such as a piscina that was uncovered in 1936. Today the church is home to three organs, including one by Binns (1906) and a chamber organ by Bruce (1824). It also possesses stained glass by Ballantine, Wilson and Bryson. In addition to the Interesting 17th-18th century memento mori memorials and fragments in the yard outside, inside visitors will see the impressive William Calderwood memorial, laden with memento mori carvings and heraldic devices.

Having been known locally as the Auld Kirk for generations, following the unification in 1929 of the United Free Church and the Church of Scotland, the opportunity was taken to revive its original dedication to St Nicholas and the building was renamed. In 1979, the congregation united with that of Buccleuch Church to form the congregation of St Nicholas Buccleuch.

The church has a lovely coffee shop, serving hot drinks and home baking and staffed by volunteers. It is open April to Oct on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10.30am-3pm.

Services

Sundays at 10.30am

Opening Arrangements

Open April to October at same time as coffee shop (ask inside for access). By arrangement at other times.

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.