Church Overview

Originally known as the High Kirk or Parish Church of Rothesay, following the union of a number of congregations on Bute, it was known for several years as the United Church of Bute. Following a further subsequent union with the Trinity Church in July 2024 it was renamed the Isle of Bute Parish Church.

The building was designed by architect Adam Russell of Leith and possibly Robertson Buchanan of Glasgow in 1796. It is the third known church to have occupied this site, the first of which served for a period as Cathedral of the Diocese of the Isles and the second was built in 1692, within the nave of the first.

It was significantly remodelled by John Russell Thomson in 1905-6, who added a U-plan gallery, pitch-pine dado and half-octagonal oak pulpit flanked by organ pipes. Further alterations to the eastern part of the building were overseen in 1907, by the noted architectural firm of Honeyman, Keppie and Mackintosh.

A two tiered chandelier, believed to be Dutch and dating to around 1800 hangs from the ceiling rose and the building now possesses eight striking stained glass windows by artists including Stephen Adam and Douglas Hamilton, some of which were moved there from other churches on the island and several were restored by Rainbow Glass Studios in 2009. An extension, containing a new hall, office accommodation and community facilities was also built that year.

In the graveyard outside can be found the 14th century St Mary’s Chapel, with its fine canopied tombs inside, which is all that now remains of the grand medieval church that once occupied this site, the A-listed 18th century Bute Mausoleum and many interesting historic graves. 

Services

Sundays at 11.00am

Opening Arrangements

During summer (until 30th September), the Church sanctuary is open daily from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. During winter open most Mondays 10.00 a.m. – 12.00 noon (enter by lower side-door), when a Koffee Klub usually takes place.

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.