Church Overview

This Gothic church, with its attractive square tower and beautifully slender spire, was built 1843-45 by architect Archibald Simpson for the Free Church of Scotland. Its clock was relocated from the former Reformed Presbyterian (Cameronian) Church in Rothesay when their congregations merged with Rothesay Free Parish Church in 1875. In 1900, the congregation became part of the United Free Church of Scotland and in 1929 it decided to return to the Church of Scotland, taking the name Trinity Church for their building.

Following a sudden collapse of its roof in 1907, the church’s entire roof had to be replaced, which saw the introduction of its fine hammer-beam ceiling and a complete recasting of its interior. It possesses some remarkable  stained glass, including a triple lancet First World War memorial window by noted artist Oscar Paterson and, adjacent to the pulpit, the Second World War Memorial by another renowned master of his craft Gordon Webster.

Further congregational unions followed, throughout the 20th century, as the numbers using churches in the town declined and buildings were closed. In 2024, the congregation of Trinity Parish Church formally merged with the United Church of Bute and closed the building which is in the process of being sold by the Church of Scotland as part of their nationwide building rationalisation programme.

Building has now closed

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.