8 Village Churches in the Park

Something different for this guide. Photographs and history of eight of Loch Lomond & The Trossach’s most beautiful churches. (Pictures above Trossachs Church by Loch Achray)

1. Dundurn Parish Church

 

Dundurn Church: A Historic Landmark by Loch Earn

Dundurn Church, located near St Fillans at the eastern end of Loch Earn, stands on a site of significant religious and historical importance. The current church building dates back to the early 19th century, but the site’s origins can be traced much further, with evidence of a religious presence as early as the 7th century. Dundurn was once home to a Pictish hill fort, and it is believed that St. Fillan, an early Christian missionary, established a monastery here. The churchyard contains ancient gravestones and a memorial stone believed to mark St. Fillan’s burial site, adding to the location’s spiritual significance.

Surrounded by stunning Highland scenery, Dundurn Church offers a glimpse into Scotland’s early Christian heritage and breathtaking views of Loch Earn and the surrounding hills. Today, while the church is no longer in regular use, it remains a fascinating historical landmark, attracting visitors interested in history and the area's natural beauty.

Dundurn Parish Church , St Fillans

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2. Drymen Parish Church

 

Drymen Parish Church, located in the picturesque village of Drymen has been a centre of Christian worship since possibly the 11th century. The current building, constructed around 1771-72, reflects the simple rectangular design typical of country churches from that era. Significant alterations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries have shaped its appearance. The church features a beautiful three-light stained glass window depicting Jesus flanked by Peter and Paul, installed in 1884 as a memorial gift from a local family. An ancient graveyard to the south contains headstones dating from the 17th century to the 1890s, offering a glimpse into the area’s rich history.

Read about church services on their website.

Drymen Parish Church

3. Kilmaronock Church

 

Kilmaronock Old Kirk, situated near Gartocharn in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland, is a historic church with roots in early Christianity. The current building, constructed in 1813, exemplifies classical architectural design.

The site has been a focal point for Christian worship since at least the 7th century, with connections to early missionaries such as St. Ronan. The surrounding graveyard contains ancient stones, some dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries, reflecting the area’s rich heritage.

In 2021, the Kilmaronock Old Kirk Trust, a community-led organisation, acquired the church from the Church of Scotland. Their mission is to restore and repurpose the building as a multi-purpose community venue and heritage centre while preserving its historical significance. The Trust has initiated graveyard tours, sharing stories of notable individuals interred there, and plans to enhance the facility with modern amenities to support various community activities.

The church’s location near the banks of Loch Lomond offers picturesque views, making it a serene spot for reflecting and appreciating Scotland’s ecclesiastical history. Ongoing restoration efforts aim to ensure that Kilmaronock Old Kirk remains a vibrant part of the local community, honouring its past while adapting for future use.

Read more on this website.

Kilmaronock Church

4. Balquhidder Church

 

Balquhidder Parish Church, located in the tranquil village of Balquhidder, stands on a site with a rich spiritual heritage dating back over 1,200 years. The current Gothic Revival structure, completed in 1855, was designed by architect David Bryce.

Adjacent to the church are the ruins of its 17th-century predecessor, built in 1631 on the foundations of an earlier medieval chapel. This sacred ground has long been a centre of Christian worship, with traditions linking it to St. Angus, an early missionary believed to have introduced Christianity to the glen. A stone associated with St. Angus, possibly dating to the 9th century, is preserved within the current church.

The churchyard is renowned as the final resting place of the legendary Scottish folk hero Rob Roy MacGregor (1671–1734). His grave, marked with the defiant inscription “MacGregor Despite Them,” lies alongside those of his wife and two sons, attracting visitors from around the world.

Inside the church, visitors can find a historic boulder font and displays detailing the rich history of Balquhidder and its spiritual significance. The church is typically open to the public, offering a serene environment for reflection amidst the area’s natural beauty.

Surrounded by the picturesque landscapes of Balquhidder Glen, the church and its environs provide opportunities for peaceful walks and exploration, including trails leading to nearby waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. The site continues to serve as a place of worship and community gathering, maintaining its historical legacy while embracing the present.

Visit the official website for more information about services, events, and the church’s history.

Balquhidder Church

5. Trossachs Church

 

Trossachs Parish Church, located near Brig o’ Turk and overlooking Loch Achray , is a charming example of early Gothic architecture. Built in 1849 by architect G.P. Kennedy, the church was established to serve local residents and the increasing number of tourists drawn to the picturesque Trossachs region.

The church’s simple yet elegant design features a rectangular nave with lancet windows and a prominent three-lancet stained glass window at the eastern end. A notable interior feature is the memorial plaque dedicated to Major-General David Limond C.B. (1831–1895), a veteran of the Siege of Lucknow during the Indian Mutiny.

In recent years, Trossachs Parish Church has faced challenges due to broader changes within the Church of Scotland, leading to its identification for closure. In response, the “Friends of Trossachs” group has been formed to explore possibilities for preserving the building for community use, including as a performance and arts venue that places young people at the heart of its future life.

Trossachs Church

6. Port of Menteith Church

 

Another Trossachs Church is in the Port of Menteith, overlooking the Lake of Menteith and is a notable example of early Gothic-style architecture. Designed by Glasgow architect John Honeyman, the church was constructed between 1876 and 1878, replacing an earlier 1771 structure on the same site.

The church’s design features a rectangular nave, a southwest tower with a slated pyramid cap, and hooded lancet windows, characteristic of 13th-century Gothic architecture. A significant interior feature is the trefoil stained glass window by renowned artist Stephen Adam, depicting the virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity.

Historically, the site has been a place of worship since before the Reformation, with connections to the nearby Inchmahome Priory on Inchmahome Island in the Lake of Menteith. The church is a Category B listed building, recognised for its architectural and historical significance.

Today, Port of Menteith Parish Church serves a small but active congregation, continuing its long-standing role as a centre for worship and community gatherings in this picturesque part of Scotland.

Lake of Menteith Church

7. Buchanan Church

 

Buchanan Parish Church, located in Milton of Buchanan near the eastern shores of Loch Lomond, is a significant historical and architectural landmark. Designed by renowned architect John Adam, the church was constructed between 1761 and 1764 by builder Alexander Gowan on instruction from the Duke of Montrose. It exemplifies the traditional T-plan design prevalent in Scottish ecclesiastical architecture of the 18th century, featuring round-arched openings and a distinctive eaves cornice.

The church is situated within a rectangular graveyard containing memorials dating back several centuries, reflecting the area’s rich heritage. Notably, the site is associated with Clan Buchanan, whose ancestral lands encompass the region south and east of Loch Lomond.

In 1938, a fire severely damaged the church’s interior. Subsequent restorations were undertaken by the architectural firm Clarke & Bell & JH Craigie, preserving the church’s historical essence while incorporating necessary refurbishments.

Today, Buchanan Parish Church is part of the Drymen and East Loch Lomond Parish within the Church of Scotland.

Buchanan Church

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8. Luss Parish Church

 

The current building (pictured here from the loch) opened in 1875. There has been a church on this site since 510 AD. The current Gothic-style building, constructed in 1875, stands on a site with deep historical roots, dating back to the early 6th century when Saint Kessog, an Irish missionary, established a church here.

The church’s architecture features a cruciform layout with a distinctive hammer-beam roof, reminiscent of an upturned boat. This design choice may commemorate the tragic drowning of Sir James Colquhoun and his crew on Loch Lomond in 1873. Visitors can admire beautiful stained glass windows and a medieval font alongside an effigy of a recumbent bishop, reflecting the church’s rich heritage.

The surrounding churchyard is notable for its ancient gravestones, including a remarkable Viking hogback stone carved in the shape of a longhouse, indicating the area’s historical significance and connections to early medieval times.

Luss Parish Church gained wider recognition during the 1980s as the parish church of the fictional village of Glendarroch in the popular television series “Take the High Road.”

Today, the church remains active within the Church of Scotland, offering regular services and welcoming visitors worldwide. Its idyllic location makes it a popular destination for those seeking spiritual reflection amidst Scotland’s natural beauty.

Luss Parish Church

Thanks for reading

Words and photography by Paul Saunders. Visit Paul’s Marketing and Photography websites for details of his services in Scotland.

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