Discover Scotland’s old and abandoned Kirks, the country’s hidden gems

The coastal town of Kirkcaldy is located in Fife, just north of Edinburgh. Once a thriving port, Kirkcaldy has managed to become a delightful historic town, while keeping its activity as a successful seaport. As a town, it has a lot to offer: stunning coastal views, a beautiful old castle (Ravenscraig), and quaint streets to stroll through. But what we really want to talk about is its Old Kirk. The first written record of the town’s oldest church dates back to 1244,  when it was consecrated to St Brisse and St Patrick, but a known Celtic church stood in its place before then.

It’s no surprise that the Kirk is said to be haunted, after a tragic episode in June 1828 in which 28 people were killed, and 150 more were injured after the gallery collapsed during a service. So don’t be too surprised if you see a few ghostly figures wandering about the Kirk and its cemetery. The Kirk's address is Kirk Wynd , Kirkcaldy , KY1 1EH and it is quite easy to find once in town.

The first kirk in the village was erected in the 13th century, and Killearn’s current Old Kirk which now stands in ruins was built in 1734. These days, the old abandoned Kirk stands as a reminder of what 18th century life must have been like in the small village situated near Stirling. The roof was removed to serve the newer Kirk, built in the 1820s and still in use today. The graveyard at the Old Kirk is still the same as it would have been in the 18th century, and the houses around the ruins are some of the oldest in the village. You’ll find the Old Kirk along Main Street, in the heart of the village.

Romantic and mysterious, Loundoun Kirk stands tucked away in a small forest. Steeped in history, this Kirk, located about a mile west of Loundoun Castle, is truly one of Scotland’s best kept secrets. The Kirk and its kirkyard are seemingly frozen in time with an aura of romanticism permanently coating the site. Founded in 1451, the now abandoned Kirk marks some of the earliest signs of Christian worship in the area. It served as Loundoun’s parish Kirk until around 1600, when it began to fall into disrepair. A conservation plan was put in place in 1994 by the Friends of Loundoun Kirk to preserve the Kirk. That same year, a commemorative plaque was erected on the Kirk’s wall to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the members of the Belgian Special Air Forces who were stationed at Loundoun Castle to train for D-Day landings in 1944.

Another abandoned Kirk with a rich history, Cross Kirk is located in Peebles, just south of Edinburgh. Sometimes referred to as the “House of the Holy Relics”, this Kirk was built as a home to the cross and remains of St Nicholas. Historians are unsure how these remains would have made their way from Türkiye to Peebles, but it is said that King Alexander III was present when they were discovered on the site of the Kirk, leading to various miracles happening following the discovery. In 1549, the Kirk was burned by the English before being rebuilt shortly after, and eventually falling into disrepair around 1784, after it was abandoned and unroofed. Since then, conservation efforts have been made to preserve this impressive piece of Scottish history.

The final Kirk on this list is one of the oldest in all of Scotland. Dating all the way back to the reign of King David I, Old Logie Kirk and its kirkyard are filled with historic curiosities. Pay close attention to the very rare 11th century Hogback gravestone from the viking era, you’ll recognise its distinctive shape and colour. You’ll see more decorated gravestones, one with a striking skull and crossbones from 1700, another with an array of motifs and carvings. We highly recommend walking through what’s left of the Kirk itself, with an impressive part of the structure remaining, it’s easy to imagine having been accidentally taken back in time. The Kirk is quite easily accessible, located not far from the Stirling University.