Auchterhouse Parish Church

After a lovely lunch at the Pear Tree Restaurant, Auchterhouse, we drove along the road at the foot of the Sidlaw Hills. We came to this lovely little church, which has magnificent views of the Hills and the gorse covered countryside.

The Church sits within a large graveyard in grounds that have a significant ecclesiastical history. Apparently, there is documentary evidence of a church located here in 1238, which was dedicated to St Mary. A 15th century charter attests to the foundation of a chaplainry in the church. In 1426 the original structure was replaced by an impressive Gothic church. This lasted until 1630, when the present building was erected. However, structural failure necessitated its reconstruction, using the same stones, in 1775. The church building in the 17th century appears to have been an uncomfortable place, with small windows only partially glazed and no solid floor or heating. Rushes covered the soil floor and there were no pews.

The present church consists of a west tower, nave and session house. It is built in coursed pale yellow sandstone blocks with ashlar window and door surrounds and quoins. The roof is slated.

The interior of the church contains two Norman fonts from the earlier churches and underneath the floor is a burial vault containing the remains of members of the Buchans, Ogilvies and the Lyons of Strathmore.

Right next door is the Village Primary School and the children were all out in the School gardens, having a great time digging and planting. There is a lot to be said for these small rural schools, so many of which are under threat.

Have a great weekend everyone.