Kilarrow

Kilarrow is a parish church in Bowmore on the Scottish island of Islay, built in an unusual circular design rather than the traditional rectangular layout. The stone structure contains a central nave and gallery spaces arranged around the perimeter, creating an intimate interior space that directs attention toward the center.

The church was constructed in 1767 to serve the growing parish on Islay during the 18th century expansion of religious structures in Scotland. It received Grade A listing status in 1971, acknowledging its rare architectural approach and value to Scottish heritage.

The building serves as the main gathering place for Bowmore's community and reflects 18th-century ideas about spiritual geometry. Its round form connects to broader religious thinking of that era about sacred spaces and their symbolic meaning.

The church sits prominently in Bowmore's town center and can be viewed from the street at any time, with its round exterior clearly visible from multiple angles around the building. Access to the interior depends on service times and local arrangements, so advance planning helps with visiting the inside.

The round shape was designed according to a genuine belief of the time that evil spirits could hide in corners, leading the architect to eliminate them entirely from the building's plan. This conviction about spiritual geometry created a structure that remains visually striking and functionally different from almost any other church.

Location: Argyll and Bute

Location: Killarow and Kilmeny

Part of: Presbytery of Kintyre

GPS coordinates: 55.75507,-6.28643

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:05