Glenorchy Parish Church

Glenorchy Parish Church is an octagonal building designed in the Gothic Revival style, standing on an islet surrounded by the flowing waters of the River Orchy. Its walls feature pointed arches and slender proportions typical of this architectural approach.

The building was completed in 1811, designed by architect James Elliot for the growing community in the glen. It was later designated as a historic structure, reflecting its importance to the local area.

The church serves people from scattered settlements in the glens who gather here for worship and mark life events together. The graveyard stones tell the stories of families who have lived in these valleys for generations.

The church sits on an island and is reached by a causeway or footpath, which can be affected by high water levels during rainy seasons. Visitors should check local conditions before visiting to ensure safe access across to the building.

The churchyard includes a hill where executions took place in earlier centuries under the control of local clans. This darker chapter of the glen's past remains embedded in the landscape as a reminder of how justice was once administered.

Location: Argyll and Bute

Location: Glenorchy and Inishail

Inception: 1811

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Website: http://glenorchyparish.org.uk

GPS coordinates: 56.40420,-4.97108

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:26