Dirleton Kirk

Dirleton Kirk is a stone church building with round-headed windows set beneath low eaves that give the structure its distinctive appearance. A Gothic tower topped with decorative pinnacles added in 1836 crowns the building and serves as a recognizable landmark.

Parliament approved the establishment of Dirleton Kirk in 1612 as a replacement for the earlier St Andrews Church at Gullane, which faced threats from advancing beach sands. This relocation marked the beginning of a new era for the parish's religious life.

The stained glass window designed by Margaret Chilton shows Saint Francis alongside ninety different animals, reflecting how nature and faith connect in the community's spiritual life. Visitors can see this artistic expression of religious meaning in the window's details.

The church serves multiple surrounding communities including Dirleton, Fenton Barns, Archerfield, Kingston, and the Westerdunes area of North Berwick. The building is visible from outside, but access to the interior may depend on scheduled visiting times.

Since 1612 only about twenty ministers have served at the kirk, indicating remarkably long tenure and stable spiritual leadership across centuries. This continuity reflects how deeply embedded the place has become in local community life.

Location: East Lothian

Location: Dirleton

GPS coordinates: 56.04840,-2.78402

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:43