St Gregory's Church, Preshome

St Gregory's Church in Preshome is a Catholic place of worship featuring harled walls and freestone detailing inspired by Italian Baroque design. The rectangular building displays decorative urn finials that create its distinctive external appearance.

Built in 1788, this church was the first Catholic place of worship openly constructed in Scotland following the Reformation era. It represents a turning point in religious freedom for the region after centuries of restrictions.

The interior displays Italian Baroque artistic traditions through its marble altar and organ from 1820. These elements reflect how Catholic artistic practices were maintained in this Scottish community.

To visit the church, you need to contact St Peter's Church in Buckie to arrange access in advance. It is best to plan ahead since the building is not always open to casual visitors without prior arrangement.

Two holy water stoups carved from local Portsoy marble are easy to overlook during a visit to the interior. The stenciled decorations throughout the chancel reveal handcrafted details that reflect the skill of the period.

Location: Moray

Location: Rathven

GPS coordinates: 57.63914,-2.98987

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:05