St Ninian's Church, Tynet

St Ninian's Church in Tynet is a single-story stone building of considerable length with eight multi-pane windows running along the north side and carefully placed stonework. The simple rectangular form and modest fenestration pattern make the structure blend into the rural landscape near Bridge of Tynet.

The current building was constructed in 1755, replacing an earlier church destroyed by soldiers in 1728. This structure holds the distinction of being Scotland's oldest Catholic church still active after the Reformation.

The building's simple exterior was designed to resemble a farm structure, allowing Catholics to gather and pray without drawing attention during a period of religious restrictions in Scotland. This deliberate disguise reflects the community's resilience and their determination to maintain their faith.

The church sits at the edge of a forest near Bridge of Tynet with good road access and a clear main entrance on the southwest side of the building. Visitors should plan to arrive during daylight hours as the rural setting has minimal artificial lighting.

Inside, visitors will notice an octagonal pulpit dating from 1787 with Corinthian columns separating the entrance vestibule from the main worship space. The grey-painted wooden confessional box stands as another example of original furnishings that have survived centuries.

Location: Moray

Location: Bellie

GPS coordinates: 57.63690,-3.04200

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:24