Building record MAB10695 - ST MARTINS CHURCH / CAIRNIE PARISH CHURCH, CAIRNIE

Parish church, graveyard and remains of St Martins Church (built 1597).

Parish church, graveyard and remains of St Martins Church (built 1597). The remains of St Martin's Church stand in the graveyard to south of the present parish church. A church was in existence prior to 1226 when it was erected into a prebend of Elgin Cathedral, dedicated to St Martin. Only the 16th century aisle remains, the Pitlurg Aisle, which was added to the north side. It was used as the burial place of the Gordons of Pitlurg. A commemorative panel, of probable 17th century date, to Gordons is set into its north wall. It was restored in 1868 restored in 1868 as a burial enclosure of the Gordon's of Botarg and Pitlurg. It has rubble walls with an arched entrance above which is a date plaque. On inside of wall above the gated entrance is an image of St Martin which is said to have stood in a niche in old church. There is a tradition that the original church stood about a mile to the west but there is no evidence to suggest this (see NJ44SE0026). The present church, now closed, was built in 1803 and altered in 1887 and 1902. It is of simple rectangular plan, with a belfry, of harled rubble with a slated roof. At the east end is a session room and it has a simple interior with a gallery.

Period Notes
Church in existence prior to 1226 when it was erected into a prebend of Elgin Cathedral; only 16thC aisle remains which was added 1597; commemorative panel of probably 17thC; altered in 1887 and 1902..

JERVISE, A, 1879, EPITAPHS & INSCRIPTIONS,VOL 2, 30,32 (Bibliographic reference). SAB889.

PIRIE, J, 1906, THE PARISH OF CAIRNIE, 48-50 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1408.

MACKINLAY, JM, 1914, ANCEINT CHURCH DEDICAT.SCOT., 313 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1210.

COWAN, IB, 1967, THE PARISHES OF MED SCOT, 21 (Bibliographic reference). SAB242.

Dec 8 1995 , NN 7, NN 7 (Ground Photograph). SAB33456.

Record last edited

Feb 19 2024 3:18PM