Building record MAB13413 - ST CAROL'S CHURCH, RUTHVEN

Remains of the Medieval St. Carol's Church, which fell into ruin in circa 1685, and its associated graveyard.

The church was narrow and rectangular in plan and built with rubble granite. The west gable survives in its entirety, but little of the rest of the church remains. The lower part of the north side wall is intact, but only lumps in the turf show where the south wall and east gable were located. The west gable is dominated by the 17th Century bellcote or belltower, which forms a central, advanced section of the gable. The bellcote is mounted on the rubble-built tower section and has ashlar uprights and lintels. Fragments of small ball finials can be seen on top of the bellcote, and the small bell still hangs in the opening, supported by a wooden beam.

An arched burial recess in the north wall survives and contains a fine carved figure in full knight's armour. It is to Sir Thomas Gordon of Ruthven and is 16th Century in date. Ruthven was added to Cairnie Parish in 1618. Within the graveyard is the Commonwealth War Grave of Private Keith Pirie, Gordon Highlanders, who died 21 June 1916.

JERVISE, A, 1879, EPITAPHS & INSCRIPTIONS,VOL 2, 33 (Bibliographic reference). SAB889.

Mar 8 2018 , 53 frames, 53 frames (Ground Photograph). SAB36862.

Record last edited

Jul 15 2026 1:12PM