1. Sacred Destinations
  2. Scotland
  3. Sacred Sites in Scotland

Sacred Sites in Scotland

Below is an illustrated index of the sacred sites and religious places in Scotland profiled so far on Sacred Destinations, listed in alphabetical order by name. Please note this list is far from comprehensive - many more great sites remain to be added. You can also view these sites on an interactive map of Scotland.



  • Callanish Stones
    Isle of Lewis, Scotland
    This atmospheric site on the Isle of Lewis dates from 2900-2600 BC. It consists of a large stone circle surrounding a burial chamber, with four avenues of stones forming a cross shape.
  • Dryburgh Abbey
    Borders, Scotland
    Dryburgh Abbey is a ruined 12th-century abbey located on the Tweed River in the Borders region of Scotland. It is the final resting place of Sir Walter Scott.
  • Greyfriars Kirk
    Edinburgh, Scotland
    Dedicated in 1620, Greyfriars Kirk was the first Reformed church in Edinburgh and the setting for a good bit of Scottish national history.
  • Holyrood Abbey
    Edinburgh, Scotland
    Holyrood Abbey was founded in 1128 by King David I for Augustinian monks from St Andrews. Holyrood Palace, home of Scottish royalty, was later built next to the abbey.
  • Museum of Scotland
    Edinburgh, Scotland
    This excellent modern museum in Edinburgh's Old Town displays artifacts from across Scotland, including Viking brooches, Pictish carved stones, ancient chessmen, medieval oak carvings and more.
  • St Cuthbert's Church
    Edinburgh, Scotland
    This historic church in Edinburgh has a friendly congregation that emphasizes Celtic spirituality.
  • St Giles Cathedral
    Edinburgh, Scotland
    As the church where John Knox preached the Reformation, St Giles' is the mother church of the Church of Scotland and the birthplace of Presbyterianism.
  • Elgin Cathedral
    Elgin, Scotland
    One of the most impressive buildings in Scotland, even in ruins, Elgin Cathedral dates primarily from the 13th century.
  • Iona Abbey
    Western Isles, Scotland
    The Irish missionary St. Columba established a monastery on the island of Iona in 563 AD, from which Celtic Christianity spread throughout Scotland. Today it hosts the ecumenical Iona Community.
  • Melrose Abbey
    Borders, Scotland
    This Cistercian abbey south of Edinburgh was founded in 1136 and is now in picturesque ruins. It said to enshrine the heart of Robert the Bruce.
  • Ring of Brodgar
    Orkney, Scotland
    Dating from around 2500 BC, this magnificent stone circle occupies a scenic location between two lakes on Orkney. Measuring nearly 104 m in diameter, it is the third largest stone circle in Britain.
  • Rosslyn Chapel
    Lothian, Scotland
    This remarkable chapel south of Edinburgh is famous for its unique decorative art and its mysterious associations with the Knights Templar, the Holy Grail and the Freemasons.
  • St Andrew's Cathedral
    St Andrews, Scotland
    Once the largest and most important church in Scotland, St Andrew's Cathedral (1160-1318) now lies in picturesque ruins overlooking the North Sea. Its museum contains important medieval artifacts.