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.
 Isle of Lewis, Western Isles 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.  Borders 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.  Edinburgh, Lothian Dedicated in 1620, Greyfriars Kirk was the first Reformed church in Edinburgh and the setting for a good bit of Scottish national history.  Edinburgh, Lothian 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.  Western Isles 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.  Borders 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.  Edinburgh, Lothian 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.  Lothian 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 Andrews, Fife 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.  Edinburgh, Lothian This historic church in Edinburgh has a friendly congregation that emphasizes Celtic spirituality.  Edinburgh, Lothian 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. |
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