Arbuthnott Church

Inverbervie, United Kingdom

Arbuthnott church is one of the oldest in Scotland dating back to the pre-reformation days. Consecrated in 1242 the church was dedicated to the memory of St Ternan. The oldest part of the building is the chancel, with the rest of the building added around 1500. After the reformation the first minister was a member of the Arbuthnott family, who later went on to become a moderator of the Church of Scotland.

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Founded: 1242
Category: Religious sites in United Kingdom

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Kieran Kenny (4 months ago)
An amazing church with hundreds of years of history in a beautiful setting in the valley by the river. The road is now one way, entry from Grassic Gibbons side. The local community are engaged in it's upkeep and it was a beautiful experience to be welcomed in by locals, with a cup of tea and a guided tour of the historical A listed building. A new car park also adds easier access and parking. Slip off the road to Abz for a short 15 min drive, and a peaceful visit for local history.
Tree Wise Tree Surgeons (3 years ago)
Beautiful wee church. We visited to get a look at the James Leslie Mitchell memorial plaque but didn’t see it. We will have to return on the way home. There are some very intriguing gravestones but lots of them are very unfortunately mislocated or leaning up against a fence. It would be a worthwhile endeavour to relocate these and trim some of the Yew tree branches to uncover those others that are hidden. That would be a nice way to remember those who were buried so long ago.
Lester Longlegs (3 years ago)
We have historic family connections to Arbuthnott, and visit at times during the year. The church has such a sense of peace and serenity, and is well worth a visit.
Sarah Takahashi (3 years ago)
The church is dedicated to the memory of St. Ternan, a Pictish Bishop from around the 400-500’s. St Ternan was dedicated in 1242 and is one of the most complete medieval churches in the north east of Scotland. The chancel, and possibly part of the nave, survive from that 13th-century building. The west belltower was added by Sir Robert Arbuthnott in 1500. On the grounds are many elaborate and very old graves with wonderful symbols, the most notable being a memorial dedicated to James Lewis Mitchell, better known as Author Lewis Grassic Gibbon (1901-1935) from Auchterless is a beloved Scottish author who wrote the trilogy “A Scots Quair“ comprising of Sunset Song (1932), Cloud Howe (1933), and Grey Granite (1934). Sunset Song has been adapted into TV, Film and Theatre.
Chris Wilson (4 years ago)
A most unusual building well worth visiting. In the churchyard is the grave of Lewis Grassic Gibbon. A very quiet and spiritual place.
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