In January I asked if St Fillan’s was the oldest church in Scotland as it dates from 1123. I stated St Giles, Edinburgh – 1124, Dunfermline Abbey – 1128 and Church of the Holy Rude, Stirling – 1129. Since then I have received various suggestions as to which churches may be older.
Kirkliston Parish Church, its “Norman Transitional” architecture indicates that it was built around 1200.
Birnie Kirk near Elgin is described as one of the oldest church buildings in continuous use in Scotland. It was built c1140.
Collington Parish Church, Edinburgh celebrated its 900th anniversary in 1995. There was a church on the site in 1095 but the current church was built in 1771.
Dunfermline Abbey is described as a worshiping community since 1072, and is celebrating its 950th aniversary next year. Nothing of the original church survives, the Norman church dates from 1128. The current Abbey Church was built to the design of William Burn of Edinburgh and was dedicated in 1821.
It is difficult to say which is the oldest church in Scotland as there is little written evidence. Several churches that claim to be older have been replaced with a newer building, at St Fillan’s much of the 12th century building remains. We can say with certainty that St Fillan’s may be the oldest church in Scotland.