In 2023 St. Fillan’s church will celebrate it’s 900th anniversary. Last time we showed that St Fillan’s is older than many institutions. But is St. Fillan’s the oldest church in Scotland?
Wikipedia Lists the oldest buildings in Scotland, this includes three religious buildings:
Brechin Cathedral Round Tower was built in 1012, it predates the cathedral (the cathedral is now closed) – it is a tower not a church.
St Rules Tower, St Andrews was built in 1123 – it is a tower not a church.
Inchcolm Abbey, the substantial ruins date from 1123 – it is a ruin not a church.
When Inchcolm Abbey was established in 1123 by King Alexander I it was given the church of Aberdour – reference – therefore the church in Aberdour predates Inchcolm Abbey
Therefore St. Fillan’s Church, Aberdour is the oldest church in Scotland!
By contrast, St Martins Church, Canterbury dating from 597 is the oldest church in England.