Inverchaolain Church

28/05/2026

Some interesting facts about Inverchaolain Church and the surrounding area you may not have known:

• Pronunciation & Meaning
“Inverchaolain” (pronounced Inver-hoolain) comes from the Gaelic Inbhir-chaol-a(bha)inn, meaning “the mouth of the narrow stream” — named after the burn which runs directly beside the church.

• A Hidden Highland Ferry Route
Due to the area’s isolation, worshippers in the 18th and 19th centuries would often row across Loch Striven to attend Sunday services at Inverchaolain from places such as Colintraive.

• The Sheep Once Outnumbered the People
During the Highland agricultural changes of the late 1700s, the parish population dramatically declined. In 1755 there were around 944 people living in the parish, but by 1791 this had fallen to around 504 — while the sheep population rose to over 14,000.

• A Remarkable Location
Few churches in Scotland sit in such a dramatic and peaceful setting — surrounded by hills, forest and the waters of Loch Striven. Despite its quiet appearance today, Inverchaolain was once an important focal point for scattered Highland communities.

15/05/2026

The history of Inverchaolain Church

The first church here after the Reformation was built by a man who had dreamed that he would find a treasure in a certain spot in the parish and was commanded to build with it a church upon “Crochaan an Airy”, but the treasure became exhausted and the church remained unslated for many years. The second church was built in 1745 (the year of the second Jacobite rising) and “almost rebuilt” in 1759. The third church was built in 1812 and destroyed by fire on Sunday, 9th April 1911. The present, or fourth, church was built in 1912 and opened on 27th October in that year. The dedication service was conducted by the minister, the Rev. Alex. Cameron, assisted by the Rev. M. Babington, B.D., Toward. The Rev. J. C. Riggins, Tarbolton, preached the sermon from the text, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper that love Thee” (Psalm cxxii. 6). The service was attended by a congregation which filled the church, and many travelled long distances to be present. The church has been re-erected on the original site, at a cost of about £1,200. The seating accommodation is for 165 persons. In the work of restoration the heritors of the parish evinced much interest, and were seconded by the generous gifts of Sir James Lamont, Bart., of Knockdow, Colonel Sir Aubone Fife, Mr. Norman Lamont, Mr. C. Walter Berry and the Misses Berry, of Glenstriven.

25/04/2026

24/04/2026

We’d like to sincerely thank everyone for the support — it really is appreciated.

Cleaning works will begin next week as we start bringing the building back to life. Our aim, if all goes to plan, is to have the doors open on Saturdays and Sundays by the summer so the community can begin to enjoy the space again.

Inverchaolain Church being at least the 4th church on this site is not only an important local asset, but a building of wider historical significance, with roots to the old church located approx 220 metres to the north east, dating back to the 1100s. It’s something truly special, and we’re committed to preserving and restoring it with the care it deserves.

Thank you again for all the encouragement — it means a great deal as we begin this journey.

22/04/2026

At Inverchaolain Church today a new era has commenced with the purchase of the Church from John and Julie MacNamee. The keys were handed over today to Alexandra Bower on behalf of the new owners. The Church will now remain a Place of Worship and after cleaning and some repairs it is hoped to be re-opened for community events.