St Andrews Church, Fortrose

This pale sandstone Episcopalian church occupies a magnificent site overlooking Fortrose Harbour and the Moray Firth. The site was originally occupied by Lemlair manse, one of the many parish manses which were grouped around Fortrose Cathedral in the days prior to the Reformation (1560).

In 1790 a feu was granted for the present building. Designed by the Inverness architects Ross and Macbeth, the building is a fine example of the Gothic style of the later Middle Ages which was revived again in the late 18^th century. Indeed this style, with its distinctive pointed arches, remained popular for public buildings well into the 20^th century.

The Scottish Episcopal Church, an independent Scottish Church since 1690, was going through a period of growth at this time and new churches were being built throughout Scotland.

St Andrew's opened for its first service in 1827. Initially the services were in Gaelic and English for the benefit of the congregation. In 1897 the church acquired nearby 'Coull's Chapel'. This building, which incorporates a 1788 marriage stone, had become ruinous but it was repaired and served as a Sunday School for the church. In 1904 the semi-circular baptistery at the west end of St Andrew's was added to the main building.

Today the congregation of St Andrew's still flourishes although there are no longer any services in Gaelic.