Inverness East Church, Inverness

Inverness East Church, Inverness

Inverness East Church, a Category B listed building, is a landmark steeped in rich history and architectural evolution. Originally opened in 1798 as a chapel of ease for the Church of Scotland, the building underwent significant transformations over the centuries. Rebuilt in 1852–1853 and enhanced with a distinctive street frontage in 1897–1898 by the architectural firm Ross & Macbeth, the structure became a symbol of resilience and community adaptability.

The church's journey reflects pivotal moments in Scottish ecclesiastical history. During the disruption of 1843, it left the Church of Scotland, becoming Inverness East Free Church. In 1900, it joined the United Presbyterian Church of Scotland to form the United Free Church of Scotland, only to return to the Church of Scotland in 1929 alongside many other United Free churches. Throughout these transitions, the church served a parish that included the city center of Inverness and the surrounding areas of Longman, Drakies, and Raigmore.

In addition to its role as a place of worship, Inverness East Church made a tangible impact through its outreach initiatives. Notably, "The Shack," a former rent office on the Raigmore estate, became a vital hub for community support. It provided a drop-in space for those in need and served as the base for various congregation-led activities, underscoring the church's commitment to social welfare.

In 2022, the Inverness Presbytery announced plans to merge the parish with Inshes Church and close East Church. After 225 years of service, the final worship service was held on March 5, 2023. Dr. A. T. B. McGowan, the church's last minister, retired in 2019, marking the end of an era.

The building's story took an exciting turn in 2024 when it was purchased by Cultarlann Inbhir Nis, a charity dedicated to promoting Gaelic culture. Plans are underway to transform the historic site into a vibrant Gaelic cultural center, ensuring that the legacy of Inverness East Church continues in a new and meaningful way.

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Inverness East Church on Map

1
30 m
100 ft
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap contributors
Sight Name: Inverness East Church
Sight Location: Inverness, Scotland (See walking tours in Inverness)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Inverness, Scotland

Create Your Own Walk in Inverness

Create Your Own Walk in Inverness

Creating your own self-guided walk in Inverness is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Inverness Historical Buildings Walking Tour

Inverness Historical Buildings Walking Tour

Inverness, a city established in the 12th century, boasts an array of historical architecture reflecting its rich and often tumultuous past. Many of its centuries-old buildings are situated along the banks of the River Ness and blend effortlessly with the surrounding landscape.

Undoubtedly, prime among these is the Inverness Castle, perched majestically atop a hill overlooking the city....  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Inverness Introduction Walking Tour

Inverness Introduction Walking Tour

Often regarded as the Capital of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness is steeped in history and legend. The name "Inverness" derives from the Scottish Gaelic "Inbhir Nis," which means "mouth of the River Ness," a fitting moniker for a city that thrives along the banks of this scenic waterway.

The Inverness area has been inhabited since 6500 BC, once being a...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles