Rubislaw Church, Aberdeen

Rubislaw Church, located in the Queen's Cross area of Aberdeen, is a parish church of the Church of Scotland. It was built in 1874 as part of a national expansion campaign following the Disruption of 1843. Unusually for Aberdeen, where most buildings are constructed from granite, Rubislaw Church was built using sandstone. This decision was made despite George Washington Wilson’s offer to fund a granite structure, as the sandstone contract had already been signed.

Originally intended to serve three new parishes, the church was expanded in 1880, adding a tower and spire, which some speculate was done to compete with the Free Church of Scotland's Queen's Cross Church across the street. The building’s unique architecture stands out in a city known for its granite skyline.

In 1985, Rubislaw Church was awarded Grade B heritage status by Historic Scotland, acknowledging its architectural and historical significance. The church’s mission to serve the community continues, with most of its activities taking place in the refurbished church center on Fountainhall Road. However, in 2019, the Church of Scotland announced plans to sell the building as part of a wider consolidation effort.

The church’s original manse was a bungalow located within its graveyard, but in 1922, a larger house was purchased in Rubislaw Den. This newer manse was sold in 2016 for £1 million, marking a significant milestone for the church.