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Deskford Kirk, a roofless stone church with a bell gable, among old gravestones and trees.
Morayshire

Deskford Kirk

The roofless ruin of a small late medieval church south of Cullen, with a richly carved sacrament house of 1551, one of the finest in Scotland.

Welcome

In a quiet churchyard at Kirktown of Deskford, a few miles south of Cullen, stands the roofless shell of a small stone church with a bell gable at one end.

Deskford Church was built around 1540, and it is one of the best preserved rural parish churches of its time in Scotland.

From outside it looks plain, but step inside to find the sacrament house, a tall carved stone cupboard where the sacrament was once kept. It was put in place in 1551 by Alexander Ogilvy of Findlater and Deskford, richly decorated and carved with an inscription in English as well as Latin, and it is thought to be one of the finest in the country.

The kirk is in the care of Historic Environment Scotland, free and open all year, and the old burial ground around it is still in use. It is signposted from the Keith road.

A short drive awayRockpool CaféA family-friendly cafe and restaurant on the Square in Cullen, known for its Cullen skink, lunches, coffee and cakes.7 min by roadSee itThe Rockpool café on a street corner beneath a stone railway viaduct
Before you go

Open all year round and free.

Where
Kirktown of Deskford, south of Cullen, AB56 5UA.
Built
About 1540.
Care of
Historic Environment Scotland.
Where it is

At Kirktown of Deskford, signposted from the Keith road south of Cullen, AB56 5UA.

Close byCullen.
  1. Scale model of Old Cullen marks the Royal Burgh's bicentennial in a museum displayCullen Heritage CentreLocal history on Cullen's Square.4 miles 7 min by road
  2. Garden House TradingGarden House TradingA gift shop in a curved sandstone corner building on the Square in Cullen, full of cards, homewares, candles, scarves and souvenirs.4 miles 7 min by road
  3. CullenCullenThe seaside town to the north.4 miles 7 min by road
  4. Cullen Links Golf ClubCullen Links Golf ClubA short and quirky links on Cullen Bay, first laid out by Old Tom Morris, with red sandstone stacks standing in play on the back nine.5 miles 9 min by road
  5. Findlater CastleFindlater CastleThe Ogilvies' cliff-top castle.6 miles 12 min by road
Directions
The Rockpool café on a street corner beneath a stone railway viaductRestaurantsRockpool Café4.3 miles
Sandy beach and sea seen through the arched window of a wooden saunaAttractionsSauna at the Kings4.9 miles
Grassy dunes and rocky sand lead to a curved headland beyond the bayAttractionsSunnyside Beach5.0 miles
The curving sands of Sandend Bay, yellow gorse in the foreground.AttractionsSandend Beach6.7 miles
Rows of casks on their racks in a Glenglassaugh warehouse.AttractionsGlenglassaugh Distillery6.7 miles
Portknockie Fish Bar, a white-painted chip shop with green trim, at duskRestaurantsPortknockie Fish and Chips6.7 miles
Fishing boats moored in harbour below whitewashed cottages on a grassy hillsideAttractionsPortknockie6.7 miles
Bow Fiddle Rock arching over the sea near PortknockieAttractionsBow Fiddle Rock6.9 miles
Curved sign reading "Portsoy Ice Cream" on a stone corner buildingCafePortsoy Ice Cream8.6 miles
The Daily for 17 October, from Scotland with love. A wide waterfall churns over rock ledges, autumn trees lining the gorge.

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Stay nearby

Places to stay near the kirk, and when each is next free.

A single-storey lodge with a slated roof sits behind a stone wall and clipped hedge, mature trees shading the curving drive.Gate Lodge
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Rothiemay
  • 10 miles from Deskford Kirk
Check datesA triangular timber cabin stands behind a wooden gate and post-and-rail fence, bare trees framing the entrance.Midpark
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Rothiemay
  • 10 miles from Deskford Kirk
Free 30 Oct – 1 NovA stone cottage with a slated roof and a blue front door, climbing roses in pink and white flanking the porch.Butlers Cottage
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Rothiemay
  • 10 miles from Deskford Kirk
Free 17–19 OctA grey stone cottage with dormer windows and a black front door, climbing roses either side, set behind a lawn.Bailies Cottage
  • Sleeps 6
  • In Rothiemay
  • 10 miles from Deskford Kirk
Free 26–28 OctPlaces to stayEvery stay in MorayshireAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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