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Glencorse Old Kirk, a small stone church among old gravestones and trees.
Edinburgh

Glencorse Old Kirk

A 17th-century kirk in the woods of the Glencorse estate below the Pentlands, which Stevenson wrote about and where Jamie and Claire married in Outlander.

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Welcome

In the woods below the Pentland Hills, on the private estate of Glencorse House, a small stone church stands among old gravestones and yews.

Glencorse Old Kirk dates from the 17th century, and it has a long place in Scottish writing. Robert Louis Stevenson visited it and wrote about it in his tales.

In more recent years the kirk found a new audience. It was chosen for one of the best-loved scenes in Outlander, the wedding of Jamie and Claire, and it now features on Outlander tours.

The kirk has been carefully restored and is used for weddings and private events at Glencorse House, which means it is not open to walk into on the off chance. Private tours can be arranged with the house by appointment, by telephone or email.

A short drive awayOriginal Rosslyn InnAn inn in Roslin, family-run since 1837.4 min by roadSee itDiners at outdoor tables outside The Original Rosslyn, flag flying above the entrance
Before you go

The kirk stands in the private grounds of Glencorse House, a wedding and events venue, so it cannot be visited on the off chance.

Private tours can be arranged by appointment with the house.

Where
Glencorse House, Milton Bridge, near Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0NS.
Visiting
By appointment only: 01968 676 406, info@glencorsehouse.com.
Where it is

In the grounds of Glencorse House at Milton Bridge, below the Pentland Hills south of Edinburgh.

Close byRoslin, and the foot of the Pentlands.
  1. Rosslyn ChapelRosslyn ChapelA small sandstone chapel at Roslin, with gargoyles and grotesques outside.3 miles 5 min by road
  2. Stone steps lead through a red sandstone archway in dense woodlandRosslyn CastleEnough of Roslin Castle remains to show how great a house it was.3 miles 5 min by road
  3. Green fields and woods near Roslin on a grey day.Battle of Roslin MonumentA cairn near Roslin marking the battle of 24 February 1303.4 miles 9 min by road
  4. Whitewashed thatched cottage with chimney, surrounded by flowering shrubs and conifersSwanston4 miles 7 min by road
  5. Green hillside overlooking Edinburgh's suburbs and the Firth of Forth beyondAllermuir HillThe most northerly of the main Pentland summits.5 miles 12 min by road
Directions
Diners at outdoor tables outside The Original Rosslyn, flag flying above the entranceRestaurantsOriginal Rosslyn Inn2.3 miles
Stone wall curves along a reservoir edge with hills beyondAttractionsHarlaw Reservoir4.1 miles over the water
Reed-fringed loch with autumn trees below a rounded hillAttractionsHarlaw and Threipmuir Reservoirs4.3 miles over the water
Angler wading in a reservoir, green footbridge crossing the water beyondAttractionsThreipmuir Reservoir4.3 miles over the water
Clermount Cottage, EdinburghPenicuikClermount CottageSleeps 2 · 4.3 miles
Standing stone beside a stone wall and house on a residential streetAttractionsThe Caiy Stane4.3 miles
Tartan blanket beside a mug on a book, tray scattered with autumn leavesCafeAngelina Coffee Snug5.3 miles
White cow parsley blooms in front of a stone cottage with skylightsPenicuikSteadingSleeps 4 · 5.3 miles
Stone cottage courtyard with slate roof, chimney and rolling green hills behindPenicuikThe ByreSleeps 4 · 5.3 miles
The Daily for 19 October, from Scotland with love. bare tree stumps standing in an autumn loch, forested hills reflected in the still water

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Stay nearby

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

Clermount Cottage, EdinburghClermount Cottage
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Penicuik
  • 3 miles from the kirk
Check datesWhite cow parsley blooms in front of a stone cottage with skylightsSteading
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Penicuik
  • 4 miles from the kirk
Check datesStone cottage courtyard with slate roof, chimney and rolling green hills behindThe Byre
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Penicuik
  • 4 miles from the kirk
Check datesA black kitchen counter with flowers on the worktop stands before a curved timber slatted screen opening onto a bedroom.Cartshed
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Penicuik
  • 4 miles from the kirk
Free 9–11 NovPlaces to stayEvery stay in EdinburghAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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