Kirkmichael
A medieval church on the Black Isle shore by Udale Bay, rescued from ruin by its community, with a display of carved medieval crosses and old memorials.
On the shore of the Cromarty Firth, above the mudflats of Udale Bay, a small church of red sandstone stands in its old graveyard.
For a long time Kirkmichael was a roofless, overgrown ruin. Then local people formed a trust, raised the money and, stone by stone, brought it back.
The work won them a Scottish Heritage Angel Award among others, and the result is one of the most rewarding small places to visit on the Black Isle. Inside the restored church is a display of medieval carved crosses, and outside the old memorials have been repaired, with panels explaining the symbols of death and life carved on them. Look out, too, for the workbench of Hugh Miller, Cromarty's famous stonemason and geologist.
It is quiet and peaceful, with views over the firth and the bird reserve below, and it is open every day in daylight.
Open every day during daylight, and free.
- Where
- By Udale Bay on the Black Isle, IV7 8LQ.
- Open
- Daily, in daylight.
- See
- Medieval carved crosses.
On the Black Isle shore by Udale Bay, between Balblair and Jemimaville, IV7 8LQ.
Places to stay near the church, and when each is next free.
Newhall Mains- To stay
- In Balblair
- Under a mile from Kirkmichael
Boath Cabin- Sleeps 4
- In Easter Ross
- 14 miles from Kirkmichael
Links House at Royal Dornoch- To stay
- In Dornoch
- 16 miles from Kirkmichael
Culbin Edge- Sleeps 4
- In Easter Ross
- 17 miles from Kirkmichael
Scotland, in print.
Every photograph commissioned, every word written by somebody who went. Printed twice a year, made in Scotland.
For further reading, before you go.