St Bride's Kirk

The ruins of St Bride's Kirk can be found in the grounds of Blair Castle.

The kirk was built after the Scottish Reformation of 1560, on the site of a much earlier church. The kirk is dedicated to Saint Bridgid of Kildare, an Irish saint who founded Kildare Abbey.

We accidentally stumbled upon this lovely little kirk when we were taking a long walk into Glen Tilt. We were passing through Old Blair, and found the back gate to the kirk was open, so we had a little peek.

Access to the kirk is generally only permitted when you visit Blair Castle, which is worthwhile.

There is evidence the kirk paid tax in 1275, so it is possible that it was built around the same time as Cumming's Tower of Blair Castle, which was built in 1269.

Is it just me, or does the gable wall resemble a face? Time to enter the mouth!

In 1481, legend tells of Angus Óg, the illegitimate son of John MacDonald II, Lord of the Isles, attacking Blair Castle. The Earl and the Countess sought refuge in the kirk, and during their capture the kirk was damaged. When travelling back to Islay, he interpreted a storm to be the wrath of God and returned to have the kirk repaired as retribution.

The kirk served as the parish church to what is now Old Blair. The village was on the main route north, until a new bridge was built in 1823 and the route changed to the other side of the castle. The villagers moved to Blair Atholl and a new church was built.

St Bride's fell into disuse and became the mausoleum for the Dukes of Atholl and their family members. The ruins are another fantastic structure maintained by the Atholl Estates, and can be hired from the estate to host weddings.

The fabulous vault within the chapel is in memory of John Graham of Claverhouse, the 1st Viscount Dundee. He was originally nicknamed 'Bluidy Clavers', due to his brutal actions when trying to stem the rebellion of Covenanters during the late 17th century. He later became a hero, following his victory at the Battle of Killiecrankie. He may have lost his life, but he became known as 'Bonnie Dundee' from that point forward.

Three days after his death at nearby Killiecrankie in 1689, he was buried here in the vault at St Bride's. The breastplate from his armour is now on display in Blair Castle, and John Stuart-Murray, the 7th Duke of Atholl installed a plaque next to the vault in 1883.

To reach the kirk, start from the castle car park, and take the path away from the castle towards the Hercules Garden. Just before the garden take the path on the left and follow it around to the kirk.

St Bride's Kirk was listed as a Category B Listed Building. However, it has since been removed and is now designated as a Scheduled Monument under the name Blairchurch, St Bride's Church with Historic Environment Scotland.

Don't forget to visit the nearby Balvenie Pillar and The Whim as you are so close.

It is just under 1km to reach St Bride's Kirk from the castle car park.

Follow the above route, or find it on OS Maps.