A compact Gothic church combines a circular bell tower, Caithness-slab louvres and a richly furnished interior.
Quick facts
- Date
- Built 1885; chancel completed 1905
- Architect / designer
- Alexander Ross
- Type
- Gothic Episcopal church with circular bell tower
- Designation
- Listed building, Category C (LB42029)
- OS grid reference
- ND 11717 68255
Architecture and continuing use
Snecked rubble and contrasting sandstone dressings define the nave, porch and later chancel. A narrow circular tower rises beside the entrance under a fish-scale slated conical roof.
Its story
Alexander Ross designed the church in 1885 and the chancel followed in 1905. It continues as an Episcopal congregation serving Thurso and the surrounding area.
Why it is included
Its unusual tower, local materials and continuing denominational life broaden the architectural story of the planned town.
What to notice
- Circular bell tower with Caithness-slab louvres.
- Geometric tracery in the south-west gable.
- Celtic carving on roof corbels and the historic panelled pew inside.
Reading the surroundings
Attend advertised services or contact the congregation; respect worship, safeguarding and any limits on interior access.
Timeline
- Built 1885 Alexander Ross designed the church in 1885 and the chancel followed in 1905. It continues as an Episcopal congregation serving Thurso and the surrounding area.
- Present Active Scottish Episcopal church.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
Service times and visitor access vary; use the Scottish Episcopal Church directory for current contact.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: Church of St Peter and the Holy Rood, LB42029 — Designation status, mapped location, construction phases, fabric, authorship and architectural or historical interest.
- Scottish Episcopal Church: St Peter and the Holy Rood — Current congregation, address and contact information.
Location
OS grid reference ND 11717 68255 · Location confidence: High: the statutory designation supplies an official mapped National Grid Reference and the current source confirms the Place relationship or present identity. · Select the marker to open its satellite view in Google Maps. On desktop, drag Pegman (the yellow figure) onto a blue road. On mobile, turn on the Street View layer and tap a blue road. Other photo markers may be user-contributed.
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