An 1805 chapel of ease became a more elaborate town church through James Matthews’s 1865 porches, belfry and domed tower stage.
Quick facts
- Date
- 1805; remodelled 1865
- Architect / designer
- James Matthews for the 1865 remodelling
- Type
- Church with domed tower, beadle’s cottage and walled burial ground
- Designation
- Listed building, Category B (LB37616)
- OS grid reference
- NJ 70141 64358
Architecture, archaeology and continuing use
Round-headed windows light a rectangular harled body with entrance porches at both gables. The tower combines an earlier base with a square belfry, leaded dome and cupola; a cottage and high-walled burial ground complete the ensemble.
Its story
James, 2nd Earl of Fife funded the original chapel because the parish church at Gamrie was too distant for Macduff worshippers. Matthews’s remodelling reorganised its entrances and fittings, while later clocks, stained glass and an organ added further layers.
Why it is included
Category B listing recognises a complete ecclesiastical group whose fabric explains the provision and enlargement of worship in the growing burgh.
What to notice
- The domed belfry and small cupola.
- Shaped keystones above round-headed windows.
- The relationship between church, cottage and enclosing wall.
Reading the surroundings
Check current information before entering any building or burial ground. Respect services, graves and private areas, and use public streets when gates are closed.
Timeline
- 1805 The Earl of Fife provided a more convenient chapel for Macduff.
- 1865 James Matthews enlarged its architectural and liturgical presence.
- 20th century New glazing and clock work added further commemorative layers.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
Current worship pattern, access to the burial ground and survival of all recorded fittings were not independently checked.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: Doune Church of Scotland, Church Cottage and Burial Ground, LB37616 — Designation status, mapped location, date, fabric and architectural or archaeological interest.
- Trove designation: LB37616 — Parallel national record identity and archival context.
Location
OS grid reference NJ 70141 64358 · Location confidence: High: the national designation supplies an official mapped National Grid Reference; an additional source confirms record identity and archival context. · 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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