Lochinver Free Church

A low rubble church gains a distinctive profile from its compact two-stage tower and pyramidal roof.

Quick facts

Date
1893
Architect / designer
Unknown
Type
Rubble church with square bell tower
Designation
Listed building, Category B (LB1829)
OS grid reference
NC 09519 23095

Architecture, archaeology and continuing use

The rectangular church has a squat five-light pointed window in the west gable and three-light windows along its sides. At one corner, a stumpy square tower combines a round-headed entrance, string courses, louvred belfry openings and a shallow pyramidal roof with iron finials.

Its story

Built in 1893 for the Free Church, the building followed the religious realignment of the nineteenth century. Historic Environment Scotland records continuing ecclesiastical use, and the denomination still lists an Assynt and Eddrachillis congregation at Baddidaroch Road.

Why it is included

Category B listing recognises an architecturally distinctive Highland church whose compact tower, stained glass and continued denominational identity contribute strongly to Lochinver's built character.

What to notice

  • The broad, low five-light window in the west gable.
  • Louvred lunettes around the short belfry stage.
  • Cast-iron finials above the tower's pyramidal roof.

Reading the surroundings

Confirm current service or opening arrangements before visiting. If the building is closed, view from public routes without entering its grounds or blocking access; respect any worship or private activity.

Timeline

  1. 1893 The congregation completed its new stone church at Baddidaroch Road.
  2. 20th century Ecclesiastical use preserved the building's worship identity.
  3. 2026 The denomination continued listing a congregation at this address.

What we know — and what remains uncertain

The official denominational directory confirms the address but does not publish service times on the reviewed page, so routine access remains unverified.

Sources & further reading

Location

reviewed Scotland’s Architecture record small badge = designation

OS grid reference NC 09519 23095 · Location confidence: High: the national designation supplies an official mapped National Grid Reference; an additional source confirms the Place relationship, history or current 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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Place: Lochinver · Current use: Church building listed by the Free Church of Scotland for its Assynt and Eddrachillis congregation; current service times and routine public access were not confirmed (checked 2026-08-27)

Last reviewed: 2026-08-27 · Record: SHD-REC-LOC-FREE-CHURCH

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