The Old Stables, East Laroch

Quick facts

Date

Possibly seventeenth century; raised and adapted in the eighteenth century

Architect / designer

Builder not recorded

Type

Former stable or byre adapted as an Episcopalian meeting house

Designation

Listed building, Category C (LB6888)

OS grid reference

NN 08129 58092

Architecture and continuing use

Rubble walls show a distinct construction break above the original ground-floor lintels, evidence that the stable or byre was raised. Two doors and blocked windows survive on the north elevation, with a further upper window and ventilation slits. A simple bellcote probably belongs to conversion for worship. Later openings and a slate roof record continued adaptation after ecclesiastical use ended.

Its story

The building may begin in the seventeenth century as a farm structure. Episcopalians used it during the eighteenth century, when raising the walls and adding a bellcote gave the plain range a modest church identity. A tradition records Bishop Forbes baptising 179 people in the Old Stables in 1732. St John’s purpose-built church later replaced improvised accommodation, and the old structure passed to other use.

Why it is included

It demonstrates how a marginalised or dispersed congregation could transform an ordinary working building without erasing its agricultural fabric.

What to notice

• The horizontal break where the original walls were heightened.
• A very plain bellcote above stable-like openings.
• Blocked windows and later alterations as evidence of repeated reuse.

Reading the surroundings

Treat the building and surrounding ground as private unless current signs say otherwise. The local HER notes historic uncertainty over its exact location, so use the marker cautiously and do not approach occupied yards or interiors.

Timeline

1. Possibly 17th century A low stable or byre was built at East Laroch.
2. 1732 Tradition places a large Episcopal baptism gathering in the adapted building.
3. 18th century The walls were probably raised and a bellcote added for worship.
4. 1842 Purpose-built St John’s Church provided a new congregational home.

What we know — and what remains uncertain

The designation itself says the earliest date and sequence are possible rather than certain. The Highland HER also records location uncertainty, and current use has not been independently verified.

Sources & further reading

• Historic Environment Scotland: The Old Stables, East Laroch, LB6888 — Current designation status, statutory identity, official mapped point, date, fabric and significance.
• Highland Historic Environment Record: The Old Stables — Local record for the former stable and church, including a warning that its exact mapped location was historically uncertain.
• Trove: The Old Stables — National heritage inventory entry for designation identity, mapped position, related records and available archive material.
• United Diocese of Argyll and the Isles: Ballachulish churches — Denominational history for Episcopalian worship in Ballachulish and the present St John’s congregation.