Birnie Kirkyard
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Birnie Kirkyard

Elgin, Moray, Scotland

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  • Get directions Paddockhaugh
    Elgin, Moray IV30 8SU Scotland
    Coordinates: 57.61179, -3.32997
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Birnie Kirk is one of the oldest church buildings in continuous use in Scotland, and was built in the years around 1140, though the site on which it stands is even older.



The more or less circular churchyard is raised above the surrounding landscape and walled, and was originally occupied by an earlier Celtic church dedicated to St Brendan the Navigator, an Irish Saint. Birnie Kirk served as the first cathedral of the Bishops of Moray, a role it retained through the tenure of four Bishops.



The churchyard is believed to be the last resting place of Simon do Tonci, the 4th Bishop of Moray who died in 1184. This role as cathedral probably helps explain why the kirk, though small and plain, was exceptionally well built. In the 1200s, the title of cathedral was moved to a church on the site later occupied by Elgin Cathedral whose ruins still stand today. In 1734 the church was altered and shortened by two feet, when the west gable needed rebuilding. During this process the windows in the south side of the nave were enlarged. Further repairs were undertaken in 1891. The highlight is the Norman arch between the nave and the chancel.



In the kirkyard a Pictish stone stands beside the gate between the old Kirkyard and the new extension.





Birnie Kirk is one of the oldest church buildings in continuous use in Scotland, and was built in the years around 1140, though the site on which it stands is even older.



The more or less circular churchyard is raised above the surrounding landscape and walled, and was originally occupied by an earlier Celtic church dedicated to St Brendan the Navigator, an Irish Saint. Birnie Kirk served as the first cathedral of the Bishops of Moray, a role it retained through the tenure of four Bishops.



The churchyard is believed to be the last resting place of Simon do Tonci, the 4th Bishop of Moray who died in 1184. This role as cathedral probably helps explain why the kirk, though small and plain, was exceptionally well built. In the 1200s, the title of cathedral was moved to a church on the site later occupied by Elgin Cathedral whose ruins still stand today. In 1734 the church was altered and shortened by two feet, when the west gable needed rebuilding. During this process the windows in the south side of the nave were enlarged. Further repairs were undertaken in 1891. The highlight is the Norman arch between the nave and the chancel.



In the kirkyard a Pictish stone stands beside the gate between the old Kirkyard and the new extension.





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  • Added: 30 Jul 2008
  • Find a Grave Cemetery ID: 2270428