St Mary's RC Church, Inverness
A Category A-listed Gothic Revival Catholic church on Huntly Street, on the west bank of the River Ness. Designed by William Robertson of Elgin and opened in 1837, it is open to visitors daily and known for its altar and stained glass. Free to look around between services.
Photos
Mark Bondy
History and architecture
St Mary's opened on 2 April 1837 to designs by the Elgin architect William Robertson, in the pointed Gothic style then coming back into fashion. In the 1890s the church was extended and given a new altar and reredos with carved figures and mosaics, with the altar designed by Peter Paul Pugin. Stations of the Cross were added at the same time.
What to look for
Inside, look for the 19th-century altar and reredos, newer stained glass installed for the Millennium and in 2015, an icon of the Presentation of the Child, and a statue marking the 400th anniversary of the martyrdom of St John Ogilvie. The sanctuary was reordered in 2014 with new tiled flooring.
Visiting
The church is open every day, with longer hours in summer. It remains a working parish, so be quiet during Mass. A guide book is available, and there is wheelchair access, an induction loop and toilets. Combine it with a walk along the riverside to the Ness Islands, or cross to the city centre. Polish-language Mass is also held, reflecting the city's Polish community, so check the parish bulletin for current service times.
Highlights
- Category A-listed, opened 1837
- Altar designed by Peter Paul Pugin
- Modern stained glass from 2000 and 2015
- Riverside setting on Huntly Street
Good to know
- Open daily; summer hours are longer than winter.
- Wheelchair access, an induction loop and toilets are available.
- A working parish church - visits are best outside Mass times.
Frequently asked questions
Nearby
Sources: stmarysinverness.co.uk · scotlandschurchestrust.org.uk · en.wikipedia.org