Old High Church
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Old High Church

4.5
·165 reviews·, United Kingdom

An ancient site of worship on St. Michael's Mount, offering a glimpse into Highland history from St. Columba to the Jacobites.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Old High Church

Old High Church

Best Time

Spring mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An ancient site of worship on St. Michael's Mount, offering a glimpse into Highland history from St. Columba to the Jacobites.

4.5
(165 reviews)

"A gorgeous sanctuary, a very old church, lots of history, a spooky cemetery, and a perfect place for a nap!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Kirkyard

Wander through the historic kirkyard; it's a fascinating, albeit somber, part of the church's story.

📸 Capture the Views

The church offers beautiful panoramic views of the River Ness and Inverness.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 166 reviews

Type

Church

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Ancient Tower

The Ancient Tower

West Tower

The oldest part of the church, with foundations dating back to the 14th century. A tangible link to centuries of history.

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Jacobite Execution Site

Jacobite Execution Site

Kirkyard

The kirkyard is a somber reminder of the Jacobite soldiers executed here after Culloden. Look for musket ball marks.

Instagram+1
St. Columba's Preaching Site

St. Columba's Preaching Site

St. Michael's Mount

Believed to be where St. Columba preached to the Pictish people in 565 AD, marking the cradle of Christianity in the Highlands.

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Peaceful River Views

Peaceful River Views

Overlooking River Ness

Enjoy serene views of the River Ness from the church's elevated position on St. Michael's Mount. Perfect for quiet reflection.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the History

The Old High Church is steeped in history, from St. Columba's preaching in 565 AD to its role after the Battle of Culloden. Explore the ancient tower and the poignant graveyard for a deep dive into the Highlands' past. TikTokInstagram

Respect the Sacred Ground

This is an active place of worship and a historic graveyard. Visitors are encouraged to be mindful of the solemnity of the site, especially when exploring the kirkyard. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Beautiful foliage, historical atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter days
Why
Snowy landscapes, dramatic mood
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Scotland in Winter 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 The locations in order as they appear: 1. Inverness 2. Carbisdale Castle 3. Inverness 4. Castle Fraser 5. Castle Leod 6. Inverness Cathedral 7. Glencoe 8. Eilean Donan Castle 9. Glencoe 10. Inverness 11. Blackrock Cottage, Glencoe 12. Old High Church, Inverness 13. Lagangarbh Hut, Glencoe 14. Leith Hall 15. Leannach Cottage 16. Glen Shiel 17. Inverness 18. Duncansby...
@castlesofscotland
379K likes • 2.6M views

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Kirkyard

Wander through the historic kirkyard; it's a fascinating, albeit somber, part of the church's story. Instagram+2

📸 Capture the Views

The church offers beautiful panoramic views of the River Ness and Inverness. InstagramReddit

The Scottish Highlands in Winter 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 #Scotland #winter #travel #beautifuldestinations #bucketlist
@castlesofscotland
228.5K likes • 1.2M views
Old High Church, Inverness. Hopefully will get more snow soon. -#scottishhighlands #theoldhighchurchinverness #your_scotland #scotlandisnow #visitscotland #epicscotland #scotlandmagazine #scotland.live #kirks #historicscotland #history #opdbuildings #jacobites #cullodenbattlefield #redcoats #historicuk #solitude #winterscotland #peacefulmoments #inverness #highlandsofscotland #winterwonderland #wi...
scottishhighlands81
105 likes • 1.4K views

🕰️ Check Opening Times

While the kirkyard is always accessible, church interior access may vary. Confirm hours before visiting. TikTok

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The grounds can be uneven, especially in the kirkyard. Comfortable footwear is recommended. Instagram

The Old High Church, Inverness. Built between 1770-72. The lowest part of the west tower dates back to the 14th century. After the Battle of Culloden the Jacobite soldiers were executed on the church grounds. They were blindfolded and executed. Musket ball marks can still be seen in the wall of the tower. (Old video, not snowing now) #scottishhighlands #theoldhighchurch #battleofculloden #invernes...
scottishhighlands81
46.4K likes • 516.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Kirkyard

Wander through the historic kirkyard; it's a fascinating, albeit somber, part of the church's story. Instagram+2

📸 Capture the Views

The church offers beautiful panoramic views of the River Ness and Inverness. InstagramReddit

🕰️ Check Opening Times

While the kirkyard is always accessible, church interior access may vary. Confirm hours before visiting. TikTok

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The grounds can be uneven, especially in the kirkyard. Comfortable footwear is recommended. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(165 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Old High Church for its deep historical significance, particularly its connections to St. Columba and the Jacobite Uprising. The atmospheric kirkyard and scenic views over the River Ness are frequently highlighted as major draws. Some note that interior access can be limited, and the graveyard's history can be somber.

"Old High Church, the Church of Inverness stands on St. Michaels Mount overlooking the giver Ness. Here in 565 AD St. Columba is believed to have preached to King Brude and his fictish people and this very spot is the cradle of Christianity in the Highlands."

Noel

"One the oldest religious structures in Inverness, the current building dates from the 18 C but was the venue of the summary execution of Jacobite soldiers after Culloden. The graveyard is fascinating and well worth a visit"

Bernard Savage

"The first church service was held here about 500 AD, and this has been a site of worship since that time. The Jacobite prisoners, after the battle of Culloden, were executed either at the back door of the church of setting on a grave stone. There is a preservation effort to save the church at present."

Charles Staley

What People Like

Rich historical significance
Atmospheric kirkyard
Scenic river views

What People Dislike

Limited interior access
Somber historical context

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Old High Church is centrally located in Inverness, situated on St. Michael's Mount overlooking the River Ness. It's easily accessible on foot from the city center, just a short walk across the bridge. Reddit Many visitors find it a pleasant stroll from their accommodation. TikTok

While there isn't dedicated parking directly at the church, there are several public car parks within walking distance in the Inverness city center. Consider the Academy Street or Haugh Road car parks. TikTok

Yes, Inverness has a good bus network. The church is within walking distance of most central bus stops. If arriving by train, it's also a manageable walk from the Inverness train station. TikTok

The kirkyard can be uneven, but the main church building and some surrounding paths are generally accessible. It's advisable to check directly with the church for specific accessibility details. Instagram

Combine a visit to the church with a walk along the River Ness. The views are stunning, and it offers a peaceful contrast to the historical weight of the church and graveyard. InstagramReddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the kirkyard and the exterior of the Old High Church is generally free. Access to the church interior may be limited to service times or specific open days. TikTok

The kirkyard is typically accessible at all reasonable hours. For interior access, it's best to check the official website or contact the church directly, as hours can vary. TikTok

No, there is no admission fee to explore the historic graveyard of the Old High Church. It's a place for quiet reflection and historical exploration. Instagram+1

Visitors are welcome to attend services at the Old High Church. This is a great way to experience the church as a living place of worship. TikTok

While official guided tours might not always be available, the rich history of the site is evident. Many visitors enjoy exploring independently, using information from signs and online resources. TikTokInstagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the historic church building, the ancient west tower dating back to the 14th century, and the poignant kirkyard with its Jacobite connections. The views over the River Ness are also a highlight. TikTokInstagram+1

The graveyard is historically significant as the site where Jacobite soldiers were executed after the Battle of Culloden. Musket ball marks are said to be visible on the tower wall. Instagram+1

Many visitors describe the kirkyard as having a 'spooky' or 'gothic' atmosphere due to its history and ancient gravestones. It's a popular spot for dark tourism enthusiasts. Instagram+1

It's believed that St. Columba preached to the Pictish people on the hill where the church now stands, dating back to 565 AD. This marks it as a foundational site for Christianity in the Highlands. TikTokInstagram

Capture the ancient tower, the atmospheric gravestones in the kirkyard, and the scenic views of the River Ness. The church itself, especially with dramatic weather, makes for striking photos. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) offers beautiful light for both the church and the surrounding landscape. Overcast or misty days can enhance the atmospheric, gothic feel of the kirkyard. Instagram+1

Generally, photography is permitted in the kirkyard and of the exterior. Inside the church, especially during services, it's best to be discreet or ask for permission. TikTok

Focus on the architectural details of the old tower, the textures of the gravestones, and the expansive views of the River Ness. Capture the mood of the kirkyard, especially in atmospheric weather. Instagram+1

Drone usage is subject to local regulations and may require permits. It's advisable to check with local authorities before flying a drone in the area. TikTok

Its blend of ancient history, dramatic graveyard, and scenic riverside location provides diverse photographic opportunities, from historical documentation to atmospheric landscapes. Instagram+1

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