Tears as last regular service takes place at historic Old High Church in Inverness which has links with Battle of Culloden
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The last regular service at a historic Inverness church marked an emotional moment for members of its congregation.
The centuries-old A-listed Old High Church on the banks of the River Ness is set to close its doors following a recent vote by members.
The Church of Scotland has said it is not financially viable to maintain both the Old High and the B-listed St Stephen’s in the Crown neighbourhood.
A question mark now hangs over the future use of the building, which has important links with the Battle of Culloden.
Many of the 70 people who attended the final regular service were said to be in tears as they departed.
It was conducted by locum minister, Rev James Bissett, who has been in charge since November.
Senior elder Ross Martin, who has a lifelong connection with the church, gave the last Bible readings.
Two more special services are scheduled for the building.
A service for those who have suffered recent bereavement will take place on February 13 and there will also be a formal closure service at a time still to be fixed.
The church stands on St Michael’s Mound where St Columba reputedly converted the Pictish King Brude to Christianity in 565.
The present church was built between 1770 and 1772 but the lowest part of the west tower dates back to the 14th century, making it the city’s oldest building structure.
It was requisitioned by government forces to house Jacobite prisoners captured at the Battle of Culloden and those condemned to death were shot in the churchyard.
It also has important links with Highland Council’s Inverness city committee, hosting the annual Kirking of the Council ceremony, and from the late 19th century served as the regimental kirk of the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders.
In recent times, it has attracted enthusiasts of the international TV series, Outlander.
The building, which requires considerable internal redecoration, also houses a Victorian Henry Willis organ.
Read more: Historic building with links to Battle of Culloden could be sold
