Glenorchy Parish Church

Glenorchy Parish Church stands on a small island in the River Orchy at Dalmally in Argyll and Bute. The octagonal building dates from 1811 and is a Category A listed structure. Its Gothic design includes an eight-sided slate roof and a square tower. The churchyard contains late medieval grave slabs carved with armed warriors. Nearby is the Gallow Hill of Glenorchy, long associated with clan justice. A holy well dedicated to Saint Conan lies close by. The church’s history reaches back to 1390 when Iain Macgregor of Glenorchy was buried beside the High Altar. Records from the 15th and 16th centuries mention the church and its altars. The present building replaced an earlier structure in 1811, designed by James Elliot of Edinburgh. Duncan Ban MacIntyre, the Gaelic poet, walked fifteen miles to worship here. The burial ground holds the remains of the Macgregor clan. Visitors find an octagonal church with pointed windows restored in 2008. The square tower rises beside the main building. Ancient grave slabs in the churchyard show carved figures and symbols. The River Orchy flows around the island site, with Dalmally railway station a short walk away. Opposite the church stands Gallow Hill, still marked by Highland tradition. The well of Saint Conan offers a quiet place to pause.