Reay Parish Church

Reay Parish Church stands on the northern edge of the Scottish mainland in Caithness, a few miles west of Thurso. It serves the small coastal community of Reay, where the Dounreay nuclear facility is the largest employer. Built in 1739, the church is a white-painted T-shaped building protected as a category A listed structure. Its wooden pulpit, complete with an old sounding board, remains likely original to the church. The interior has dark varnished pews arranged along two arms of the T, with the third partitioned in the 1950s for a vestry. The church is worth visiting for its historical significance and notable visitors. In 1989, it marked its 250th anniversary with a restoration programme and visits from Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and Reverend Dr William McDonald. The former minister, Reverend James Dewar, wrote a history of the church titled "The Old White House of God." The church was linked with Strathy & Halladale Parish Church in 1994 and became part of the North Coast Parish Church in 2006. Inside, visitors find a simple yet elegant interior with the original wooden pulpit and dark pews. The T-shaped layout creates an intimate space for worship. The church’s white exterior and historic features reflect its long-standing role in the community. The surrounding area offers views of the northern coast, adding to the peaceful atmosphere.