St Mary's Parish Church, Monymusk

St Mary’s Parish Church stands in the quiet village of Monymusk, Aberdeenshire, beside the River Don. A place of worship has stood on the site since the late 12th or early 13th century, though earlier Christian use is likely. The present building began as Monymusk Priory and has been changed many times. After the Reformation around 1690 it became a parish church. Major restorations took place in 1822, 1851 and 1921, when Alexander Marshall Mackenzie carried out partial repairs. The church holds reminders of its long past. The clock face dates from 1865 and the Mowat bell from 1748. Inside are monuments to the Forbes-Leslie family of Abersnithick and to Sir Archibald Grant and his relatives. The building is now Category A listed, marking its national importance. Visitors find a calm interior with simple furnishings and historic details. The 1865 clock still keeps time on the tower. The 1748 bell hangs ready to sound. Outside, the churchyard holds weathered stones that speak of generations past. The River Don flows nearby, adding to the peaceful setting.