Kilarrow Parish Church, Bowmore, Islay

Kilarrow Parish Church stands on the edge of Bowmore on Islay, a small island off Scotland’s west coast. Built in 1767, it is often called the Round Church because of its unusual circular shape. The design has only one central pillar supporting the roof, leaving no corners where the devil might hide. The church serves the local community and overlooks the town’s picturesque harbour. Its simple white walls and slate roof make it a quiet landmark among Bowmore’s narrow streets. Visitors notice the unusual shape at once, as most churches are rectangular. The church holds items belonging to the Rev Donald Caskie, a Bowmore-born minister known as the Tartan Pimpernel. He helped over two thousand Allied soldiers escape from occupied France during the Second World War. Caskie’s story adds a human touch to the building’s history. The church also reflects the linked parishes of Kilarrow and Kilmeny, though their ministers have recently been reassigned. The Round Church remains a place of worship and remembrance. Inside, the circular space feels calm and open, with light falling on the central pillar. The walls hold memorials and artefacts linked to local and wartime history. From the door, visitors look across Bowmore’s rooftops to the water. The churchyard is quiet, with grass and a few old stones. The view includes the town’s harbour and the hills beyond. The Round Church is a simple but striking building, worth a visit for its shape and stories.