Dunkeld Cathedral Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Dunkeld Cathedral

Location	Dunkeld, Perth and Kinross
Country	Scotland
Denomination	Church of Scotland
Previous denomination	Roman Catholic
History
Founded	1260
Dedication	St Columba
Architecture
Heritage designation	Scheduled monument
Designated	10 October 1994
Administration
Diocese	Diocese of Dunkeld (historic)
Presbytery	Dunkeld and Meigle

Dunkeld Cathedral is a historic church in Dunkeld, Scotland. It sits by the River Tay in Perth and Kinross. This beautiful building is made mostly of grey sandstone. Its construction started in 1260 and finished in 1501.

The cathedral was built where an old monastery once stood. This monastery was home to the Culdee monks. You can still see some reddish stones from the old monastery in the eastern wall. Even though it's called a 'cathedral', the Church of Scotland doesn't have bishops or cathedrals today. However, many old churches like this one still keep the name.

Exploring Dunkeld Cathedral's Past
- Ancient Relics and Monks
- Royal Connections and Battles
Dunkeld Cathedral Today
Notable Burials at the Cathedral
Gallery
See also

Exploring Dunkeld Cathedral's Past

Because it took so long to build, Dunkeld Cathedral shows different styles of architecture. You can see both Gothic and Norman designs mixed together. Gothic style often has tall arches and big windows. Norman style uses rounder arches and thick walls.

Even though parts of the cathedral are now ruins, it is still used regularly. It is also open for people to visit.

Ancient Relics and Monks

People believed that important items from Saint Columba were kept at Dunkeld. These included his bones. They were moved to Ireland during the Scottish Reformation. This was a time when Scotland changed its main church. Some people think there might still be more of Saint Columba's relics hidden in the cathedral grounds.

The first monastery at Dunkeld was very old. It was built around the 6th or 7th century. It started as simple huts made of wood and mud. Later, in the 9th century, a king named Causantín mac Fergusa built a stronger cathedral. He made Dunkeld the most important religious center in Alba (an old name for Scotland).

An old Celtic bell from the monastery is not in the cathedral today. It is kept in the Little Dunkeld Church nearby. Some think this is because later church leaders did not agree with the Culdee monks' beliefs.

Royal Connections and Battles

In the 17th century, the church leadership of Dunkeld became linked to the Scottish Crown. Later, it passed to the Earls of Fife. Today, Dunkeld Cathedral is owned by the Crown. It is looked after by Historic Environment Scotland. It is also a scheduled monument, which means it is a very important historic site.

A famous battle happened around the cathedral in 1689. This was the Battle of Dunkeld. It was fought between Jacobite Highland clans and government soldiers. The Jacobites supported King James II and VII. He had lost his throne the year before. The government forces supported King William III and II. The government side won the battle.

Dunkeld Cathedral Today

Dunkeld Cathedral is still the local Church of Scotland parish church. Services are held there every Sunday. During the colder winter months, the church community uses the smaller "Little Dunkeld" Church. The current minister, Reverend R. Fraser Penny, has served since 2001.

Inside the cathedral, there is a small museum. It is called the Chapter House Museum. It displays items from the monastery's past. You can also see things from the Middle Ages and learn about local history.

Notable Burials at the Cathedral

Tomb of Alexander Stewart, Earl of Buchan, c. 1420

Many important people are buried at Dunkeld Cathedral. One famous person is Alexander Stewart, Earl of Buchan. He was known as "the Wolf of Badenoch". He was buried here after he died in 1394. You can still see his tomb inside the cathedral. It has a statue of him wearing his armor.

Other important people buried here include: