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 special church in Scotland. It stands on the north bank of the River Tay in a town called Dunkeld. This amazing building was started in 1260 and finished in 1501. It's made mostly of grey stone.

Even though it's called a 'cathedral', the Church of Scotland doesn't have bishops or cathedrals anymore. But this church still keeps its old name because it's so important!

Discovering Dunkeld Cathedral's Past
Dunkeld Cathedral Today: A Busy Church
- Exploring the Chapter House Museum
Famous People Buried Here
Gallery
See also

Discovering Dunkeld Cathedral's Past

The cathedral took a very long time to build. Because of this, it shows a mix of building styles. You can see both Gothic and Norman designs in its walls. Even though some parts are now ruins, the cathedral is still used today. You can also visit it!

Ancient Beginnings: Saint Columba's Story

Long ago, people believed that special items belonging to Saint Columba were kept at Dunkeld. These included his bones! But during a big change called the Scottish Reformation, these items were moved to Ireland. Some people still think there might be more of Saint Columba's treasures hidden around the cathedral.

The very first monastery here was built around the 500s or early 600s. It was started after Saint Columba explored the land of Alba (old Scotland). Back then, it was just a few simple huts made of wood and mud. Later, in the 800s, a king named Causantín mac Fergusa built a much stronger church. He made Dunkeld the main religious center in Alba.

The Mystery of the Celtic Bell

There was a special Celtic bell that was thought to be used at the old monastery. But this bell isn't in the cathedral today. Instead, it's in a nearby church called Little Dunkeld Church. No one is quite sure why this happened. Maybe the church leaders at the time didn't want items from the older religious group.

Dunkeld Cathedral: A Royal Property

In the 1600s, the church became connected to the Crown (the royal family). Today, Historic Environment Scotland looks after Dunkeld Cathedral. It's also a scheduled monument, which means it's a very important historical site.

The Battle of Dunkeld

In 1689, a big fight called the Battle of Dunkeld happened right around the cathedral. It was between two groups: the Jacobite Highland clans who supported King James II and VII, and the government's soldiers who supported King William III and II. The government's side won that day.

Dunkeld Cathedral Today: A Busy Church

Dunkeld Cathedral is still used as the main Church of Scotland church for the town. Services are held every Sunday. During the colder winter months, the church members use the smaller "Little Dunkeld" Church. The current minister, Reverend R. Fraser Penny, has been leading the church since 2001.

Exploring the Chapter House Museum

Inside the cathedral, there's a small museum called the Chapter House Museum. It has a cool collection of items from the monastery's early days and the medieval period. You can also learn about the local history of Dunkeld here.

Famous People Buried Here

One of the most famous people buried at Dunkeld Cathedral is Alexander Stewart, Earl of Buchan. He was known as "the Wolf of Badenoch" and died in 1394. You can still see his tomb inside the cathedral, which has a statue of him wearing his armor.