List of churches in Na h-Eileanan Siar facts for kids

The Outer Hebrides, also known as Na h-Eileanan Siar, are a chain of islands off the west coast of Scotland. These islands are famous for their beautiful landscapes and unique culture. Churches have always been a very important part of life here. They are not just buildings; they are places where communities gather, celebrate, and support each other.

For a long time, the people in the northern islands like Lewis, Harris, and North Uist have mostly followed the Presbyterian faith. This is a branch of Christianity that grew out of the Reformation in Scotland. In the southern islands, such as Benbecula, South Uist, and Barra, most people are Roman Catholic. This difference in religion has been a part of the islands' history for centuries.

In 2001, about 42% of the people in the Outer Hebrides were part of the Church of Scotland (a Presbyterian church). About 13% were Roman Catholic, and 28% belonged to other Christian churches, often the Free Church of Scotland. There are also smaller groups of Episcopal Christians in Lewis and Harris.

The islands are divided into eight historic areas called civil parishes. These are Barvas, Stornoway, Uig, Lochs, Harris, North Uist, South Uist, and Barra. These parishes help organize the different churches across the islands.

Many Churches in the Outer Hebrides

The Outer Hebrides has a surprising number of active churches for its size. There are about 92 churches for around 26,900 people. This means there's roughly one church for every 292 people! This is one of the highest numbers of churches per person anywhere in Scotland or the United Kingdom.

Why so many? One reason is that the settlements are often far apart. Another is that there are many different Christian groups, each with their own places of worship. For example, on North Uist, there are 10 churches for just 1,254 people.

Exploring Different Churches

Let's look at a few examples of the churches you might find across the islands:

Churches in Barvas Parish

• Barvas Parish Church: This Church of Scotland church has a long history, possibly dating back to medieval times. The current building was once a different church before joining the Church of Scotland. People here often speak Gaelic during services.
• Teampall Mholuaidh: Located in Eoropie, this is an old Episcopal Church. It's dedicated to Saint Moluag, a very old saint.
• Barvas Free Church: This church belongs to the Free Church, which separated from the main Church of Scotland in 1843. Their building was built in 1850.

Churches in Stornoway Parish

Stornoway is the main town in the Outer Hebrides, so it has many different churches.

• Stornoway High Church of Scotland: This is a large Church of Scotland church. It was built in 1909 and has a strong Gaelic-speaking community.
• Our Holy Redeemer, Stornoway: This is a Roman Catholic church, with its current building dating from 1990.
• Stornoway Free Presbyterian Church: This church belongs to the Free Presbyterian group, founded in 1895.
• Stornoway Salvation Army: The Salvation Army has a presence here, with their building opened in 1986.

Churches in South Uist and Barra

The southern islands have a strong Roman Catholic tradition.

• St Michael, Eriskay: This Roman Catholic church on the island of Eriskay was built in 1903 and is dedicated to St Michael.
• St Peter, Daliburgh: Another Roman Catholic church in Daliburgh, dedicated to St Peter, built in 1868.
• Our Lady Star Of The Sea, Castlebay: This Roman Catholic church in Castlebay, Barra, is dedicated to St Mary and was built in 1888.
• Barra Parish Church: This Church of Scotland church in Barra has roots going back to medieval times, though the current building was constructed between 1829 and 1834.

Historic Churches No Longer Active

Some churches in the Outer Hebrides are no longer used for regular services but are important historical sites.

• St Clement's Church, Rodel: Located in Rodel, Harris, this medieval church is dedicated to St Clement. It's a beautiful old building but is now looked after by Historic Scotland and not used for worship.
• Teampull na Trionaid: This medieval church in North Uist is now a ruin. It was dedicated to the Trinity.
• Teampull Chaluimchille: Another ruined medieval church, found in Balivanich, South Uist.

Images for kids

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  Barvas Parish Church

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  Teampall Mholuaidh

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  Barvas Free Church

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  Shawbost Free Church

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  Ness Free Church (Continuing)

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  Lochs-Crossbost Parish Church

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  Kinloch Parish Church

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  Lochs-Crossbost Free Church

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  Pairc Free Church

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  Uig Parish Church

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  Carloway Free Church

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  Martin's Memorial Church, Stornoway

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  Stornoway High Church of Scotland

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  Knock Free Church

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  Point Free Church

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  Back Free Church

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  Tong Free Church

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  Stornoway Free Presbyterian Church

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  Stornoway Associated Presbyterian Church

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  Tarbert Parish Church

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  Lochmaddy Parish Church

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  Kilmuir & Paible Parish Church

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  North Uist Free Presbyterian Church

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  Howmore Parish Church

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  St Michael, Ardkenneth

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  St Mary, Bornish

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  St Peter, Daliburgh

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  Our Lady of Sorrows, Garrynamonie

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  St Clement's Church, Rodel