List of churches in Orkney facts for kids
The Orkney Islands in Scotland are home to many churches, both old and new. These islands have about 27 churches that are still used today for a population of around 21,500 people. This means there's roughly one church for every 796 islanders!
Long ago, Orkney was divided into 21 main areas called "civil parishes." These areas helped organize communities and, in the past, were often linked to local churches. Some of these parishes include Birsay, Kirkwall, Sanday, and Westray.
Churches in Orkney
Orkney has a mix of churches from different Christian groups. Most of them belong to the Church of Scotland, which is the main Protestant church in Scotland. There are also Episcopal churches, Roman Catholic churches, and Baptist churches, along with others.
Active Churches Today
Many churches in Orkney are still active and serve their communities. They are places where people gather for worship, community events, and to help each other.
- St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall: This is one of the most famous buildings in Orkney. It was started in 1137 to honor Saint Magnus, a Viking earl who was killed in 1116. Even though it's called a cathedral, it's not technically one anymore because it doesn't have a bishop. It's a very important historical and religious site.
- Kirkwall East Church: This church in Kirkwall often shares its minister (leader) with the church on the nearby island of Shapinsay.
- St Olaf's Episcopal Church, Kirkwall: Built between 1876 and 1878, this church is dedicated to Saint Olaf. Episcopal churches have been in Orkney since the 1500s.
- Our Lady & St Joseph, Kirkwall: This is the Roman Catholic church in Kirkwall, dedicated to Saint Mary and Saint Joseph.
- Milestone Community Church, Dounby: This church was built more recently, between 2011 and 2012. It serves several parishes, including Birsay and Sandwick.
- South Ronaldsay & Burray CoS: Located in St Margaret's Hope, this church serves the islands of South Ronaldsay and Burray.
- Stromness & Graemsay CoS: This church in Stromness also holds services on the small island of Graemsay.
- Moncur Memorial Church, Stronsay: This church is on the island of Stronsay.
- Westray Church of Scotland: Located on the island of Westray, this church shares a minister with the church on Papa Westray.
Churches from the Past
Many churches in Orkney are no longer used for regular services. Some are beautiful ruins, while others have been repurposed. They tell us a lot about Orkney's history.
- St Magnus Church, Birsay: This church was built in 1664 on the site of an even older church from the 11th century. It stopped being used in 1996.
- St Peters Chapel, Birsay: This chapel from the early 12th century was a popular place for pilgrims (people on a religious journey) until the Reformation in the 1500s.
- Italian Chapel, Lamb Holm: This unique chapel was built by Italian prisoners of war during World War II (1942-1943). It's still occasionally used and is a popular visitor attraction.
- Eynhallow Church: This church on the small island of Eynhallow is now just ruins. It stopped being used before the 1500s.
- Lady Kirk, Sanday: The most recent building for this church on Sanday was from 1773, but it is now a ruin.
- Orphir Round Church: This church in Orphir was built in medieval times and is now only ruins. It's special because it was one of only a few round churches in Scotland.
- St Boniface's Church, Papa Westray: Originally built in the 12th century, this church on Papa Westray was expanded in 1710. The site itself dates back to a large Iron Age settlement.
- St Magnus, Egilsay: This medieval church on Egilsay is also now a ruin.
- Lady Kirk, Westray: Located in Pierowall on Westray, this church was rebuilt in 1674 but is now just ruins.
- St Mary's Chapel, Wyre: This medieval chapel on the island of Wyre is also now a ruin.
