A brief history of the Church

According to a framed notice inside the door to the Church there was a Celtic Christian church here since 12th century. However it is thought the missionaries during the 7th century came over from Iona and founded the church.

The foundations of the present building are of 12th century. The leper slit window shows that the present walls were built before the Reformation.

Towards the end of the fifteenth century the church was partly destroyed by fire. There is a possible font hollowed out of granite stone outside the front door. The church stands in very peaceful surroundings with a ancient beautiful graveyard which is now full. It has many war graves.

At the entrance to the church is a very ancient dwarf elder tree; on her deathbed the wife, it is said: “On her deathbed the wife of the 5th Baron – a Cameron – wanted to be buried in the soil of her beloved Lochaber. Soil containing the seeds of this dwarf elder was therefore brought from her homeland for this purpose and the tree has been here ever since.” *Extract from abck-churches.org.uk

The granite gravestone in the kirkyard (cemetery) “…is dedicated to Walter Stewart, the First Baron of Kincardine, and a grandson of Robert II of Scotland, he was one of the heroes of the battle of Harlaw in 1411.” Extract from abck-churches.org.uk

Also, “John Roy Stewart, also born in Kincardine … was one of the heroes of the Battle of Culloden on the 16th April 1746.” Extract from abck-churches.org.uk

He is remembered for his swordsmanship skills and his contribution to folklore and the history of Strathspey.

Further historical resources

There is more information in various books, some of which are in the church, this includes details of gravestones, ministers etc…

Also there are some good historical notes on the following website for Boat of Garden, Carrbridge and Kincardine Church:
https://abck-churches.org.uk/churches/boatofgarten-carrbridge-kincardine/history/

Events

There is a yearly service to remember the brave soldiers airforce and naval who fell in the war, connected to the Commonwealth War Graves – which are maintained by the Highland Council for the War Graves Commission. There is a book in the church with more information.

There will be forthcoming events when the History of the Church will be revealed in detail.