Join us at our Community Open Day and help preserve the stories, memories and heritage of Portnahaven Church.
Event details
When: 26 September 2026
Time: 11am – 3pm
Where: Portnahaven Church, Islay
Cost: Free
Programme
More details to follow!
There will be a mix of tours, music and activities throughout the open day.
Please feel welcome to drop in throughout the open day, and for as little or as long as you like.
Explore the Church
Expert-led guided heritage tours will be announced shortly.
Share your memories
Do you have memories, photographs, old documents and newsletters or other items connected with the church?
We’re keen to document these as part of the case study.
You can:
- Bring originals to the Open Day (either to donate or digitise)
- Upload copies using our online form
- Drop them off at the Memory Box held at Portnahaven Church throughout September
Can’t make it on the day? You can still take part by:
- Completing our online memory form
- Using the Memory Box at Portnahaven Church throughout September
- Email emily@socantscot.org to organise an oral history call
Share your stories
We’d be delighted to hold a short oral history with you to share your stories, memories and experiences.
There will be opportunities to share your memories in the church on Friday 25th September and from 10-11 and 3-4 on Saturday 26th September.
You can register your interest by contacting emily@socantscot.org
Map your Memories
Help us understand how people have experience Burntisland Old Parish Church by sharing memories connected to different parts of the building. Explore a plan of the church and add your own stories, favourite places and memories.
Why Take Part?
Come along and be part of Portnahaven’s story! Whether you have fond memories of attending services, family connections to the church, or stories of village life through the years, we’d love to hear them. The open day is a chance to explore this historic building, meet others from the community, and help preserve the memories, heritage and traditions that make Portnahaven Church such a special place.
About Portnahaven Church
Portnahaven Parish Church is one of Scotland’s historic Parliamentary Kirks, built between 1824 and 1830 under the supervision of renowned engineer Thomas Telford.
Overlooking the harbour, this distinctive T-plan church has been a focal point of village life for nearly 200 years and retains many original features, including its galleries, central pulpit and box pews.
In 2026, the building was purchased by the Friends of Portnahaven Church, who are working to preserve this much-loved landmark and develop it as a vibrant cultural hub for the local community.
Accessibility
The church is accessible via a series of small steps at the door.
How to find Portnahaven Church
Address: 2 Church St, Portnahaven, Isle of Islay PA47 7SL
Getting Here: Portnahaven Parish Church is located in the centre of Portnahaven, overlooking the harbour. Limited parking is available nearby. Please take care on village roads and be considerate of local residents when parking.
ReACH is a two-year project led by the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and Scotland’s Churches Trust, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and The Pilgrim Trust.
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