Tag: Event

EVENT: Share your memories of Brechin Cathedral
Join us at our Community Open Day and help preserve the stories, memories and heritage of Brechin Cathedral.

Event details

When: 10 October 2026

Time: 11am – 3pm

Where: Brechin Cathedral,

Church Street, Brechin, Angus, DD9 6EU

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 JARS Community Hub 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 JARS Community Hub throughout September
- Email emily@socantscot.org to organise an oral history call
Share your memories online

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 10th October.

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 help us celebrate and preserve the story of Brechin Cathedral and its place within the wider history of the town. We’re inviting local residents, former congregation members, families and visitors to share their memories, photographs, documents and stories, helping us create a lasting community archive for future generations.

Whether your connection is through worship, weddings, baptisms, community events, music, friendships or family history, every memory contributes to a richer picture of the church’s role in Brechin life. Join us to explore the building, meet others with shared connections, and play a part in recording and safeguarding the history, heritage and voices that make Brechin Cathedral so special.

About Brechin Cathedral

Brechin Cathedral dates back to the 13th century, with a Christian presence on the site stretching even further into the early medieval period. The cathedral is best known for its Round Tower, built around AD 1000 and one of only two surviving Irish-style round towers in Scotland. The cathedral retains elements of its medieval structure, including parts of the nave, choir and western tower, and contains a collection of historic stone carvings and stained glass.

(c) Lizzie Swarbrick

Accessibility

How to find Brechin Cathedral

Address: Brechin Cathedral, Church Street, Brechin, Angus, DD9 6EU

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.
August 31, 2026
EVENT: Share your memories of Burntisland Old Parish Church!
Join us at our Community Open Day and help preserve the stories, memories and heritage of Burntisland Old Parish Church.

Event details

When: 5 September 2026

Time: 11am – 3pm

Where: Burntisland Old Parish Church, East Leven Street, Burntisland, KY3 9DH

Cost: free

Exterior view of Burntisland Parish Church (c) Lizzie Swarbrick

Programme

There will be a mix of tours, music and activities throughout the open day.

Tours: 12.30; 14.00

Music:

11.30 – 12.30 Organ music by Neil Robertson
1 – 2 Acoustic set by Peter Ryder

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 given by Prof. Aonghus McKechnie at 12.30 and 14.00.

Tours will last approximately 30 minutes.

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 Burntisland Old Parish Church throughout August.
Can’t make it on the day? You can still take part by:
- Completing our online memory form
- Using the Memory Box at Burntisland Old Parish Church throughout August
- Email emily@socantscot.org to organise an oral history call
Share your memories online

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 4th September and from 10-11 and 3-4 on Saturday 5th 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 help us celebrate and preserve the story of Burntisland Parish Church and its place within the wider history of the town. We’re inviting local residents, former congregation members, families and visitors to share their memories, photographs, documents and stories, helping us create a lasting community archive for future generations.

Whether your connection is through worship, weddings, baptisms, community events, music, friendships or family history, every memory contributes to a richer picture of the church’s role in Burntisland life. Join us to explore the building, meet others with shared connections, and play a part in recording and safeguarding the history, heritage and voices that make Burntisland Parish Church so special.

About Burntisland Old Parish Church

Burntisland Parish Church is one of the earliest churches built in Scotland after the Reformation, constructed between 1592 and 1596. Its unique square design, with worshippers seated on all four sides around a central pulpit and communion table, reflects the changing style of worship introduced in the post-Reformation Church. In 1601, the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland met here in the presence of King James VI and approved a new translation of the Bible, which later became the King James Bible. The church is also renowned for its striking interior, featuring painted woodwork, an ornate plaster ceiling, and maritime treasures including a model of the Great Michael, King James IV’s famous warship. Since 2024, the congregation has been united with Kinghorn Parish Church.

Interior of Burntisland Parish Church (c) Lizzie Swarbrick

Accessibility

There is step free access to the church, and wheel chairs and buggies can access the church. The passage way into the church is narrow and had uneven flooring.

How to find Burntisland Old Parish Church

Address: East Leven St, Burntisland KY3 9DH

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.
August 6, 2026
EVENT: Share your memories of Portnahaven Church!
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

Portnahaven Church (c) Scotland’s Churches Trust

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 memories online

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.

Interior of Portnahaven Church (c) Scotland’s Churches Trust

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.
August 5, 2026
EVENT: Help Capture Memories of St Mary’s Whitekirk!

For centuries, St Mary’s Church has been at the heart of Whitekirk’s life as a place of worship, gathering and memory. Now, as part of the Research in Action on Church Heritage (ReACH) project, we’re inviting you to share your stories and reflections to help document its cultural and community significance.

Whether your memories come from worship, local events or everyday encounters, we’d love to hear from you!

(c) Scotland’s Churches Trust

Join our open day

When: 7 February 2026

Time: 11am – 3pm (Drop in)

Where: St Mary’s Church, Whitekirk

What’s Happening?

Short expert-led tours on Whitekirk’s fascinating history will be held at 12.00, 13.00 and 14.00.

Throughout the day visitors can explore the church at their own pace and enjoy organ music.

Share your memories and experiences of Whitekirk

Participatory Mapping
Show us which spaces in St Mary’s matter most to you at our interactive mapping station.

Memory Box Contribute in your own way: write, draw, sing, share photos or audio. Your piece will become part of a collective memory capsule.

Oral Histories
Have a longer story to tell? Email Emily@socantscot.org to book a 30 minute chat and record your memories.

Speedy Interviews Got a short story or passing encounter? Share it in just 10 minutes!

Why Take Part?

Your contributions will help shape a new, publicly accessible database on Scotland’s church heritage. Together, we’ll capture the social and cultural value of St Mary’s for future generations.

For those who can’t make it along on the day, please share your reflections, photos etc, in our digital memory box – Share Your Memories of Whitekirk! – Fill in form

Please note: The church is currently unheated. As it is Winter, it will be chilly inside – please dress warmly!

Refreshments are provided.

(c) Scotland’s Churches Trust

Accessibility

Please note, access to the church is via steps

How to find St Mary’s Whitekirk

Address: Binning Wood Rd, Whitekirk, Dunbar EH42 1XS

The nearest bus stop is Ladysfield which services the 120 Dunbar – North Berwick

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.

January 14, 2026