01/09/2026
I have been asked to share the following by Claire Pirrie:
St Colmon Church, Colmonell – For Sale
The present church was built in 1772, though there is believed to have been at least three churches on the site before this one. St Colmon’s is a Gothic rectangular plan church built with coursed granite rubble and contrasting ashlar dressings. The church was recast and enlarged by David Bryce (1803-1876) in 1849 and then the interior was modified and enhanced by Sir Robert Lorimer (1864-1929) in 1899 (his work being part of the listing of the building by Historic Environment Scotland). The lintel of one of the previous churches is preserved and is visible on the outside south wall of the building. There is an inscription on this reading “Heir is ane hous bult to serve God 1591” with other dates nearby, marking significant rebuilds or alterations to the building in 1772, 1849 and 1899.
The church is of historic importance both locally and nationally. It is graced with a collection of wonderful stained-glass windows and there is also a magnificent Grade 1 listed Norman and Beard pipe organ which was installed in 1908, its oak case designed by Sir Robert Lorimer also the work of the Clow workshop. The kirkyard contains over 400 memorials, many dating from the 17th to 19th centuries. These include a gravestone for the Covenanter Matthew McIlwraith, who was killed nearby in 1685, an outstanding 18th century “Adam and Eve” stone depicting the pair being tempted by the serpent, and the 17th century vault of the McConnel family from Knockdolian Castle.
In September 2022 there was a public meeting in Colmonell to discuss the Church of Scotland’s intention to close and dispose of St Colmon Church and there was agreement that efforts should be made to secure the community’s interest in ensuring St Colmon Church is retained as a “Festival Church”.
In December 2022, St Colmon Preservation Trust Company was established as a “special purpose vehicle” to secure that objective. It is a company limited by guarantee (SC753004) and is a registered charity (SC052502). It’s primary purpose is to raise funds for the preservation and conservation of St Colmon Church, acquiring the building from the Church of Scotland, refurbishing, conserving and preserving the building, including the stained-glass windows and the organ.
The Trust are determined to preserve this historic building for the benefit of not just Colmonell but all the communities in the Stinchar valley in the Parish that includes Pinwherry, Lendalfoot and Barrhill.
In December 2023 the Trust commissioned Scott Wham Architects to undertake a comprehensive survey of the building with input from structural and mechanical & electrical engineers. That identified substantial work required to stabilise the building including there placement of the roof and rainwater goods, repointing the exterior walls, structural repairs(to the finial cross, the bellcote and work to underpin the floor of the vestibule) and replacement of the secondary glazing.
In July 2026 the Church of Scotland advertised St Colmon Church for sale and the Trust has formally noted its interest. If the Trust are successful in acquiring St Colmon Church, there will in due course be a further public meeting to discuss the Trust’s plans.
