20 September 2025 (10:00 - 16:00)
21 September 2025 (12:00 - 16:00)
The current church building, dating from the 18th century, was constructed on the ruins of a medieval predecessor, whose choir section still stands behind the church, a poignant reminder of its ancient lineage.
This modest yet meaningful structure shares a bond with Deer Abbey nearby, and together they are linked to one of Scotland’s literary treasures—the Book of Deer. This, believed to have originated at the Abbey, offers the earliest written examples of Scots Gaelic. Once hidden away in Cambridge University Library, it was recently welcomed home for exhibition at the Aberdeen Art Gallery, rekindling interest in its sacred origins.
Inside the church, visitors can view a rare and historic Willis organ, whose craftsmanship alone is well worth a visit. Whether you're drawn by music, manuscript, or memory, the Parish Church of Deer invites you to step into a space where time stands reverently still.
Currently several community groups have come together to form a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) to redevelop the church as a community cultural and heritage hub for central Mintlaw. The Deer Heritage Initiative.
The heritage groups involved in the SCIO are The Book of Deer Project, the Buchan Heritage Society, the Buchan Field Club, Friends of Aden Park and the local churches. The SCIO is working in co-operation with the Friends of New Aberdour Pilgrimage and Heritage Initiative.
Over the Weekend there will be an exhibition by Deer Heritage Initiative about its work and plans for the re-purposing of the church, together with information from the individual heritage groups involved. If you’re lucky you may get to hear that fabulous organ playing!
Wheelchair access is available to the ground floor only

Address
Kirkgate, Old Deer, Peterhead, AB42 5LJ