20 September 2025 (10:00 - 16:00)
21 September 2025 (10:00 - 16:00)
St Brandan’s Church is a ruined 17th Century church, likely built on the footprint of a medieval church and incorporates portions of its masonry. It stands on high ground with wide-reaching views across Banff Bay. It has an interesting connection to Arbroath Abbey, probably given by King William the Lion around the time of the foundation of Arbroath Abbey. There are records of the site describing use by monks back as far as 1200.
Following a period of restricted access due to safety concerns around a section of collapsed boundary and the condition of the ruined church and burial vault, we are delighted to encourage visitors to the site after the recent completion of a grant aided scheme of stabilisation, repair and restoration funded by UK Government through UKSPF. Historic Environment Scotland, Whitehills and District Community Council and The Pilgrim Trust.
The burial ground has 17th, 18th century and later tombstones and there are 7 Commonwealth War Graves. There is also interpretation on-site with information on some of those buried in the graveyard, detailing their interesting and in some cases surprising lives. Why not explore the graveyard and see if you can find your family name, you never know you may find one of your ancestors!
Churches have sat in the heart of our communities from the earliest times, and they are often the first expression of architecture in a place. St. Brandan’s largely dates from the 1630s but was much altered in the 18th century. This is a lovely site to explore and imagine what the original building would have looked like and how it has evolved. Looking out for features such as bell cots, burial lairs, galleries and vaults and wondering how the building would have been pieced together, before it fell into ruin.
Please note this site will not be staffed. The churchyard which contains the ruins is open for you to explore at your leisure.
There is minimal parking at the site but there is public parking at nearby Banff Links, which is a short, pleasant walk away.

Address
St. Brandan's Church (Remains of), Inverboyndie, Banff, AB45 2JJ