Kilarrow Parish Church, Bowmore, Islay
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At the top of Main Street
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Church Overview
This striking 18th-century church, known as 'The Round Church', was built by Daniel Campbell of Shawfield and Islay in 1767 at a cost of £1000. Bowmore is a 'planned village' for those of the village of Kilarrow who were not directly involved in the work of Islay Estate, mainly agricultural workers and weavers. The unusual design of the church – it is the only complete circular church in Scotland – is allegedly so the Devil does not have a corner in which to hide, but central planning is also an important feature of the reformed church in Scotland. The main wooden central pillar is 19 inches in diameter, possibly of hemlock oak, harled and plastered. Above the coved ceiling is a radial king-post roof truss into which eight major beams are jointed. The church has two storeys, the U-shaped gallery was added in 1830, increasing its capacity to 500.
Services
Sunday: 10.00am
Opening Arrangements
Open daily 9.00am-6.00pm
Linked Churches
St John's Church, Port Ellen, Islay
Disclaimer
The information about churches in Scotland's Churches Scheme has been provided by the congregations or taken from the Historic Scotland list and published sources, in particular, the Buildings of Scotland volumes and the RIAS Illustrated Architectural Guides. The information is not authoritative; please contact us to let us know of any errors or omissions.
