HighlandBALLATERCraithieKirk(herbertfrankCC-BY-SA2.0)1 HerbertFrank

Crathie Kirk

The granite church overlooks the River Dee and the ruins of the 14th century church.

Ballater, Highland

Opening times

Open April to October, Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm; Sunday 12.45pm to 4pm.

Address

Ballater
Highland
AB35 5UL

Crathie Kirk in the village of Crathie, is a Church of Scotland parish church which was built in in 1895 by A Marshall MacKenzie from Elgin.

The granite church overlooks the River Dee and the ruins of the 14th century church.

From 1848, Crathie Kirk has been a place of worship for Queen Victoria and every British monarch since. Queen Victoria laid the foundation stone of the present church in 1893, 45 years after her first visit. She also donated two stained glass windows and Princess Beatrice donated four bells which still hang in the belltower.

Queen Victoria's personal attendant, John Brown was buried in Crathes Kirk graveyard, along with others who served here. Some have headstones with personal epitaphs from Victoria.

  • Wildlife haven

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Social heritage stories

  • National heritage here

  • Magnificent memorials

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Famous connections

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Captivating architecture

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Parking within 250m

  • On street parking at church

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Dog friendly

  • Café within 500m

  • Accessible toilets nearby

  • Church of Scotland

Contact information

Other nearby churches

St Margaret

Braemar, Grampian

Built between 1899 and 1907 to cater for the many English tourists visiting Deeside and Braemar, St Margaret's one of Comper's most important designs.

Kildrummy Kirk

Kildrummy, Grampian

The church stands on an exceptional site adjacent to a circular enclosure of considerable antiquity containing the ruins of the former church, St Bride’s

St Ninian

Braemar, Grampian

The chapel of St Ninian Braemar was built in 1898 at the same time as Mar Lodge, for the 1st Duke of Fife who married Princess Louise, the granddaughter of Queen Victoria.