St Drostan
New Aberdour, Grampian
The church was build in 1818 and has links with St Drostan who landed at Aberdour Beach and brought Christianity to the north east of Scotland.
Our Lady Star of the Sea and St. Drostan is one of Fraserburgh’s most distinctive historic buildings, with a rich Catholic heritage and notable architectural features that continue to draw visitors today. The church’s cornerstone was laid in 1895, and the building was completed just one year later. Designed by the respected Aberdeen architects Ellis & Wilson, also involved in the city’s Cathedral, the church reflects late 19th century Scottish ecclesiastical craftsmanship and was built to welcome both local worshippers and the many seasonal visitors drawn to the area’s fishing industry.
The church exterior stands prominently in its current location, chosen as Fraserburgh’s Catholic community grew in the late 1800s. Inside, visitors will find several remarkable furnishings gifted by benefactors at the time of construction. The High Altar, intricately carved oak from the workshop of M Beyaert in Bruges, remains one of the sanctuary’s most impressive features. The original oak pulpit, donated by a local brewer, has been sensitively adapted in modern times, with its base now incorporated into the main altar and its upper section serving as the church’s lectern.
Two beautiful side altars, funded through the generosity of Lady Saltoun, add balance and depth to the sanctuary space. The Lady Altar, raised in memory of the parish’s young priest Fr. Henderson, is a moving testament to the community’s early history. Opposite stands the Sacred Heart Altar, built in memory of Christina Ogilvie-Forbes, who is buried beneath the sanctuary - a rare and poignant feature.
By 1911, the interior was further enhanced with the installation of the Stations of the Cross, funded by parishioners and supporters. Though some elements have been adapted over time, the church retains much of its original character, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into Fraserburgh’s religious and cultural past.
Today, Our Lady Star of the Sea and St. Drostan stands not only as a place of worship but as an inviting heritage site, welcoming all who wish to explore its history, craftsmanship, and peaceful atmosphere.