Thurso URC
Thurso, Highland
In 1799 the Congregational church was built at Thurso seafront. In 1871 owing to the poor condition it was decided to build somewhere else.
St John's was built in 1870 at the height of the herring boom in the north of Scotland, at a cost of £1245. Listed as a class B building, of regional importance, it is a small, plain gothic church with chancel. Designed by architect Alexander Ross of Inverness, it is especially attractive with a warm, friendly atmosphere.
Four light windows known affectionately as the 'I am' windows, were engraved by David Gullane, a former member of the vestry and a recognised expert in glass. The west window depicts the Nativity, whilst the east window depicts the Passion, Crucifixion and Ascension. The organ is by Harrison of Durham and dedicated to a member of the Duff Dunbar family.
There are a number of memorial tablets to members of the congregation, including the Duff Dunbar and Horne families. Henry Sinclair Horne was created Baron Horne of Stirkoke for his services as a general in WWI. He is credited with perfecting the 'creeping barrage', to end the stalemate of trench warfare. The building remained unaltered for 150 years until a toilet extension was added in 2022.
