Our Churches
The Church of Scotland congregations of Fort Augustus and Glengarry offer you a warm welcome.
Accept one another, then, for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you. (Romans 15:7)
The linked congregations of Fort Augustus and Glengarry have been impacted by major work projects in the past such as the building of the Caledonian Canal and the Glendoe Hydro Scheme. While workers and their families have moved in and out of the communities and settled for good, the Church of Scotland congregations have been a constant feature, approachable by everyone, serving the communities.
The Great Glen has played a central part in Scottish History: Saint Columba passed through and Saint Chuimen stayed, giving us Cillchuimen, the early name (and a plethora of spellings) for Fort Augustus; battles were waged between the clans and on behalf of the Stuart line and Bonnie Prince Charlie; pioneering engineering built the Caledonian Canal and the hydro schemes which brought electricity to the glens… and much more.
Invergarry has an impressive heritage centre in the public hall, while an active group of local heritage detectives meet monthly in the church hall in Fort Augustus.
If you are new to the area, please come along to one of the services on Sunday to meet the congregations.
Fort Augustus
At the centre of the Great Glen, Fort Augustus is a “metropolis” of some 600 homes nestling around the head of Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal as the latter descends into the world’s most famous Loch, via a picturesque flight of locks dividing its “main street”. The A82 trunk road crosses this “street” but, from March to October, traffic may be made to pause, as it swings open allowing boats of all shapes and sizes to move between Loch Ness and the Canal.
Just to the North, the A82 crosses the fixed bridge over the River Oich and canal and river strolls are very much a part of Fort Augustus’ own attractions. It is also strategically placed for touring the stunning West Highlands
Visitors are well-catered for in the area, with a variety of places to stay, to eat, to drink and to visit. But “the Fort” is also very much a functioning community, with both a Primary and a Secondary School, doctors’ surgery, bank and P.O. It also has its own butcher, filling station and service garage as well as supermarket and gift shops.
Visitors are given a warm welcome at the Church of Scotland, which is open during the day and best-accessed on foot from east canalside via a narrow lane between the bank and the schools; and by car direct from the A82 on the southern side of the village centre. In the village there are also Catholic and Free Churches and an Episcopal Church about half an hour’s drive along the south side of Loch Ness. Many events organised locally involve members of the different congregations working together.
Invergarry
Invergarry Church is situated on the hillside above the A87 Road to the Isles in Invergarry Village. The Parish boundary stretches from Corriegour to Oich Bridge in the Great Glen before heading West up Loch Garry then Loch Quoich and onwards to Kinlochhourn, some 30 miles of narrow road.While the main settlements are at Invergarry, South Laggan / North Laggan, Inchlaggan and Kingie there are many other houses singly and in groups dotted along the roadsides.
The Church as seen today was built in the 1860’s and extended in 1896 complete with pipe organ, thanks to the generosity of the Ellice family. The architect was A. Ross. This small church though little changed over the years continues to welcome worshippers both local and visiting to join with them every Sunday in praise of a wonderful God.
Visitors will find the doors open on weekdays during the day from May until September.
There is a primary school in Invergarry but secondary pupils have to travel to Fort Augustus or Fort William to continue their education. With relatively few job opportunities many of our young folk move to the cities to find work.
Tourism is the main employer with fish farming and estate work,some commute to Fort Augustus and Fort William for other work.
The village hall recently built is proving to be a focal point for a wide range of activities where young and old, local or new to the area all find a place to integrate and enjoy each other’s company.
Tomdoun
There is a small wayside Church at Tomdoun on the road to Kinlochhourn where there is a service of worship on the second Sunday of each month at 3.00 pm.
