Croick Church: A Preserved Witness to Highland History and Clearances

Architectural Heritage Rooted in Parliamentary Reform

Croick Church was constructed between 1825 and 1827 as part of a Parliamentary initiative to build additional places of worship in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. This programme allocated £50,000 to erect 32 churches and manses based on standardized designs by the famed engineer Thomas Telford. Croick Church exemplifies this architectural legacy, being exceptionally well preserved with much of the original structure and interior layout intact. The church was designed to serve around 200 parishioners living within walking distance in the surrounding glens, reflecting the rural and dispersed nature of the local population at the time.

A Site Steeped in the History of the Highland Clearances

Croick Church is deeply intertwined with the tragic history of the Highland Clearances, particularly the events of 1845. In that year, eighteen families from Glencalvie were forcibly evicted by the factor James Gillanders to make way for sheep farming, a common practice during the Clearances that led to widespread depopulation of the Highlands. These evicted tenants sought refuge in the churchyard, erecting makeshift shelters and enduring harsh conditions. The church itself was not used as a refuge, possibly due to the schism in the Church of Scotland in 1843, which left the established congregation diminished and many locals aligned with the Free Church. The poignant inscriptions scratched into the diamond-shaped panes of the east window by the displaced Glencalvie people remain visible today, bearing witness to their suffering and resilience.

Preservation and Conservation Efforts

After years of structural decline, ownership of Croick Church was transferred to Historic Churches Scotland in April 2025. Since then, significant efforts have been made to stabilize and weatherproof the building, ensuring its survival for future generations. The conservation project aims to restore the church’s fabric while respecting its historical integrity. Visitors today encounter a site that closely resembles what Thomas Telford envisioned nearly two centuries ago, offering an authentic experience of a Parliamentary Church and its surrounding landscape.

The Surrounding Landscape and Historical Context

Situated adjacent to the remains of an Iron Age broch, the church’s location connects it to a much older layer of Scottish history. The glens around Croick once supported thriving communities who lived off the land through farming and shepherding. Today, the landscape bears traces of the Clearances, with scattered stone remnants marking former dwellings and old tracks weaving through the heather. This juxtaposition of natural beauty and historical loss adds a contemplative dimension to visits.

Cultural Significance and Lingering Mysteries

The inscriptions on the church’s windows not only reference the 1845 evictions but also mention dates extending into the late 19th century, raising questions about the origins and authorship of some graffiti. The church’s role during the Clearances was noted in contemporary reports, including an article in The Times in 1845 and parliamentary debates. The linguistic barrier between the Gaelic-speaking refugees and English-speaking visitors at the time highlights the cultural isolation of the community. The church thus stands as a symbol of both historical injustice and cultural endurance.

Visiting Croick Church Today

Visitors to Croick Church can explore a site that combines architectural heritage with powerful historical narratives. The serene and remote setting invites reflection on the lives of those who once worshipped here and those who suffered displacement. The church’s preservation allows it to serve as a tangible connection to the past, making it a meaningful destination for those interested in Scottish history, architecture, and rural heritage.