Loudoun Kirk
Galston, Ayrshire

A venerable church near both Loudoun Castle and Galston in East Ayrshire.

It dates from either 1198 or 1451, there are two credible versions of the founding date, and has been unused since the early 17th century, though it was well used as a graveyard after that date and until relatively recently.

The church once served a mining village built in the fields nearby, long abandoned when its people moved to Galston over on the far side of the River Irvine.

With many historical connections to local Lords, Covenanters, the Belgian SAS(!?) and others it's a fascinating place to visit. Open all year round, free and with parking available.

The church is now cared for by The Friends of Loudoun Kirk and East Ayrshire Council.

Directly overhead. The kirk is on a minor road parallel to the A71 just west of Galston and across the River Irvine.

This wide-angle vertical photo shows the kirk's location in the Irvine valley just outside Galston (on the right) and that's Loudoun Hill on the centre horizon about seven miles away.