The ‘Friends of Kildonan Church’ is a constituted society that was founded in 2009 by the Clan Gunn Heritage Trust and the Helmsdale Heritage and Arts Society.
Kildonan Church has an important place in history. It is owned by the Suisgill Estate and is situated in the Strath of Kildonan, 9 miles from Helmsdale, on the banks of the river. As far back as 390AD it is thought that Christianity made an appearance in this area when St Ninian preached here on his way to Orkney. In the 6th century it is probable that the church took the form of a small stone building, with a thatched roof. The building was then repaired and enlarged in the 11th century and a mortuary chapel for the Clan Gunn was added in c1250.
The Reverend Alexander Sage was presented by the Sutherland family to Kildonan in 1787 and he preached there for 37 years throughout the notorious Sutherland Clearances of 1813 -1820. His son Donald wrote a book ‘Memorabilia Domestica’ that provides a rare account of actual events witnessed by Donald as a young man, when the Strath was cleared of its people to create large sheep farms.
The congregation dramatically decreased following the clearances and the church was virtually abandoned. However, the Kildonan gold rush of 1869 saw miners sleeping and selling provisions in the church and it was later used as a school. In 1902 the entire building was renovated into what we see today.
The main aim of the Society is to endeavour to safeguard the future of Kildonan Church as a place of worship and of commemoration of the people of the Strath of Kildonan. The Friends hold an annual service, lectures and concerts in the church to which all are welcome.
Membership of the Friends is open to all who wish to support the objectives of the Society and life membership is currently £5.
To become a member please contact Timespan for a membership form.
Forthcoming events in the church:
11th May 2011 Choral Concert 7.30pm
31st July 2011 Commemorative Church Service 3pm
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