About the Kirk
The unique little kirk at Kirkandrews was completed in 1906. It is one of several buildings constructed by James Brown of Knockbrex in a unique style, combining influences of the Arts and Crafts Movement, Celtic motifs and a fondness for miniature castles.
Kirkandrews Kirk is a popular venue for christenings, weddings and other services, and is available for use by all denominations. It is particularly well-attended at Christmas carol services, when the fire and candles are lit.
Almost all of Kirkandrews Kirk is original. The architect was probably G.H. Higginbottom, Manchester, who designed several of James Brown’s other buildings. Whimsical features, such as the turret which conceals the chimney, are typical of his work.
James Brown’s support for the Arts and Crafts Movement is reflected in his choice of craftsmen, including cabinet-maker Frank Hallows of Hulme, Cheshire, coppersmith James Smithies of Wilmslow, Cheshire, and pewterer W.J. Englefield of London.
The only significant addition to the original fabric is the relief sculpture of the patron saint, St Andrew, made by a local artist, Jemma Montagu of Largs House, Twynholm, in 1993. This replaced the original sandstone plaque which had become eroded by damp. Kirkandrews Kirk has numerous other unusual features, including a chimneypiece with a round-arched fireplace and a castellated lintel, decorative wood panelling and columns, and windows of Norman Slab glass, first manufactured by the Chance Brothers in the 1890s and typically used in the backgrounds of Arts and Crafts stained glass at the turn of the century.
“The Wee Kirk” is the only one of James Brown’s remarkable buildings which is open to the public. Another well-known one is Corseyard Dairy, known locally as the “Coo Palace”. Its water-tower, designed to look like a mediaeval Scottish fortified house, is a local landmark on the coast road between Borgue and Carrick. Several other miniature castles built by James Brown dot the local landscape.
Directions to Kirkandrews Kirk
Kirkandrews Kirk is in the small village of Kirkandrews, situated around 2 miles to the west of Borgue, in Dumfries & Galloway along the road to Carrick. The post code is: DG6 4UB. From Borgue village, take the road uphill past Borgue Kirk, following the sign to Carrick. Continue for almost 2 miles, then turn left just before a small bridge. The turning to Kirkandrews has a No Through Road sign. Kirkandrews Kirk is on the left. You can get directions from the Google Map below.
Kirkandrews Kirk Trust
Kirkandrews Kirk is maintained and supported by a charitable trust which is registered as a Scottish Charity, number SC027744. The trustees include people with local connections who are enthusiastic about restoring Kirkandrews Kirk and making it available for use by the public:
Sarah Steele (Chair)
Anna Hale ( Secretary)
John Shields (Treasurer)
Elizabeth Brown
Mary Kate Brown OBE
Chris Brown
Rob Hale
Betsey Jameson
David Simpson
Kate Yonge
Friends of the Kirk
Friends of the Kirk can get involved with fund-raising events and other kirk activities. Friends also receive a regular newsletter with updates on progress with restoration and kirk events. If you are interested in becoming a friend of the kirk, please contact us using the links below.
Many thanks to the people who regularly support our fund-raising activities and to Graham Banks from Barlocco who keeps us supplied with firewood.
Contact Us
You are welcome to contact Kirkandrews Kirk Trust, including booking the kirk for a service or other event.
Click here to enquire about booking Kirkandrews Kirk
Kirkandrews Kirk Trust welcomes your views about the Kirk, our plans for its restoration, future use, fundraising and anything else you’d like to tell us about. Offers of help with events and fund-raising are especially appreciated! To send us your suggestions or comments, please email us using the link below, fill in the contact form or write to this address:
Kirkandrews Kirk Trust
c/o Craig Cottage, Kirkandrews, Borgue
Kirkcudbright DG6 4UB
Click here to email us or use the contact form below: