About us
Nairn St Ninians was opened on 29th December 1881 as a Free Church of Scotland and was built by Andrew Maitland & Sons (Tain) and is of a Gothic design and cost £7000 (equivalent c. £1m today). The church was consecrated by Rev. Dr. Kennedy of Dingwall. All 1200 seats were taken for the consecration service. Having started life as Nairn Free Church of Scotland, a union took place in 1900 between The Free Church and The United Presbyterian Church and was then named The United Free Church. To distinguish it from its sister Rosebank Church, it was named The High Church, Nairn. In 1929, Nairn United Free High Church became Nairn High Church of Scotland. In 1974 The High Church united with The Rosebank Church, and the new congregation was named St. Ninian’s - appropriately taking the name St. Ninian's, not only the Patron Saint of the Burgh but more importantly after one pre-eminent in bringing the Gospel to the people of Scotland. The parish extends across most of the town and out towards Auldearn.
Auldearn was built in 1757 replacing the previous church on the hill above the village. An old graveyard surrounds the Church and a newer cemetery is adjacent; both being maintained by the Highland Council. The church serves a rural parish where farming is prominent
Both Churches are congregations with long traditions and a vibrant sense of Christ’s calling in today’s world. We worship in a rich Presbyterian tradition. Through our worship, we seek to be open to new ideas, welcoming of all people, respectful of our heritage, and creative in our responses.
Our vision is to inspire the people of both communities and surrounding areas with the Good News of Jesus Christ. We will do this through enthusiastic worshipping, witnessing, nurturing, and serving of the Lord. With God’s grace we can help build the spiritual life and work of our congregations in both of our parishes.
Sunday Worship is open to all, and you would be most welcome at any of our services. If you are visiting on a Sunday, please feel able to introduce yourself. There are elders at the doors to greet you, and to answer any questions you might have about our order of service, our church building, or our community. If you are new to Nairn and are looking for a home congregation, we hope that you will consider our Churches as a place where you might offer your worship and service at the heart of our town.