Croick Church reopens

With the visitor book project complete, a small but enthusiastic volunteer group is now looking after the church’s daily needs - and they’d love to welcome new helping hands.

By Mandy Wrenn and Victoria Collison

One of the most significant recent developments at Croick Church has been the reopening of the building for daily public access for the first time since 2020. Alongside the ongoing ‘Croick Voices’ project and wider conservation work, Historic Churches Scotland and local volunteers have been working steadily to ensure the church can once again be regularly open both for local people and for those visiting the area.


Croick Church is now open daily from April to October between 9am and 6pm, and from November to March between 10.00am and 3.00pm. The church is first and foremost part of the local community and not simply a visitor attraction; the building remains available for local use, including weddings, funerals and occasional services, continuing a role it has held since 1827.


One of the biggest recent milestones within the ‘Croick Voices’ project has been the completion of Phase 1 of the visitor book scanning project. Over recent months, volunteers have continued the careful work of preparing and digitally capturing the contents of over 60 years of historic visitor books held at Croick Church, creating a secure digital archive of over 4,500 pages and around 100,000 visitor entries.


The next stages of the project will focus on exploring ways to make this material more accessible online whilst ensuring the original books remain publicly available for future generations. Work is also continuing to investigate transcription software which could eventually help make the contents more searchable and useful for research.


Progress made has only been possible because of the commitment and patience of volunteers. We have again been incredibly fortunate to attract support from people with a wide range of interests and backgrounds, many of whom have given significant amounts of time to the project. The support of local people at Croick Church, and all the churches in the care of Historic Churches Scotland, is central to our work and allows us to care for these special buildings.


Alongside the project work, a small but growing local volunteer group has also begun helping with the day-to-day care of the church. This includes regular cleaning, monitoring damp and moisture levels within the building, checking the condition of the interior, helping keep the church welcoming for visitors, and assisting with general maintenance tasks. We are also grateful to one kind and skilled local supporter, who recently repaired the church donation box.


The volunteer group remains very open and informal, and additional help is always welcome. Some people are able to assist practically, whilst others simply help keep an eye on the building or support opening arrangements. All contributions are valued and appreciated and everyone is welcome to join.


Recent months have already shown how important the church remains to many local families. Following the funeral of James Moffat, held in the church in April, the family kindly donated the generous collection taken at the service towards the conservation of the windows. Such gestures are deeply appreciated and reflect the continuing connection many people feel towards Croick Church, and we extend our thanks to the Moffat family.


There is also growing interest in holding occasional community and worship events at the church once again. On Sunday 9 August, Dornoch Firth Parish are holding a pilgrimage walk and communion service. Those wishing to take part in the walk are invited to gather at the Amat telephone box for a 2pm departure, with the service beginning in Croick Church at 3pm. We are pleased to see the church once again being used in ways that reconnect it with both local residents and wider church communities.


Part of Historic Churches Scotland’s wider commitment has also been to keep local communities and interested groups informed about the work taking place at Croick Church. In February, Tristram Clarke, Historic Churches Scotland Trustee, and Mandy Wrenn, Croick Church Co-ordinator, gave presentations to the Tain & Easter Ross Civic Trust outlining current projects and future plans for the church. These conversations are an important opportunity not only to share progress, but also to invite feedback, ideas and support from people with connections to Croick Church and the wider area. The work taking place continues to be guided by what is right both for the building itself and for the communities associated with it.


Alongside activity within the church itself, Historic Churches Scotland has also been continuing conversations with Highland Council, who are responsible for the upkeep of the graveyard and path, regarding access issues and the care and maintenance of the surrounding graveyard. As with many historic rural buildings, ongoing maintenance remains an important part of ensuring the church can continue to be used and visited.

Work has also begun on updating online information about Croick Church to help visitors and local people better understand current opening arrangements and activities. If readers are aware of additional local websites, noticeboards or community platforms where information about Croick Church could be shared, we would be very pleased to hear suggestions.


Anyone interested in volunteering or finding out more about the work taking place at Croick Church is warmly encouraged to get in touch with Mandy, Croick Church Co-ordinator, by email.