Kildrummy St Bride Chapel, Aberdeenshire

3D Model

Lord Elphinstone gravestone.

There is some debate whether the calm green mound on which the old kirk of Kildrummy sits is a Norman motte or castle mound, the precursor of Kildrummy Castle. Its elevated site at the end of a ridge is a natural feature and the mounding is not inconsistent with the development of an ancient graveyard. Dedicated to St Bride and once called the ‘chapel of the lochs’ from the encircling marsh, the upstanding walls are mostly those of relatively recent burial enclosures, making the plan of the old kirk difficult to discern.

However, there is a wealth of tombstones from the 16th century onwards, including some fine armorial stones. Original archway survives as a tomb recess behind wooden doors; excellent stone with three praying figures in half relief.

Taken from “Aberdeenshire: Donside and Strathbogie - An Illustrated Architectural Guide”, by Ian Shepherd, 2006. Published by the Rutland Press.

Canmore ID 17101