Old High Church, Inverness

The Old High Church, located in Inverness, is a historic parish church of the Church of Scotland, situated along the picturesque banks of the River Ness. Part of Old High Saint Stephen's Parish, the church holds the distinction of being the oldest congregation in Inverness, with roots tracing back to Celtic times. Tradition links its founding to Saint Columba, the Irish monk credited with bringing Christianity to the region.

While the current church building dates primarily to the 18th century, its site has been a place of worship for centuries, making it the historic town church of Inverness. Among its notable features is a Father Willis organ, restored in 2010, which adds to its architectural and cultural significance. The Old High Church is a Category A listed building, underscoring its importance in Scotland's heritage.

The Old High congregation united with that of Saint Stephen’s Church in October 2003 to form Old High Saint Stephen’s Parish. In a rare arrangement, both buildings were retained for worship. However, regular services at the Old High Church ceased in January 2022, with Sunday worship now held exclusively at Saint Stephen’s Church at 10:30 AM.

Saint Stephen’s, established as a 'daughter church' of the Old High in 1897, is a Gothic-style building constructed from Morayshire freestone, designed by architect W.L. Carruthers. It holds a Category B listing, reflecting its architectural merit.

The Old High Church is a significant part of Inverness’s ecclesiastical and cultural history. Its parish area encompasses the city center, parts of the Crown area, and southern suburbs like Drummond and Lochardil.