St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Inverness

Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Church is a historic and spiritual gem in Inverness. Located on the west bank of the River Ness, just a stone’s throw from the city center, this remarkable church is celebrated as the first Catholic place of worship built in Inverness after the Reformation, opening its doors on April 2, 1837. Designed in the Gothic Revival style by William Robertson, the church has undergone several enhancements over the centuries, each adding to its architectural and cultural significance.

The church is renowned for its exquisite altar and breathtaking stained glass windows, which have been enhanced over time. Notably, a significant reordering of the sanctuary was completed in 2014 to align with liturgical changes following the Second Vatican Council. This included the installation of a new altar, a reliquary, and intricate tiled flooring. A millennium-stained glass window, an icon of the Presentation of the Child, and a statue commemorating the 400th anniversary of Saint John Ogilvie’s martyrdom in 2015 further enrich its interior, creating an inspiring and serene atmosphere.

In its early years, the church served a modest Catholic community that had been worshiping in Margaret Street since the mission separated from Eskdale in 1827. By 1846, approximately 400 Catholics called Inverness home. Thanks to the generosity of benefactors such as Miss Jessie McDonell, the presbytery was added in 1888, and in 1894, a solemn re-opening marked the remodeling of the sanctuary, complete with a new altar by Peter Paul Pugin and Stations of the Cross.

Saint Mary’s continues to play a vital role in the spiritual life of Inverness, hosting daily Mass and serving as the Polish-language Chaplaincy for the city. Its doors are open to visitors seeking a quiet moment of reflection or those eager to explore its historical and artistic legacy.