Eskadale, St Mary's R.c. Church

The impressive interior of the Roman Catholic church of St Mary is unexpectedly reminiscent of an English parish church. Built in 1826 by Lord Lovat in Neo-Norman style, it has side aisles separated from the nave by round Norman columns which, together with the walls and roof, are painted in a variety of colours. An elaborately carved stone altar with reredos behind, and the Lovat tomb to one side, are later additions in Gothic Style. Above the entrance door is a gallery used by the Lovat family. The whole is a striking contrast to the austerity of so many post-reformation Protestant kirks (compare Croick, no. 54, built in 1827).

There are two graveyards, one the family burial place of the Frasers. An interesting and unusual survival is the stable in the trees west of the church, where those who rode to Mass could leave their horses during the service. This has a cobbled floor and tying posts, but not the usual long-term stable furnishings such as loose-boxes. The group is completed by the former priest's house of about the same date just across the road, now called Chapel House (where the key to the church may be obtained if it is locked).

Information from ‘Exploring Scotland’s Heritage: The Highlands’, (1995).