It is interesting to find in the neighbourhood of Cape Wrath a specimen
of ecclesiastical architecture, even though of the seventeenth century.
The old parish church, which is now a ruin, occupies the site of a cell
of Dornoch monastery. It was built in 1619. The Plan (Fig. 1531) is
somewhat irregular, but not unlike, in general form, to many of the
churches of Scotland at the same period, having the pulpit placed in the
centre of the long side wall, and facing the wing.
In a recess is the grave of Duncan MacMorroch, a relation of the chief
of the clan, believed to have been very serviceable in getting rid
quietly of
[Illustration: FIG. 1531.--Durness Church. Plan.]
troublesome hindrances. This gentleman was desirous to be buried in the
sacred edifice, but as some doubts existed as to his sanctity, it was
resolved
[Illustration: FIG. 1532.--Durness Church. View from South-West.]
not to admit his body quite into the church, so he was buried under the
wall. His tomb is dated 1619, and his epitaph hands down his name to
posterity in the following words:--
“Duncan MacMorroch here lies low
Was ill to his friend, waur to his foe
True to his master in weird and wo.”
The adjoining gable has crowsteps and is topped with a belfry (Fig.
1532). The lintel of the doorway in the wing bears the letters and
figures 16 · HMK · A. In the gable of the wing there is a two-light
window with a pointed arch, a central mullion dividing into two small
arches at the head (the space between being left solid), and a transom.
An old font lies in the main part of the church.