Old St Ninian's Church

Impressive regeneration of a 16th century church now being used for offices and apartments. The clock tower steeple facing the street was originally built in 1675 in Dutch style.
Mar 2nd, 2022

Old building located near the end of the Water of Leith Walkway. Found some info online St Ninians Chapel was established in 1493 by Robert Ballantyne, Abbot of Holyrood. He arranged for it to be served by two chaplains who would be supported by tolls from the bridge and rents from some property. The Chapel was almost certainly in ruins after the English raids in 1544 and 1547. After the Reformation (1560) the people of North Leith gained possession of the chapel and rebuilt it. In 1609 the parish of North Leith was created and the old chapel became the Parish Church. In the late 17th century the church was rebuilt and extended. The distinctive Dutch style steeple, which bears the date 1675, was added then. Inside there was a gallery round three sides of the church and it was decorated with the emblems of the Trades Incorporations of North Leith. It was probably at this time that a flagstone floor was installed previously most churches had bare earth floors and important people were buried under the church floor
Jun 13th, 2021