The Church
The Isle of Scalpay has a rich religious history which may be dealt with at a later date (if you wish to send some information please E-mail us). Until recently there were two churches on the Isle of Scalpay; The Free Church of Scotland (largest) and The Church of Scotland (smaller). When the bridge was completed the need for the smaller church was negated as the congregation could now attend the Church of Scotland services in Tarbert, Harris.
The Church of Scotland had a small congregation that was ministered to by missionaries who would often live on the island for a small number of years - some retiring here. Missionaries were required prior to the opening of the Scalpay Bridge as the ferry did not run on the Sunday (Sabbath - see Never on the Sabbath) and therefore they had no means of getting onto the island to conduct a service. Since the bridge has been opened the Church of Scotland members on Scalpay can now travel to the service in Tarbert, Harris and sadly there is no longer a need for a missionary.
The Free Church of Scotland is much larger by comparison with the vast majority of islanders attending the Sunday Service held there. The photographs below show both the old and the new church.
On the next page is a small collection of images from that are connected with both churches on Scalpay, please click on the thumbnail to view an enlargement and more information. If you have any images you wish to donate to this site please E-mail us the details.
