📌 Auchenblae, Aberdeenshire
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The parish of Auchenblae lies at the eastern, lower end of Strath Finella – a steep-sided glen in the Cairngorm foothills north of Laurencekirk. St Palladius is the patron saint, and also northern Scotland’s first Christian missionary. He probably built a small chapel here on the west side of the Luther Water in the 5th century, replaced in the 13th century by a newer building – with further later modifications. The roof collapsed in 1828 but the interior can still be visited, with features to pick out including a piscina, aumbry and the remains of a crypt which may once have contained the saint’s relics. Sunday worship has moved to a new parish church alongside; its doors are usually locked, but if open there is apparently a fine Pictish stone inside.
🌍 Location
📌 By minor road, southwest side of Auchinblae village
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NO 726784
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 56.896565,-2.451522
🚌 Bus to Auchenblae
🚗 Car park
📝 Key info
⌚ Always open
🎫 Free
