Canisbay Parish Church

Medieval origin; much rebuilt in 17th century; dated 1720

and 1724; extensive renovations and alterations, 1833, and

also in 1891. All harled with ashlar margins and dressings.

Cruciform plan with square 2-storey tower at west gable,

with small windows (louvred in upper storey), saddle back

roof running east west with apex ball finials, and

skewputt dated 1720.

Projecting centre south aisle dated 1724, with round-headed

entrance in west elevation and point-headed Y-traceried

window in south gable. Mural tombstone to Groat family,

erected 1568, under south gable window. Short, low north

aisle with crowstepped gable with pointed-headed, 2-light

window in north gable.

South elevation lit by 3 long window with multi-pane glazing

breaking wallhead in gablets (1891); small blocked window

in SE outer bay; long pointed-headed east gable window;

slate roofs. Interior; south aisle as entrance porch with

remainder of church set out in T-plan, with seating in all

3 aisles; square later 19th century pulpit with canted

front and cusped panelling, panelled back-board, against

south wall. East and west galleries with panelled fronts;

access to tower from west gallery. North aisle, formerly

housing heritors' gallery (Sinclair of Mey) framed by giant

reeded pilasters supporting dentilled and corniced lintel,

and with worn 17th century mural monument with flanking

paired fluted Corinthian pilasters against north wall.

Various other 18th and 19th century mural monuments; simple

stencilled frieze. Walled burial ground containing

interesting tomb stones, many of fine quality, dating from

17th to 20th century (some early stones re-cut by John

Nicolson of Nybster in later 19th century). Also monument

by John Nicolson to his mother, 1868.