St Dionysius' Church (remains), Ayton

St Dionysius' Church, dating from the earlier to mid 12th century, has been extensively altered and rebuilt in the late 18th century and is now in a ruinous state. The roofless remains of this former church are located in a graveyard to the northeast of the later Ayton Parish Church. The west and east gables, along with much of the south wall, are missing, but the majority of the north wall, the north aisle, the bell tower, and the southeast burial aisle remain intact. Originally built in a rectangular plan, the church was later modified to a T-plan with the addition of the north aisle.

The structure is constructed from harl-pointed sandstone rubble, which is squared and weathered in parts, with ashlar stone used for the upper section of the bell tower and ashlar dressings throughout. It features quoins and long and short surrounds to its openings, some of which are blocked. The remains include various burial aisles and enclosures, such as the Fordyce family aisle to the southeast, which has a large, round-arched, traceried window centered in the south gable, featuring two sandstone mullions, a single transom, and round-arched heads. There are gravestones within this aisle and an iron-railed enclosure to the side. An overgrown burial aisle to the northeast is associated with Alexander Skene. Additionally, various plaques and gravestones are set into the walls, and there is a full-width, single-storey, lean-to projection adjoining the south elevation of the north aisle.