St Ernan’s

St Ernan’s Church, located about 1.6 km outside Fionnphort on the Isle of Mull, is a historic building with strong local significance. Constructed in 1899 as a mission chapel, it was built by local crofters and fishermen who volunteered their labor. The land was gifted by the Duke of Argyll with the condition that the church be used exclusively for worship, Sunday school, or related religious activities connected to the Church of Scotland.

The church is a simple rectangular structure made of local red granite, featuring Gothic-style windows and a bellcote on the south side. Inside, many original features remain, including dark-stained wooden pews and a high wooden ceiling. The pulpit, communion table, and font were added in 1952, gifts from the local War Memorial Committee and Mr. Dawson-Bowman of Erraid.

Recently, the Church of Scotland decided to dispose of St Ernan’s Church. In response, local residents formed “St Ernan’s by the Loch,” a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), aiming to acquire and preserve the building for community use. Their vision is to develop the church into a modern, safe, and welcoming space for cultural, spiritual, and social activities, while respecting its heritage and tranquil surroundings.

The community strongly supports using the church for weddings, funerals, support groups, meetings, and Gaelic language classes. Plans are underway to modernize the building sensitively, maintaining its historical character. The project is currently in the planning stage, with ongoing discussions with the Church of Scotland and collaboration with architects to develop a sustainable business plan.