Church of the Holy Rude

Founded in 12th century, the Church of the Holy Rude is the second oldest building in Stirling.

About Church of the Holy Rude

	Church of the Holy Rude St John Street, Stirling FK8 1ED
	Church of the Holy Rude Website

Listed Under Activities - History and Heritage / Attractions - History and Culture

The church occupies a magnificent location on the shoulder of the city’s highest hill and thanks to the short proximity to Stirling Castle it played a unique place in history. It was here that James VI was crowned King of Scotland in 1567 with the ceremony being performed by John Knox.

The Church has been the historic Burgh Kirk, or Parish Church, of Stirling for 900 years and is the only church still in active use, apart from Westminster Abbey in London, to have hosted a coronation, when the infant King James VI of Scotland (later also James I of England) was crowned in the Holy Rude on the 29th July 1567.

Admission fees apply as part of a partnership between Stirling District Tourism Ltd and the Church of the Holy Rude, aimed at securing the church's long-term sustainability and preserving its identity as an iconic place of worship for future generations.

Adults £5.00 / Concessions ££4.00 (Over 60 and students) / Children under 12 are free.

While there is an admission fee, all contributions help maintain the church's historic importance and support the congregations ongoing for the future.

We take every opportunity to ensure the details for Church of the Holy Rude are accurate, if any of the above information is incorrect we would appreciate if you could take a minute to suggest an edit.

All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.

Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Stirling? Just hit 'Like' on our What's On Stirling Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our @WhatOnStirling Twitter or Instagram accounts and you're all set!

Upcoming Events at Church of the Holy Rude

Music

Trio Òran, Piano Trio Concert ‘Throughflow’

18th July 2025

Church of the Holy Rude, Stirling

Don't miss London-based Piano Trio, Trio Òran, from Guildhall School of Music and Drama, as they present a recital of contrasts at Church of the Holy Rude on 18th July!

History and Heritage

Friends of the Stirling Smith

Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum Dumbarton Road, Stirling FK8 2RQ

The Friends exist in order to help and support the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, which stands in Dumbarton Road, Stirling beneath the historic castle.

History and Heritage

The National Wallace Monument

Abbey Craig Hillfoots Road, Causewayhead FK9 5LF

The Wallace Monument stands tall and proud outside the city of Stirling, overlooking the scene of Scotland’s victory at The Battle of Stirling Bridge.

History and Heritage