Our Lady of Mercy Church

James F Stephen Architects were commissioned by the Diocese of Dunkeld to replace the existing Our Lady of Mercy Church at Aberfeldy with a new building to serve the needs of the congregation in the 21st Century. The ‘existing’ building, which was a ‘temporary’ structure erected circa 1884 by the Marquis of Bute, was in a state of disrepair and was removed from site, for remedial works and reassembly on an alternative site. The new Our Lady of Mercy Church is constructed in a traditional, yet contemporary manner with materials and scale sympathetic to the surrounding buildings; which are predominantly residential. Exterior treatments, such as slate roofs and ‘wet dash’ Render are typically traditional, however the form and detailing are very much contemporary. The internal structure of the church is open and expressed using Glulam beams and roof trusses which are honestly detailed both internally and externally. Natural light features prominently in the nave with glazed high level gables and side walls, making the worship space light and welcoming when taken in context with the timbers. The church is set out with the nave as the central space and all ancillary accommodation ‘wrapped round’ the front of the building. The main foyer, adjacent to the nave is home to the brass plaque to commemorate the dedication of the church in 2006 by the Right Reverend Bishop Logan – Bishop of Dunkeld. James F Stephen Architects were also commissioned to design the Liturgical Elements for the church, and plinth bases for the stations of the cross which were created by artist Janet Fox-Pitt. Our Lady of Mercy Church, Aberfeldy, is now an integral, established feature of the life in this picturesque village.