Auldcathie ruined church (late 14th century)

Auldcathie is a suburb to the west of Winchburgh in West Lothian, Scotland.^[1]

History

A small village existed at Auldcathie since at least medieval times when Auldcathie was a distinct parish until the Scottish Reformation when it was incorporated into the parish of Dalmeny.^[2][3]

Auldcathie Kirk is a ruined pre-reformation church with late 14th century details.^[2] The church was abandoned sometime after 1618.^[4] The church is a scheduled ancient monument cited as of national importance as an example of a private chapel.^[5] In the 19th century, the area had a farmstead and opencast quarry workings, now since demolished.^[6][7]

In the 20th century, part of the area was used as a landfill was redeveloped as a new park.^[8] Auldcathie district park is a new recreational and sporting venue that was built as part of the new winchburgh village developments.^{[8][9][10][11]} The park was planned to cover 78-acres, with up to 31,000 trees.^[10][11] In January 2023, the park was open to the public and used for an inaugural parkrun which was said to be Scotland's largest.^[12]

Notable People

Robert Lauder a nobleman who supported Mary, Queen of Scots at the battle of Langside held title to Auldcathie. His son Sir George Lauder of the Bass, a cleric, Privy Counsellor and Member of the Scottish Parliament was rector of Auldcathie in the 16th century.

Alexander Monteith was an Edinburgh surgeon born in Auldcathie.^[13]

References