Church Of Our Lady Of Sorrows, South Uist, Western Isles, Scotland. SCO 6500
Opened on 5 May 1965, Our Lady of Sorrows is an important example of a Modernist church which was largely self-built by local residents. It replaced an earlier church on the site and was the first major commission for architect Richard McCarron after he graduated. McCarron worked for Robert Matthew Johnston-Marshall and Partners before moving to the Scottish Special Housing Association and he also later worked as a consultant in Research and Innovation for Scottish Homes. The church is a good example of pioneering Roman Catholic church design following the principles of Vatican II where a centralised worship-orientated plan allowed closer contact between the priest and congregation. The simple and massive exterior combined with the carefully lit interior space makes it an exemplar of its type, probably influenced by the work of Gillespie, Kidd and Coia such as at St Paul's, Glenrothes (1956-7; see separate listing). It is a dominant and significant feature in the treeless terrain and it is an important part of the landscape. Built as a Chapel of Ease it was commissioned by Monseignor McKellaig, parish priest of Daliburgh. It is understood that Mgr McKellaig was a traditionalist priest and it is surprising that he chose such a contemporary design. The engineer was Dudley Gibb, whose expertise was specifically required for the reinforced concrete work. The unusual involvement of the local residents in the build is an important part of the interest of the building. In view of the remote location and the difficulty of securing contractors from the mainland experienced parishioners were employed full-time for the duration of the construction of the church. Dedidated to Our Lady of Sorrows in memory of the islanders who died in the Great Wars it was to provide seating for 300. The illuminated Latin cross on the roof is intended to serve as a landmark to fishermen. There was a 15 month target build which was reached and the modest 18,500 budget rose to circa 20k.
Size: 4288px × 2848px
Location: Our Lady of Sorrows Church, South Uist, Outer Hebrides, Western Isles, Highland. Scotland.
Photo credit: © David Gowans / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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