Cullen House & Cullen Auld Kirk (Time: approx.
1-2hrs)
{Note: The grounds are open
from 1.30pm - 4.30pm on Tuesdays and Fridays} From
the Square, walk up Grant Street and enter the
grounds by the main gates. Follow the avenue for
about three-quarters of a mile (1.2 km) until you
come to Cullen House. This building, dating from
1602 - has been extended over the centuries. Between
1982 and 1985, it was converted into separate
private dwellings, but in 1987 a serious fire
destroyed part of the building.
This has now been fully restored. At the fork in the
road, go right, walking alongside the house until
you can see the fine West Bridge constructed over
the Cullen Burn in 1774. Retrace your steps to the
junction and slightly to the right can be seen
Cullen Auld Kirk with signage showing 'Church of
Scotland - Historic Scottish Kirk'. Access to the
church grounds can be gained via the brown door set
in the wall.
Cullen Auld Kirk is a grand example of a
pre-Reformation kirk - one of few still in regular
use after 700 years. In the year 1327, King Robert
the Bruce of Scotland endowed a chaplaincy in memory
of his wife - Elizabeth de Burgh - who died on a
visit to Cullen. Leave the Kirk via the metal gates,
walking up the slope - walled on both sides.
On the left is the Dower House - the home of the
Earl of Seafield. At the top of this slope, turn
left and follow the metalled road all the way to the
crossroads just past the Primary School. Turn left
and continue down South Deskford Street to the
junction with Grant Street. The walk may be done
clockwise by starting in Grant Street, going via
South Deskford Street, and then turning right into
Old Church Road. The road surface is good. Trainers
or shoes will be adequate. |