Cheviot Churches began as a joint congregation from four separate historic parishes in the county of Roxburghshire in the south-east of Scotland - Morebattle, Yetholm, Linton and Hownam. The area has always been entirely rural. Since the agricultural changes that followed the Second World War the population of the area has declined, however both Yetholm and Morebattle still have shops and schools and the community spirit of both villages is strong. In 2026 the kirk buildings at Hownam and Linton were sold. Linton has been bought by Linton Kirk Heritage Trust and we hope to continue using this ancient building for some worship services.
Cheviot Churches publishes a quarterly magazine, which is delivered to every house in the parish. If you would like to read the latest edition then click the Magazine drop-down tab above. Some images of recent events can be found by clicking on the Church Life tab.
Cheviot Churches publishes a quarterly magazine, which is delivered to every house in the parish. If you would like to read the latest edition then click the Magazine drop-down tab above. Some images of recent events can be found by clicking on the Church Life tab.
Yetholm parish church.
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Yetholm
Yetholm church, built in 1836 (to replace the last thatched church in Scotland) is built of dark local granite, but the exterior belies the light and airy interior. |
People gather for worship on a Sunday morning.
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Recently thoroughly redecorated and refurbished, with audio visual equipment, moveable chairs and other mod cons the space is used not just for regular worship by for a variety of church and community activities.
Morebattle Church - built with a red sandstone not found near Yetholm.
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Morebattle
Morebattle church is found in the heart of the village. It is a very attractive and well maintained country church rich in internal features. As you enter and leave the building there is a spectacular view of the Cheviot Hills. As with Yetholm there is regular worship here on a Sunday morning. |
The interior of Linton - the Roanesque arch is a reconstruction by the high-church Dr Leishman, but the building has several original 12th century features, including a carved tympanum over the door.
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Linton
Standing on a sandy mound, which used to be surrounded by water and marshland, is Linton church. The site has been a site for worship for over 900 years. It is a place of unique peace and spirituality. Although only a mile from Morebattle, the old parish stretched for a considerable distance to the north. For more information about the Linton Kirk Heritage Trust, click HERE. |
Linton kirk sits on a high mound, with wonderful views towards the hills.
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Remote Hownam kirk, beside the Kale Water.
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Hownam
Hownam parish runs for many miles along the Border ridge, before descending with the Kale Water towards Morebattle. The future of the kirk building is uncertain. |
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Hoselaw
Cheviot Churches owns - and uses - a small chapel at the north end of Linton parish. It was built in the early 20th century by the surprisingly 'high church' minister of the parish, Dr Leishman, for the benefit a parishioners remote from the main kirk. We still use this atmospheric building for communion services and for the three-hour Easter meditation service. |
Hoselaw Chapel, still much valued by the Cheviot Churches community.
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