The round Church
Kilarrow is the medieval name for the parish served by Bowmore Church, Islay and is more often known as ‘The Round Church’. The parish of Kilarrow covers an area of approximately 102 square miles and is in the centre of the island. The Church is situated at the top of the main street and is known as the Round Church due to its design.
In the Round Church we follow the unitary constitution and have 12 elders. Currently we enjoy a service of worship at 10am each Sunday. Following the service the Minister then travels the 10 miles to Port Ellen for the 11.30am service.
We are a committed and enthusiastic group of worshippers and our services are accompanied every week by an organist on a modern digital organ. In addition there is a sound system and laptop presentation can be projected onto the back wall. On occasions a few of the elders conduct services of worship. In November the annual Remembrance Service is held where representatives lay wreaths at the foot of the Communion Table. Following the service there is a short service held in the Commonwealth War Graves at the side of the Church. The Primary School holds its end of year service in the Round Church and Carols by Candlelight.
The population of the local community is approximately 1100. There is a Co-operative food shop and a small Spar, a Tourist Information Centre, the MacTaggart Leisure Centre which has a swimming pool, gym and sauna, a Post Office, gift shops, a pharmacy, a few eating establishments, a filling station, dental surgery, eventide home, medical surgery and an Accident and Emergency Department within the local hospital. Bowmore Primary School, Nursery School and Islay High School are close to each other and enjoy a newly completed all weather games pitch.
There are a number of self-catering holiday homes, B&Bs and hotels in Bowmore, a harbour and a whisky distillery. Tourism is very important and we welcome all visitors and their presence to the Round Church.
Contact details:
Sue Hind
01496 301494/ 07785397159
