Who are we?
Fraserburgh & District Parish Church of Scotland was founded in July 2024 through the union of seven congregations: Fraserburgh Old, Fraserburgh South, Fraserburgh West, Rathen West, Inverallochy & Rathen East, Pitsligo (Rosehearty), and Sandhaven.
The church holds three services each Sunday morning in Fraserburgh, Rosehearty, and Inverallochy, with a joint service once a month.
FADPC has an active congregation, with a range of groups including the Guild, Men’s Fellowship, Bible Study, and several youth organisations such as the Boys’ Brigade, Guides, and Girls’ Brigade.
Our Churches
Fraserburgh
The South Church was originally a Free Church, having been established in 1843 with the Disruption. It came into the United Free Church in 1900, and then as part of that body came into the Church of Scotland in 1929.
The Fraserburgh Church now acts as the “Central Hub” of the 3 buildings, with a Sunday service at 10am
Inverallochy
Built in 1842, the church in Inverallochy has served the local community for many years. It continues to host regular services and remains an important place of worship and gathering within the village.
Inverallochy has a service each Sunday at 11:30am
Rosehearty
Built in 1890, the church in Rosehearty stands within a village with a long history of Christian worship, with earlier churches in the area dating back to 1632. It continues to serve the local community through regular services and gatherings.
Rosehearty has a service each Sunday at 11:30am
People
Minister
Rev Mike Newlands
Hi, I’m Mike, the Minister for Fraserburgh & District Parish Church. Before ministry, I spent considerable time as a Healthcare Chaplain, and before that many many years in Youth Work.
From a young age I wanted to be minister and it’s absolutely amazing to finally be one! It’s definitely a job where no two days are the same, but it’s an absolute privilege to serve our parish here.
The folk are great, hard working and extremely friendly. Together we are building a strong place of welcome and a real community in our parish. I’m always happy and willing to speak to folk, one of the perks of the job, so I’m always pleased to meet new folk!
Treasurer
Mr Ronnie Birnie
Church Secretary
Mrs Morag Cooper
I work in the Church Office on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings from 9.00am to 12.00 noon. I have thoroughly enjoyed my role since joining the team in October 2021, and no two days are ever the same!
I enjoy meeting people and being part of the many activities that take place at the Church Centre. It’s a welcoming place with plenty happening throughout the week.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren, as well as walking and gardening.
Session Clerks
Our Session Clerks help lead and support the life of the church across our three worship centres.
Mrs Joyce Taylor – Fraserburgh
I have lived in Fraserburgh all my life. I am a retired teacher. I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren. I belong to a walking group and enjoy time in my garden and flower arranging. My job as Session Clerk keeps me very busy and gives me the opportunity to meet new people and help others in the community.
Mrs Linda Watt – Rosehearty
Mrs Janette Clark – Inverallochy
Our History
Although Fraserburgh & District Parish Church of Scotland was established in July 2024, our story stretches back many generations through the faithful witness of the congregations that came together to form one church family.
For well over a century, each congregation served its own community, providing a place of worship, Christian fellowship, pastoral care, and outreach. Generations were baptised, married, and remembered within these churches, each leaving a lasting legacy of faith and service across Fraserburgh and the surrounding villages.
The congregations that united to form Fraserburgh & District Parish Church were:
- Fraserburgh Old Parish Church
- Fraserburgh South Parish Church
- Fraserburgh West Parish Church
- Rathen West Parish Church
- Inverallochy & Rathen East Parish Church
- Pitsligo Parish Church (Rosehearty)
- Sandhaven Parish Church
As part of the Church of Scotland’s Presbytery Mission Plan, these seven congregations formally united in July 2024 to become Fraserburgh & District Parish Church of Scotland. The union brought together centuries of shared Christian heritage, enabling the church to continue serving the people of Fraserburgh, Rosehearty, Inverallochy, Sandhaven, Rathen, and the surrounding communities as one congregation.
Today, while we worship as one church across several worship centres, we continue to value and celebrate the unique history and traditions of each former congregation. Their individual stories remain an important part of our shared identity, and their legacy continues through the worship, fellowship, mission, and service of Fraserburgh & District Parish Church.
