I Go to a Church of Scotland Church

	Parish churches are at the heart of Scotland's communities. They often still exist in villages or deprived urban areas where shops, banks and other institutions have disappeared.
Aerial view of Peebles, with the parish church at its heart

Regular services of worship on Sundays are central to the life of the church, but a wide range of other activities take place during the rest of the week. The care of all people in the parish (whether they come to church on Sunday or not) is an essential part of our work - particularly at times of illness, bereavement or difficulty.
	Church Elder visiting an elderly lady

The Church of Scotland is Scotland's national church. It is often known simply as 'The Kirk' (a Scottish word meaning 'the church'). There are over 600,000 members and about 1,500 congregations serving parishes.
	Rev. Sarah Nicol greeting worshippers as they leave church (Click to see an enlarged photo in a new window)