Kilbirnie Auld Kirk

Previously known as "The Barony Church", after the barony that had been obtained by John Craufurd of Kilbirnie in 1641, the church is constructed on the site of a 6th-century monastic cell. The town of Kilbirnie derives its name from the church. The name is Gaelic in origin and means "Church of St Brendan" (the Gaelic cil, pronounced 'kil', signifying a church, suffixed by the name of the saint). "Auld Kirk" in Scots simply means Old Church. The Craufurd tomb contains the effigies of Captain Thomas Craufurd of Jordanhill and his wife Janet ker of Kersland. Thomas died on 3 January 1603 having achieved fame through capturing Dumbarton Castle for King James VI, for which brave achievement he…

The original nave dates from 1470, with a two-stage bell tower added twenty years later. Aisles were added in 1597 for the Cunninghames of Glengarnock and in 1642 for the Crawfords. A transept and new entrance front were added in 1903–05. <gallery> Image:Craufurds of Jordanhill in Kilbirnie.JPG|The viewing window in the 1594 tomb of Captain Thomas Crawfurd of Jordanhill. Image:Craufurds Tomb in Kilbirnie Auld Kirk cemetery.JPG|The Crawfurd's tomb with the old Kirk in the background. Image:Coat of arms and inscription - Craufurds of Jordanhill.JPG|Inscription and Coat of Arms on the Crawford tomb. Image:Effigies of Craufurds of Jordanhill.JPG|Effigies of Thomas Crawfurd and Janet Kerr.…