Coull Trust
Coull Kirk - the Community's Kirk
Coull Kirk - our community's heritage - the Farmer's Kirk
Welcome to Coull Trust. We are local people in a scattered rural population who joined together to buy our local Kirk. It is the only public building left in our community. With roots going back to the 7th Century, it is special to us. It contains our war memorials; it is also where many local farming families have been married and are buried in its Kirkyard. We bought it for the Community in February 2026 for the initial purchase price of £30,000. Now we need about the same again for repairs to the roof and walls; treating of woodworm; refurbishing the vestry and boiler house; and adapting the toilet for better access for the disabled. All done in a way to minimise the changes to the Kirk and preserve the heritage (and the bats in the roof!). Help us preserve this exquisite piece of history for all.
To make a donation see our Donate page
What are our plans?
At our public meetings, there was a strong wish to retain the Kirk as it is, capable of being used for weddings and funerals, memorial and other services. At the time of purchase, the Church was only used for one service a month during the summer and a Christmas service. We wish to make the Kirk accessible to all faiths or those who have no faith for their weddings and funerals, or for worship, or just quiet contemplation. We also want to maintain our links with the local Christian Kirk in Tarland who have been instrumental in helping us in the Community Buyout. So their monthly events will continue.
We plan to restore and maintain it and it will be available for :
- Historical tours
- Small arts, music and other appropriate events (it has smashing acoustics)
- Weddings, Memorials, Contemplation or worship
Where are we?
Coull lies between Tarland and Aboyne on one edge of the Howe of Cromar. This large bowl of fertile farmland lies between Deeside and Donside. Take the B9094 to Tarland. Look out for the signpost to Coull. Turn towards Coull. Just after the bridge slow down and turn right up the track as the road turns left. AB34 4TS
Contact us
E-mail to : secretary@coulltrust.org.uk if you have questions, would like to be included on our "Friends List" or if you would like to be part of the restoration and development team.
OPEN DAYS
Come along and visit the Kirk on any Tuesday (except w/c 8/6 when it is open on a Wednesday)
Waiting to welcome you will be a member of Coull Trust and then it's up to you. Explore on your own, ask for quiet and contemplate, let us show you
- Explore on your own
- Ask the Guide to show you around
- Relax, sit quietly and contemplate.
The Kirk and you will find its peaceful interior connects you to a continuum of peace.
BOOK A HISTORY TOUR
Interested in a more detailed tour of the Kirk? Then email the secretary and arrange a mutually convenient time.
Come and listen to tales of glacial lakes, Pictish Kings, Saints and sinners, farmers and hunters and the dreaded "resurrectionists"
We are happy to cater for those walking or cycling the Tarland Way, whether in a small or large group. When you get to the road roughly halfway between Aboyne and Tarland, turn towards the bridge, cross the burn and take the next track on the right past the Manse and up to the Kirk.