Marykirk brings together a road bridge that is still in use, a history of church building and the early use of wind power. For travellers who take historic buildings and technological developments into account when choosing a destination, there are several themes to explore: the bridge over the River North Esk, the old and new parish churches, and James Blyth’s work on wind power. There are also traces of the old village centre and a race held annually in May.
Bridge and riverside setting
Marykirk lies on the north bank of the River North Esk, about three miles from its mouth. Marykirk Bridge continues to serve as a public road bridge over the River North Esk. Built between 1811 and 1814, it was one of Robert Stevenson’s first bridges. The four-span structure has segmental arches and a span of 17.67 metres. Its historic origins and current road function exist side by side: the bridge is both a subject of engineering history and a crossing that remains in use.
Churches and historic landmarks
The remains of Marykirk’s old parish church lie within an oval graveyard surrounded by a wall. The new parish church was built around 1806, slightly north of the old church. In 1615, the Thornton Aisle was added to Marykirk Church as a burial aisle for the Thornton family. The graveyard of St Mary's Church also contains the grave of engineer James Blyth. These places represent different aspects of church history: the remains of the old parish church, the later church building to the north, the family burial aisle and an individual grave. The Thornton Aisle, added in 1615, and the church building from around 1806 mark distinct stages in the site’s architectural history.
Remains of the Market Cross survive in the old village centre. Marykirk Hotel is also part of the village’s architectural history: it is a Category C listed building with “Designated” status. While the bridge represents the river crossing, the Market Cross points to the old village centre; each is a distinct architectural landmark in Marykirk.
James Blyth and the history of wind power
Blyth House belonged to engineer James Blyth in the 19th century. At Anderson's College in Glasgow, now the University of Strathclyde, Blyth began a research programme into using wind power to generate and store electricity. In late July 1887, he set up a small windmill in the garden of Blyth House, intended to supply electricity for lighting with the help of storage cells. The wind turbine associated with Blyth House was horizontally aligned and fitted with cloth sails; it is considered the world’s first known wind-powered electricity-generating installation. This story thus links an interest in generating and storing electricity with the practical aim of supplying electric light.
An event in May
The Marykirk Raft Race takes place every year in May. If you would like to plan your trip around the race, check the latest dates and arrangements in advance.
Discover more destinations: Huntly, Monymusk, Insch, Whitehills, Braemar, Milltimber, Lumphanan, Macduff
Return to the main travel overview: Aberdeenshire.
