Home / Arts and Entertainment / Fiery Preacher's Grave Halts Renovation of Historic Scottish Church
Fiery Preacher's Grave Halts Renovation of Historic Scottish Church
9 Oct
Summary
- Remains of 'fiery preacher' Reverend Hugh Cobban found behind church pulpit
- Millionaire couple's plans to renovate Braemar Kirk put on hold
- Church was previously attended by the late Queen Elizabeth II
As of October 10th, 2025, the renovation plans for Braemar Kirk, a historic church in Royal Deeside, Scotland, have been put on hold due to the discovery of the long-buried remains of a 'fiery preacher'. The B-listed church was sold last year to a millionaire Swiss couple, Iwan and Manuela Wirth, who own the nearby Fife Arms hotel and hoped to transform the space into a more flexible venue.
However, archaeologists have raised concerns that the planned renovations, which include removing the church's old pipework and seating platform, could disturb the final resting place of Reverend Hugh Cobban. Cobban was the minister of Braemar Free Church from 1854 until his death in 1870, and was buried behind the pulpit in an unusual decision to honor his 'inspiring ministry'.
The late Queen Elizabeth II was a regular worshipper at the nearby Crathie Kirk and attended a service at Braemar Kirk in August 2004. The Wirths had hoped to breathe new life into the 155-year-old church, exploring potential uses such as a museum, art gallery, or community space. But now, they must wait for further archaeological assessments before proceeding with their renovation plans.
