St John's Methodist Church
11 minute walk from Arbroath station · Dundee, Aberdeen and North East · Free entry
St John's Methodist Church in Arbroath is a historic Category B listed building and the second-oldest Methodist church in Scotland. Founded by John Wesley in 1772, the church is famous for its unique octagonal nave. This distinctive shape earned it the nickname "Totum Kirkie," a blend of the Scottish word for church and a traditional eight-sided spinning top.
Visitors can explore a remarkably preserved interior that remains largely unchanged since the 18th century, though a porch and gallery were added in 1882. Notable features include the Lifeboat Window, a poignant memorial to the 1953 Robert Lindsay lifeboat tragedy. Next door, you can see the former manse, marked with a blue plaque as the birthplace of Salvation Army Commissioner George Scott Railton.
Visitor information
- Place type
- Church
- Good for
- Architecture, Churches, abbeys & cathedrals, Maritime heritage
- Characteristics
- Georgian, Listed
- Admission
- Free
- Region
- Dundee, Aberdeen and North East
Stations within walking distance
- Arbroath station — 11 min walk, 0.9 km
Other places near Arbroath
- Arbroath Town Trail — 6 min walk from the station
- Signal Tower Museum — 8 min walk from the station
- Arbroath Abbey — 8 min walk from the station
- Webster Memorial Theatre — 8 min walk from the station
- Abbey Theatre — 11 min walk from the station
- Arbroath FC (Gayfield Park) — 14 min walk from the station