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This building is now run as a Presbyterian
Church of Scotland.
Dornoch Cathedral History
1140s - Aindreas of Caithness is recorded as
the first Bishop of Caithness, with the
Cathedral at Halkirk, 65 miles
north of Dornoch.
1222 - Halkirk Cathedral was set on fire by
Farmers, killing Bishop Adam of Melrose who was
inside at the time. The Farmers took this
action after the Bishop raised Taxes.
1220s - the earliest parts of Dornoch
Cathedral were built for Gilbert de
Moravia, Bishop of Caithness. Gilbert no
doubt wanted the Cathedral built at Dornoch, as
it was a good distance south of the Farmers
that killed the previous Bishop.
1245 - Gilbert de Moravia died at Scrabster
Castle, leading to him being buried at Dornoch
Cathedral, and Canonized as Saint Gilbert of
Dornoch.
1248 - William de Moravia, 1st Earl of
Sutherland, was buried in Dornoch
Cathedral.
1260 - Richard de
Moravia was killed fighting Vikings at
Embo, 3 miles north of Dornoch. This battle
forced the Vikings out of the area. Richard's
Sarcophagus can be viewed in Dornoch
Cathedral.
1560 - the Reformation began in Scotland, trying
to force everyone to convert from Catholic to
Protestant. This led to many Cathedrals being
destroyed, or converted to Protestant Churches.
Some were partially destroyed, then rebuilt as
Protestant Churches.
1570 - Dornoch Cathedral was set on fire
with Saint Gilbert's tomb desecrated during a
Clan feud between the Murray's of Dornoch, and
the Mackay's of Strathnaver.
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