St Clement’s Church at Rodel, at the southern tip of the Isle of Harris, is the most important medieval building in the Outer Hebrides. It was built in the early sixteenth century by Alasdair Crotach MacLeod, eighth chief of the MacLeods of Harris and Dunvegan, as a burial church for his family.
Its great treasure is Alasdair Crotach’s own wall tomb, carved in 1528, one of the finest pieces of late medieval sculpture in Scotland. The church is in the care of Historic Environment Scotland, entry is free and it is normally open daily.
St Clement's Church in Rodel
St. Clement’s Church is located in the village of Rodel on the southern end of the Isle of Harris. It is believed to have been built in the late 15th century by Alasdair Crotach MacLeod, a chief of the MacLeods of Harris and Dunvegan.
The church is known for its distinctive architecture, including a prominent tower with a carved stone pinnacle, and a rare surviving medieval church bell. Inside, the church features a number of interesting features, including an elaborately carved stone screen and a vaulted ceiling adorned with intricate carvings and paintings.
In short
St Clement’s Church at Rodel on the southern tip of the Isle of Harris is the most important medieval building in the Outer Hebrides, built in the early sixteenth century by Alasdair Crotach MacLeod as a family burial church. It contains his carved wall tomb of 1528, among the finest late medieval sculpture in Scotland. It is cared for by Historic Environment Scotland, free to enter and normally open daily.
Frequently asked questions
Where is St Clement’s Church?
At Rodel, at the southern tip of the Isle of Harris, about three miles beyond Leverburgh at the end of the A859. It is roughly an hour’s drive from Tarbert.
Is there a charge to visit St Clement’s Church?
No. The church is cared for by Historic Environment Scotland, entry is free and it is normally open daily during daylight hours.
What is the tomb inside St Clement’s Church?
The wall tomb of Alasdair Crotach MacLeod, eighth chief of the MacLeods, carved in 1528. It is regarded as one of the finest surviving pieces of late medieval sculpture in Scotland, with panels showing saints, a castle, a galley and hunting scenes.
When was St Clement’s Church built?
In the early sixteenth century, by Alasdair Crotach MacLeod, as a burial church for his family. It fell out of use and was restored in the nineteenth century.