Catalyst Vineyard Church Mearns

A modern church building that sits rather incongruously in rural Aberdeenshire, just outside Laurencekirk. Catalyst Vineyard Church is what happens when contemporary Christian worship meets the Scottish countryside - all glass frontage and clean lines, quite a contrast to the granite kirks you'll find dotted across this part of the Highlands.

It's primarily a functioning congregation space rather than a tourist attraction, so visiting makes most sense if you're actually there for a service. The building itself is worth a look if you're passing through Mearns - the architectural style is deliberately modern, which some find refreshing and others find jarring against the traditional landscape. Parking is straightforward, and there's nothing forbidding about popping in to have a look around if a service isn't on.

This works well as a quiet spot during a park holiday in the area. Royal Arch Riverside Park is only 2.6 miles away, and St Cyrus Holiday Park sits 4.4 miles south - both solid bases for exploring the region. If you're staying at either and want a contemplative morning or are interested in contemporary church architecture, it's a reasonable diversion. Don't expect soaring medieval stonework or centuries of history; expect instead a functional, light-filled space that reflects how some Scottish communities worship today.

Best to check ahead before visiting, as service times and public access hours aren't guaranteed.