The Roman Catholic Parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Banff, is part of the Diocese of Aberdeen. From the Reformation until the 19th Century priests celebrated the Mass and Sacraments throughout Banffshire by arrangement with the local Catholic noble families who harboured priests in Castles and safe houses in the region.
The church in Sandyhill Road was built in 1870 and comfortably seats 120 persons. It cost £1300 to build, the money being raised mainly by public subscription, and was opened on 6th December 1870 by Bishop MacDonald. In addition to the main seating and sanctuary areas, there is a choir loft. There is also a small chapel which is used for private prayer, meditation and small group meetings. The sacristy links the church with the attached parish house that was built concurrently, and the ground floor accommodation of the house provides a comfortable parlour (with a kitchen) for meetings and activities, and a study for parish administration and the reception of visitors.
The parish geographical area extends from Troup Head in the east, to Cullen Bay in the west, and Birkenhills in the South; it is surrounded by 6 other parishes within the Diocese of Aberdeen, the nearest being 18 miles distant. Around 160 Catholic households have been identified in our parish, mainly in the towns of Banff, Macduff, Turriff and Portsoy. Many of our parishioners are Polish. We want to offer a warm welcome to all.