St Margaret's Roman Catholic Church : Lochgilphead

The church sits quietly on the main road through Lochgilphead, impossible to miss with its distinctive red sandstone facade and sturdy Victorian presence. St Margaret's is a proper Roman Catholic church, built in the late 19th century when the faith was still finding its footing in these parts of Argyll. Step inside and you'll find the usual ecclesiastical trappings - altar, pews, stained glass - though nothing particularly showy or ostentatious.

It's worth a quick visit if you're passing through town, especially if you've got any interest in local religious history. The building itself tells you something about the community that raised it. You won't spend hours here, but twenty minutes is reasonable if you fancy a moment of quiet reflection or a bit of architectural nose around.

Historically minded visitors will get more from it than families with restless kids, to be honest. There's no visitor information or guided tours that I could find, so you're mostly just looking at the space itself. Free to enter, as far as I can tell.

If you're staying at Lochgilphead Caravan Park just down the road, it's an easy stroll. The Pod Over By, three miles out, gives you more peace and quiet but this church is close enough to include in a rainy afternoon explore of town. Lochgilphead itself has the usual amenities - shops, cafes, a bit of life - so combine it with a proper mooch about rather than making the church your main event.