Designer Erica Macpherson has realised her late father’s dream of renovating a 19th-century church, transforming it into an interior design studio and café
Crowds are flocking to a historic Scottish church not for faith, but for furniture and design. The impressive 1886 gothic style building is welcoming a new congregation in Munlochy after bringing a design studio, cafe and shop — all under the one roof. “Every detail has been considered,” says Kirk & Co founder Erica Macpherson. “We wanted to create a place where people instinctively slow down, feel at home and experience Highland hospitality.”
Right away you’re greeted by the scent of candles and coffee, while interiors inspired by the Black Isle landscape invite you to stay and explore the space.
The bespoke fabrics, furniture and homeware tame Scotland’s rugged and wild spirit into an elegant vision, coined “New Highland Style”.
Erica was first inspired to launch Kirk & Co after noticing a shortage of interior design expertise in Scotland’s north, while feeling homesick working as a designer in Edinburgh.
“We took a risk and it has been wonderful seeing that pay off,” explains Erica. “We wanted to create a space where people could find good quality pieces, without having to travel to the central belt.”
She brought her vision to the former church, which is now the base for Interior35 studio, but it required a major renovation to preserve the character of the 140-year-old building.
Old dim windows were replaced with new ones that nodded to the original design, but finally let the light in — at last opening a dialogue between the church and the landscape its décor is inspired by.
Meanwhile, former pews have been repurposed into seats in the Bubble and Goose café, which sits beside the homeware shop.
“It is a beautiful building with incredible architecture and supreme craftsmanship,” says Erica. “We used local tradespeople who had used the church for big moments in the past, like weddings and funerals.
“They were already so invested in the project because they each had their own stories and love for the place. That added real ownership to the work they carried out, which was of such a high calibre.”
Erica’s love of restoring old buildings began after her dad, Donald Alex Macpherson, bought a church to renovate in Skye when she was a teenager.
“I loved spending time there, helping with the renovation wherever I could,” Erica remembers. “Watching an old building slowly come back to life fascinated me.”
Donald planned to transform the building into a guest house, but sadly passed away before the project could be completed and the building was sold.
Now Erica feels Kirk & Co has offered her closure as she got to finish what her father started with her own venture.
“It’s impossible not to think of my dad at times when I walk through the building,” Erica says. “I would have loved for him to see what we’ve created and I think he would have been quietly proud. The dream that began all those years ago, has finally found its way home.”
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