The Faith, Hope, and Charity Statues in Inverness

Written by Chris Thornton | 4th of April 2023
The Faith, Hope, and Charity Statues, Inverness

The journey of the Faith, Hope, and Charity statues in Inverness traces its roots back to the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA). Founded in London in 1844, the YMCA expanded rapidly across the United Kingdom, establishing a branch in Inverness in 1859 - the ninth in Scotland.

Initially, the Inverness branch occupied a room at 3 High Street and operated an evening school in a building at Davis Square. The need for larger premises became apparent as the organization's activities gained popularity.

A strategic site was chosen for a new building at the intersection of High Street and Castle Street in Inverness. Local architect John Rhind (1836-1889) was tasked with designing the structure, and he created an elegant, classical-style blueprint featuring Roman composite columns. The design harmonized beautifully with the Bank of Scotland directly across the street. Lord Ardmillan laid the foundation stone on April 22, 1868.

For the crowning touch, the YMCA commissioned local sculptor Andrew Davidson (1841-1925) of Messrs D & A Davidson to create three statues embodying the Christian virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity, which the Victorians held in high esteem. These statues were to be placed atop the new building.

The building's facade also featured busts of various religious leaders between the ground and first-floor windows. One of these busts depicted John Wesley, who was later relocated to the Methodist Church on Union Street and finally to the new Methodist Church on Huntly Street.

Known as the Association Buildings, the structure was eventually purchased by William MacKay and transformed into MacKay's Tartan & Tweed Warehouse, followed by Grant's Tartan & Tweed Warehouse.

In 1955, the building was demolished, and the Faith, Hope, and Charity statues were transferred to the Burgh Surveyor's yard, where they remained until 1961. At that time, an antique collector from Orkney acquired the statues.

The demolished building is where Mcdonald's in Inverness Centre now exists.

Ness Bank Gardens.
The three statues in their new location.

The statues return to Inverness

The statues remained in Orkney until the Council, with support from the Inverness Common Good Fund, purchased them on behalf of the City of Inverness in 2007. A ceremony occurred in October 2011 to commemorate the statues' return to Inverness and their installation in their current location.

The statues embody the three virtues mentioned by the Apostle Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians in the Bible. Although locals have always referred to the statues as Faith, Hope, and Charity, they were never arranged in that order. Positioned on their plinth as they were atop the Association Buildings, the statues stand, from left to right: Charity, Faith, Hope in Ness Bank Gardens directly next to Ness Bank Church.

How to get to the Faith Hope and Charity statues

Here are directions to the statues.

  1. From the bottom of the main shopping High Street in Inverness, head to Bridge Street on the east side of the River Ness.

  2. Cross the busy road and continue south along Castle Road, which follows the River Ness. You will see Inverness Castle up on the hill to your left.

  3. Keep right and head a short distance down Great Glen Way.

  4. You will see the statues in a small triangular garden directly next to Ness Bank Church.

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Google maps location

If you fancy a lovely walk, continue down this road until you reach Ness Islands. This walk takes you across three bridges and two islands. Why not visit Inverness Botanic Gardens?

The statues in Ness Bank Gardens.
The three statues as seen in Ness Bank Gardens today.

Key Information on the Faith Hope and Charity statues

  • Commissioned by the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) in Inverness, Scotland.

  • Sculptor: Andrew Davidson (1841-1925) of Messrs D & A Davidson.

  • Virtues depicted: Faith, Hope, and Charity, as mentioned by the Apostle Paul in the Bible.

  • Original location: Atop the Association Buildings at the corner of High Street and Castle Street in Inverness.

  • Architectural significance: Statues were part of a classical-style building designed by local architect John Rhind (1836-1889).

  • Building's later use: MacKay's Tartan & Tweed Warehouse, followed by Grant's Tartan & Tweed Warehouse before its demolition in 1955.

  • Subsequent locations: Burgh Surveyor's yard (1955-1961), antique collector's possession in Orkney (1961-2007).

  • Current location: Reinstalled in Inverness by Highland Council within Ness Bank Gardens, next to Ness Bank Church in 2011, funded by the Inverness Common Good Fund at the cost of £55,000.

  • Order of statues (left to right): Charity, Faith, Hope.

Conclusion

With their interesting history, these statues are a fascinating curio not far from Inverness City centre. If you're walking on the east side of the River Ness, why not seek them out and see them in person?

All information was correct at the time of writing, please check things like entry costs and opening times before you arrive.

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