Lockerbie Memorial Church Museum

Dumfries and Galloway

The Lockerbie Memorial Church Museum is a charitable organisation located in the heart of Lockerbie, within the revered and majestic Scottish Baronial heritage B-listed former Dryfesdale church and sessions house buildings which are surrounded by the historic centuries-old Dryfesdale Churchyard Cemetery. After years of neglect, this abandoned church building was at risk of partial interior collapse and in urgent need of an emergency structural intervention to stop further deterioration.  

Following months of rehabilitation by dozens of local tradespeople, Locardian volunteers and team members funded by Pan Am 103 Lockerbie Legacy Foundation, these two heritage buildings have reopened their doors for community use. At the church you will also find a collection of beautiful stained glass and leaded windows and have an opportunity to learn about our exciting Phase One restoration plans. Phase One plans include the complete replacement of the church roof, repointing of the sandstone masonry, repair and conservation of the historic windows, and the development of new museum galleries within the upper balcony. These essential works will help preserve this remarkable building and expand its role as a centre for heritage, learning and remembrance.

The Session House was transformed into Remembrance House  which hosts educational exhibitions about the deadliest terror attack in UK history, the bombing of Pan Am flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland on 21 December 1988. The Wall of Honor exhibition celebrates and honors the 135+ disaster response organisations and recognises the heroic actions of thousands of first responders and volunteers during unprecedented recovery operations lasting months, across 845 square mile crime scene, as well as ongoing criminal investigations and the current criminal court prosecutions following the bombing of Pan American flight 103 over Lockerbie on 21 December 1988. 

The two former Dryfesdale & Trinity Parish Church and Sessions House buildings will be open to the public from 9am to 5pm for self-guided exploration, with guided tours available at scheduled times. A short video will introduce visitors to key points of interest throughout the church building. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the sounds of bagpipe and organ music, and are welcome to pause, take a seat, and enjoy the surroundings. Visitors can also explore the churchyard, where headstones tell stories of those who came before. 

Visitors are invited to share their stories and leave notes about their memories and experiences in the heritage church building, which has been part of the community for over a century. 

Church Building Tour Times: 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm. 

Remembrance House Tour Times: Remembrance House tours and exhibition introductions start at the top of each hour from 10am to 4pm. 

Visitor Advisory: Remembrance House explores sensitive themes, including terrorism, murder, and their impact on individuals and communities. Some visitors may find aspects of the exhibition distressing. This exhibition is not recommended for visitors under 16 years of age.