SINCE 1856
Buccleuch //
Buccleuch (pronounced Bu-Clue) Free Church is a growing church situated very near to Edinburgh university in the vibrant Causewayside community.
Please feel welcome to come and spend some time with us. We are a diverse group of people from different ages, backgrounds and places in the world who are united in the belief that Jesus Christ is the saviour of the world and the greatest news you will ever hear.
Our Vision //
We exist to know Jesus and to make Jesus known
We are a Christ-centred and Bible-driven church located beside the Edinburgh University main campus in the Southside community.
We are a diverse church with members from all over the world, from all walks of life, and all different ages and stages of life.
We are a combination of mature Christians, young believers and those investigating the Christian faith.
We are a presbyterian church from the Free Church of Scotland.
Are you new to Edinburgh? Returning to Edinburgh? Here for work and study? We’d love to have you join with us.
Our vision is to reach, grow and send.
Reach
Jesus said he came on a mission to “seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). We want to reach as many as possible with the good news that Jesus saves and transforms lives.
Grow
“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). We want to be growing in Christ as maturing disciples, a community rooted in God’s Word and growing in faith, obedience, and love.
Send
“Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). We want to equip people to serve Jesus in their lives, sent into the world with good news. And we want to support and resource church planting and mission in Edinburgh, Scotland, and beyond.
What We Believe //
We love welcoming new people into our church family. Whoever you are, whatever your background is, and whether you have been to church before or not, we invite you to come and join us as we learn together about who Jesus is, what he has done for us, and what difference knowing Jesus makes for our lives.
If you have questions about Christianity or would like practical information about Bucceluch please contact us.
If you have any questions or want to get involved, just ask – we’d love to help you get connected!
For those who may be interested in church membership, we organise informal membership classes that cover the above in greater detail and allow you to get to know us (and the other way around). We follow this up with an informal interview to learn about your personal faith and spiritual life.
The Heart of Our Faith
The gospel is the good news about Jesus—God loves us, saves us through Jesus, and invites us to trust and follow him.
What We Believe
• The Bible is our guide.
• Jesus is the only way to be saved.
• We’re saved by faith, not by what we do.
• God’s kindness (grace) is a free gift.
• Everything we do is for God’s glory.
Being a Member
• You’ll have caring leaders and a supportive church family.
• Worship together is important.
• Everyone is encouraged to help out and use their gifts.
• We care for each other, our families, and our community.
Our Values
• Jesus is at the centre of everything.
• We grow together in faith.
• Everyone is welcome—friendship and hospitality matter.
• We want you to feel you belong.
• We love to serve, both locally and globally.
Our Team //
James Ross
MINISTER
James has been our minister since 2016. He is married to Vickie and they have two children. In his spare time James enjoys reading books, drinking good coffee, cycling, but mostly hanging out with family and friends.
Vickie Ross
WOMEN’S MINISTRY TEAM LEADER
Vickie is married to James with two boys. She enjoys being out in the sunshine, especially at the beach with an ice cream in hand.
Wei Fan
TEEN LEADER
“Just as how much I enjoy looking after my plants, I endeavour to sow seeds of His Kingdom and Words in the heart of teenagers.”
Mark 4: 26-32
Bob Akroyd
MISSION SUPPORT TEAM LEADER
Originally from New Jersey, Bob has lived in Japan as well as Edinburgh. He lectures at Edinburgh Theological Seminary and has the enviable talent of remembering the name of everyone he’s ever met. Bob loves good food, good company, and the occasional single malt.
Willie Lytle
JUNIOR CHURCH LEADER
Originally from Northern Ireland, Willie has lived in Edinburgh for nearly 30 years. He is married to Anne and dad to 3 boys. He enjoys reading in his spare time.
Cailean Morison
PRAISE LEADER AND AV
Originally from the north, Cailean came to study music at Edinburgh Uni a few years ago and decided to stay. He lives in south Edinburgh with his wife Sarah and their many houseplants. Cailean has now realised every small child’s dream job and become a train driver, which he loves.
Sarah Lytle
ADMINISTRATOR & FINANCE TEAM CONTACT
Sarah enjoys knitting and watching murder mysteries on TV. She met her husband in Buccleuch, and they now boast four daughters and one dog.