Tarth Water, a tributary of Lyne Water (itself a tributary of the River Tweed) forms the northern boundary, with the parishes of Linton and Newlands on the north bank.

[4] The parish also contains the settlements of Kirkdean and West Mains, near the present site of Kirkurd church.

The church was built by John Carmichael, 3rd Earl of Hyndford who died in the year of its completion.

[7] The principal mansions in the parish are Castle Craig (formerly Kirkurd house) and Netherurd.

The mansion of Netherurd was let to the Girl Guides in the 1950s and is now an outdoor activities centre.