Church Overview

A traditional stone-built church, dating from 1850 and originally erected as a private Episcopal chapel dedicated to St Mary for Dalmahoy House by its owners, the Earls of Morton, it was gifted to the Scottish Episcopal church in the middle years of the 20th century. Designed by architect John Henderson, its deceptively simple “Early English” neo-Gothic exterior gives little clue to its impressively decorated interior.

A ribbed, deep blue ceiling, with painted stars overhead, greets visitors in the chancel and boldly patterned encaustic Minton tiles line the floors throughout. There is also a striking collection of Victorian and modern stained glass, casting its light across the sanctuary, most notably above the stone altar in the east end of the chancel, behind the brass altar rail.

Its exquisitely carved baptismal font was added in 1883, during alterations to the building that were funded by Lady Alice Anne Caroline, the Countess of Morton, in memory of her niece Evelyn Cavendish. In addition to installing heating for the first time and enlarging the vestry, the Hamilton of Edinburgh pipe organ was also repositioned to its current location on the north side of the chancel during these works.

Its semi-rural location, nestling just inside the main gateway to the Dalmahoy Hotel and Golf Course, and just eight miles from the Edinburgh city centre makes it very popular for wedding ceremonies, accommodating 100 seated guests comfortably.

As well as a small graveyard, with many interesting memorials, its grounds also host an early medieval incised Christian cross slab, dating from the 9th to 11th century, which was moved there around 1915 having been reused in the past as a gatepost.

Services

Sundays from 10am

Opening Arrangements

At present, public access is by appointment only

Image Gallery

Click image to open gallery.

Disclaimer

The information about churches in Scotland’s Churches Scheme has been provided by the congregations or taken from the Historic Scotland list and published sources, in particular, the Buildings of Scotland volumes and the RIAS Illustrated Architectural Guides. To contact this specific church please complete the Contact this Church form above. The information is not authoritative; please contact Scotland’s Churches Trust to let us know of any errors or omissions.