Church Overview

A church has been on this site since around the year 600, but the current ancient building largely dates from the 15th century, mainly evident in its impressive nave, west front and flanking towers. The spires were added in 1520.

The cathedral’s interior is incredibly impressive, its beautiful carved timber ceiling in the nave (also added in 1520)  undoubtedly the building’s most significant historic feature, with its heraldic representations of the monarch and nobility of Scotland, the crowned heads of Europe and the Pope and senior Scottish clergy. It also possesses a remarkable assemblage of stained glass, dating from the mid-19th to mid-20th centuries, including work by noted artists Daniel Cottier, Douglas Strachan and William Wilson. 

Other significant features include a Celtic Cross from about 600, baptismal banner in batik by Thetis Blacker, font by Hew Lorimer, a Dovecot tapestry designed by Douglas Grierson, and notable monuments, including a plaque to missionary Dr Robert Laws and a triptych in memory of John Barbour, author of ‘The Brus’.

The important Willis pipe organ was installed in 1892 and the cathedral houses a peal of eight bells. The church is surrounded by an interesting graveyard which is entered through a gateway flanked by octagonal gate towers and is a scheduled monument in its own right.​ 

Services

Sunday: 11.00am and 6.00pm

Opening Arrangements

Open April-October 9.30am-4.30pm, November-March 10.00am-4.00pm

in summer

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.