Church Overview

Designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott and completed by his son John Oldrid Scott, the foundation stone for this Gothic Revival Cathedral was laid on the 21st May 1874 and it was formally consecrated and dedicated to St Mary the Virgin on the 30th October 1879. Its chapter house was added by John Oldrid Scott in 1890-91 and its two western spires by his son Charles Marriot Scott from 1913-17.

Ever since its three spires first pierced the skies above Edinburgh’s west end it been acknowledged as one of the world’s greatest neo-Gothic buildings. Close up, the cathedral rejoices in a wealth of ornate and symbolic detail. Inside, George G. Scott provided as large a floor space for the church as the space, generously donated to the Scottish Episcopal Church by sisters Barbara and Mary Walker, would allow. The two western spires are known locally as “Barbara” and “Mary” in honour of the sisters.

The magnificent interior contains works by numerous artists of renown, stained glass by Sir Eduardo Paolozzi, Clayton and Bell, Burlison and Grylss and Charles Eamer Kempe, a reclining effigy by James Pittendrigh Macgillivray, a rood cross by Sir Robert Lorimer, the reredos carved by sculptor Mary Grant and more.

The Cathedral possesses a fine pipe organ built and installed in 1879 by Henry ‘Father’ Willis and rebuilt, restored and maintained ever since by the Durham-based organ-builders Harrison & Harrison. Ten bells cast by the Loughborough bell foundry John Taylor & Co were installed in the central tower, the same year as the organ, and have been used for change-ringing ever since. The building today also hosts regular musical concerts and other events, particularly during the Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe.

In the grounds stand the 17th-century ‘Old Coates House’, an early laird’s house built in 1615, and the Cathedral Song School, famous for its beautiful murals on the theme of ‘Benedicite omnia opera’ painted 1888-92 by Phoebe Anna Traquair. The Cathedral maintains an internationally renowned choir, which sings on Sundays and for Evensong on weekdays. The south grounds of the Cathedral also contain a labyrinth created by local artists and sown with wild flowers.

Services

Sundays at 8am, 10.30am and 3.30pm

Weekdays at 8am and 5.30pm

For other services and events, check church’s own website.

Opening Arrangements

Open all day from 8am-6pm. Tours of the Song School in August or by appointment.

       Accessible toilets are available in the nearby Walpole Hall

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.