The Cathedral Building
St Mary's Cathedral is one of Scotland's great Christian buildings, and indeed one of the country's neo-Gothic masterpieces. Designed by George Gilbert Scott, begun in 1874 and consecrated just five years later in 1879, it is a busy and living busy for our congregation and the wider Edinburgh and national community.
Visiting us
The Cathedral building and grounds are open almost every day for visiting, public services, and private prayer. Our opening hours are 8:00am-6:00pm (or 5:00pm on weekends). It is free to enter, and donations are gratefully received.
Concert and Event Hire
Our Cathedral is regularly used for concerts and events. We have hosted regular candlelit concerts, traditional evening concerts, shorter afternoon performances, and launch events and other receptions.
Song School
The Song School is one of the Cathedral's most treasured buildings. Purpose built in 1885 for the choir, and used daily by the choristers to this day, it is home to some of the finest murals in Scotland.
Walpole Hall
The Walpole Hall is our church hall. It is regularly used for a variety of purposes, from support groups to martial arts. It is available for hire at a rate of £30/hour. If you are a charitable organisation we may be able to offer a reduction to this fee.
Weddings
We marry many couples throughout the year, in a service of Christian worship. The size, grandeur and history of the building are second to none in Edinburgh, and may be perfect for your ceremony. While preference is given to our regular congregation members, you do not need to attend services here to be married here.
History of the Cathedral
St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral was founded after sisters Barbara and Mary Walker left the whole of their property in central Edinburgh to the Scottish Episcopal Church. Â This enabled the building of a Cathedral which was to be dedicated to St Mary the Virgin, and also setting up trustees to endow the Cathedral and to set up grants in aid of other church work.
Accessibility
We aim to make everyone who comes to St Mary’s Cathedral feel welcome. We hope that the following information is of use. Please ask us any questions, or let us know if there is anything else we can do to facilitate your visit.
Cathedral Staff
If you would like to see who works at the Cathedral, or contact a specific member of staff, please click below.
