Kirk of Holyrood House
Royal Mile
City of Edinburgh EH8 8BN
+44 131 226 5138
Review © 2007, Wcities
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Kirk of Holyrood House |
Canongate Royal Mile City of Edinburgh EH8 8BN +44 131 226 5138 |
This beautiful stone-built church on the Royal Mile is the Parish Church of the Canongate as well as the Kirk of Holyroodhouse Palace - it is therefore the place of worship of the Royal family when they are in residence. It was built by the order of James VII in 1688 and is well worth visiting in order to admire its exquisite architecture and to soak up some of the Royal Mile's infectious atmosphere. Visitors can also walk around the pleasant graveyard, where such luminaries as the economist Adam Smith and the master-mind behind the New Town developments, Lord Provost George Drummond are buried. David Rizzio, the murdered Secretary of Mary Queen of Scots, also rests here. There are occasional classical music concerts staged in the kirk, including choral recitals by the Edinburgh University Renaissance Singers - phone for the latest details. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Zach Wittig |
 Photo: josiemafan |
 Photo: Miranda Fillingame |
 Photo: Tommy Crocket |
Medieval landmark |
Castle Street Glasgow G4 0RH +44 141 552 8819 |
In 543 AD, Glasgow's patron saint St Mungo founded this cathedral on the site of a Christian burial ground. It is Scotland's oldest medieval church and now houses the Church of Scotland. The first stone church on this site was established in 1136 by Bishop Achaius and King David I, but was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1197. The present building is in the Gothic "First Pointed" style and dates from the 13th century. Bishop William de Bondington (1233-1258) supervised the initial work but the cathedral was not completed until 200 years later. Approximately 550 years ago, Glasgow University was founded in the sacristy of the upper church, which also houses the nave and choir, while in the suitably solemn lower church you can visit the shrine of St Mungo. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: R. Bradley Morris |
 Photo: Turi Henderson |
 Photo: Lorna Brown |
 Photo: Gordon Brown |
 Photo: nicolas Valentin |
 Photo: Brian Vawter |
 Photo: D. H. Spiller |
 Photo: Catherine Houston |
 Photo: Astewart708 |
Home of medieval stones |
866 Govan Road Glasgow G51 3DL +44 141 445 1941 |
This church, also known as St Constantine's, has a superb collection of early medieval stones and local tradition has it that a monastery was started here as early as the 6th century. Robert Rowand Anderson's 1833 plans took 50 years to complete and the Church of Scotland owned building is an eye-catching feature of the area. The stones are considered to be products of the 9th, 10th, and early 11th centuries. The "hogback" stones, carved with beasts, had been used as grave markers and measure 7ft in height. Their style may be Viking or Cumbrian but they were carved in local stone. The "Govan Sarcophagus" was found in the graveyard in 1855 and probably dates from the 10th century. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Steven Miscandlon |
Where Greyfriar's Bobby kept his vigil |
Greyfriars Place City of Edinburgh EH1 2QQ +44 131 226 5429 http://www.greyfriarskirk.com/ administrator@greyfriarskirk.com |
The kirkyard, dedicated on Christmas Day 1620, stands on the site of a 15th century Franciscan Friary. It has a fine collection of 17th century Scottish monuments and a rich musical tradition. You can also view the National Covenant, adopted and signed here in 1638. There are many fascinating tales and ghost stories connected with this historic church. 1,400 covenanters were imprisoned in the kirkyard in 1679 for their beliefs, a sorry fact remembered by the martyrs' monument. Furthermore, there is the famous memorial to Greyfriar's Bobby, the devoted Skye Terrier owned by John Gray, a local police constable. When Gray died in 1858, Bobby loyally sat watch over his master's grave in this kirkyard for 14 years, until he himself died. Services include the only weekly Gaelic worship in this part of the country. Recitals and concerts are also staged throughout the year. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Corey Frank |
 Photo: Joshua and Deliverance Bougie |
 Photo: Alan |
 Photo: Tegwen Tucker |
 Photo: Albie Clark |
 Photo: tuckstuff |
 Photo: Andy  |
 Photo: Ana Stefanovic |
Former 12th century priory |
Abbey Close Renfrewshire PA1 1JG +44 141 889 7654 |
On the east side of White Cart Water, this Church of Scotland abbey was originally a priory and apparently holds the grave of Marjorie Bruce, daughter of Robert I. It was founded in 1163, created an abbey in 1219 but destroyed by the English in 1307. Rebuilt in the 15th century, it suffered partial collapse in 1533 and was restored between the 18th and 20th centuries. The 10th century Barochan Cross is here, taken from the original Celtic monastery dedicated to St Mirin (or Mirren - namesake of Paisley's football club). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Myrrien |
 Photo: Sanna Pudas |
 Photo: Honestman28 |
 Photo: Jessica DeLuna |
 Photo: Mark O'Hare |
 Photo: Andy Hunter |
Ancient mystical church |
Rosslyn Chapel Trust City of Edinburgh EH25 9PU +44 131 440 2159 http://www.rosslynchapel.org.uk/ rosslynch@aol.com |
This atmospheric and beautiful church is situated just outside the village of Roslin, to the south of Edinburgh. It was built around 1446 by William St Clair - it is unique and famed for the beauty of its extraordinarily detailed carvings and its aura of mystery. The carvings refer to both Christian and Pagan rites, including the Green Man, Freemasonry and the Knights Templar. It is the only medieval building still used by the Scottish Episcopal Church, and has been linked to various legends throughout the years. A fascinating exhibition that draws from the Brydon Collection, explores the craft of the Guilds, Templars, Masons, Celts and Gypsies. There's a wonderful shop and a great little cafe on site. Call for details of church services. Admission: is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: N. & J. StaAlkemade |
 Photo: Lia Cedro |
 Photo: Bea Symington |
 Photo: auntiem |
 Photo: Katherine McAlister |
 Photo: Stephen M. Ford |
 Photo: woodward_terry |
 Photo: portablecow |
 Photo: Carl Neufelder |
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 Photo: Wurstkultmeister |
Roman Catholic cathedral |
90 Dunlop Street Glasgow G1 4ER +44 141 221 3096 |
Built in 1817 by James Gillespie Graham, this building re-introduced the Roman Catholic presence to Glasgow. In 1805 there were only 450 Catholics in the city, by the time this was built there were over 3,000. A recent clean-up has revealed its true gothic character - there's not much ground level detail, except around the door, but there is a niche containing a statue of St Andrew. To begin with, it was merely a church but gained cathedral status after the building was renovated by Pugin and Pugin, the firm who designed the Houses of Parliament in London. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Paul Tyler |
A memorial to the English Opium-Eater |
Lothian Road City of Edinburgh EH1 2EP +44 131 229 1142 http://www.st-cuthberts.net/ office@st-cuthberts.net |
This imposing Western Kirk sits below Edinburgh Castle, at the west end of Princes Street. The present structure was rebuilt by Hippolyte J. Blanc in 1892-94 upon the remains of six earlier churches. Explore the wonderfully rich and warm interior, notable for its alabaster and marble pulpit, ornate stained glass windows and painted ceilings. The Byzantine ambience is complemented with artistic echoes of the Italian Renaissance - including a modified version of Leonard da Vinci's Last Supper from Santa Maria Delle Grazie, in Milan. Admire the tower and cupolas, War Memorials and a monument to John Napier of Merchiston, who invented logarithms. The author Thomas de Quincey and artist Alexander Naysmith are buried in the large churchyard. Ask a steward to show you around before browsing in the bookstall area. Admission: is free. Call for details of Sunday services and choral recitals. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: David Collins |
 Photo: nwtarcticrose |
Church of Scotland landmark |
163 Buchanan Street Glasgow G1 2JX +44 141 772 3571 http://www.thetron.org/ |
This church forms an island in Nelson Mandela Place in the heart of the city centre, although when it was completed in 1808, this area was the extreme edge of the west end. Designed by William Stark, with a baroque influence typical in early 19th century Glasgow, the tower is especially attractive and is capped with a ribbed dome and obelisk. The church is a Grade A listed building and has been given a special landmark rating. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: jamesganderson1979 |
Thomson's masterpiece |
265 Vincent Street Glasgow G2 7LA +44 141 248 8493 |
This church, built for the United Presbyterians in the late 1850s, is regarded as Alexander "Greek" Thomson's masterpiece. Thomson's style was influenced by Assyrian, Egyptian and Indian architecture, as can clearly be seen here. It takes the form of a temple-like edifice and an unconnected tower, the effect of which has been sadly diminished by neighbouring office blocks. The interior is as impressive as ever though, strikingly high and light. The church is now owned by Glasgow City Council and Free Church of Scotland services are held here. It is open to the public by appointment. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Bob Thomson, Glasgow |
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