Introduction

St Giles' Cathedral is the historic City Church of Edinburgh with its famed crown spire on the Royal Mile between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, it is Presbyterianism's Mother Church and contains the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle (Scotland's chivalric company of knights headed by the Queen).

Origin of St Giles'

There is record of a parish church in Edinburgh by the year 854, served by a vicar from a monastic house, probably in England. It is possible that the first church, a modest affair, was in use for several centuries before it was formally dedicated by the bishop of St Andrews on 6 October 1243. The parish church of Edinburgh was subsequently reconsecrated and named in honour of the patron saint of the town, St Giles, whose feast day is celebrated on 1 September.

Forthcoming Service Details and Events
Saturday 10 February 2007 at 12.15pm
Lunchtime Concert
The Red Robe Choir, San Diego,
California

Admission Free

SUNDAY SERVICES - 11 February 2007
8am Morning Service
Holy Communion in the Holy Cross Aisle
The Minister

10am Morning Service
Choir, Sermon, Holy Communion
The Rev Dr David Lyall
Ives Missa Brevis

11.30am Morning Service
Choir, Sermon
The Rev Dr Hilary Smith
Purcell O sing unto the Lord

6.00pm St Giles’ at Six
Programme of Music
(For details, see below)

8.00pm Evening Service
The Rev William Young

Sunday 11 February 2007 at 6.00pm
St Giles’ at Six
Rebecca Ramsey – Soprano
Stuart Hope – Piano

Arias, Songs and Lieder by Mozart,
Schubert, Grieg, Ireland and Handel.

Admission Free
Retiring Collection

Opening Times
St Giles’ is open to visitors all year except 25th-26th December and 1st-2nd January. Our opening hours are:

Summer (May-September)
Monday - Friday 09.00-19.00
Saturday 09.00-17.00
Sunday 13.00-17.00 and for services

Winter (October-April)
Monday - Saturday 09.00-17.00
Sunday 13.00-17.00

General Information
Admission to the Cathedral is free. Visitors are invited to make a donation of £2.00 per person.

Volunteer guides are on duty each day to welcome visitors, answer questions and conduct guided tours on request. There are information desks situated at the main West entrance and at the Thistle Chapel.

Cathedral Shop
The Cathedral shop stocks a variety of attractive souvenirs, gifts, books and CDs, including a specialist range relating to the Cathedral itself.