Cathedral Church of St Machar, Aberdeen

Cathedral Church of St Machar, Aberdeen

Denomination: Church of Scotland
Address: The Chanonry, Aberdeen, AB24 1RQ
Local Authority: Aberdeen
Listing: A
WEBSITE

Church Overview

The ancient cathedral of Aberdeen, now consisting of a largely 15th-century nave, but a church has been on the site since about 600. Externally the dominating feature is the 15th century west front with flanking fortified towers; the spires were added in 1520. The interior is impressive. The flat heraldic ceiling of the nave (1520), the cathedral’s most important feature, represents the King and nobility of Scotland, the crowned heads of Europe and the Pope and senior clergy in Scotland. Stained glass of mid-19th to mid-20th centuries, including work by Daniel Cottier, Douglas Strachan and William Wilson. Other 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 plaque to Dr Robert Laws. Triptych in memory of John Barbour, author of ‘The Brus’. Willis organ installed 1892 and a peal of eight bells. The church is surrounded by an interesting graveyard which is entered through a gateway flanked by octagonal gate towers.​

 

Services

Sunday: 11.00am and 6.00pm

Opening Arrangements

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

Access for partially abled Induction loop for the deaf toilets availableDisabled WCGuide book available Welcomers and guides on duty by arrangement. in summer

 

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Cathedral Church of St Machar, Aberdeen

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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.