St Giles’ Cathedral, founded in 1124 by King David I, has served as a working church for more than 900 years. As a witness to Scotland’s turbulent religious history, it has stood at the centre of major national events - from the early stirrings of civil war, as John Knox’s parish church during the Reformation, to the laying-in-rest of her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth and the presentation of the Honours of Scotland to His Majesty King Charles III.  

Today, an active and welcoming congregation, supported by a dedicated team of Ministers, ensures that St Giles’ continues to fulfil its historic role as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, Scotland’s National Church, and the mother church of Presbyterianism. It remains both a spiritual home for regular worshippers, supporting a vibrant worshipping community, and a place of hospitality for visitors and pilgrims from around the world. 

Sunday services are held at 9:30am and 11:00am, with a 15 minute prayer service every weekday at noon. Alongside its regular worship, St Giles’ plays a central role in civic life, hosting significant ceremonies such as the Kirking of the Parliament and services for the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle. 

St Giles’ Cathedral is open to all - for worship, for quiet reflection, or to visit and experience the music, art, and history within its remarkable walls.