Overview

The Cathedral which is not Roman Catholic, Anglican, or Episcopalian but a Church of Scotland Presbyterian fully functioning place of worship. It’s imposing outside walls and spectacular crown spire is Grey limestone, looks very dull and underwhelming for many, as the name is Cathedral, many visitors expect splendour, opulence and an ambundance of religious reliquary. This of course is not the Presbyterian way, once you enter via the ramps on either side of the main entrance, there is a quiet, welcoming serenity, what strikes people is the outside light that streams in through the stained glass, in any season, the interior stone highlights the colourful windows. The majority of the Church is on one level with wide access, it’s a fully working congregational Church, it has 3 services on a Sunday and everyday there is a lunchtime service of 15 minutes for prayer, reflection and to hear scripture. There are regular choir, musical and choral performances after this service which are free, further info is on a very detail website. The Church has a shop, a welcome desk with free written guides in 47 languages, volunteer guides are on hand to offer free tours of the whole church with a comprehensive history thoroughly explained. There is no entrance charge though a photo permit of £2.00 is requested to assist in the maintenance, the heating, lighting and preservation of the Church. Donations are also welcome.

Transport & Parking

The Royal Mile is narrow and pedestrianised near the Church, blue badge holders can park in Parliament Square and Carers and their vehicles can park with permission of the Church. Although being in the old town, bus routes and services are every 12 minutes, in any direction near the Church, Lothian buses have higher ratios of Disabled and mobility spaces than any bus carrier in the UK, with droplevel suspension, and electric ramps, exit bells are at levels for disable passengers and have a particular sound to alert the driver and other passengers.

Access

The Church Visitor team are working hard with various bodies involved in what is a historic monument, a visitor attraction and working Church to adapt, include and modify the venue for further disabled access and inclusion. There are entrance ramps on either side of the Church from street level, at the West Door, there is ramp that leads to the cafe area at the South door across from the High Court buildings, there is no ramp here to take you to the servers area, there is no disabled access toilet on this level or in the main part of the Church. There is also no ramp to allow Acess to the Thistle Chapel which has 4 steps to negotiate. There is a spectacular viewing platform and roof tour that is unavailable to disabled visitors.

Toilets

There is a toilet in the Visitor Team block available but not signed or equipped and is small.

Staff

Despite the lack of Disabled Access and toilets the welcome desk staffed by Volunteer Guides can not do enough to help and support those need it and where they can. There is Volunteer Guiding available which offers touch sensory and B, PS, and PI tours.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

Given the restrictions St Giles is a worthy visit for the pre gothic, Romanesque and other architectural styles inside. It’s place in history tthrough the 1558 reformation with John Knox its first minister, where Knox confronted Marie Stuart where Jenny Geddes threw the stool that ignited the UK civil war, the Covenanters - one of the 1638 Deeds is on display in the Church, the lead to Charles 1 execution, the rise of Cromwell, the protests by the Scots Presbyterians and where Knights of the Thistle are ordained and meet. Fascinating experience towards the moulding of a nation and its people for Scotland, the UK and Great Britain. I would recommend the cafe despite not having total access, everything is baked cooked by hand in the Church and reasonably priced, assistance dogs are welcome.