St Giles’ hailed as ‘iconic’ in 900th anniversary year
St Giles’ Cathedral is to be recognised by the Scottish Parliament as “a prominent part of the life of Edinburgh and Scotland for 900 years”.
A motion by Lothian MSP Miles Briggs commends the “iconic” building – probably founded by King David I in 1124 – for “its various projects, designed to reach out to people of all ages, backgrounds and faiths across the city”.
A backdrop to Scotland’s turbulent religious history, the cathedral has seen the seeds of civil war sown and been John Knox’s parish church during the Reformation.
It is still an important centre for civic services such as the Kirking of the Parliament and services for the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle.
The citation goes on to state that “1.5 million people from around the world visited St Giles’ in 2023, underlining its status as a dynamic centre celebrating Scotland’s heritage and culture, as well as being an active place of worship”.
Rev Dr George Whyte, the interim moderator of St Giles’, said: “We very much appreciate the recognition given by the Scottish Parliament and we remain committed to continued service in the years ahead.”
The long full motion, which will now be circulated for MSPs to sign, asks the Parliament to “congratulate St Giles’ Cathedral on being a prominent part of the life of Edinburgh and Scotland for 900 years; recognises that the church is an iconic building, linking various facets of the city; acknowledges that 1.5 million people from around the world visited St Giles’ in 2023, underlining its status as a dynamic centre celebrating Scotland’s heritage and culture, as well as being an active place of worship…”
It also notes “the integral role that it played as a national church with the lying in state of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the
Honours of Scotland service for His Majesty King Charles III; commends St Giles’ on its various projects, designed to reach out to people of all ages, backgrounds and faiths across the city, and wishes St Giles’ Cathedral all the very best for the next 900 years.”