St Machar's Cathedral
The Chanonry, Old Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, AB24 1RQ
Next service Sunday 19 July · 11:00 — Morning Service
Quick answer
St Machar's Cathedral is a Church of Scotland church at The Chanonry, Old Aberdeen, Aberdeen in Aberdeen, Scotland. Sunday services include Morning Service at 11:00 and Evening Service at 18:00 — times verified 18 July 2026, but confirm with the parish before travelling. Church Near Me lists the address, contact details and what to expect below.
At a Glance
Verified 18 July 2026
- Denomination
- Church of Scotland (protestant)
- Location
- Aberdeen, Scotland
- Postcode
- AB24 1RQ
- Main service
- Sunday 11:00 — Morning Service
Service & Mass Times
Service times verified 18 July 2026 — confirm with the parish before travelling.
Morning Service
verified 18 July 2026
Evening Service
verified 18 July 2026
About St Machar's Cathedral
St Machar's Cathedral in Old Aberdeen stands where St Machar, a companion of St Columba, is said to have founded a church beside the River Don around 580. The present fortified building, with its twin sandstone spires, dates largely from the early 15th century and contains a unique heraldic ceiling of 1520 bearing the arms of Scottish kings, nobles and bishops. No longer a cathedral in the presbyterian Church of Scotland, it keeps its ancient title and remains a living place of worship, drawing a congregation from many nations and traditions.
Notable facts about St Machar's Cathedral
- As a cathedral, St Machar's Cathedral is the seat of a bishop and the mother church of its diocese — the principal church of the wider region, and traditionally a centre of choral music, civic services and pilgrimage.
- The Church of Scotland, known affectionately as "the Kirk", is the national church of Scotland and is Presbyterian in its governance by elders rather than bishops.
- St Machar's Cathedral is part of the living Christian heritage of Aberdeen, Scotland, where churches have shaped community life, architecture and culture for generations.
What to Expect at a Church of Scotland Church
Church of Scotland (Presbyterian) worship is dignified and Bible-centred, typically including psalms and hymns, prayers, Scripture readings and a sermon, with Communion celebrated several times a year. Services are usually held on Sunday mornings and everyone is welcome.
Facilities & Accessibility
- Heraldic ceiling of 1520
- Open to visitors Monday to Saturday
- Historic Chanonry setting
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is St Machar's Cathedral?
St Machar's Cathedral is located at The Chanonry, Old Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 1RQ, Scotland. You can open directions to it using the map link on this page.
What denomination is St Machar's Cathedral?
St Machar's Cathedral is a Church of Scotland church. You can read more about the Church of Scotland tradition, its beliefs and how it worships on our denomination guide.
What time are services at St Machar's Cathedral?
St Machar's Cathedral holds regular services on Sunday; see the full list of service times on this page. Times can change for holidays and special occasions, so it is worth checking with the church before visiting.
How do I contact St Machar's Cathedral?
You can contact St Machar's Cathedral through its website using the details in the contact panel on this page.
Can anyone attend St Machar's Cathedral?
Yes. Like almost all Christian churches in Scotland, St Machar's Cathedral welcomes visitors and newcomers to its public services, whatever your background or experience of church.
Other churches in Aberdeen
Nearby congregations you may also want to explore.