Your visit at a glance
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. Confirm the current schedule with the church before travelling. Church Near Me lists the address, contact details and what to expect below.
Worship together
Church service times
The usual schedule recorded for this church. Check the official church notice or newsletter for this week’s arrangements. Times are local to the UK.
- Sunday11:00
Morning Service
Source checked 18 July 2026- Sunday18:00
Evening Service
Source checked 18 July 2026
The church & its community
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.
- Christian tradition
- Church of Scotland
- Town & country
- Aberdeen, Scotland
- Postcode
- AB24 1RQ
A little preparation helps
Planning your first visit
- Choose a service. Check the church’s current notice for changes, especially at Christmas, Easter or on bank holidays.
- Plan your arrival. Use the address below and ask about the entrance, parking or public transport if you need help.
- Let someone welcome you. Tell a steward or welcomer it is your first visit; you can ask where to sit and how to follow the service.
What is worship in this tradition usually like?
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.
This describes the wider tradition. The format at this particular church may vary.
Visit with confidence
Accessibility and facilities
Specific access facilities have not been confirmed in this listing. This does not mean the church is inaccessible.
Other listed facilities and activities
- Heraldic ceiling of 1520
- Open to visitors Monday to Saturday
- Historic Chanonry setting
Ask the church about your particular requirements, including the route from the entrance to seating and toilets. A listed feature may not describe every part of the building.
Questions to ask about access →Questions about St Machar's Cathedral
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?
The listed schedule for St Machar's Cathedral is Sunday 11:00 (Morning Service); Sunday 18:00 (Evening Service). Confirm with the church before travelling, especially on holidays or for special services.
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.
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