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ST GILES’ NEWS
February 2026
As a new year begins, many of us naturally pause to take stock - of what has passed, what lies ahead, and the small, sustaining gifts that accompany us through both Among these is the simple, quiet joy of reading. Whether it’s Scripture, history, poetry, or the stories that help us make sense of the world, reading opens doors to wonder, insight and connection
To mark the National Year of Reading, we introduce a new feature to St Giles’ News: reflections from members of our community on the books that have shaped, challenged, or inspired themsomething we hope will encourage others to pick up a book and share their own thoughts in a future edition
Throughout this newsletter, we are delighted to share tales of contemplation, renewal, and hopeful anticipation - from an inspiring welcome from Rev Douglas Nicol to an uplifting interview with our new Assistant Minister, Rev. David Rodriguez, as well as reflections from Rev Scott Rennie and Jack Oades, on the year past (Jack’s first year as Master of the Music!) and their plans and hopes for the future
We also report on the formation of our new Community Committee, dedicated to strengthening connections within the Cathedral and beyond, and look back on a recent interfaith prayer service for peace - honoured by the attendance of HRH The Princess Royal - which brought together people from different traditions in shared purpose and hope
With a focus on the stories and voices that shape our community, it feels especially fitting to celebrate the written word as we move forward in 2026 We ask you, please, to read on…
Welcome
A Happy New Year to all! This article was written on the week which began, so the media reported, with ‘blue Monday’ – likely for most to be the ‘lowest day’ of the New Year, with Christmas celebrations over, the cost of them just being calculated, New Year Resolutions already in shreds and all this happening in dark and damp January weather!
I recognised the sentiments but was pleased not to be affected by them for they were suggested on a week when I had many other things on my mind! Not least was the visit of a friend from Deeside who joined me on a ‘day as a tourist’ in our city – brunch together, then Mary King’s Close, then the Chocolatarium, and then a relaxed dinner where the problems of the world were solved – at least to our satisfaction!
Mary King’s Close, just across from St. Giles’ Cathedral, is a remarkable visit, and we today can only be thankful that standards of house building, sanitation, and communal living have markedly improved since our 17th Century ancestors inhabited the streets next to our sanctuary!
Their faces and stories came alive during our visit, and it was a fresh reminder to me of the way that St Giles’ has served the spiritual needs of the people of the Royal Mile for over 900 years – throughout all the different chapters of history
Nowadays the centre of our city is largely populated by tourists – many of whom take the opportunity of visiting our Cathedral If that visit happens to be around Midday during the week, they will receive a welcome at our Midday Service
I find it a satisfying part of my role as Canon to lead a Midday Service roughly once a week Every single one is different in attendance and atmosphere – attendances will be small in these dark January days, but the Cathedral will be very busy during holiday periods and Festival-time (especially if it’s raining outside!) And the atmosphere is dependent on the mix of folk who are present – often quiet and devotional, while at other times quite restless
What is always the same are the words of appreciation that follow the Midday Service I make a point after each one of strolling round the Cathedral – ‘loitering with intent’ is what industrial chaplains used to call it! – and I am regularly surprised at the number of tourists who come forward to say ‘thanks’ … perhaps for an opportunity for quiet reflection in a busy holiday schedule, perhaps because they’ve been carrying a concern that they feel they’ve been able to share, and a myriad of other reasons. The word I use most as I wander round is ‘Welcome!’ the word I hear most often reflected back is ‘Thanks!’
The spirit of thankfulness can change our attitude to life – in these first weeks of 2026 let such thankfulness chase any ‘blues’ away!
Rev Douglas Nicol
Musical Notes
The closing triumphal A major chord of J S Bach’s cantata ‘Gottlob! nun geht das Jahr zu Ende’ BWV 28 heralded not just the end of 2025, but the end of my first year at St Giles’ Cathedral. What a year it has been! I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that it has been the most fantastic, exciting and fulfilling year of my life so far. Being able to work and make music in such an awe-inspiring place is incredible, and I am reminded of how lucky I am every time I walk through the door
December was an exceptionally busy month. Our choir Carol Concert on 13th December and our Hogmanay Candlelit Concert were completely sold out, and all of the services over the Christmas period were very well attended. I have to take my hat off to Jordan English, whose playing inspires me every week, and our fantastic Cathedral choir; they have sung so well, and with lots of new repertoire in the mix
Despite being a quiet month in itself, January has been a forward-looking period, with lots of planning for upcoming concerts, events and collaborations Our annual Passiontide Concert takes place on Sunday 29th March at 6pm, featuring Fauré’s Requiem and Poulenc’s Quatre Motets pour un temps de penitence We are in the process of arranging a meeting of the Cathedral Music Trust at St Giles’ in the summer, and we will host the opening service of the Sacred Arts Festival on Sunday 16th August
Upcoming highlights in our St Giles’ at Six series include the Edinburgh University Chamber Choir (Sunday 1st March), and Madrugada: music for guitar and voice, ranging from Dowland to Britten (Sunday 12th April) We hope to see you there!
Jack Oades, Master of the Music
New Year, New Committee
The Kirk Session of St Giles’ has established a new Community Committee, which will incorporate and build upon the work of the Communications Committee. Alongside continuing oversight of communications, the new Committee will have a broader remit focused on the Cathedral’s relationships and connections, recognising that effective communication is central to community life
While the precise remit and membership of the Committee are still being developed, this change could be seen as a natural progression of the work undertaken by the Communications Committee. I have been asked by Scott to continue as Convenor of the newly named Committee
In practical terms, this means that our communications work including the newsletter will continue as before, albeit under the Committee’s new banner Over the coming weeks, we will seek to develop a clear remit and propose formal terms of reference for approval by the Kirk Session This will include responsibility for communications, reviewing and refreshing the Cathedral’s approach to pastoral care, promoting fellowship, organising congregational gatherings, engaging more intentionally with our wider community, and fostering national and international connections
As the Committee finds its feet, its remit is likely to evolve Building community is as much about our attitude and approach as it is about specific activities and events, and we are keen to reflect this in our work, as well introducing practical changes. We would be delighted to hear your ideas or suggestions for the Committee’s work, and we would also welcome any feedback on the newsletter, including what you enjoy and any suggestions for improvement.
Emma Caskie-Potter emma.potter@stgilescathedral.org.uk
From Our Minister
It is with a great sense of anticipation and excitement that we look forward to this new year at St Giles’ For one thing, I personally still feel buoyed by what was an incredible Advent and Christmas season at the Cathedral. So many people came and experienced such enjoyable and moving worship and music during that time It was a privilege to be involved
Looking ahead we are embarked, thanks to the Kirk Session’s backing, on the transition to a visitor charging scenario at St Giles’ – one which will bring far more resources to sustain the fabric, life and worship of our church than is presently the case. Visitor charging offers an opportunity to invest in the experience we offer to worshipers and visitors alike and to better tell our story of faith and tradition to all who come to visit us
There is, however, a need for great change to prepare for that scenario in terms of staff deployment and that will mean some major changes in the way things are currently organised. In November the Kirk Session agreed to implement the findings of a Governance review I had undertaken, and that governance and staffing structure will sustain us as we move ahead Change, while exciting, can also be difficult and I would appreciate your prayers for all of us in the staff team as we try to adjust in this time of transition and change
We welcome to our team the Rev David Rodriguez from California as our new Assistant Minister His main duties will be taking care of midday worship and conducting worship through the week while he commences his PhD work at New College.
We will welcome people in new roles too in the areas of communications, and fundraising and development One major change will be the appointment of a Chief Operating Officer at St Giles’ to manage its complex operation for the Minister and Kirk Session In the transition period toward charging and a new staffing set up our own Stephen Preston has agreed to take up the position of Transitional Chief Operating Officer, a role for which he is ideally placed and for which he possesses the necessary skills. As you know we are also fortunate to have Sarah O'Connor who will continue in her role as Head of Heritage and Culture but with more room I hope for us to benefit from her superb creative abilities and vision for the visitor and retail experience at St Giles’.
In 2026 the Ministry Team will offer additional times and opportunities for Worship at St Giles’, and along with our colleague Jack Oades, Master of the Music, we are committed to the renewal of the Cathedral’s cycle of worship
Finally, I want to take this opportunity to thank the Kirk Session and my office-bearers for their dedicated and fulsome support in helping me bring this vision to birth. I appreciate their encouragement and thoughtful contributions to planning a successful future for growth and flourishing at Edinburgh’s High Kirk
Rev. Scott Rennie
A special partnership between Grassmarket Community Project and St Giles’ Cathedral
The Grassmarket Community Project is a long-established charity based in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, with a rich history that stretches back over 500 years. Its roots can be traced to the Franciscan monks of the early 16th century, who offered food and care to the poor and vulnerable living around the Grassmarket area What began as a simple act of compassion in the form of a soup kitchen has, over the centuries, grown into a vibrant and multifaceted community project that continues to place dignity, purpose and belonging at its core
Today, the Grassmarket Community Project supports some of the city’s most vulnerable people. This includes individuals who are homeless or have experienced homelessness, those recovering from addiction, people with physical and learning disabilities, individuals living in poverty, people from chaotic or challenging backgrounds, and those who are lonely or socially isolated. The project provides a safe, welcoming space where everyone is treated with respect and offered meaningful opportunities to grow, connect and rebuild their lives
Support is delivered through a wide range of activities and social enterprises, all designed to build confidence, skills and a sense of purpose At the very heart of the Grassmarket Community Project is its woodwork shop, Grassmarket Furniture. This workshop plays a central role in the charity’s mission, offering hands-on woodworking and carpentry training while producing beautiful, high-quality furniture and bespoke items.
Grassmarket Furniture is particularly well known for its work using reclaimed church pews These pews are carefully transformed into new pieces, giving them a second life while preserving their history and sentimental value Many churches choose to have their own pews repurposed, allowing the story and heritage of the building to live on in a meaningful and tangible way As Jon from the Grassmarket explains, “There’s something really special about working with church pews They carry decades, sometimes centuries, of stories When we turn them into something new, we’re not erasing that history we’re honouring it and keeping it alive ”
Through the workshop, participants develop far more than just practical skills They grow in confidence and self-esteem, improve their social skills, and learn the importance of reliability, teamwork and resilience. For many, the woodwork shop is a stepping stone towards further opportunities, including formal qualifications, volunteering roles and paid employment As Jon puts it, “The workshop isn’t just about making furniture it’s about helping people realise their own potential and showing them that they have something valuable to offer ”
Over the years, the Grassmarket Community Project has carried out significant work for churches across Scotland, including St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh This has included creating retail items for the cathedral shop, such as small souvenirs and gift items, crafting a bespoke Bible rest, and repairing many of the cathedral chairs These projects demonstrate both the high standard of craftsmanship and the trust placed in the workshop by prestigious institutions.
The woodwork shop has a wide-ranging skill set and can produce items to almost any specification. From statement pieces for the home, awards and plaques, to garden furniture and bespoke commissions, Grassmarket Furniture combines traditional craftsmanship with a strong social purpose.
If you are interested in learning more about the Grassmarket Community Project and the lifechanging work they do, visit their website at grassmarket.org. If you would like to commission your own unique, handcrafted piece or simply start a conversation you can contact Jon directly at jon@grassmarket.org
Helene van der Ploeg, CEO Grassmarket Community Project
We’re delighted to welcome David Rodriguez to the St Giles’ ministry team! Having made the big move over from sunny California (and bravely adjusting to weather that involves actual seasons), David sat down with St Giles’ News to share a little of his journey, his passion for ministry and settling into life in on this side of the pond.
Could you tell us a little about your background and where you’ve come from?
I was born and raised in California. My wife is named Cathy, and we were married on May 30, 1981 We have two grown sons, Andrew and Daniel We also have a grandson, Wendell who is 10 years old and Andrew’s son. Andrew is engaged to be married to Natanya and Daniel is engaged to be married to Stephanie
I was ordained as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA) on July 15, 1984. I have served congregations in California in the cities of Fontana, Hollister, Pacific Grove, Ukiah, and Coronado
At the time of writing, I have also served 30 years, 8 months, and 12 days in the United States Navy (Reserve Component) During this time, I was mobilized and left my churches to serve on active duty in Iraq, Kuwait, Djibouti, and Washington, D.C.
My B.A. in Psychology is from the University of California, Berkeley. My M.Div. with an emphasis in Family Pastoral Care and Counselling is from Fuller Theological Seminary My Th M with an emphasis in Worship and Preaching is from Princeton Theological Seminary. I am currently a Ph.D. student in the New Testament an Early Christian Origins Program in the School of Divinity at the University of Edinburgh.
What inspired you to pursue ministry?
I felt God calling me to the ministry as I read Scripture passages such as 1 Corinthians 15:58, Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord because you know that in the Lord your labour is not in vain. I felt this verse calling me to serve the Lord full-time. And John chapter 21 where Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him Each time Peter says, “Yes, Lord I love you ” After each of Peter’s responses Jesus replies, “Then take care of my sheep.”
As I reflected on this passage, I felt Jesus calling me to show Him my love by caring for His sheep Then I concluded that I was being called to care for the Lord’s sheep in a full-time basis This led me to enter a time of discernment with my pastors and the Presbytery of San Francisco. This in turn led to my ordination as a minister
Do you have a favourite from the places you have served prior to coming to St Giles’?
The First Presbyterian of Hollister, California I was there for about 18 years This is where we raised our sons and own a home. While I was the Senior Pastor there, our congregation grew and we built a new sanctuary, multipurpose building, parking lot, and a shelter for battered women and children named Emmaus House.
What was your initial impression of St Giles’?
St Giles’ is a very hospitable and welcoming congregation. It doesn’t matter that the weather is cold because the people are so warm and loving
What is your favourite aspect of the St Giles’ building?
The communion table. I love that it is situated in the middle of the sanctuary, and we can gather around it to celebrate the Lord’s Supper every Sunday.
What are you most looking forward to in your first few months here?
Getting to know everyone Jesus said in John chapter 10 that the Good Shepherd know His sheep I have the heart of a pastor, and I want to be a faithful shepherd of the Lord’s flock at St Giles’
If you could have witnessed any historical event in St Giles’, what would it have been?
When Queen Elizabeth was brought to St Giles’ after she went to be with the Lord. I watched this heartbreaking event from my home in California I grew up during the Queen’s reign and my family loved her I also know that you dearly loved her I wish I could have been with you in your mourning to comfort you with the assurance that because Jesus lives, we shall live and be reunited with our loved ones in the home He has prepared for us in heaven
How would you describe your style of ministry in a few words?
I am a pastor I strive to care for the Lord’s flock with the love of the Good Shepherd
What aspects of worship or church life are most important to you?
I love preaching and administering the Sacraments. It is also important to me to be with people when they are going through painful and difficult times in life.
How do you see the role of the church in today’s Scotland?
To faithfully bear witness to the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ The Resurrection of Jesus is transforming our own personal lives as well as our society and the world.
Weather aside, what is the biggest difference between living in the US and Scotland? Haggis.
Is there a Scottish phrase or idiom you’ve encountered that made you smile - or required some translation?
“Come by for a blether ” I saw this in an email from the School of Divinity, and I had to ask a fellow student what it means.
Have you developed an opinion on the great Scottish debates: square sausage or links? Tunnock’s tea cakes or caramel wafers? Haggis: delicious or dubious?
I love square sausage and haggis I have no idea what Tunnock’s tea cakes or caramel wafers are But I’m willing give them a to try.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Playing the guitar or bass in a band. In each of my churches I played in the worship band. I have also played in oldies bands I especially love the Beach Boys I also played in a Johnny Cash tribute band, “Frank Plesek and the Hollister Three”. Check us out online.
About The Hollister 3 | frankplesek I also enjoy sailing and backpacking
Are there books, music, or places that bring you particular inspiration or joy? Any place with my family.
If you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring one hymn to sing, which one would you choose?
“Eternal Father, Strong to Save”
St Giles’Younger Adults Group
The St Giles’ Younger Adults Group is formed of younger adults (under 40s) from the communities of St Giles’ Cathedral and Canongate Kirk. The group exists to foster connection and fellowship among young adults in Edinburgh City Centre. We typically meet monthly with a varied programme of activities including social events, visits and outings, and opportunities for worship and reflection.
The Younger Adults Group is now in its second Following on from the leadership of Rev. Dr. Sam Nwokoro, I am pleased to step in and continue to coordinate spaces for connection among the younger adults in our church community Our activities are driven by the knowledge and enthusiasm of our members and there is a strong sense of mutuality and generosity as we all pull together to organise events. Our members have included regular worshippers in our congregations, members of the St Giles’ staff, and visiting students at the University of Edinburgh.
Our events so far have focused on building fellowship, trust, and community Before Christmas, we enjoyed an evening of carols at the Palace of Holyrood House, performed by the excellent choristers of St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, followed by dinner together As the early Christians knew so well, the sharing of food has a remarkable ability to bind folks together in trust and hospitality At the end of January, we shared a Burns Supper at the St Giles’ Manse, with Scott and Dave generously trusting us with their kitchen and Elise from Canongate offering a wonderfully thoughtful Immortal Memory to The Bard.
In the coming months, we will be arranging a one-day Lenten Retreat Details will follow in the weekly St Giles’ Bulletin We are also considering ways to offer new opportunities for faith reflection and Christian formation
If you would benefit from the community of our Younger Adults Group or have any ideas about future activities you would like to see, please do get in touch with me
Jamie Sutherland
Flags Down, Spirits Up: Restoration at Canongate Kirk
Having received permission from the Presbytery of Edinburgh and West Lothian to proceed with the major task of the redecoration of the interior of Canongate Kirk in the New Year, the first phase of preparation saw all our precious Regimental Colours and Standards removed to the Manse for safe keeping before Christmas, having been carefully labelled to ensure they go back in the right place! While they are down from the walls, a local team helpfully known as the “Flag Ladies”- usually based at the Scottish National War Memorial in Edinburgh Castle – have already begun cleaning them and assessing them for minor repairs Services in church continued as normal up to and including a wedding on Hogmanay, before a team of volunteers helped to remove all moveable furniture from the sanctuary to the foyer and vestry Then the scaffolders moved in to fill the nave with scaffolding to enable the painters safely to access the ceiling. After ten days of construction work a temporary floor below the ceiling has just been put in place – visible in the accompanying photo taken from the organ gallery Despite the extortionate cost of scaffolding these days, the outcome will not be a rival to the Sistine Chapel but simply a clean fresh ceiling without evidence of peeling!
Since Sunday 4th January the congregation has gathered for Sunday morning worship in our Harry Younger Hall a little further down the Royal Mile, with our monthly united evening services taking place in St Giles’.
Rev. Neil Gardner, Canongate Kirk
The Lenten Banners
As we approach Lent in 2026, we look back to 2019 when our beautiful Lenten banners were hung for the first time. The text which follows was read from the pulpit at the time. Some of those who worked on the banners are now sadly no longer with us.
These Lenten banners have been called ‘The Road to the Cross’ The cross is the central motif, not only the cross on which Christ was crucified, but all three crosses of Calvary, embodying the cruelty and guilt of the world, as well as the cross of redemption.
The road to the cross was not easy and smooth in the weeks leading up to that first Easter. Reflecting this, the composition is made up of straight lines and angles, many of them acute, suggesting a jagged, broken world of hard edges, a world in need of a saving grace
The overall design echoes both stained glass and mosaic, two media which have, through many centuries, expressed the sacred Purple is the colour traditionally associated with Lent, a sombre colour for a reflective season There are nine variants of the colour here, ranging from a rich, regal purple through mauve and aubergine to claret. Relieving the sombre purple are lighter sections of lavender, hinting at the light of hope which will come with Easter
Silk is the material used, because of its refractive quality, important for the subdued lighting of a church interior It has the added advantage of being capable of creating many variants of tone, depending on how it is pieced and placed within the overall composition. It has the practical properties of great strength and of repelling dust The three crosses are couched in gold to define them The silk from which the crosses have been cut is ‘shot’ in purple and red, suggesting the suffering on the cross.
Through the wonderful skill of the Thistle Quilters, it might not be immediately apparent that these Lenten banners are the obverse of the scarlet ones hung at Christmas and Pentecost The purple silk and the scarlet silk have been butted very precisely back to back and quilted in golden thread
In the making of this set, the banner guild from the Thistle Quilters has invested two years of sustained, dedicated, voluntary work From Sheana Stephen Ashton’s design, the construction work has been masterminded and led by Georgina Chapman, ably helped by her team of Helen Allan, Jean Ferris, Barbara Downie, Amelia Little, Liz Murray, Frea Webster, Mary Wilson and Sheana herself.
St Giles’ owes the ladies of the banner guild a very great debt of gratitude This is the fifth set of banners to have been made by them, as well as the cover for the communion table in the Holy Cross Aisle.
Sheana Stephen Ashton
Poor of the Parish Fund Distribution 2025
A 'Poor of the Parish' fund was created over a century ago to help parishioners to purchase fuel for heating and cooking Nowadays income from the fund is made available by the Kirk Session for distibution to support local charities. This year that allocation amounts to £12000
On the recommendation of the Neighbourhood Group the allocation has been split equally amongst ten charities giving each £1200 The recipients are 6VT, Bethany Christian Trust, Edinburgh Clothing Store, Cunningham House, Streetworks, The Welcoming, FreshStart, Grassmarket Community Project, Empty Kitchens Full Hearts and Holy Trinity Foodbank
Past with the Present
Starting with a postcard from around 100 years ago, Artist Garry Pycroft created this compelling image of St Giles' by photographing the same location from several angles and then, in Photoshop, aligning the modern view with the historic one. He selected the elements from each photo to form the final composite. No AI was used in the creation of the image. GarryP@Voyageurdupasse.com
As we celebrate the National Year of Reading, we’re delighted to introduce a regular slot in our newsletter devoted to books. Each edition will highlight recommended reads or short reviews of books which have inspired, moved or stayed with the reader. Whether you’re an avid reader or looking for your next book, we hope this feature will be a welcoming place to explore reading together as a community.
Contributions to this new feature are warmly welcomed. If you have a book – be it a novel, non-fiction or a biography, a short story, or even a poem – which has inspired you, sparked your imagination or simply brought you joy, we would love to include this in a future edition. Please email your literary reflections to emma.potter@stgilescathedral.org.uk.
Interfaith Candle Lighting Ceremony
St Giles' was proud last month to host leaders of Scotland's Faith Communities for a candle lighting ceremony for unity and peace
The main leaders of Scotland's faith communities gathered around the Holy Table accompanied by Her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal, to pledge themselves to work for cross-community understanding and solidarity Our minister, Scott, presented gathered guests to HRH, and accompanied her for the morning's activities
The ceremony was also attended by Civic leaders in Scotland, and the occasion was enhanced by the contribution of St Giles' choir, led by the Master of Music, Jack Oades
Just before HRH departed, she was pleased to be escorted by the minister and John Andrew to view the memorial stone to her mother, our late Queen Elizabeth
All in all it was a beautiful ceremony and another great day at St Giles'
Greetings from Sam
In the Nigerian Anglican Church, no clergy is “promoted” to the senior roles of Canon or Venerable. Rather, one has to be “preferred” by the bishop.
We are told it is so because preferment is the bishop’s sole prerogative The pronouncement of a preferment can happen at any time. As a result, a clergy can be taken completely unawares or sometimes left slightly irritated by how long it takes for a pronouncement to be made.
In my case, it came last November after a diocesan service, which lasted five hours! The clergy had filed out of the church to the soundtrack of the closing hymn (which I don’t now recall) While we stood at the West Door and I was particularly grumpy and hungry at this point I heard my name and “Canon” in the same sentence from the bishop He was hardly audible because there had been a power cut and the microphone was not working
But I could hear, because I was closer to the mitre at the door I let out an exclamation in my local dialect: “Chineke!” and a colleague standing next to me said, “Yes, Chineke has done it!”
I am still getting used to the gait of a Canon.
The letter confirming my preferment as Statutory Canon in the Diocese asks me to use my role in theological education to enrich the spiritual life of the diocese a request for which I will need as much prayer as can be offered
I think of St Giles’ often, and knowing your affliction in winter, I send you warm greetings from Nigeria.
With much love, Sam
Stella Maris and the Mission to Seafarers Appeal
As you may know there are many cruise ships that come to our ports over the summer While the crews on these ships do an excellent job of looking after their passengers, Stella Maris and Mission to Seafarers (Scotland) are maritime charities who, working together, take care of the crews
Our chaplains and volunteers visit the crews on the ships while they are in port, to welcome them to Scotland, chat and share stories about work, family, the weather etc, and to provide a listening, compassionate ear if needed.
Our visitors receive training, and we always visit in pairs or in threes. You do not need to commit to a set number of hours or days; you state when and where you can be available
Check our websites for more information: https://stellamaris.org.uk/ and wwwmtss.scot
You can also contact me by email where I'll be happy to answer any questions you have. I look forward to hearing from you
Kindest regards, Mary Wheeler (Stella Maris Volunteer)
mary wheeler@stellamarismail org
Jamie Sutherland, our Probationer Minister, currently serves as a volunteer ship visitor through Mission to Seafarers He is also happy to have a chat and answer any questions about the work of the seafarers mission charities and his experience of this worthwhile opportunity to offer Christian presence
This rather intimidating view of the cathedral was captured immediately before the Carol Service on the 22nd of December. It highlights, in a slightly unusual way, the impressive new lighting that allows the organ – and the world beyond - to be lit in different colours
Advent Appeal
This year’s Advent Appeal, the 11th such, raised £8,802 15 for the Edinburgh Food Project It was by far the largest amount raised by this appeal and is testament to the generosity and public spirit of our congregation This will completely fund St Giles’ support for the city’s 7 food banks over this whole year
Membership
Deaths
“If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.” (Romans 14:8)
Alan Wright (D7) died 20th December 2025
Alice Robertson (D5) died 1st January 2026
Dr Kenneth Fielden (D6) died 14th January 2026
Contact information
St Giles’ staff and office bearers can generally be reached by email on addresses in the style firstname.lastname@stgilescathedral.org.uk or jobtitle@stgilescathedral.org.uk. Some commonly needed addresses are:
Scott Rennie, Minister minister@stgilescathedral.org.uk
Sigrid Marten, Associate Minister SMarten@churchofscotland.org.uk
Jack Oades, Master of the Music jack.oades@stgilescathedral.org.uk
Sarah O’Connor, Head of Heritage & Culture sarah.oconnor@stgilescathedral.org.uk Beadles beadle@stgilescathedral.org.uk
Several members of the team also monitor the comms@stgilescathedral.org.uk address, which can be a good way to get a general question directed to the right person!
Useful telephone numbers:
The Cathedral Secretary 0131 225 4363 Beadles' Office 0131 226 0672
Cathedral Shop 0131 226 0673
Finance Office 0131 225 8683
Heritage & Culture 0131 226 0674
Picture credits
We thank Peter Backhouse, Jamie Sutherland, Garry Pycroft and Sheana Ashton, who have provided their photographic skills for several of the images.