ST GILES’ NEWS
April
What’s inside
➢ Farewells
➢ Welcomes
➢ Organs
➢ 30th Birthdays
➢ Statues
➢ Banners
➢ Pandemic notes
➢ More organs
Refurbishment and restoration could be the watch words for April’s edition of St Giles’ News, in which we document and illustrate the recent major refurbishment of our magnificent Rieger Organ. We explore the history of the current instrument and its predecessors and we hear of the restoration work being undertaken by the Banner Guild to protect and repair our material treasures
Equally we could choose reflection and renewal This newsletter starts with a welcome from Rev Dr George Whyte, his final one as our Interim Moderator and Locum George has led us through a period of uncertainty to a time of renewal, as we approach the installation of our new Minister George continues to provide support and guidance (with his customary good grace, patience and humour) as we prepare to welcome Scott Rennie, for which we are indebted. On the subject of positive influences, in this edition, we also learn of the lives which have been changed over the last 30 years by 6VT, a charity supported by our Neighbourhood Group, and we meet Calum Whyte, the charismatic new addition to our team of dedicated Beadles We also reflect on the remarkable achievements of Dr Elsie Inglis, as plans for a statue in her honour on the High Street progress.
Refurbishment, restoration, reflection, renewal for this and more, read on
A final welcome
This article is written five weeks before my appointment as Interim Moderator and Locum ends.
I first met with a group of elders in August 2023 and since then we have been on a journey together – a journey which will be completed on the 29th of April with the induction of Scott Rennie as the next Minister of St Giles’
Throughout that time I have been very fortunate to work with a great team – my staff colleagues, the Kirk Session, the members and adherents, and the great army of volunteers. Such a talented and committed group of people make St Giles’ a place of faith and creativity I will miss so many people
At this point I need to say that I have really enjoyed my time at St Giles’ and I have learned how to do things that I never envisaged being part of my ministry. Together we marked the 900th anniversary year. There were special occasions – happy and sad – which are part and parcel of what St Giles’ “does” for congregation, parish, city, nation and the presbyterian diaspora
I will always be grateful for the trust and support I received Set beside my finely honed ability to give the misleading impression that I know what I am doing at all times we have emerged at the end of the process, I think, in good heart.
So now it is time to hand over to Scott Rennie who, I am sure, will prove to be the right person at the right time – he has all the skills, experience and personality to take St Giles’ forward in changing and challenging times He cannot possibly know all that he has taken on or all that he will be asked to do so, please, remember him in your prayers and encourage him by your words and actions If St Giles’ is to fulfil its High Calling then there needs to be a collaborative effort where everyone does what they can and everyone appreciates the service of others
In recent weeks people have asked me two things One is, “Are you going to retire now?” The other is, “What are you going to do next?”
The answer to both is, for the moment, “I don’t know” What I am sure of is that the privilege of “having a shot” at St Giles’ will always be something that I will treasure in the years ahead.
I will watch with great anticipation to see how the Cathedral will serve Christ’s cause in the first years of its tenth century What an exciting future awaits
I wish you well
George
Celebrating 30 Years of 6VT: A Legacy of Changing Lives
For three decades, 6VT Edinburgh City Youth Café has been a safe haven for children, young people, and families across Edinburgh. Thanks to the generous support of St Giles’, we’ve been able to continue our vital work, helping tens of thousands of individuals over the years
What about the impact?
For many, we may never fully know the difference we’ve made But every so often, someone reaches out to share their story how 6VT shaped their journey and changed their life
One such person is Hanif, who recently walked through our doors after 12 years. Hanif arrived in Edinburgh as a refugee from Iran, and we supported him through his early years in a new country Now, he has returned to tell his story You can hear his powerful testimony by clicking this link: https://youtu be/yo0HixJ8QLI
To mark our 30th Anniversary, we invited former service users to share their experiences Here are just a few of their inspiring stories:
Josh recalls arriving at 6VT as an "angry young boy" but leaving as a “better person.” He found friendship, learned breakdancing, and developed life skills that helped him build a successful future Today, he is an Operations Executive for a major car manufacturer in the UK and Europe.
Ruby sent a heartfelt email to say thank you After being expelled from school, it was 6VT staff who helped her prepare for her Standard Grades which she passed! Later, when she was homeless, we supported her again She wanted to let us know that she is now in her final year of Medical School.
Many others describe 6VT as their safe place, the support system that helped them through tough beginnings, secured their first home, found them employment, or opened doors to opportunities they never imagined
The one theme that runs through every story? 6VT was like a family a place of belonging, care, and support. Now, we see multiple generations returning, wanting their children to experience the same positive impact The ripple effect is immeasurable; by changing one life, we influence an entire family’s future
We extend our deepest gratitude to St Giles’ for being part of this journey your support has helped transform lives in ways that cannot be quantified
Here’s to 30 years of making a difference and many more to come
Dot Horne, Executive Director
Christian Aid Week
Christian Aid Week this year runs from Sunday 11th to Saturday 18th May The week is billed as 'seven days to make a difference' This year the campaign is highlighting supporting women in Guatemala, providing training and equipment to help them farm efficiently and support their families and communities, but Christian Aid supports all sorts of projects across many different countries and parts of the world St Giles' members and visitors will be able to make donations by way of the usual 'red' Christian Aid envelopes on Sunday 11th or by using a QR code which will be made available in the weekly bulletin and the intimations on the Orders of Service for that date. Please give to this worthwhile cause as you are able, and remember that if you are a UK taxpayer, Christian Aid can reclaim the tax on your donation, if you complete the gift aid form
The Induction
29th April will mark a big moment in the life of St Giles' as we welcome our new Minister, Scott Rennie at his Service of Induction. This is the moment when, formally, Presbytery and the whole community of St Giles' will accept Scott into our midst People from across the city and the country from many faiths, denominations and organisations have been invited to participate in the service and then to join a reception in Parliament Hall And that is when we will more informally have a chance to get to meet Scott and his husband David and also, importantly, to offer our thanks to George Whyte for all he has done for us as our Interim Moderator and locum Minister We look forward to welcoming everyone to this great occasion
Mark Batho Session Clerk
Restoring number three
As the restoration of the Rieger organ nears completion, it's a perfect time to reflect on its fascinating history. While reading, spare a thought for those who endured the tuning process - it has been quite an experience!
Given that St Giles’ is now over 900 years old, it might seem surprising that the first organ installed in St Giles’ was in 1883 by Ingram & Co This organ was enlarged in 1890 and refurbished in 1909 Rev Charles Warr once described it: “The huge cumbrous case, an enormous semicircular bulge of massive woodwork and metal pipes, completely obstructed the lovely vista from the Moray aisle to the west door and the Thistle Chapel antechapel.” By 1938, the organ was in poor condition, prompting the commissioning of a new one by Henry Willis and Sons Designed by a young congregation member and future Cathedral architect, Esme Gordon, the new organ was unveiled in 1940, despite the challenges posed by the Second World War. Its significantly reduced profile was a delight to Rev. Warr.
Jumping ahead to the late 1980s, the Willis organ itself needed repair or replacement. A replacement was made possible by the generosity of the late Alastair Salvesen. The Austrian firm Rieger was chosen to install the new instrument, with a design by Douglas Laird ultimately selected In a lovely parallel to Esme Gordon, a young Graham Tristram, who was part of Laird’s team, would later become the Cathedral’s architect. Photos of the installation can now be seen for the first time by many, thanks to Peter Backhouse's efforts to digitise them. The current organ is a unique blend of Austrian and British organ building, combining traditional British wooden pipes from the old Willis organ with Rieger’s Austrian style
By the time of publication, the result of two months of hard work by Rieger’s craftspeople will have been heard in St Giles’, once again filling the Kirk with organ music
When looking at the photos, pay special attention to the window behind the organ, designed by Christian Shaw There are few, if any, other photos of this window, now hidden by the organ If any readers have photos of this window or the Willis organ, please send them in.
Stephen Preston, Deputy Head of Heritage
General Committee Update
Rieger Organ Refurbishment
The most significant project that has taken place in the past three months is the refurbishment of the Rieger Organ
I am pleased to report that the overhaul works to the organ have been completed and the wonderful instrument was heard again in all its glory at the 9.30 service on Sunday 30th March 2025. This cumulated on the major works that had taken place over the past seven weeks by the team from the builder Rieger-Orgelbau led by Michael Fritsch
I had the privilege to observe the works taking place by the team of five experienced technicians, both male and female, who carefully dismantled and removed nearly each and every one of the over 4,100 pipes for cleaning and repair before the pipes were reinstalled and retuned. The works also included a full cleaning of the internal elements of the organ together with the re-leathering of the wind chests and blower systems The keyboards and foot pedal board were completely dismantled and each of the keys were re-felted and repaired to ensure that the player action was returned to as-new. The manual action for which this instrument is renowned was inspected, cleaned and repaired as necessary Maintenance works also included the upgrading of the electrical system to ensure it now complied with current standards and that any risks were removed. The bench seat that had been well used by the organists over the past 33 years was removed, was sanded and resealed to as-new
The major scaffolding structure that was constructed to allow full access into the instrument and that also enabled the façade pipes to be removed and cleaned was dismantled and the access around the organ has been returned to normal
Over the past two weeks the organ builders have tuned and revoiced the ranks of pipes to ensure that the sound returned to its excellent best and that the instrument was ready to be played for services and recitals for years to come
Jack Oades, our Master of the Music, was heavily involved in the refurbishment process and worked closely with the team from Rieger I am also pleased to report that Michael Harris, our recently retired Master of the Music, also visited to see the works progressing and had the opportunity to play the refurbished organ following the completion of the works
The temporary electronic organ that has served worship so very well will be removed in the coming week and the seating at the West end returned to normal.
I am also pleased to report that the family of the late Alastair Salvesen, who funded the design, building and commissioning of the original instrument, and have also generously donated funds for the refurbishment, visited and were able to observe the works in progress and were delighted to see the results. The instrument will be fully prepared for a memorial service for Alastair that will take place in the Cathedral later in May 2025
I was glad to be present on Sunday 30th March and to hear the refurbished organ in full voice and to have the opportunity to hear the choir accompanied by both organs performing the Kyrie Eleison from Messe Solenelle by Louis Vierne, a wonderful occasion that can be viewed on line through the YouTube channel on the Cathedral Websitehttps://www.stgilescathedral.org.uk/30032025-0930-1
Other Works
Planning will progress for a schedule of works to the Cathedral bells that are now requiring major maintenance. You may be aware that the hour bell is no longer operational and that the quarter bells are only striking at present This is due to a broken spring on the mechanism that strikes the hour bell and works to replace this will progress in the coming weeks
Maintenance works continue ahead of improvements to the West Porch doors and the replacement of the entrance matting.
Works to repair to the floor in the Moray Aisle have been confirmed and it is hoped these will take place prior to Easter. Works to replace broken and damaged limestone paving especially at the South entrance will follow after Easter
We are planning additional works to the fire alarm and security systems that are hoped to take place in the coming months.
I am also pleased to report that a programme of maintenance works are now progressing in the Manse ahead of the induction of our new Minister of St Giles’, Rev Scott Rennie, on 29th April
The General Committee also continues to instruct and carry out a programme of maintenance and inspection works on the external fabric to ensure that the Cathedral building remains in a safe and operational condition.
I continue to be indebted to colleagues on the General Committee, Professional Advisors, Beadles, Staff, Contractors, Suppliers and to the many others that provide their, support, time and expertise to maintain St Giles’ Cathedral and to present it so well for worship and to the many visitors that are welcomed throughout the year.
John MAndrew General Committee Convenor
Music Notes
It has been a momentous first quarter of 2025 for the music at St Giles’ Cathedral, with the refurbishment of the organ, the appointment of a new minister, and the choir have even had to adjust to a new Master of the Music! However, spirits are high, and there have been many wonderful services, concerts and events already this year, with lots more on the horizon
On 30th March we "re-awakened" our magnificent Rieger organ and marked the occasion with a performance of Louis Vierne’s monumental Messe Solenelle using two organs: the Rieger and the Makin digital instrument that has been used in its place these past two months. This was a first for St Giles’, and indeed, many choirs will have only been able to perform the piece with a single instrument, so we were very lucky indeed! It was spectacular
I would also like to take the opportunity to thank the team from Rieger for their incredible craftsmanship and dedication to the project; their passion and pride for the instrument in St Giles’ underlies all their work here, and the organ is sounding as good as new. Thanks also to my colleagues in St Giles’, and to visitors, for their patience while the work has been taking place There has been a lot of disturbance in the cathedral these last two months, and everyone has been so accommodating and understanding – not an easy task, but greatly appreciated. In terms of concerts, St Giles’ at Six continues as ever, with a particular highlight being our cathedral choir’s performance of the Duruflé Requiem on Sunday 13th April – do register for a free ticket on Eventbrite as this will be popular We will also have two Sounds on Saturday organ recitals from the cathedral organists, one on Saturday 3rd May and the other on Saturday 24th May; I hope to see you there!
Jack Oades Master of the Music
Interview with Calum Whyte
St Giles’ has a new addition to our amazing team of Beadles, and we sat down to get to meet him…
Welcome, Calum! Please tell us, what brought you to St Giles’?
I joined because it is a unique job undertaken in a unique setting. Further to that, activities at St Giles’ (of all kinds) are of huge importance to the people that undertake them It’s genuinely lovely to know that you’re helping to support that And the money, of course…
You’re a Beadle – tell us, what’s involved?
The Beadle reports directly to our Head of Heritage and Culture and the Minister but works with nearly everyone that is involved with St Giles’ Everything you see happening at St Giles’ will at some stage, likely, have involved a Beadle Whether that be the changing of our banners, ensuring the integrity and smooth running of our services or making sure the Cathedral stays beautiful.
We also do a lot of work behind the scenes such as a recent reorganisation of the Lower Aisle and helping to manage the renovations of our magnificent organ
We are also fairly adept at a good old chin-wag, so please feel free to come and say hello if you see us around.
Which part of your role do you most enjoy? You don’t have to say which you least enjoy unless you want to!
The part I enjoy most about my job is the variety. There’s something different happening each day and you always get a chance to learn new things and meet new people.
The least favourite parts of the job are usually a secret kept between us and the walls of the Beadle’s office
What is your favourite aspect of the St Giles’building?
Listening to the Organ, on an evening, looking East to West It’s an incredible view!
We’re in a place of change and challenge, as a church, a faith, and a country. What is the issue that – for you – presents the most difficult questions?
A big question I think that The Church still has incredible potential to have a leadership role on universal concepts such as Compassion, Charity, Community, Justice, Humility and Tolerance. The challenge would be to fight against an array of powerful political and commercial forces that would seek to obfuscate or dismantle such concepts, in world that is seemingly starting to forget their value
When you escape from the crowds and the noise of the city to the peace of a book and a beverage, what’s in the book, and what’s in the glass?
I’m a big fan of the late Kurt Vonnegut In the glass would be an excellent single malt (donations will be accepted at The Beadle’s office)
The Banner Guild Resumes
Now that it is warmer, the Banner Guild resumed work on Thursday 27th March, in the Holy Cross Aisle. We have started replacing the red net that the Christmas angels were sewn on: it is now more than 30 years old and showing its age
In the embroidery chest there is also a lot of church linen needing to be washed, starched and stored in acid-free tissue paper
2028 will see the anniversary of Field Marshal Lord Haig’s death. The funeral pall, bearing the insignia of the Order of the Bath, that covered his coffin while it lay in state in St Giles’, hangs in the Chambers Aisle. It is in a sorry state, having been left hanging there while painting, cleaning and restoration work was going on around it in the church. We are consulting a fabric conservation expert before we proceed to stabilise the painted silk
More immediately, we hope to remount the shield frontal for the Lord High Commissioner of the Church of Scotland, in time for the General Assembly when Lady Elish Angiolini takes office.
The Banner Guild is so blessed in having these ladies with such varied skills and the expertise to deal with the many special fabrics we have in St Giles’.
Do come along, say hello and see us at work
Wednesday 9th April, Wednesday 23rd April, Thursday 8th May 10:30am - 2pm Further dates to be confirmed
Sheana Stephen Ashton
Do you know this man?
This photograph comes from the recently digitised collection of photographic slides of Iona Abbey, kindly left to us by Gilleasbuig MacMillan. Archivist and Elder of St Giles Kevin Hall would be very grateful to anyone who could identify who this gentleman is If you know, or even can think of someone who may help, please contact us on the normal comms email on the back of the newsletter
Elsie Inglis
For World Women’s Day 2023, we held an event in memory of Elsie Inglis, sitting in silence in the Holy Cross Aisle, reflecting on the amazing work she achieved in her short life She was only 52 when she died in 1917
A doctor when no woman could qualify in Edinburgh, a surgeon, a social reformer, a champion of medical care for women and children, a suffragist: her final years were spent setting up and administering hospitals for the soldiers of the Great War in France, Serbia and Russia When the general at Edinburgh Castle spurned her offers of female medical volunteers, telling her to “go home and sit still”, he succeeded only in galvanising her into heroic action which is an inspiration to this day
Our vigil in the church where she had been a member and where her state funeral was held, was a fund-raiser to support former Lord Provost Frank Ross’s campaign to erect a statue, long overdue, to honour her on the Royal Mile
Now we are happy to announce that the designs for a statue by the King’s Sculptor, Sandy Stoddart, are before the planning department of the Council. Sandy Stoddart designed and executed the memorial to the late Rev Gilleasbuig MacMillan
We look forward to a bronze statue of Dr Elsie Inglis materialising in the High Street, opposite where her hospice for women and children offered free medical care that was decades ahead of its time She will have come back to her own parish
Sheana Ashton
Reporting the pandemic
Under the Interfaith banner in this issue, I thought people may be interested to know that in the first stages of its work the UK Covid Inquiry sought evidence from the faith communities about the impact of the pandemic and any lessons which might be useful for future preparedness. The method the Inquiry adopted was to seek input from "umbrella organisations" namely Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI), the Muslim Council of Britain, the Hindu Council UK, the Sikh Council UK, the Jewish Leadership Council, FaithAction I was asked to be part of three person delegation from CTBI as I had a role in coordinating the response of faith groups in Scotland.
It was interesting but perhaps not surprising to find that there were many shared experiences and points of view across this diverse gathering
• Initial interaction with government was impaired by a lack of faith literacy among civil servants and politicians
• We could all say that for many people the pandemic and associated lockdowns and restrictions had harmed community life and broken the habit of attendance at worship
• The weakening of faith group life was still very noticeable with a reduced attendance, depleted financial reserves, the loss of some key volunteers and the permanent closure of some community buildings
• The pain caused by restrictions on hospital, hospice and care home visiting
• The lasting impact of restricted pastoral care bereaved and funeral attendance
• The damage done to the social development of children.
• Perhaps the only upside had been the development of online resources and closer cooperation between faiths
For lessons learned we talked about
• Building better relationships with government and each other in "good times" to underpin resilience and improve response if another pandemic were to strike
• Improving faith groups’ understanding of such legal requirements as health and safetysome failures were heavily exposed during the pandemic
• Ensuring that in any future lockdown scenario there was a more informed approach to the "balance of harms" methodology which decided the order in which premises were allowed to reopen
• The need for the UK government (in acting for England) to make better efforts to coordinate their messaging and decision making with the devolved authorities. This was especially important for organisations who had a presence in several jurisdictions
While on the subject of Covid it is perhaps worth saying that the Scottish Covid Inquiry is a bit further down the road and that I was asked, along with a couple of others, to provide a witness statement on behalf of the Church of Scotland
Rev Dr George Whyte
Thanks and appreciation
Following on from the Advent Appeal to which the congregation responded so generously, a letter of thanks and appreciation has been received from the Edinburgh Food Project in acknowledgement of a cash donation of £2000, together with the balance of £5,500 funding the weekly deliveries to the EFP warehouse
The Edinburgh Food Project letter reads: “We wish to extend our thanks to all the congregation of St Giles’ for the ongoing support and generosity – not only in helping keep full the warehouse shelves but in putting warm meals on the tables of those struggling to afford food.”
A very heart-warming message
We also from which here
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)
Doreen Allerton (D5)
Rev Donald Stephen (D5)
There will be a memorial service for Alastair Salvesen, who died at the end of last year, on the 15th of May at the Cathedral.
New members
There are a number of new members wishing to join the congregation, but their arrival waits on the arrival of our new minister
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:
Sigrid Marten, Associate Minister SMarten@churchofscotland.org.uk
Jack Oades, Master of the Music jack.oades@stgilescathedral.org.uk
Sarah Phemister, Head of Heritage & Culture sarah.phemister@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 wish to thank Peter Backhouse, Kevin Hall, and Andrew Carvel, who have provided their photographic skills for several of the images.
