Greyfriars Tolbooth & Highland Kirk, Edinburgh



Access for partially abled Toilets on premises Hearing induction loop for the deaf Guidebooks and souvenirs Inventory completed by Church Recorders Welcomers and guides on duty Refreshments (Refreshments by arrangement) (Refreshments by arrangement)
Denomination:
Church of Scotland
OS Reference:
NT256733
Address:
Greyfriars Place, Edinburgh, EH1 2QQ
Local Authority:
Edinburgh
Website:
www.greyfriarskirk.com
Listing:
A

Directions to your Church

South end of George IV Bridge

Location of Church


Nearby Churches

Magdalen Chapel, Edinburgh
< 0.5 mile
Augustine United Church, Edinburgh
< 0.5 mile
St Columba's by the Castle, Edinburgh
< 0.5 mile
Edinburgh Quaker Meeting House
< 0.5 mile
St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh
< 0.5 mile


Contact this Church

Church Overview

The first post-Reformation church in Edinburgh, completed in 1620, with alterations in 1722, 1858, 1938, 1990 and 2004. The church was built in the grounds of the former Franciscan Friary (dissolved in 1559 at the Reformation). The building was used as a barracks by Cromwell's troops 1650-53; gunpowder stored in the tower exploded in May 1718, destroying the tower and damaging the 2 W bays; a fire in January 1845 gutted part of the building, the damaged stones can still be seen. Fine 19th-century coloured glass by Ballantine. Magnificent Peter Collins organ of 1990.

Historic kirkyard, with views to Edinburgh Castle, has exceptional examples of 17th century monuments, the Martyrs' Monument, Covenanters' Prison and Memorial to Greyfriars Bobby. Greyfriar’s Bobby was a loyal Skye Terrier who remained by his master's grave for fourteen years.

The National Covenant signed here in 1638; a document, a contract with God, signed by the Nobles, Ministers and thousands of ordinary Scots, who pledged themselves to defend Scotland’s rights and Presbyterian religion.

Services

Sundays: 11.00am and 12.30pm (Gaelic), first Sunday of month Holy Communion 9.30am; Thursdays: all year Lunchtime Service with organ music 1.10-1.30pm

Opening Arrangements

Open April to October: Monday to Friday 10.30am-4.30pm, Saturday 10.30am-2.30pm; November to March: Thursday 1.30-3.30pm. Churchyard open all year.

Image Gallery

Images relating to Greyfriars Tolbooth & Highland Kirk, Edinburgh are shown here, click on an image to view a larger version.

Greyfriars Kirk, EdinburghGreyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh

Disclaimer

The information about churches in Scotland's Churches Scheme has been provided by the congregations or taken from the Historic Scotland list and published sources, in particular, the Buildings of Scotland volumes and the RIAS Illustrated Architectural Guides. The information is not authoritative; please contact us to let us know of any errors or omissions.