Our People

Mr Graham Maclagan - Director of Music

I am Director of Music here at St Cuthbert’s with responsibility for all aspects of the musical life of the church. I have been involved in the music here since November 2005 having begun my musical training in the Highland village of Kingussie, where I was appointed as Parish Organist and Choirmaster in 2000.

Following secondary education, I read music at the University of Edinburgh, where my interest in choral and liturgical music grew; the history of music in Christian worship formed part of my honours degree. I graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Music with Honours in 2007, and went on to complete teacher training (PGDE) at the Moray House School of Education.

Having taught in various schools in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Fife, I am now member of the Music Department at George Heriot’s School here in Edinburgh. At Heriot’s I teach music pupils of all ages from 3 to 18, and I have the opportunity to combine teaching with choir direction and playing the organ for school assemblies, services and concerts. I have accompanied the school’s Chamber Choir in concerts here in Edinburgh in St Giles’ Cathedral and the Usher Hall, and on their tours of the Northern English Cathedrals, the Scottish Highlands and Paris (including L’église de la Madeleine). A tour to Prague with performances in St Vitus’ Cathedral is planned for October 2016.

It is wonderful to be involved in the superb liturgy here in St Cuthbert’s, and to be curator of the magnificent St Cuthbert’s organ, one of the finest in Scotland.

Kirsten Kooy - Pastoral Assistant