The Mother Kirk of Edinburgh
on the oldest Christian site in the city
The Parish Church of St Cuthbert is a lively, vibrant church in the centre of the city of Edinburgh, with roots going back thirteen hundred years. We are active congregation, with members involved in various projects, supporting social welfare and the arts. We are also members of the Edinburgh City Centre Churches Together group, along with St Andrew's and St George's West, and The Church of St John the Evangelist.
St Cuthbert’s Parish Church is believed to be the oldest Christian site in Edinburgh. We have been nurturing hearts for God since St Cuthbert founded the first church on this site around 670 AD.
In the surrounding graveyard, one of the largest in Edinburgh from the Burke and Hare era, you can find such varied people as Thomas De Quincey, writer of Confessions of an English Opium Eater; William Macao, first naturalised Chinese citizen of Scotland; and John Napier, father of logarithms.
Explore our buildings: the 1894 church designed by Hippolyte Blanc and the Memorial Chapel, where Agatha Christie was remarried in 1930. You can see our stunning examples of stained glass, including our famous Tiffany window, with the image of David heading off to face Goliath.
You’ll find us on the corner of Lothian Road and King’s Stables Road in Edinburgh, at the foot of the Castle Rock. Come and say hi!