St. Machar's Cathedral — Attraction in Aberdeen City

According to legend, St Machar founded a site of worship in Old Aberdeen in about 580 where the Cathedral sits today, has been rebuilt and renovated several times through the years and is looked after to this day (the roof actually just got finished, massive repairs that took a couple of years), and they’re extremely proud of the Cathedral and its history. There’s a few featyres of interesting features I’ll mention:

The heraldic ceiling within St Machar’s cathedral was built in 1520 from oak panelling and features 48 heraldic shields and coats of arms. The shield of Pope Leo X is in the centre surrounded by archbishops and bishops in order of importance. Some of these shields are Earls from all around Scotland, Saint Margaret of Scotland, James V of Scotland, Charles V of the Holy Roman Empire, Francis I of France, King Charles V of Spain, Henry VIII of England, Sigismund I of Poland, Christian II of Denmark and more.

There is also the Class II Pictish Cross Slab, aged around 600-843CE, likely closer to the 600’s as that would be around when the Cathedral was first built!

And finally, apparently part of William Wallace is buried within the grounds after he was executed in England and quartered, where his left quarter ended up in Aberdeen and is buried in the walls of the cathedral and is marked by a star on the wall.

Lots of history in one small place, from Pictish, to Scottish Wars of Independence, the Scottish Reformation, ancient carved wood, elaborate effigies, historically important individuals buried within the grounds, and is just utterly gorgeous. Especially in the spring when there’s loads...

Hello St. Machar!

Please pardon my intrusion....

My name is Misha. I was named for the Arch Angel. (A naming I don't take lightly...)

I have been helping and advising a Ukraine refugee family that attends your church. Perhaps you already know them? (Nataly, Surgey and the mother)

There are members of this family that are struggling emotionally being displaced from their homeland. They litterally lost everything. I ask on their behalf.... Please help them? They are strangers in a strange land. No friends and no other family. I ask members of the congregation to please welcome them. Make friends with them. Drench them in the traditions that are your church and your land. Advise them.... as everything is strange to them. I can only ask you put yourself in their place? What kind of help would you need? They are far above average in decency. I think they would make a grand addition to your church and community.

The Arch Angel hath delivered them to safety. He (and I) hope you can help make them feel whole...

Attended St. Machar’s Cathedral for a Candlelight Concert with my bestie to see the Grampian String Quartet’s Hans Zimmer event. Wow!!! With thousands of candles in one of the most beautiful venues, this was a night I’ll remember forever.

Me & my bestie opted for the most affordable seats on our current budget… and how lucky were we that we were upgraded to the front row!

Unbelievably thankful, and so grateful for the experience. Watching the Grampian String Quartet play was incredible, especially appreciating their Team work and Musical skills… They were OUTSTANDING!!!

This venue is beautiful, and can see why Candlelight concerts chose this as one of their venues. Staff at the event were kind and well organised too.

I should also add filming was at end of concert during a time with permission to film.

Also attended a friend’s wedding at St. Machar’s Cathedral many years ago… but feel terrible that I can’t remember who it was that got married there 😂 can recommend as an incredible...