St Mary's Parish Church — Attraction in Scotland

I recently had the pleasure of visiting St Mary's Parish Kirk in Haddington, East Lothian, and I must say that I was thoroughly impressed. The rich history and the beautiful gardens of St Mary's Pleasance make it a truly special place.

It is fascinating to learn that the earliest reference to a church in Haddington dates back to 1139. Despite the challenges it faced throughout the centuries, such as the devastation caused by Edward III's army in 1355, the church persevered and the present building stands as a testament to the resilience of the Christian Gospel.

Founded as a Collegiate Church in 1380 and taking over one hundred years to build, St Mary's suffered significant damage during the mid-sixteenth century Siege of Haddington. However, thanks to the efforts of the Town Council and the influence of John Knox, the church was repaired in 1561 and served as the parish church for over 400 years.

Throughout its long history, St Mary's has undergone many improvements and restorations. From the heightening of the galleries in 1811 to the addition of new organ and stained glass windows during the ministry of Reverend Robert Nimmo Smith in the late 19th century, each change has contributed to the church's beauty and functionality.

The most significant restoration took place in the early 1970s, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Kirk Session and the Lamp of Lothian Collegiate Trust. With the support of generous donors, including Miss Hilda Nimmo Smith and the Duchess of Hamilton, the church was transformed into a place of renewal and community healing. The use of fibreglass in the re-ceiling of the tower, choir, and transepts was a brilliant and economic solution, ensuring the building's durability without compromising on its aesthetic appeal.

In addition to its historical significance, St Mary's is an inspiring place of worship for its congregation. Nevertheless, it is heartwarming to note that the church is also regarded as a communal asset by people of all denominations and none. The inclusion of the 16th-century Lauderdale Aisle, dedicated to ecumenical worship, showcases the church's commitment to fostering unity and inclusivity.

Lastly, the presence of the Lammermuir Pipe Organ, built nearby in Oldhamstocks, adds to the overall grandeur of the church. Its traditional design and placement in the North Gallery further enhance the worship experience.

Overall, St Mary's Parish Kirk is a truly remarkable and cherished part of East Lothian's heritage. Its history, gardens, and dedication to community healing through the arts make it a place that deserves recognition and support. I would especially recommend a chat to Vincent, who is a font of knowledge on the history of the church as well as a treasured hands on gardener. I highly recommend a visit to experience its beauty...

I had the pleasure of performing at a truly beautiful venue last Sunday, the 10th, with my early music ensemble, Breve Encounters. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this space was something special—not just visually stunning, but also acoustically exceptional.

The venue’s architecture and design create an atmosphere that perfectly complements early music, allowing the delicate nuances and subtle harmonies of our instruments to shine through with remarkable clarity. The acoustics are balanced and warm, providing a rich sound that filled the space effortlessly without overpowering. For musicians, performing in such a setting is a rare and invaluable experience, as it enhances both the technical and emotional aspects of the music.

Breve Encounters specializes in early music, which often requires careful listening and intimate communication between performers and audience. This venue fosters that connection beautifully. The seating arrangement and layout allow the audience to feel close to the performers, creating a shared, immersive experience. It’s the kind of place where every note can be appreciated in its full detail, and where the silence between phrases adds to the emotional depth.

Beyond the acoustics and ambiance, the venue staff were welcoming and professional, ensuring everything ran smoothly from setup to the final note. Their support made the evening even more enjoyable for our ensemble.

Overall, performing at this venue was a highlight for Breve Encounters. We look forward to returning and sharing more of our music in such a wonderful setting. For anyone passionate about music—whether as a performer or audience member—this venue is truly a gem worth...

Can only comment on the exterior of St Mary's Parish Church, (The outside is very nice, the elites certainly knew how to impress through stonework.), as the last time I entered I was a young lad.

we (little brother and my Gadge) went inside for a laugh, and to see what was going on. We got round most of the inside, we visited the wee tomb for the privileged class, and had a good nosey around. Near the end of our tour we were accosted by the priest! He was ok with us but suggested (in a way that left us with one choice..) we try 'Brass Rubbing' Since we liked history, now my mate was highly suspicious and was genuinely surprised when we were presented with actual 'brass rubbing'. Suffice to say that we rubbed the brass as fast as possible and started to make our exit, when the priest runs after us with the rubbings in hand "50p each boys, you have to pay £50p each"

We ran proper fast, how could we have gotten our chippy tea after the swimming...