St John the Evangelist
Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh
St John's is in the very heart of the city and no visit could be more rewarding than to this church with its stunning interior.
The architecture is outstanding and is the most complete example of a Norman parish church in Scotland. The carvings on the south doorway are among the best of their kind in Britain.
St Cuthbert's Church more commonly referred to as "Dalmeny Kirk" is a working parish church first built and consecrated in the 12th century. It was probably constructed around 1160 and surprisingly withstood destruction over the centuries, even being unscathed by the Reformation. The only exception is the tower, which collapsed in the early 1400s and had to wait until 1937 to be rebuilt. However even this new addition works well.
The interior follows the original layout of nave, chancel and apse with marvellous carving on the stone of the arches and column heads. In 1671 the nearby Earl of Rosebery family built The Rosebery Aisle to the north side. This includes a Lairds Loft above the main church so the family could follow the service in private.
The church boasts excellent acoustics which add to worship services, weddings, funerals and many musical events.