Monday October 5th 2026
St Giles Cathedral (photo by The Kilted Photographer)
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Visitors to one of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks will have to pay £12 to enter St Giles’ Cathedral from next week – the first time the 900-year-old building has introduced an admission charge.
St Giles’ Cathedral will move to a visitor charging model from Monday, October 5, with the cathedral saying the move is needed to help protect its future as a place of worship and a key part of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.
More than 1.5 million people visit St Giles’ each year.
The new £12 tickets will be available to buy online and in person, although entry will remain free for all residents in Scotland and children under 16.
The cathedral said the new model would allow it to invest in the visitor experience, including new locally made interpretation panels and enhanced guided tours.
Visitors will also be able to explore the Thistle Chapel, the side aisles and the area where people gathered to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II following her death.
The changes come after St Giles’ marked its 900th anniversary and as the cathedral looks to strengthen its role as one of Edinburgh’s major heritage attractions.
The Rev Dr Scott Rennie, Minister of St Giles’ Cathedral, said: “This is an exciting time in the life of St Giles’. As Scotland’s High Kirk we want to offer visitors from home and abroad the best possible experience and the opportunity to understand how faith and history have shaped Scotland’s life as a nation.
“I am confident that these changes will be transformational in incorporating the life and cares of Scottish people into our cycle of worship through the year.”
Stephen Preston, Transitional Chief Operating Officer at St Giles’, said the cathedral wanted to embrace the opportunity presented by Edinburgh’s tourism industry.
He said: “Having recently celebrated our 900th anniversary, and with Scotland in an exciting time of growth with regards to tourism, we want to embrace the opportunity of being one of the world’s most visited heritage sites.
“These changes will allow us to meet the responsibility of sharing our story with national and international visitors.”
The cathedral said the additional income would also help support its worship, music and cultural programme.
Jack Oades, Organist and Master of the Music, said the increased resources would allow St Giles’ to expand its musical offering, including choral worship, concerts and performances.
Sarah O’Connor, Head of Heritage and Culture at St Giles’, said the changes would allow the cathedral to develop its storytelling and cultural events.
She said: “St Giles’ has a complex and fascinating history. These changes will allow us to fully integrate storytelling into our visitor experience, and increase our ability to offer dynamic, impactful, and high-quality cultural events and projects.”
Despite the introduction of admission charges for visitors, St Giles’ said it would remain an inclusive space where people of all faiths and none are welcome to worship, seek sanctuary and participate in the life of the High Kirk of Scotland.
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