make a donation

Every subscription and donation directly supports the care, conservation and development of St Magnus Cathedral.

Caring for the Cathedral. Together.

Established 1958 · Kirkwall, Orkney

Join the Friends

make a donation

Every subscription and donation directly supports the care, conservation and development of St Magnus Cathedral.

About the Friends

The Society of The Friends of St Magnus Cathedral (SCIO) is a charitable organisation dedicated to supporting the continuing care and life of the cathedral in Kirkwall.

The Cathedral belongs to the people of Orkney under the custodianship of Orkney Islands Council. The Friends work with The Council and other interested parties to achieve our purpose.

Supporting preservation of the cathedral’s fabric and fittings
Enhancing the welcome for visitors and worshippers
Promoting understanding of the cathedral’s history and heritage

The nave seen from above, with its round arches

Where Faith, History and Community Meet

Why St Magnus Cathedral Matters

St Magnus Cathedral is one of Orkney’s most remarkable buildings – a place of prayer, reflection and remembrance for local people, and a place of discovery for visitors from around the world.

Its distinctive red sandstone, medieval architecture and rich Norse and Scottish history make it a building of national and international significance, as well as a living church at the heart of Kirkwall.

Stained glass window in the cathedral, lit from behind

A place of worship

Regular services, music and quiet reflection.

A place of worship

A spiral stair inside the cathedral walls

A place of heritage

Stories of St Magnus, the Earls and the people of Orkney across the centuries.

A place of heritage

The cathedral silhouetted against a sunset

A place of community

Concerts, festivals and civic events that bring people together.

Link

What Your Support Achieves

By becoming a Friend or making a donation, you help safeguard the cathedral’s fabric and support projects that keep it open, welcoming and inspiring.

The Save St Magnus Appeal

When the west end of the Cathedral was at risk of structural collapse in the 1970s, the Friends launched a major appeal that raised around £300,000, enabling vital works that safeguarded the building for generations to come.

The Vestibule

For a century a wooden lobby stood inside the west door, hiding the arch behind it. The Friends paid for the oak and glass vestibule that replaced it, so the arch can be seen again.

Every contribution, large or small, plays a part in preserving St Magnus Cathedral as a living place of faith and heritage.

Become a Friend

Membership of the Society is open to anyone who cares about St Magnus Cathedral and wishes to support its future. Friends come from Orkney, across Scotland and around the world, united by their affection for this remarkable building.

Join the Friends

make a donation

Every subscription and donation directly supports the care, conservation and development of St Magnus Cathedral.

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