About the Society of The Friends of St Magnus Cathedral (SCIO)
The Society of The Friends of St Magnus Cathedral (SCIO) is a dedicated group of people who contribute to the life of the cathedral through fundraising and practical support.
Our main purpose is to help secure the long‑term maintenance and development of St Magnus Cathedral so that it remains an inspiring place to visit and to worship, open and welcoming to all.
Supporting a living place of worship
Our Purpose
The Society exists to advance the education of the public concerning St Magnus Cathedral, and to use its best endeavours, where appropriate, to support the maintenance of the fabric of the building.
We do this in consultation with Orkney Islands Council, and always having regard to the Council’s responsibilities and obligations.
Support the cathedral as a place of Christian worship and as a building of religious, historical and architectural significance.
Raise and contribute funding, alone or alongside Orkney Islands Council and others, for projects connected with the cathedral.
Advance public education about the cathedral, and promote information about its history, architecture and music.
Encourage people to become Friends and to play a part in the cathedral’s future.
Sixty years of faithful support
Our Story
The Society of The Friends of St Magnus Cathedral (SCIO) was formed in 1958 when it became clear that additional funds would be required for the long‑term maintenance and development of the cathedral.
Since then, Friends from Orkney, across the UK and around the world have joined together in a shared love for this beautiful and ancient holy place.
Today the Society continues that vision, now as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), building on more than sixty years of faithful support.
Over £1.5 million raised
What We’ve Helped to Achieve
Over the last sixty years the Friends have contributed more than £1.5 million towards cathedral projects, from urgent structural work to improvements that enhance the experience of worshippers and visitors.
Renewing the Spire
The copper spire, erected in 1916, is the cathedral’s most distant signal. By 1990 its cladding was failing, and the Friends launched the appeal that paid for it to be renewed.
West Window and Stained Glass
The Friends have supported the installation of the great West Window, work on the south transept Rose Window and the continuing maintenance of stained glass, filling the cathedral with colour and light.
The Willis Organ
Built in 1925 by Henry Willis and Sons, the organ stands at floor level behind George Mackie Watson’s screen. The Friends have supported its care for a century of worship and concerts.
Sharing the Saga of St Magnus
The Society has sponsored film projects and related resources that tell the Saga of St Magnus, helping visitors and locals alike to explore the cathedral’s history in a vivid, accessible way.
Comfort and Welcome
Projects backed by the Friends include new internal and external lighting, a renewed sound system and the replacement of 700 chairs, enhancing comfort and clarity for services and events.
St Rognvald Chapel
In the 1960s the Friends funded the creation of a chapel dedicated to the cathedral’s founder, to designs by the artist Stanley Cursiter.
The “Save St Magnus” Appeal
When the west end of the cathedral was at risk of collapse in the 1970s, the Friends launched a major appeal that raised around £300,000, enabling vital structural work to safeguard the building.
Stonework and the Cathedral Mason
The cathedral is built of red and yellow sandstone that needs constant attention. In 2021 the West Front was repointed inside and out in lime mortar, matched by analysis to the original.
Every contribution, large or small, plays a part in preserving St Magnus Cathedral as a living place of faith and heritage.
Continuing care and access
How We Support the Cathedral Today
The Society continues to fund work that keeps St Magnus Cathedral open daily, enabling visitors to tour the building and benefit from the knowledge of cathedral custodians.
We also help support key roles at the cathedral, including the Curator and the Visitor Services Assistant, recognising the specialist skills required to care for a building of this age and significance.
As new needs emerge, the Friends are ready to contribute to projects that protect the building, improve facilities and enrich the experience of all who come through its doors.
Led by representatives of Orkney
Governance
The Society is managed by a Council of Members, which includes representatives of Orkney Islands Council, the cathedral congregation and independent members.
The Lord‑Lieutenant of Orkney serves as Chair of the Society, under the patronage of the Duke of Gloucester.
As a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), registered under Scottish Charity Number SC053983, the Society works within charity law and good governance practice to steward funds responsibly.
Who Can Become a Friend?
The Society welcomes as members all who care about the cathedral, whether their interest is in its history, architecture, music or active worshipping life.
Friends include Orcadians at home and abroad, and visitors from many countries who wish to help in the cathedral’s preservation and welfare.
By joining, you become part of a community that values this place of faith and heritage and wants to see it flourish in the years ahead.