This is a hidden gem in the Cowgate area, it is tucked away and often overlooked which is a shame…read morebecause it's such a historical building with fantastic treasures inside including the pre reformation stained glass window still intact, the deacons chair, the 200 year old chandelier and the mortuary table where martyrs where taken after execution to be dressed in their grave clothes. In the 19th century the famous preacher Thomas Guthrie preached at this chapel. The chapel is small but mighty with the wall to wall gold inscribed panels of gifts and legacies displayed. As you would expect the chapel is old and dusty and historically authentic, however I think little tweaks could be made to the appearance of the chapel, although stunning it could go a bit further in the authenticity by maybe removing the chairs so there is more space making the platform instantly stand out. the carpet to show the original floorboards and definitely uncovering the tomb of Janet Rynd by removing the carpet and making that a bit more of a spectacle but apart from a few minor things to be improved upon, we loved our visit and Allan was so welcoming and friendly and knowledgeable and he really made our visit all the more interesting. The best way to arrange a visit is to call or email or Facebook message (which I did) beforehand because the chapel isn't always open due to it not being that busy but if you let them know you wish to visit they will be more than happy and grateful to oblige. This is definitely a must see when in the grassmarket Cowgate area or before/after visiting greyfriers kirkyard. Don't hesitate!

The Magdalen Chapel is one of the oldest chapels in Edinburgh, build in the late 1500's and located…read morenear Cowgate and not far from Grassmarket. It is not normally open to the public and has strict opening hours, but during Edinburgh Festival season in August I had the chance to free entrance and a wee look around. I believe that they also hold mass so that anybody can join. It is very small inside and you can easily get claustrophobic. There is a room with wood panels, amazing colorful glass windows and kind of grave "stones" (I would not call it stone, but rather made out of wood, engraved with names of many....) Nowadays it is the Headquarter for the Scottish Reformation Society, but its origins lie with being founded as a catholic worshiping place. If you are nearby, have a look and learn about the religious past.

It's the church & cemetery along Canongate as you're heading up the Royal Mile from the Palace of…read moreHolyroodhouse. You'll spot it right away when you see the statue of the young Scottish poet, Robert Fergusson. The statue is popular. You'll see people taking pictures with it as they are posed walking along side of it. The cemetery has some very notable historical figures buried there (including the poet). It's where you will find the grave of Adam Smith. He's the guy you learned about when studying economics. He's cited with founding free-market competition, and capitalism. He was also a philosopher. You'll see him again later in the form of a statue when walking up to St. Giles Cathedral. There's also an area where the murdered David Rizzio is supposedly buried. He was the secretary to Mary, Queen of Scots who was rumored to be her lover. So much drama! I'm guessing that's why it's one of the ghost tour stops even though it's the palace that is said to be haunted by his ghost since he was originally buried there. Hey, it was a gruesome murder! It's just one of many things to see along the Royal Mile. Oh, and don't forget to stop at Dunbar's Close Garden which is right next door to it.

Canongate church is something different with the lovely pale blue woodwork giving the church a…read moremodern and fresh look. This church is special also for being a favourite of the royal family, where lady Zara and Mike Tindall married and the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh have visited numerous times, there are even specific royal pews adorned with a crown sceptre and a lovely stained glass window dedicated to the royal Scot's regiment. The kirkyard is great too where you will find the likes of Adam smith, Poet Robert Fergusson, Mrs Agnes Maclehose also known as Robert burns 'Clarinda' and a memorial to Mary Queen of Scot's secretary David Rizzio who was brutally murdered. So all in all this is a great place to visit when on the Canongate!

St. Giles' Cathedral, also known as Edinburgh's High Kirk or Church, is one of the most remarkable…read morelandmarks in the Royal Mile, a jaw-dropping Gothic temple of great historical importance and, of course, a must-visit if you're in town. You can't really miss St. Giles Cathedral when you are walking on Royal mike, its looming presence in the Old Town of Edinburgh means its visible from all over the city. St Giles' Cathedral is the largest of Edinburgh's Old Town churches, and sits right on the Royal Mile at the heart of the medieval city. One of Scotland's most important medieval buildings the current structure was begun in the 14th century and has been a centre of Scottish historical events ever since. St. Giles' cathedral was always a hub for urban life, both as a place of worship in Edinburgh and as a cultural symbol for Scotland. The church also has a large stained glass window commemorating Robert Burns, Scotland's national poet, above the main entrance on the west side of the building The Cathedral is free to enter with donations welcome

Another must-visit location in Old Town Edinburgh - we stopped by after visiting the Castle and had…read morea magical experience. While walking along the aisles and pews and enjoying the stained glass windows, exceptional masonry, gothic architecture and the magnificent vaulted Scottish blue ceiling, the most haunting melodies floated towards us from the far end of the cathedral. It was a choir of young ladies, singing the most beautiful songs. We stayed rooted to where we were, then started making our way towards them. The singing went on for several minutes, and we quietly listened, adding another special memory to our family's trip to Scotland.

St. Cathrine's Argyle church is an evangelical church of Scotland, located in the beautiful Grange…read morearea in Newington. It serves the local community and strives at creating a warm and family Christian atmosphere with a variety of readings and studies for young people and their parents. Pop onto their website to find out the recent activities planned, you will be surprised by the number of items on their agenda. A good place to meet coming Easter too.

My local church and where I used to help out with a guide pack…read more This church has been central to my life for a long time and helps out the community in many ways, including childrens groups such as brownies and guides. Taking children away on trips, which is excellent in a council estate! Day help of the elderly as well as groups!

Have added my photo, Drylaw Church at Night, which came 3rd in a competition on theme of churches…read more16/03/2012 on FUJI site

Before you read this review you should know a couple of things. I'm not a church going man. Quite…read morethe opposite. Not that I have a problem with religion, but it's just not for me. So I'm not reviewing this as a place to worship, but as a music venue. During the Fringe Pilrig St. Paul's put gigs on in the intimate 100 seater venue in the church hall, which they call 'Pilrig Studio'. And what a place to watch music. If you've ever been to the Oran Mor in Glasgow you'll know what I'm talking about. Music takes on an ethereal, other-worldly quality in a place like this. They also put various plays on. This year sees the return of the brilliant American High School Theatre Festival, among others. Well worth a visit, even if it's just to take in the surroundings.

My mother is a member of the church and goes a lot…read more There services fill early so if you every plan or going you need to get in early. There are Sunday Services at 6.30 Tuesday Clairvoyant Service at 7.30pm with Wednesday 7.30pm Meditation and Healing. On Friday there is either 2.30pm Clairvoyance and Special Evenings of Clairvoyance start at 7.30pm I have been twice and there is always a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Not everyone that goes are believers nor do they need to be. It offers its support to all walks of life if you come once and never again or if you come every week. By all means check it out if the mood takes you.

A chapel surrounded by mystic believes and connected to secret organisations!…read more You might have heard of the Freemasons or the Templar's or the Sinclair family, possibly connected to the Holy Grail and Christ. Rosslyn Chapel was considered to be a hiding place for certain relics like the Holy Grail and the Sinclair's might be connected by blood as descendants of Jesus Christ. Having read the Da Vinci code, of course I wanted to see the chapel. Unluckily it was a dull day and the chapel was surrounded by scaffolding, which took away anything mystical about this place. It was just a building site. Inside, yes it's nice, but nothing special. Having said this, I liked the colorful glass windows and the ceiling architecture . We went down to the underground vaults and it was interesting. I tried to imagine the fascination and history of this place, but somehow I failed drastically. I think the cause were the masses of people occupying the place. Hope that next time when going there, I will like it more. Never dismiss second chances.

Wonderful chapel... Free Masons, Knights Templar...Grail?…read moreA great adventure!