St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, located on Palmerston Place in Edinburgh’s West End, is a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic architecture. It serves as the mother church of the Diocese of Edinburgh and is the only cathedral in Scotland to maintain a tradition of daily choral worship.
Designed by the renowned English architect Sir George Gilbert Scott, the cathedral was consecrated in 1879. It is one of only three cathedrals in the United Kingdom to feature three spires, with the central spire reaching a height of 90 metres, which makes it the tallest building in the Edinburgh urban area. The building was funded by a bequest from sisters Barbara and Mary Walker, and its western spires—completed in the early 20th century—are affectionately nicknamed after them.
The cathedral is a Category A listed building and forms part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site. Its interior houses significant artistic contributions, including stained glass by Eduardo Paolozzi and a rood cross by Robert Lorimer. In the grounds, you will find the 17th-century Old Coates House and the Song School, which contains murals painted by Phoebe Anna Traquair between 1888 and 1892.
 
Interesting facts...
When the foundation stone was laid on May 21, 1874, a bottle was placed inside it as a permanent time capsule. This container held a trust deed, a collection of contemporary coins, and a newspaper from the time (its still there today)
The competition to select an architect was notoriously controversial, involving accusations of favouritism and plagiarism among the six shortlisted candidates. To ensure a fair process, Sir George Gilbert Scott submitted his winning design under the clever, anonymous motto “Auld Lang Syne,” which ultimately secured the project despite the local pushback against choosing an English architect.