Thistle Chapel

The Thistle Chapel is a chapel space within St Giles' Cathedral featuring Gothic-style architecture with detailed stone work. The vaults display intricate ribs, carved bosses, and stained glass windows showing heraldic and figurative designs.

The chapel was commissioned in 1906 following a donation from the sons of the Earl of Leven and completed by architect Robert Lorimer in 1911. Its Gothic style was chosen to harmonize with the surrounding medieval cathedral structure.

The chapel serves as a ceremonial home for the Order of the Thistle, where members gather to continue Scottish chivalric traditions. Personal crests and helms of the knights adorn individual stalls throughout the space.

The chapel is accessed through a low-vaulted vestibule located at the east end of the Preston aisle within St Giles' Cathedral. The entrance is straightforward to find and easy to explore alongside the wider cathedral space.

Among the detailed decorations are carved stone angels playing bagpipes, a rare artistic touch. These playful musical figures add a charming local character to the sacred space.

Location: City of Edinburgh

Part of: St Giles' Cathedral

GPS coordinates: 55.94944,-3.19083

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:55