Scheduled MonumentsScotlandSt Machar's Cathedral and graveyard

St Machar's Cathedral and graveyard

Scotland
HES SM90001
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

St Machar's Cathedral is a medieval cathedral church located in Old Aberdeen, founded in the early twelfth century on a site of earlier Christian significance associated with Saint Machar, a legendary companion of Saint Columba. The surviving structure, predominantly dating from the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, is notable for its twin western towers and represents one of Scotland's few remaining granite cathedrals. The cathedral's graveyard contains burials spanning many centuries and preserves monuments of considerable historical and artistic value. The site remains a significant example of Scottish ecclesiastical architecture and continues to serve as an important record of Aberdeen's medieval and post-medieval history.

St Machar's Cathedral and graveyard is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM90001. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is St Machar's Cathedral and graveyard?

St Machar's Cathedral is a medieval cathedral church located in Old Aberdeen, founded in the early twelfth century on a site of earlier Christian significance associated with Saint Machar, a legendary companion of Saint Columba. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM90001.

Who is responsible for protecting St Machar's Cathedral and graveyard?

St Machar's Cathedral and graveyard is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic Environment Scotland — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Scotland. The official designation reference is SM90001.

What other scheduled monuments are near St Machar's Cathedral and graveyard?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Mote Hill, palisaded settlement and cairn (0.3 km), Aberdeenshire Canal, remains of, Station Road, Woodside, Aberdeen (1.7 km), Lang Stane,standing stone,Hilton Drive (1.7 km).

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