New cathedral vestibule complete

The transformation of St Magnus Cathedral’s west door vestibule is now complete, giving access through the main door for the first time in two years.

Moderator of the Church of Scotland, Lord Jim Wallace, will be performing a sermon in the Cathedral on Palm Sunday, April 11, and has been asked to give a short dedication, which will be followed by a blessing from Cathedral Minister, Reverend Fraser Macnaughton.

Custodian and visitor services officer, Fran Hollinrake, had the privilege of opening the main door on Tuesday morning.

“I was so delighted to be given the honour of unlocking the main entrance doors after two years’ closure due to COVID and the restoration works,” she said.

“The new vestibule has been signed off and means it is available for use so that everyone can enjoy this, not only practical new entryway, but also its magnificence.”

The restoration and the new vestibule have been made possible with funding from the Society of the Friends of St Magnus, and the work was carried out by local firm Casey Construction Ltd, under the watchful eye of the Cathedral’s Historic Buildings Conservator, Meredith Macbeth.

Elaine Grieve, chairwoman of the Society of the Friends of St Magnus Cathedral said: “The Cathedral is so precious that it is hard to contemplate making any changes for fear they won’t do the building justice.

“However, in this case, what an absolutely wonderful transformation the vestibule has made to the entrance of the building. The craftmanship is outstanding and we now have an addition which befits this treasured building loved by so many near and far.”

The Cathedral is managed by Orkney Islands Council on behalf of the people of Orkney.