Barclay Viewforth Church of Scotland, Edinburgh

While in Edinburgh don’t miss a visit to the Barclay Viewforth Church of Scotland, which you will find in the Tollcross are of the city.

This beautiful church is a fine example of the Gothic Revival style that characterizes the ancient buildings in Scotland. It was built by Frederick Thomas Pilkington in 1864 and its 76 metre-high spire is one of the tallest in Edinburgh.

The ground floor of the building has seating around a heart-shaped auditorium and there are two tiers of galleries overhead. In all the church seats up to 1200 people. The pulpit is made of marble and is placed under the organ pipes.

Construction was funded by Mrs Mary Barclay who left money in her will to the parish. Until 1900 the church was part of the Free Church of Scotland. With the unity of the churches it became part of the Church of Scotland.

The morning services are traditional with a sermon and a choir, but in the evenings the services are more modern and the music is often Gospel-Rock. A crèche has been added to look after small children whilst their parents are attending services. The church also has a film club, which meets once a month to show a film and hold a discussion about it afterwards.