Churches and Cathedrals in Airth

"The Canongate Kirk is a relatively simple building at the bottom of the Royal Mile. The church has many royal connections: in 1952, recently crowned Queen Elizabeth II was the first reigning monarch to visit while her granddaughter, Zara Philips, married here in 2011. Take a look at the coats of arms on the front two pews - these are the Royal Pew and the Castle Pew, reserved for visitors from the Royal family or Edinburgh Castle."

"The modest Canongate Kirk was built in 1688 and completed three years later. It was founded for the residents of Canongate that had previously worshipped in the Abbey Church, until King James II converted the Church into a Chapel for the Order of the Thistle. Since the church is very bare, with practically no statues or paintings, the most eye-catching aspect of the temple is its blue benches on a maroon coloured carpet."

"Address: Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH1 2EP, Scotland, UK Tel: +44 (0)131 229 1142 St. Cuthbert's stands alongside the West Princes Street Gardens and just up from the Royal Lyceum Theatre, where it was built on the remains of six previous historic churches. Visitors will be able to admire a stunning marble pulpit, colourful stained-glass windows, war memorials and an Italian Renaissance-style interior."

"Situated at the foot of the Castle and nestled amidst its churchyard and an abundance of greenery is St Cuthbert’s. It is widely believed that a church has been standing in this spot since 850 AD, making it technically Edinburgh’s oldest building. The architecture and decoration of the church is particularly ornate, which made it a source of some controversy when it was first designed."

"Address: 28 Manor Place / Palmerston Place, Edinburgh, EH12 5AW, Scotland, UK Tel: +44 (0)131 225 6293 Designed by George Gilbert Scott, the Cathedral Church of St. Mary the Virgin is located on the western side of the city centre. Construction of the cathedral began in 1874 and whilst the nave was opened just five years later, the twin spires on its western side were not actually completed until 1917. Highlights include impressive neo-Gothic architecture, well-preserved stained-glass windows, murals and an outstanding art collection, as well as daily choral services."

"St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral is a short walk from Princes Street towards Haymarket. Its spires are visible from most places in Edinburgh, especially looking west from Princes Street. Not only does this cathedral offer a place of stillness in the bustling Scottish capital, there are also opportunities such as learning to be a stonemason in the Cathedral Workshop or a Cathedral Chorister at St Mary’s Music School."

"The neo-Gothic St. Mary's Cathedral is a striking building set in large grounds. Designed by George Gilbert Scott, it was consecrated in 1879. St. Mary's is the largest ecclesiastical building to be built in Scotland since the Reformation."

"Address: East London Street, Edinburgh, EH7 4BL, Scotland, UK Mansfield Place Church is to be found within the New Town area, standing close to the bus depot and the King George V Park. Built in 1872 by Robert Rowand Anderson, this old church has had many uses over the years and once even functioned as a nightclub. Today, it is owned by the Mansfield Traquair Trust, a conservation group who have actively restored the building over a number of years."

"Address: 61 York Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3JD, Scotland, UK Tel: +44 (0)131 556 1798 This popular Roman Catholic church dates back to 1814, being designed by James Gillespie Graham. Each month on the third Tuesday, look out for the organ and choir recitals. The adjacent Cafe Camino provides a rather tempting menu, offering bacon sandwiches, freshly made soup, lunchboxes for children, a choice of beverages (including coffee, tea, wine, beer and cider) and tubs of locally produced ice cream."

"St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral, originally called the Chapel of St Mary’s, held its first masses in August 1814. The Cathedral houses the National Shrine of St Andrew, Scotland’s patron saint, and even has an underground passage leading to a priest’s house in York Place. It wasn’t until the 1970s that passers by could see the Cathedral in its full splendor when tenements in front of the building were demolished."

"The interior is large as original except for the modern stained glass window by Christian Shaw. Barnton StreetStirling FK8 1HFTel: +44(0)1786 471400Sunday service: 11.00. Website - Viewfield Church"

"Supposedly on the site of an earlier chapel, the church was erected in 1909-1910 to a design by McLuckie & Walker. Art nouveau Gothic in style and constructed in local Polmaise stone. 14 Woodside CtCambusbarron,Stirling,FK7 9PH01786 450579"

"This category A listed church dates from 1875/6, it was designed by one of Scotlands most prolific architects of the time, Sir Robert Rowan Anderson. In 1920 Sir Robert Lorimer was commissioned to convert the east end of the north chapel. This chapel has many interiors of note, in particular, fine examples of stained glass windows mostly from the twentieth century, but some that were transferred from the church's original building in Barnton Street Stirling."

"Best for Incredible views of the city’s most famous landmark In a nutshell Also known as The Caledonian, this large red sandstone building at the west end of Princes Street first opened in 1903. It was originally a railway hotel, and while the Princes Street Station it was next to no longer exists, you can see part of the original concourse in The Peacock Alley — the hotel’s lounge area. After a £24 million refurbishment in 2011 it became part of the Waldorf Astoria collection and today is one of several historic five-star hotels in the city.Don’t miss Some of the rooms have dramatic views towards Edinburgh Castle which is located less than 200m away."

"The exterior of grande dame Waldorf Astoria - the Caledonian. (Waldorf Astoria - the Caledonian). This historic railway grand dame was first built in 1903 before being swallowed by the Hilton empire, but don’t let that put you off."

"If you are a fan of Elemis spa treatments, PURE Spa is the one for you!. The contemporary design of the spa is sophisticated and relaxing, with a brilliant relaxation room where you can completely unwind after your treatment and enjoy some complimentary fruit juice. Here in Edinburgh, we are lucky to have 3 amazing locations where you can experience a PURE Spa; Lothian Road, Rose Street & Newhaven."

"This award winning family run bakery has three other outlets in Edinburgh, and is a popular spot for afternoon tea. Serving up a selection of homemade cakes, it’s also a good lunch spot especially if you can grab an outside table on a warm day. Photo: Mimi's Bakehouse"

"Good news for vegans out there, Mimi’s Little Bakehouse offers vegan cakes!. Aside from the traditional cakes, the shops also create cupcakes, traybakes, and brownies so you would have wider option to choose from."

"No visit to Stirling would be complete without a visit to our very own Abbey Craig restaurant. With floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto beautiful woodland, our restaurant boasts some of the prettiest views of our stunning 330-acre grounds. A firm favourite with both residents and local visitors, our restaurant offers a wonderfully bright and welcoming eating area that you’re sure to love morning, noon and night."

"Loudons may seem like your average eatery from the outside but they have a speciality - and it’s homemade pancakes!. We’re talking everything from American style with layered bacon and baked banana topped with maple syrup, to the healthier, savoury superfood pancakes that are packed with lentils, veg and delicious garlic pea chutney. Located in Fountainbridge, it is the perfect location for a leisurely walk down the canal to digest your food, with a takeaway coffee in hand."

"Loudons is one of Edinburgh’s multi-award-winning cafes and is well known as one of the best places for brunch in the capital. Their mission is to cater to everyone, so whether you are a meat-eater, vegan, dairy, or gluten-free – you will be sure to find something delicious for you to enjoy!. They have a wide variety of stunning brunch options, with an epic 13 types of Bennys – all served on their homemade English muffin with herb salad!"

"Loudons is a stylish, spacious café in Fountainbridge that's ideal for getting some work done, or just relaxing on one of the comfy couches. They offer home-made breakfasts and cake, with gluten-free and dairy-free choices too. Their cooked breakfasts also come with a choice of brown and gluten-free bread."