Canongate Kirk and Kirkyard

Building work on Edinburgh’s famous Canongate Kirk began in 1688 and in its day it was quite unlike any building seen before in Scotland. It is the Church of Scotland parish kirk for Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament, so it plays a significant role in Scotland’s ecclesiastical life.

The Kirk building isn’t open for to visitors for Doors Open Days this year but you can read more about its fascinating history and architecture or view various historic film clips or enjoy a virtual wander around the graveyard itself with the immersive 360° tour below (kindly provided by Edinburgh’s Parks and Cemeteries department and Captured Realities).

If these digital resources leave you inspired to visit in person soon, the Kirk has also produced a webpage where you can download a map and a series of excellent short podcasts telling you all about the local worthies who are buried in its grounds.