Dunkeld Cathedral grounds reopen to the public

The grounds were closed in February 2022 as a precaution after a potential safety risk from unstable masonry was identified. HES has been working with the Church of Scotland on a reopening plan and additional safety measures have been implemented to allow the grounds to reopen. Access to the Cathedral Nave and the Bell Tower is currently restricted until conservation works have been carried out. The part of the Cathedral which is used as the Parish Church, run by the Church of Scotland, is open again for visitors. 

Relics of St Columba - one of Scotland’s most important saints - were brought to a specially constructed church at Dunkeld from Iona in 849. The construction of Dunkeld Cathedral took 250 years to complete, beginning in the mid-1200s. 

Joyce Kitching, District Visitor and Community Manager at HES, said:

“I am delighted to welcome visitors back to the grounds of Dunkeld Cathedral.

The cathedral is a popular destination for locals as well as tourists and with the additional safety measures now in place, visitors can explore the grounds of this magnificent and ancient site."

Rev. Fraser Penny, Minister of Dunkeld Cathedral Parish Church, said:

“We are very grateful to HES for their help and are delighted the church has reopened to visitors again”. 

Dunkeld Cathedral grounds and Parish Church are open daily from 10am to 4pm in the winter (last entry 3.30pm). 

About Historic Environment Scotland (HES) 

• We are the lead public body charged with caring for, protecting and promoting the historic environment. We will lead on delivering Scotland’s first strategy for the historic environment, Our Place in Time.
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