Cathedral’s warm welcome named the best in Scotland!

It’s official - the warm welcome at St Magnus Cathedral is the best in Scotland!

The Cathedral was shortlisted in the National Church Awards hosted by the National Churches Trust, and yesterday (24 October) won the “Open for Visitors” (Scotland) Award 2022 at a ceremony in Mercers’ Hall in London hosted by Hugh Dennis.

The judges from Visit England, St Pauls Cathedral and the National Churches Trust were very impressed with the “organised and professional approach to tourism with a great welcome, heartfelt interpretation of stories and architecture and a good foundation of partnership working with local stakeholders”.

Head Custodian/Visitor Services Officer Fran Flett Hollinrake was at the ceremony to receive the prize.

She said: “The Cathedral is an extraordinary site and we have a duty to keep it alive by making it accessible and relevant to as many people as possible. Our team and partners work hard to do that, and it’s such a joy to see that rewarded today.”

The Chair of the Council’s Education, Housing and Leisure Committee, Councillor Gwenda Shearer, said: “Many congratulations to the staff at the Cathedral for this is testament to their hard work and diligence in ensuring everyone who walks through the magnificent entrance is given a welcome they won’t forget.

“We are so proud of our cathedral, and this is yet another deserving feather in its cap. The Council manages the Cathedral on behalf of the people of Orkney and we, as councillors, take pride in ensuring the building remains a must-see for those who visit and a comforting old friend for those who live here.”

The Cathedral was one of ten finalists in the category.

The awards by the National Churches Trust recognise churches that make a particular effort to welcome a wide variety of users and visitors from near and far and share in their history and heritage.

For more information on the awards see National Church Awards 2022 | National Churches Trust)

Find more on the Cathedral https://www.stmagnus.org/