About

Newcomers to St. Columba’s by the Castle often wax eloquent about the warmth and welcome they receive. At St. Columba’s one can expect quickly to feel embraced and drawn in by the easy hospitality of a warm and welcoming community. One can expect to be touched by a lovely sense of intimacy that feels very real. Whoever you are and wherever you are in your life, the people St. Columba’s strive to be radically welcoming, accepting and non-judgmental.

St. Columba’s is a progressive congregation worshipping in a mid-19th century Victorian Church located just off the Royal Mile in the centre of Edinburgh’s Old town. St. Columba’s is a gathered community, drawing people from throughout the city. It is a community that in many ways reflects the richness, vitality and diversity of Edinburgh.  Whoever we are, whoever we love and whatever we believe, we all find a welcome here.

The people gathered in St. Columba’s take worship very seriously without being stuffy or precious. A relaxed and informal atmosphere somehow co-exists with a deep sense of reverence before the mystery of God. There is robust singing, fervent praying and intelligent preaching.

We hope that in your own experience of St. Columba’s you find, as we have, an inclusive, mature, ever-evolving and lively spirit of community, devotion, and service.