Palmerston Place Church of Scotland
Edinburgh
Constructed in the early 1870s when Edinburgh architects Peddie & Kinnear may have sought inspiration for the facade from the Parisian church of Saint-Sulpice. This B-listed church has a surprisingly lofty and beautiful amphitheatre interior, with Peterhead marble columns supporting arches around a clerestory window. A major refurbishment took place in the early 1990s with the removal of the central section of wooden pews and a Wells Kennedy Organ, built in 1992, incorporated into the Oak Case of the original 1902 organ.
The Palmerston Place Church building was opened for public worship on 25th May 1875 and has been a place of continuous Christian worship in the centre of Gorgie for over 150 years. Its flexible space is well-used by church and community groups.
The church has a long tradition for facilitating good music during worship and hosting concerts and rehearsal space. The Wells-Kennedy Pipe Organ was built in 1992 and refurbished in 2025; it continues to accompany worship singing and recitals. It is included in the “Organs of Edinburgh” book produced by the Edinburgh Society of Organists.
Activities:
As Gorgie and Palmerston Place Church is the product of several church unions, there will be a display of Christian heritage – Revive, resist, Reimagine.
Archive photographs with church members available for conversation about the how the church building continues to adapt for today’s community and church mission. There are self-guided tours of the building with volunteers on hand to assist.
Live music performances at various points on the Saturday. Pipe organ also played during Sunday worship.
Sunday morning worship service starts at 10:15am – visitors always welcome.
This year's Doors Open Days theme is Heritage at Risk: Revive, Resist, Reimagine. As Gorgie and Palmerston Place Church is the product of several church unions, there will be a display of Christian heritage – Revive, resist, Reimagine
Archive photographs with church members available for conversation about the how the church building continues to adapt for today’s community and church mission.
Digital Resources
Palmerston Place Church
Enjoy this specially-produced virtual tour through Palmerston Place Church and listen to the commentary as it guides you through the building’s history, from its construction to the present day.
Go on a virtual guided tour!Facilities
Additional Access Information
Free street parking where available in nearby streets on Sunday up to 12:30pm
Gallery
Key Information
No Booking Required.
Where to find us
Address
- Palmerston Place Church
- 12 Palmerston Place
- Edinburgh
- EH12 5AA