The Cathedral
The Church of Saint Mary Assumed into Heaven is the principal Catholic church of the Diocese of Aberdeen and has served the city from Huntly Street since 1860.
Church of Saint Mary Assumed into Heaven
Opened in December 1860, the church was designed by Aberdeen architect Alexander Ellis. Its spire and bells were added in 1876–77 to a design by R. G. Wilson. In 1878 it became the Cathedral of the restored Diocese of Aberdeen.
The building has evolved with the worshipping community, including major interior simplification around its centenary in 1960.
Places to notice
Use these sections as an introduction when visiting. Please respect areas reserved for prayer.
Main & Side Entrances
The main entrance includes an engraved window of St John Ogilvie by David Gulland, installed in 1978. The Huntly Street side entrance gives weekday access to the church, the Ogilvie Centre and halls; above it stands a statue of Our Lady by Alexander Brodie.
Baptismal Font & Nave
The font’s position near the entrance recalls Baptism as entry into Christian life. In the nave, reliefs by Anne Davidson depict scenes from the Blessed Virgin Mary’s role in the life of Christ.
Lady Altar — Our Lady of Aberdeen
The Lady Altar is the diocesan shrine of Our Lady of Aberdeen. Its carved statue is a replica of the pre-Reformation image associated with the city, whose original is now in Brussels.
Stations of the Cross
The Stations on the north wall are mosaics by Gabriel Loire of Chartres, tracing Christ’s final journey from condemnation to burial.
Blessed Sacrament Shrine
The tabernacle reserves the Eucharist, marked by a continuously burning sanctuary lamp. This is a particular place of quiet prayer and adoration.
Sanctuary
The principal altar is made from Aberdeen granite. The sanctuary also contains liturgical artwork, an ambo for the proclamation of Scripture, and a rood depicting Christ with Mary and St John.
Organ & West Window
The organ, installed in 1887, is a notable instrument by James Conacher of Huddersfield. The west window depicts the mysteries of the Rosary and is best viewed from near the sanctuary.
City Patrons Shrine & Chapter Room
The City Patrons Shrine honours saints connected with Aberdeen and Scotland. Nearby, the Chapter Room is used by the Cathedral Chapter of Canons.
Other Catholic sites
Places of interest in and around Aberdeen include St Peter’s, the historic secret chapel associated with Provost Skene’s House, and sites in Old Aberdeen. Across the diocese, Pluscarden Abbey and Scalan are especially significant.
Help care for the Cathedral
The Cathedral depends heavily on the generosity of parishioners and visitors. Contributions help support worship, mission, maintenance and restoration.
Ways to give