Discover Inverness Cathedral’s rich history and stunning architecture with a fully guided tour that reveals the church’s pivotal role during the Scottish Reformation. Step inside this unique Highland landmark for an unforgettable cultural experience.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most visitors with basic mobility, as the tour involves moderate walking and standing.
Wildlife
History
The cathedral represents the revival of Scottish Episcopal worship post-Reformation, completed in the late 19th century.
Conservation
The cathedral operates with a focus on preserving its unique sandstone structure and maintaining sustainable visitor practices.
Inverness Cathedral, dedicated to St Andrew
Discover Inverness Cathedral’s rich history and stunning architecture with a fully guided tour that reveals the church’s pivotal role during the Scottish Reformation. Step inside this unique Highland landmark for an unforgettable cultural experience.
Inverness Cathedral, dedicated to St Andrew, is the principal cathedral in Inverness, Scotland. Designed by architect Alexander Ross and completed in the 19th century, the cathedral is noted for architectural influences drawn from Notre Dame and for its prominent stained glass windows. As a historic place of worship since 1866, the cathedral combines religious services with visitor experiences that highlight local heritage.
Visitors can choose from self-guided tours, guided tours, morning and evening prayer services, and a daily eucharist. Self-guided tours allow independent exploration of the nave, chancel and stained glass, while guided tours provide interpretation of the cathedral’s role through the Scottish Reformation and its later construction. Regular worship services offer opportunities for reflection and community participation in traditional liturgy.
The cathedral maintains a public presence as both a place of worship and a cultural landmark. Its staff and volunteers support educational visits, host guided interpretation, and preserve the building’s fabric and artworks. Accessibility information, opening times for services and tour details are provided on site and through visitor information channels in Inverness.
Located near the River Ness and central Inverness, the cathedral is a well-documented component of the city’s religious and architectural history. Scholars and visitors reference its 19th-century design, historic stained glass and dedication to St Andrew when studying ecclesiastical architecture in Scotland. Inverness Cathedral continues to welcome worshippers and visitors seeking spiritual encounters and historical insight.
Public information includes contact details, guided-tour schedules, and guidance for groups and researchers. It also supports local heritage education programs.
Tours Offered
5
Guided and self-guided options
Established
1866
Historic place of worship since 1866
Architecture
Alexander Ross
19th-century design with Notre Dame influence
Services
Daily
Morning, evening prayer and eucharist
Select a self-guided or guided tour, or attend morning or evening prayer and the daily eucharist — check visitor information for times and accessibility.
Wear comfortable shoes
The tour involves walking and standing on stone floors; sturdy, comfortable footwear helps with footing and comfort.
Photography restrictions apply
Respect the cathedral’s policies on photography during tours to preserve the sanctity and visitor experience.
Check tour times in advance
Guided tours run on set schedules; confirming times beforehand ensures you don't miss your slot.
Watch for uneven surfaces
Some areas have uneven stone steps and thresholds; take care to avoid trips or slips.
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive footwear ensures comfort during stone floor walking inside the cathedral.
Layered clothing
Temperatures inside can be cool, so layers help adjust comfort throughout the tour.
fall|spring|winter
Water bottle
Stay hydrated, especially if combining the tour with other outdoor activity in Inverness.
summer
Camera (without flash)
For capturing exterior shots of the cathedral’s architecture without disturbing the tour.