This light and easy-going eight were installed in 1987, using bells formerly from St Stephen's in West Ealing. It hosts an active band, with regular recruitment and training - supplying two of the Tartan Spartans that entered the National Youth Striking Competition last year.
Getting there
The tower is reasonably accessible by public transportation:
Number | Departs | Stops at | Distance/time to Cathedral |
1, 2, X40 | Union St | King Street (St Machar roundabout) | 0.4miles, 8 mins |
20 | Union St | High Street (Town House) | 0.2 miles, 4 mins |
19 | Union St | Bedford Road (Zoology Department) | 0.4miles, 8 mins |
60, 61, 62, 63, 67 & 68 | Bus Station | King Street (St Machar roundabout) | 0.4miles, 8 mins |
Parking is available in The Chanonry all around the Cathedral. It is pay and display Mon-Fri 8-4pm and costs 50p per hour
Facilities
There are toilets in the church in the choir vestry at the bottom of the tower. There are other toilets in the Cathedral/Gatehouses but this is the main one.
Food and Drink
The University cafes are no longer open to the public. However, there are other options nearby. There is a Co-op/Scotmid/Spar and a J G Ross Bakery and tea shop on St Machar's roundabout. There is a Mini-Tesco at the Esso petrol station on King Street (turn right at St Machar Roundabout). The nearest restaurants would be at The Northern Hotel on Great Northern Road or the Brig 'O Don on Kings Street (turn left at St Machar Roundabout). Nearest Pubs would be the St Machar Bar in the High Street and The Bobbin on King Street next to the Tesco/Petrol Station.
Accessibility
The bells are up a short but well-maintained spiral staircase.
Interesting Facts
In 1568, William Birnie, an Edinburgh burgess, removed the lead from St Machar’s along with the bells (not included in his commission). The cargo was loaded on his ship at Aberdeen and the ship set sail for Holland. The overloaded ship capsized and sank off Girdleness with the loss of all hands, including William Birnie. Moray never got his money and was killed just two years later, in January 1570.
Look out for the stained glass located within the ringing chamber!
Ringing Tour E - St Andrews and Aberdeen
An east coast tour, including the rare St Mary's, Aberdeen.
10.30-11.30 | St Andrews |
15.00-16.00 | Aberdeen, St Mary |
16.30-17.30 | Aberdeen, St Machar |
Event Properties
Event Date | 27-05-2017 10:30 am |
Event End Date | 27-05-2017 5:30 pm |
Registration Start Date | 08-02-2017 |
Cut off date | 14-05-2017 11:55 pm |
Individual Price | Free |