Church of Scotland Offices

The Church of Scotland Offices stand in Edinburgh’s New Town at 121 George Street. The main building was designed by Sydney Mitchell in a Scandinavian-influenced style and completed in 1911 for the United Free Church of Scotland. After the union of churches in 1929 the offices served the newly united Church of Scotland. A smaller matching extension was added in the 1930s on the east side, while 123 George Street was later absorbed into the complex. The site includes a chapel near the main entrance and a staff canteen below ground. Inside, the building houses the offices of the Moderator, Principal Clerk, General Treasurer, Law Department and all church councils. Only the Social Care Council remains outside the city centre at Charis House. The Facilities Management Department looks after the premises. The title ‘church offices’ is always used rather than ‘headquarters’. Plans to relocate have been discussed but no proposals have been put to the General Assembly. Visitors find a quiet urban setting in Edinburgh’s New Town. The main entrance leads past the chapel to the reception area. The 1930s extension contains a ground-floor bookshop open to the public. The staff canteen is not open to visitors. The surrounding streets of the New Town provide cafés and shops for those visiting the offices.