Cathedral of The Isles

The Cathedral of the Isles stands on the Isle of Cumbrae in North Ayrshire. It is a Category A listed building of the Scottish Episcopal Church and serves as one of the two cathedrals for the Diocese of Argyll and the Isles. The other cathedral in the diocese is St John’s Cathedral in Oban. The current Provost is David Railton, who also serves as Bishop of Argyll and the Isles. The cathedral was commissioned by George Boyle, the 6th Earl of Glasgow, and designed by the Gothic Revival architect William Butterfield. The cathedral is the tallest structure on Great Cumbrae and holds the distinction of being the smallest cathedral in the British Isles. Its tower rises 37 metres, three times the height of the 12-metre nave. The stained glass windows were created by William Wailes and Hardman & Co., while the organ was built by Philip Wood and installed in 2004. The entrance porch displays a collection of Celtic crosses excavated on the island during Victorian times. The organist, Alastair Chisholm, was awarded a BEM in 2016 for his contributions to music and culture. Surrounding the cathedral are formal gardens and woodland, providing a peaceful setting. The former theological college, now the College of the Holy Spirit, operates as a retreat house open to the public. The college building has housed various religious communities over the years, including nuns from the Community of St Andrew of Scotland and the Community of Celebration Christian Trust. The cathedral’s history reflects its evolving role, from a collegiate church to a place of worship and retreat.