THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS OF GLASGOW CATHEDRAL
WHO ARE WE?
The Society of Friends of Glasgow Cathedral was founded in 1936 by the Very Rev Dr Nevile Davidson and brings together people who are passionate about preserving the Cathedral for future generations. It is a non-denominational organisation run by volunteers.
WHAT DO WE DO?
Over the years the role of the Society has evolved according to the needs of the times. In the period before and after World War II, for example, the Friends embarked on a large-scale programme of interior renovations, particularly regarding the replacement of stained glass windows. Later projects included renovation of the Father Willis pipe organ, the restoration of chapels in the Lower Church and the commissioning and installation of the St. Kentigern Tapestry in the Lower Church, funded by the Robert Love Bequest.
The Society continues to contribute to the improvement of the fittings of the Cathedral in numerous ways, but its main activities today could be summarised as follows:
- organising a team of around forty volunteer guides who show visitors around the Cathedral
- running an ambitious annual festival with musical and artistic aspects
- publishing works on the history of the Cathedral, the most recent being “Where Mortal and Immortal Meet”, a collection of essays by eminent historians of the past and present, including some new research
- holding occasional historical lectures and outings to places of architectural significance
HOW CAN I JOIN?
If you would like to join the Society, please do not hesitate to contact the Honorary Membership Secretary, Dr. Andrew Ralston or the Honorary Secretary, Martin Robertson by selecting “Friends” from the dropdown as the reason for contacting us on the Contact form.
The annual subscription rates (unchanged for some years) are:
Single: £15 Family: £25 Concessions*: £ 10 (*Pensioners, Students, under 21) Members are entitled to purchase various publications on the Cathedral at a discounted price and from 2024 onwards, members will also receive a discount of tickets for events during the annual festival.