23 Mar St Magnus Cathedral, Orkney Islands
Founded in 1137 and constructed from local red sandstone and yellow Eday stone, fabulous St Magnus Cathedral should not be missed. The powerful atmosphere of an ancient faith pervades the impressive interior. Lyrical and melodramatic epitaphs of the dead line the walls inside and emphasis the serious business of 17th and 18th century bereavement.
Earl Rognvald Brusason commissioned the cathedral in the name of his martyred uncle, Magnus Erlendsson who was killed by Earl Hakon Paulsson on Egilsay in 1117. Work began in 1137, but the building is actually the result of 300 of construction and alteration, and includes Romanesque, Transitional and Gothic styles.
St Magnus Cathedral is a hidden gem and worth a visit on your tours of Scotland.