On Sunday 1st September 2019, exactly 150 years to the day, the Cathedral in Inverness, St. Andrew’s, marked the anniversary of 150 years of worship in the Cathedral with a celebration of Choral Evensong. Choral Evensong was sung by the Cathedral Choir, the music included, One thing have I desired of the Lord by Gordon Tocher, the Cathedral organist and the Responses by Smith and the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in Ab by Harwood. To complete the choral music the Anthem was Blessed city, heavenly Salem by Bairstow. The service also included one of the hymns that was sung at the very first Evensong in the Cathedral 150 years ago. The sermon was preached by the Most Revd Mark J Strange, the Bishop of the Diocese of Moray, Ross and Caithness and the Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church. People and clergy from congregations across the Diocese along with the Cathedral congregation and the Cathedral Chapter were joined by the city Provost Councillor Helen Carmichael, other representatives of the Council and representatives of the Lord Lieutenants as well as others representing local businesses and schools.

In eyewitness accounts of the services on 1st September in 1869 it was recorded that over 1200 people filled the cathedral for the momentous occasion.

As anticipated there was a good congregation as the cathedral celebrated 150 years of worship at the Cathedral.

In addition to this service other events continued throughout the year to mark the 150th Anniversary. A talk on the architect Alexander Ross took place on Saturday 7th September by Calum Maclead, Conservation Architect of MAAC Studios. The Cathedral participated in Doors Open Day and the Bell Tower was open. There was an Exhibition in the Lady Chapel of the Cathedral. 

The launch of our Volunteer & Staff Awards took place at a special Thanksgiving Service for our volunteers and Cathedral Staff on Sunday 8th December 2019.