Also known as “The Light of the North” this is the oldest Cathedral in Scotland and the most northern in the United Kingdom. Originally Roman Catholic built during the islands rule of the Norse Earls of Orkney. It’s believed the foundations stone was laid on the 13th of December 1137. It is also uniquely owned by the people of Orkney, set in the heart of Kirkwall and open to all.

The Cathedrals founder was Earl Rognvald, who built it in honour of his uncle St Magnus.

St Magnus had been murdered as instructed by his brother Haakon, who had become jealous of Magnus’s popularity as they struggled to rule over Orkney together peacefully. A meeting was agreed in Egilsay, both had agreed to arrive with 2 ships of equal crew. Magnus kept to the agreement while Haakon arrived with 8 ships. Magnus did suspect treachery was amiss and sought prayer alone in the local church. Haakon and his men hunted Magnus down during prayer. Magnus made three offers to keep the peace, to be banished to Rome, to go into custody in Scotland or to be maimed and imprisoned. Haakon agreed to the later but as Magnus knelt down for prayer Haakon ordered his chef Lifolf to kill Magnus. As Magnus prayed for his murderers and forgave them for their acts in advance, he was dealt the fatal blow across his head.

Both Saint Magnus and Saint Rognvald’s relics are encased in two of the pillars of the cathedral.