The Kirk grounds

The Kirk’s grounds are open on a limited basis from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm every day

Please note that:

● Numbers will be restricted at busy times.
● Toilets are closed to the public.
● The Garden Room Cafe and Kirk are closed.
● You are asked to respect others and follow the social distancing guidance issued by the Scottish Government.

Jock Tamson’s Gairden
As an extension of our ministry, we have been developing the Glebe.
The Duddingston Glebe was traditionally the field where the minister could tether his horse and grow crops to augment his meagre stipend. Today our Glebe encompasses Dr Neil’s Garden and a four-acre field between the church garden and Duddingston Loch.
It is the vision of the Kirk Session to extend our base for mission out of our buildings and into this land. And, just like the Bible gardens of old, for us to have a place where people can encounter God in new ways.
Lizz Spence became our Glebe Project Worker in January 2016. She works alongside many volunteers at Duddingston to realise our vision. If you’d like to volunteer to help with this project, please contact Lizz .

We brought in an old tractor to plough the land ready for cultivation and we’ve started growing plants for sale. Progress in other areas of the Glebe Project: we now have a Peace Garden and have started planting a hedge.

Jock Tamson’s Gairden
In September 2020 part of the project became a separate trust: Jock Tamson’s Gairden. Information is available on their website here.

A Place of Peace
In April 2019 the Peace Path was officially opened by Tommy Sheppard MP.

It was created by pupils from Duddingston and Parson’s Green Primary Schools along with Glebe volunteers and other workers. All are welcome to visit the peace path and make a commitment to live a life which promotes peace.

You can read all about it here

Dove in the Peace Path
The Dove of peace in the Peace Path

Dr Neil’s Garden
In 1963, Drs Andrew and Nancy Neil started work developing a garden in a steep, rocky and overgrown part of the Glebe. They transformed it into an award-winning garden and the work they began has now been taken over by a trust.

The garden includes Thomson’s Tower and the Museum of Curling.

Jock Tamsons Gairden
A view of the Gairden