TRI-SERVICE CHARITIES SCOTLAND CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE
6pm – 7pm Wednesday 2nd December 2026
Canongate Kirk, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH8 8BN
You are cordially invited to come along to kick start the Festive Period.
Join The Reverend Neil Gardner alongside representatives of all three service charities in giving thanks for the
generosity and kindness of our amazing supporters.
Musical support will be provided by Choirs from the Fettes Prep School Edinburgh.
FREE ENTRY
No need to register and no need for tickets. Simply come along on the evening and join in the celebrations.
There will be retiring collection in aid of all three service charities. Your very kind donations will help our Navy, Army and Airforce personnel, veterans and their families. For Life.
Canongate Kirk: Military connection
It is said that the Canongate connection with Edinburgh Castle goes back to the twelfth century when the Abbey of the Holy Rood was first established by Canons of the Augustinian order already founded on the castle rock. To this day Edinburgh Castle remains part of the parish of Canongate and the Minister is Chaplain to the Governor, who has a pew in the Kirk.
As a result, Canongate Kirk is widely held to be the military church for Edinburgh. Historic connections with The Royal Scots and The King’s Own Scottish Borderers have led to the current designation as Regimental Kirk of The Royal Regiment of Scotland. The Kirk performs the same role for The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and The Scots Guards. Additionally, the War Memorial Chapel also contains the Roll of Honour of 603 Squadron which served with such distinction in the Battle of Britain. With its many sets of Regimental Colours hanging from the walls, the Kirk provides an appropriate setting for formal occasions held by all these units from time to time.
Sunday by Sunday, members of the congregation, many of whom have a military link themselves, are ready to welcome visitors from any military community. Not least those whose loved ones are currently serving in difficult and dangerous places.
