Royal Mail today (5 November) announced that St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh, will feature on the Second Class stamp for its Christmas Special Stamps in 2024.

The 2024 Christmas stamps feature original illustrations of cathedrals across the UK – the remaining four set being: Liverpool; Armagh; Bangor; and Westminster.

The stamps were illustrated by Penzance-based, British artist, Judy Joel, whose popular paintings have been sold worldwide over the last 50 years.

The Very Revd John Conway, Provost of St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh said: “It is an honour for our wonderful Cathedral to feature on the stamp this Christmas. George Gilbert Scott’s magnificent building continues to inspire and amaze its many visitors, as well as those who are fortunate to call it their spiritual home. Cathedrals are never more alive than at Christmas, and the painting featured on the stamp conjures those special moments. We look forward to welcoming the people of Edinburgh and beyond, to our celebrations once again this Christmas.”

David Gold, Director of External Affairs and Policy at the Royal Mail said: “We are delighted that St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Edinburgh, features on our Special Christmas Second Class stamp. Cathedrals are a hugely significant part of our cultural heritage and play an important role in local communities. They also offer space for peaceful reflection and a bit of an escape from the challenges of daily life, which can be especially important at Christmas.”

George Gilbert Scott’s neo-Gothic design for St Mary’s Cathedral was the winner of an architectural competition for a new cathedral, and the Cathedral was built between 1874 and 1879.

Since its earliest days, St Mary’s has been synonymous with a vibrant choral tradition, and today it remains the only place in Scotland to hold regular mid-week and Sunday choral services. It is open every day as a place of prayer, sanctuary, peace and silence and over the Advent and Christmas period expects over a thousand people to attend services and events.