St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall, Orkney Mainland, Scotland

St Magnus Cathedral has stood in Kirkwall for over 800 years. It is an atmospheric, intimate building rather like a red sandstone version of Durham Cathedral; the appearance of its chancel is the result of a prolonged restoration campaign which began in 1913 and was not completed until 1930. During the building works medieval tiles were found in the chancel, which provided a justification for its retiling - the new appearance was not initially popular with local people, but apparently they were won over eventually! The tiles, manufactured by Craven Dunnill, have a definite Celtic feel to their designs, and a selection of photographs, taken in various parts of the chancel, is shown here; the most decorative tend to be at the very east end of the Cathedral, which is now behind the position of the altar. Along with the tiles, interesting stained glass and a collection of fascinating carved sandstone tomb slabs make this a wonderful place to visit.