Recognising that its 100-year old existing church hall was badly in need of repair and renewal, the Kirk session decided that a new and exciting venture was called for.
After looking at a number of options it was decided to build a Centre which would serve the wider community as well as the Cathedral congregation. After an extensive and imaginative fund raising campaign involving the commitment and talent of the congregation, the necessary funds were successfully gathered and the project was completed.
The Modern St Magnus Centre now consists of a refurbished hall, top of the range kitchen, 3 meeting rooms, a study library, a visitor centre/souvenir shop with self-service cafe, and a private car park.
The Centre maintains its historic link with the Cathedral whilst providing space and facilities for a varied range of events from small local organisations to large corporate events.
We also provide a venue for the arts, from small art exhibitions, music/drama rehearsal to fully staged concerts.
A friendly, varied and remarkable building which, due to it’s off-street and quiet location, has been called “Kirkwall’s best kept secret”.
Facilities
A modern award winning building with space and facilities available for all ages and levels of mobility, which can provide a comfortable setting for all types of social activities and events, both large and small.
Visitor centre
A welcoming space which provides information and souvenirs for visitors to Orkney and the St Magnus Cathedral.
A 15 minute multi lingual film on the story of St Magnus and the history of the Cathedral is shown in the summer months. (April-October)
Main Hall
The original “Kirk hall” provides space for larger events: Concerts, presentations, celebrations, etc.
A 4kw PA system is available along with a stage and high quality projectors for presentations. Tables and chairs can be arranged to suit your preferred setup.
Popular setups and maximum capacity include:
- Theatre style in rows – 170 (without stage) and 150 (with stage)
- Seated at tables- 120 at 15 tables of 8 and 96 at 12 tables of 8 (with stage)
- Standing- 180 (with 50 chairs arranged around hall)
Kitchen
There is a fully equipped kitchen attached to the main hall via a serving hatch which can also be additionally hired alongside other rooms or indeed on its own.
All crockery, cutlery etc. is provided with the kitchen facilities.
Meeting rooms 1& 2
Our standard meeting rooms provide a quiet comfortable setting for smaller meetings and presentations/workshops.
Projectors/sound bar, WIFI connection for video conferencing & online presentations, flip charts and DVD screening facilities can be provided for these rooms.
Popular setups and maximum capacity include:
- Theatre style in rows with top table- up to 25
- Boardroom (around tables)-up to 16.
- Single table and chairs for interviews.
The “Friends” room
Our larger meeting room provides more space for a medium sized event.
Fixed Projector/sound bar, WIFI connection for video conferencing & online presentations ,flip charts and DVD screening facilities are available for this room.
Popular setups and maximum capacity include:
- Theatre style in rows with top table- up to 45.
- Boardroom (around tables)-up to 25.
Study Library
Incorporating an image in stained glass from the contemporary west window of the Cathedral, this room provides a quiet space for smaller meetings and interviews. It also is commonly used as a “waiting area” for larger events.
Popular setups and maximum capacity include:
- Boardroom (around tables) up to 6
- waiting area up to 8
