The continuing care of the Cathedral's fabric is shared by the congregation, the Diocese and a company of Friends.

The Society of Friends of St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral was founded in 1959 by Provost Reginald Foskett with Forbes Ormiston as Secretary. Membership is open to all and Friends are resident in many parts of the world. Whether Friends live near or far from Edinburgh, they help the Cathedral to maintain its witness and worship. Their prayers, interest and financial support play an important part in the Cathedral's corporate life. Funds raised by the Friends are devoted to beautifying the building, improving the amenities or enriching the furnishings, but it would be wrong to suppose that the Friends are concerned only with material things. They are also interested in promoting a proper understanding of the functions of a Cathedral and an appreciation of the Cathedral choral tradition.

The Friends receive regular mailings from the Hon Secretary, and the AGM, which is held in June, provides an opportunity to meet socially, attend Evensong and listen to a speaker on a topical Cathedral issue. The Executive, elected at the AGM, progresses the work of the Friends.

Recently the Friends have paid for the Music and Song School Appeal brochure; donated £5,000 to launch the 1995 Organ Restoration Appeal; donated the four external notice boards as their centenary gift, as well as many other small gifts. They have supported the witness of the Cathedral in their prayers, and visited other Cathedrals and places of interest. The Friends are currently investigating how they might attract the interest of younger Friends. For more information, please contact the Hon Secretary, Revd Canon Norman Wickham, via the Cathedral Office.