Bells have been rung as part of Christian ritual for centuries: they have summoned the faithful to worship since the 4th century, and the bells of St. Mary’s have done so since the Cathedral was opened in 1879.

 

The passing bell seeks prayers for someone passing to another life, and the tolling bell mourns their death.  Bells also celebrate joyous occasions: they announce Sunday morning Eucharist and the Cathedral bells also ring regularly for weddings and on special occasions such as the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

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We have a very fine peal of twelve bells, and are the only twelve-bell church-tower in Scotland; indeed, St Mary's has the most northerly twelve-bell church-tower in the world.  The St Mary’s bells are in the key of B; the smallest bell weighs just over six hundredweights, while the largest 'tenor' bell weighs a little over two tons.

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The bells are rung by members of the St. Mary’s Cathedral Society of Change Ringers.  The Society is responsible for maintaining the bells and ringing facilities in good working order, and providing tuition for those wishing to learn how to ring church bells.