Ss Ninian and Triduana

Introduction

Ss Ninian and Triduana in Edinburgh was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott in 1933 in Modern Scottish Gothic style. The church is a Category B listed building, added on 14/12/1970.

History

The original church was a wooden building at Kemp's Corner. The main body of the present church was built and formerly consecrated on 28th May 1933. The church was never completed to the original plan due to the outbreak of WW II. The church was extensively renovated in the mid-1990s, and a section of the nave was altered to serve as a hall. Monsignor Miley served the parish till his death in 1938.

Architecture and furnishings

The church has a nave, blind aisles with side chapels to centre, and is built of snecked Craigmillar rubble with Darney and Blaxter dressings. The church was unfinished, intended to have a large square central tower, external circular stair tower and E wing similar to W but longer and with clerestorey. The church was opened on 28 May 1933, with contractors Messrs J & R Watson. The interior has aisles arcaded with segmental pointed arches springing from stone piers with rounded ashlar half-column dressings, and a roof of oak.

The exterior has a large pointed arch west window of 6 lancets with intersecting tracery and thick centre mullion. The transept is in the form of side chapels with paired 3-light cusped windows. The east end is a church hall. A screen of modern design has been placed across the nave at its mid-point.

The existing 3-light windows at the centre are abbreviated lancets of the unbuilt tower. The church shares grounds and boundary walls with Marionville House.

Parish life

The parish's Society of St Vincent de Paul is active in responding to the needs of the poor. An outreach team works with Bethany Christian Trust, and parishioners have provided a catering team since the 2018/19 session. A social club meets every Monday for fun and fund-raising activities. A group provides soup, sandwiches, chat, and friendly company, meeting once a month in the Hall, open to parishioners and the local community.

The Men's Group meets every month to enjoy social occasions including walking tours, guest speakers, museum visits, and sporting activities. The One World team supports those in need at home and abroad through prayer, awareness raising, and fundraising. A Baptism team prepares parents and godparents for infant Baptism.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The parish arranges the anointing of the sick for those who are sick. The priest visits and brings Holy Communion to housebound parishioners. The sacrament of reconciliation is open to any Catholic wishing to receive it, and confession can be arranged outside the advertised times by contacting the priest.