Our 1878 Peter Conacher pipe organ is now coming to the end of its working life. We are embarking on a project to save the 1912 H. Hilsdon organ from the now-closed St Cuthbert’s CoS at Saltcoats and relocate it to Christ Church. As well as saving this historic organ for Scotland, the best parts of the current Christ Church organ will be reconditioned, and repurposed, creating an extension to the organ at the west end of the church; this will support congregational singing and giving better flexibility for performance. This project will create a unique and musically significant instrument for Edinburgh, opening new possibilities for concerts, visits and events to widen understanding and encourage new audiences in the setting of our 150-year-old church, and supporting the valued musical heritage of the church community. Integral to the legacy and impact of this project is the establishment of programmes to increase access and understanding of the instrument and the development of organ playing for future generations.
The congregational consultation is open until Monday 29th July 2026, and the Canon 35 application to the Diocesan Buildings Committee will be submitted shortly afterwards.
Please take time to explore the detailed materials below for this project, which include:
A recording of the Hilsdon Pipe Organ in St Cuthbert's Parish Church, Saltcoats (YouTube)
Our project brochure: "All things that give sound" (PDF)
Photos of both pipe organs, and a conceptual drawing of the new west end section
You can donate to our organ project online via our Stewardship.org account. Please enter the reference "Organ Project 2026" in the "Message of support" box. You can also gift aid your donation if you qualify.
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The 1878 Peter Conacher pipe organ in Christ Church
The 1912 H Hildson pipe organ in St Cuthbert's, Saltcoats
Concept drawing of the new west end section of the Christ Church organ
