Saint Mark's Church, Aberdeen

Saint Mark's Church, a striking classical edifice in the heart of Aberdeen, sits between the Aberdeen Central Library and His Majesty's Theatre, on Rosemount Viaduct. Designed by renowned architect Alexander Marshall Mackenzie and constructed from local Kemnay granite in 1892, the building was originally home to the South Church congregation.

One of the most notable features of the church is its grand Corinthian portico, topped by a high dome modeled after Saint Paul’s Cathedral in London, lending the structure an air of civic prominence. The exterior's close ashlar granite on a rock-faced base, coupled with hammer-dressed granite walls, gives the church its monumental appearance. The building comprises three levels, with the sanctuary at ground level, a large gallery above, and a suite of halls on the lower ground floor, accessible from Skene Street.

Inside, the church is equally grand, with fine stained glass windows and intricate woodwork. The two-manual pipe organ, built by Willis and Sons in 1900, underwent renovations in 1971 and the late 1990s, while the sanctuary was redecorated in 2004. The unusual baptismal font, made of contrasting grey and pink granite, adds to the distinctive character of the interior.

Saint Mark's is part of a famous architectural trio, alongside the Central Library and His Majesty's Theatre, which Aberdonians humorously refer to as representing "Education, Salvation, and Damnation." In 2000, the Historic Buildings Council for Scotland praised this grouping as the most distinguished in the city. The church, B-listed in 1967, underwent a major restoration in the mid-1990s after a century of weathering had taken its toll on the leadwork of the roof and dome.

Throughout its history, Saint Mark's has remained a key figure in Aberdeen's religious and civic life, merging with East and Belmont Church in 1972 and continuing to serve the community following further mergers and reorganizations. It stands today as one of Aberdeen's most iconic landmarks.