Although the present building dates from the 19th century, Old Saint Paul's has a history going back 300 years to the beginning of the Scottish Episcopal Church.

One member of the congregation brought the news of Bonnie Prince Charlie's victory at Prestonpans to Edinburgh, shutting the town gates against the defeated Hanoverian army.

Penal laws were gradually repealed, and in that year the Scottish Synod resolved that George III would be prayed for in all Episcopal Churches.

Hay had been a pupil of Sir Gilbert Scott (architect of Saint Mary's Episcopal Cathedral in the West End of Edinburgh).

Two subsequent nave extensions have trebled the building's original length, and the chancel floor has been raised and laid with marble.

The high altar is made of carved oak in neo-Norman style with grape vine decoration, surmounted with a slab of porphyry.