The church building was constructed in the mid 15th century for the Carmelite Order.

It is now the only medieval Carmelite church still in use in the British Isles, and is a category A listed building.

[3] The building was put to a variety of uses until the late 19th century, and during this time its condition deteriorated.

Architects Henry Seymour and John Kinross completed a restoration scheme in 1889, and the following year James Montgomery, Dean of Edinburgh, reconsecrated the building for the Scottish Episcopal Church.

[1] The building comprises the choir, tower and south transept of the Carmelite church.