The University has two chapels: St Salvator's Chapel and St Leonard's Chapel. These chapels – both of which date back to the 15th century – are the central points for most University services of worship. Services in the University chapels are organised by the Chaplaincy team, headed up by the Chaplain to the University, the Rev Dr Donald MacEwan.
Students, staff and members of the public are all welcome to attend the services and prayer meetings in the University chapels.
For information about getting married in the University chapels, please take a look at the weddings pages.
Chaplaincy, Mansefield Building - The Chaplaincy building is closed to prayer or worship services until the start of the new semester. It currently remains accessible for booked pastoral appointments with Revd Dr Donald MacEwan, Chaplain and Revd Samantha Ferguson, Assistant Chaplain.
St Salvator's Chapel - See the Worship in St Salvator's Chapel section for further information, which will be updated in the coming weeks.
The University invites all visitors to the chapel to share in its on-going life of prayer, whether by taking time to sit and pray, enjoying its silence or its music, or by joining in worship.
St Salvator's Chapel is open from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday for individual prayer and meditation. The chapel is also open from 9am to 5pm on Saturdays year round, and 9am to 5pm on Sundays outside of term time, subject to bookings. (Currently Scottish Government guidelines stipulate that place of worship may only open for individual and congregational worship and prayer or contemplation, and for religious ‘life event’ ceremonies, such as baptisms, christenings and coming of age ceremonies , conducted as part of a pre-scheduled act of worship).
St Salvator's Chapel seats approximately 320. The pews face each other across the Chapel in collegiate style in the main part, with chairs facing forward in the ante-Chapel, behind a decorative screen. There is wheelchair access to the Chapel via the north entrance. (Please consult with the Chaplaincy regarding current limitations on numbers based on physical distancing guidelines).
Martinmas Semester: 5 September - 12 December 2021
Candlemas Semester: 16 January - 15 May 2022, excluding 20 February
This service will take place in person and will be available to watch via livestream. See the 'Livestreamed services' section above.
Important Information
Those attending in person will no longer be required to reserve a place. All who come will be accommodated up to the chapel's capacity. The collection of contact details for Test and Protect will take place on the day. You will have the option of scanning the QR Code provided using your smart phone, or leaving your contact details with the ushers. A copy of the QR code Check In Scotland Privacy Notice can be found on our Worship webpage, in the relevant documents section.
Face coverings must always be worn by members of the congregation during the service, unless you are exempt.
Chapel Donations
You are welcome to donate both in chapel or online via this page, 'Donation' Box.
Two-thirds of chapel offerings from the Sunday service are given to charity and one-third goes to the work of the Chaplaincy.
A 45-minute service of prayer, both spoken and sung by choristers from St Salvator's Chapel Choir.
Services will take place on Wednesdays at 5.30pm, and on Sundays at 6.30pm.
Please note there will be no services on the following dates:
17 October, 20 October, 24 October, and 7 November.
This service will take place in person only.
Important Information
Those attending in person will no longer be required to reserve a place. All who come will be accommodated up to the chapel's capacity. The collection of contact details for Test and Protect will take place on the day. You will have the option of scanning the QR Code provided using your smart phone, or leaving your contact details with the ushers. A copy of the QR code Check In Scotland Privacy Notice can be found on our Worship webpage, in the relevant documents section.
Face coverings must always be worn by members of the congregation during the service, unless you are exempt.
A spoken service from St Salvator's Chapel lasting 10 minutes with prayers, readings from scripture and silence to prepare for the day ahead.
Monday to Friday at 8.45 to 8.55am.
Martinmas Semester 2021 services begin on Monday 6 September.
No in-person service is available during the week of Monday 27 September to Friday 1 October. Services are on Teams only using the link provided below.
All are welcome to take part in-person within the Chapel, however this service will also be available live on Teams for those unable to attend in-person.
Face coverings must always be worn by those attending in-person, unless you are exempt.
Commemoration of St Leonard Sunday 7 November, 6pm, St Leonard’s Chapel Refer to University Events page for further details on this service.
Remembrance Day Sunday 14 November, 10.50am, St Salvator’s Chapel Refer to University Events page for further details on this service
Winter Graduation Thanksgiving Services:
Tuesday 30 November, 9am, St Salvator’s Chapel Refer to University Events page for further details on this service.
Wednesday 1 December, 9am, St Salvator’s Chapel Refer to University Events page for further details on this service.
Worship in St Leonard's Chapel
Situated within the grounds of St Leonards School, St Leonard's Chapel is a much smaller and more intimate setting than St Salvator's Chapel. It seats approximately 60 people, and as it is built in a traditional mediaeval style, pews face each other in collegiate style. Visitors should note that there is one small step into the Chapel. (Currently Scottish Government guidelines stipulate that place of worship may only open for individual and congregational worship and prayer or contemplation, and for religious ‘life event’ ceremonies, such as baptisms, christenings and coming of age ceremonies , conducted as part of a pre-scheduled act of worship).
St Leonard's Chapel is only open by arrangement, but visitors are welcome to attend the following services and meetings. (Please consult with the Chaplaincy regarding current limitations on numbers based on physical distancing guidelines).
A service of night prayer, with music, spoken prayers and silence lasting approximately 30 minutes. A lovely way to end the day. People of any faith, culture, tradition or philosophy of life welcome.
Thursday nights at 10pm in St Leonard's Chapel, The Pends.
Martinmas Semester services resume on Thursday 16 September until 25 November. There will be no service on Thursday 21 October for Independent Learning Week.
Important Information
Those attending in person will no longer be required to reserve a place. All who come will be accommodated up to the chapel's capacity. The collection of contact details for Test and Protect will take place on the day. You will have the option of scanning the QR Code provided using your smart phone, or leaving your contact details with the ushers. A copy of the QR code Check In Scotland Privacy Notice can be found on our Worship webpage, in the relevant documents section.
Face coverings must always be worn by members of the congregation during the service, unless you are exempt.
Orthodox services take place in St Leonard’s Chapel in Greek and English. Details of when the next Orthodox Liturgies will take place can be found at Orthodox Liturgies.
This service is currently not available.
Every Tuesday during term time at 1pm in St Leonard's Chapel.
Evening prayers at 4pm in St Mary’s College Bunk Room.
Chaplaincy - Mansefield building
Situated across from the Students Union. There are number of faith events involving prayer and meditation run from the Mansefield building, these include Muslim Prayers, Buddhist Meditation, Jewish Prayers and more.
Mansefield will be accessible for booked pastoral appointments with Revd Dr Donald MacEwan, Chaplain, or Revd Samantha Ferguson, Assistant Chaplain, or prayer and worship services. Access is via the swipe card reader at the main door or press the buzzer for the Chaplaincy Office.
Prayer Meetings organised and run by the student society, St Andrews University Christian Union, are held every Thursday during term time from 7.30am in the Chaplaincy, Lochnagar room.
For further information contact the Christian Union direct via Facebook.
Meditation sessions organised by the St Andrews Buddhist Meditation Group, run by our Honorary Buddhist Chaplain, Dr Sam Pehrson, are held during term time in the Chaplaincy, Lochnagar room.
The Jewish Community of Tayside and Fife (including students) typically gather on the first Saturday of each month during term time in the Chaplaincy, Lochnagar room for Shabbat morning services.
Prayer sessions are available at 1:30pm, every Friday in Lochnagar meeting room, Chaplaincy.
all those attending must swipe their University ID at the front door – tapping it on the black box on the left. This is to allow the University to capture your details for Test and Protect. QR codes are also available in the rooms.
wear a face covering at ALL times
sanitise hands on entry and exit of the building
wipe down chairs/other hard surfaces – where cleaning material has been provided
Wudu (ablutions) facilities are available in the Chaplaincy. You are requested to clean the toilet/sink with cleaning materials supplied afterwards.
Wednesdays, 12.30 – 1.30 pm during term-time
Sessions resume on Wednesday 15 September until Wednesday 24 November. No session available on 29 September.
In the middle of the week the Chaplaincy offers a time of stillness to pause, gather and reflect. All students and staff welcome - come when you can and stay as long as you like.
For further information contact Barbara Davey, Honorary Quaker Chaplain, email bd45@st-andrews.ac.uk.
Booking is not required. Face coverings must be worn when entering the building and remain in place until you have exited the building again.
Places to Pray
There are many places for private prayer and meditation in the University, for both students and staff.
St Salvator's Chapel - we regret the chapel will not be open for general access for semester 1. Email the Chaplaincy at chaplaincy@st-andrews.ac.uk for enquiries.
The Multi-faith space on the third floor in Agnes Blackadder Hall on the North Haugh, during term time only. Your name, telephone/email must be entered on the track and trace sheet within the room. Further details regarding Track and Trace can be found in the 'Relevant Links' section of this webpage.
The Islamic prayer rooms are located on the first floor of the Chaplaincy, Mansefield Building. Access at this time is between 9am - 5pm weekdays using the card reader at the main door, or press the buzzer for the Chaplaincy Office.
The Islamic prayer rooms, Chaplaincy - Important information:
all those attending must swipe their University ID at the front door – tapping it on the black box on the left. This is to allow the University to capture your details for Test and Protect. QR codes are also available in the rooms.
wear a face covering at ALL times
sanitise hands on entry and exit of the building, and between corridors where provided
wipe down chairs/other hard surfaces – where cleaning material has been provided
Wudu (ablutions) facilities are available in the Chaplaincy. You are requested to clean the toilet/sink with cleaning materials supplied afterwards.