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 - In line with new lockdown restrictions, the Chaplaincy building is closed to prayer or worship services until further notice. It will remain accessible for booked pastoral appointments with Revd Dr Donald MacEwan, Chaplain and Revd Samantha Ferguson, Assistant Chaplain.
St Salvator's Chapel - In line with new lockdown restrictions, St Salvator's Chapel is closed until further notice. See the Worship in St Salvator's Chapel section for further information, which will be updated in the coming weeks.
St Leonard’s Chapel - In line with new lockdown restrictions, St Leonard's Chapel is closed until further notice. See the Worship in St Leonard's Chapel section for further information.
Special events
Friday 2 April - A Good Friday Pilgrimage with St Andrews Churches
On Good Friday, churches from across St Andrews will join together for a virtual act of commemoration, reflection and lament. Representatives from different congregations will lead us to reflect on five ‘stations of the cross.’ As we consider these final moments in the earthly life of Jesus Christ, we will furthermore, be invited to bring our own laments and complaints before God, particularly in view of what our community has lost over the past year.
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. (While we are in Phase 3 of Scottish Government guidelines, we regret the chapel will not be open for general access).
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.
This University service takes place each Sunday with distinguished visiting preachers.
Sundays 21 and 28 March - Spring break, no Sunday Worship
Sundays 4 April to 23 May - available in person in St Salvator's Chapel (reservation only) and via livestream - see Livestream section above for link to join online.
Congregation numbers in St Salvator's Chapel will be restricted in line with Scottish Government Guidelines. Attendance is by reservation only. Reservations can be made the week leading up to each service through the University Events page.
Important information:
Attendance will be by reservation only. This is to assist with Track and Trace data collection - see documents in 'Related links'.
Face coverings must always be worn by members of the congregation during the service, unless you are exempt.
There will be no singing during the service. There will be music, and spoken hymns.
Physical distancing of 2 metres will be observed, except from those in your household. Ushers will seat people accordingly.
You must not attend the service in person if you are displaying COVID-19 type symptoms, classified as clinically vulnerable, have recently returned from a country not listed on the Scottish Governments travel corridor document, or currently in isolation following a return, or are awaiting COVID-19 test results.
Chapel Donations
Due to COVID-19 restrictions we are currently not collecting donations of money in chapel. However, we would be delighted if you could continue to offer your support by donating online. Two-thirds of chapel offerings from the Sunday service are given to charity and one-third goes to the work of the Chaplaincy.
Use the 'Donate' button at the top of this page to make a donation. Thank you.
A 45-minute service of prayer, both spoken and sung by solo choristers from St Salvator's Chapel Choir.
Congregation numbers at this service will be restricted in line with Scottish Government Guidelines. Attendance is by reservation only. Reservations can be made the week leading up to each service through the University Events page.
Services will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. See Livestreamed services section above for the link to view.
Important information:
Attendance will be by reservation only. This is to assist with Track and Trace data collection - see documents in 'Related links'.
Face coverings must always be worn by members of the congregation during the service, unless you are exempt.
There will be no singing during the service. There will be music, and spoken hymns.
Physical distancing of 2 metres will be observed, except from those in your household. Ushers will seat people accordingly.
You must not attend the service in person if you are displaying COVID-19 type symptoms, classified as clinically vulnerable, have recently returned from a country not listed on the Scottish Governments travel corridor document, or currently in isolation following a return, or are awaiting COVID-19 test results.
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.
Services on Thursday 8 April, Thursday 15 April and Thursday 22 April 2021 will be available both in person at St Salvator's Chapel (reservations only) and livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. See 'Livestreamed services' section above for the link to view.
No services during spring break, 25 March and 1 April.
Congregation numbers at service within St Salvator's Chapel will be restricted in line with Scottish Government Guidelines. Attendance is by reservation only. Reservations can be made the week leading up to each service through the University Events page.
Important information:
Attendance will be by reservation only. This is to assist with Track and Trace data collection - see documents in 'Related links'.
Face coverings must always be worn by members of the congregation during the service, unless you are exempt.
There will be no singing during the service. There will be music, and spoken hymns.
Physical distancing of 2 metres will be observed, except from those in your household. Ushers will seat people accordingly.
You must not attend the service in person if you are displaying COVID-19 type symptoms, classified as clinically vulnerable, have recently returned from a country not listed on the Scottish Governments travel corridor document, or currently in isolation following a return, or are awaiting COVID-19 test results.
An online spoken service 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.
Candlemas Semester services will run from Monday 25 January 2021 until Friday 21 May 2021 (No service during Spring break, from Monday 22 March to Friday 2 April 2021).
Medical Memorial Service Wednesday 28 April 2021, pre-recorded service A service of commemoration and thanksgiving for those who have donated their bodies for medical teaching and research.
This service will have no congregation this year.
The recording will be available to view soon. Details to follow.
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.
St Leonard's Chapel is only open by arrangement, but visitors are welcome to attend the following services and meetings.
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.
Due to current restrictions Mansefield is mainly accessible for booked pastoral appointments with Revd Dr Donald MacEwan, Chaplain, or Revd Samantha Ferguson, Assistant Chaplain, or pre-booked prayer or worship services.
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.
Friday Prayers will take place at 1:30 pm and 2:15 pm, by reservation only.
Advanced booking is required by 5pm each Thursday on a weekly basis due to limited spaces, emailchaplaincy@st-andrews.ac.uk to book your space in advance.
All those entering the building must:
wear a face covering at ALL times, unless you are exempt.
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
not use communal-use prayer mats. People may bring their own and remove when they leave.
Wudu (ablutions) should take place off-site. If on-site ablution is necessary, the individual MUST clean the toilet/sink with cleaning material supplied.
Shoes, jackets and other belongings must be stored at the back of the room and not left in the corridor.
You must not attend the service in person if you are displaying COVID-19 type symptoms, classified as clinically vulnerable, have recently returned from a country not listed on the Scottish Governments travel corridor or currently in isolation following a return, or are awaiting COVID-19 test results.
Wednesdays, 12.30 – 1.30 pm during term-time
Sessions begin again on: Wednesday 7 April 2021
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, however, you must reserve a place.
To reserve a place Email the Chaplaincy at chaplaincy@st-andrews.ac.uk. This is to assist with Track and Trace data collection - see documents in 'Related links'.
Bookings can only be made on a weekly basis.
Face coverings must be worn when entering the building and remain in place until you have exited the building again.
Hand sanitising gel must be used on entering and exiting the building.
You must not attend the event if you are displaying COVID-19 type symptoms, classified as clinically vulnerable, have recently returned from a country not listed on the Scottish Governments travel corridor document, or currently in isolation following a return, or are awaiting COVID-19 test results.
Places to Pray
There are many places for private prayer and meditation in the University, for both students and staff.
St Salvator's Chapel is generally available Monday to Saturday 9am - 5pm, although occasionally there are times when the chapel is unavailable due to bookings. (While we are in Phase 3 of Scottish Government guidelines, we regret the chapel will not be open for general access).
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 by pre-booking only - at least 24 hours notice is required. To pre-book a prayer slot, please contact the Chaplaincy by email chaplaincy@st-andrews.ac.uk providing your name and telephone number for the purpose of Track and Trace. Further details regarding Track and Trace can be found in the 'Relevant Links' section of this webpage.
Multi-Faith space and Islamic prayer rooms - Important information:
Face covering must be worn when entering the building and remain in place until you have exited the building again.
Hand sanitising gel must be used on entering and exiting the building. If you touch any surfaces within the room please use the cleaning material provided within the room.
Communal-use prayer mats must not be used. People may bring their own and remove when they leave.
Wudu (ablutions) should take place off-site. If on-site ablution is necessary, the individual must clean the toilet/sink with cleaning material supplied.