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 welcome to attend services in the University chapels, whether or not they share the faith of the chapel.
For information about getting married in the University chapels, please take a look at the weddings web pages.
GDPR image capture information
From time to time photography and filming of events and chapel services may take place to share on our social media channels and in future publicity material.
Images will be stored securely on University devices. No personal details will be saved with these images, although you may be tagged in social media posts. If you would prefer not to be photographed or filmed, please speak to a member of the Chaplaincy team, preferably in advance. You can also email chaplaincy@st-andrews.ac.uk. You also have the right to request that social media images be deleted should you withdraw consent at a future date.
Worship in St Salvator's Chapel
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 for general access Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm via the cloister entrance. Sundays outside term time only, 9am - 5pm. There may be times during these periods when the chapel is not accessible due to chapel bookings and we recommend you check with the Chaplaincy office if you wish to visit the chapel on a particular date and time.
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.
Weekly on Sundays, 11am Candlemas Semester: 26 January - 25 May 2025
Sunday morning services are held throughout the academic year during Martinmas Semester and Candlemas Semester, lasting an hour and often feature a visiting preacher. These semester hyperlinks list the dates and preacher information for the coming academic year. The Preacher and Sermon webpage provides an overview, complete with links to upcoming semester details along with archives to past sermons.
Holy Communion will be offered after the service for those who wish to stay.
Following the service, everyone is invited to join the 'Pier Walk' from the Chapel to the harbour. Participants are welcome to wear gowns, but it is not required.
Services will be held in person and can also be viewed via livestream. To join the livestream, please refer to the ‘Livestreamed Services’ section for the link.
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.
Weekly services during term time: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
No services during Spring Break 4,5,6, March, or Independent Learning Week 8,9,10 April.
Join us for a short service of morning prayers at St Salvator’s Chapel from 8:45 to 8:55 am. After the prayers, enjoy refreshments at the Chaplaincy, 3 St Mary's Place. All welcome.
A 45-minute service of prayer, both spoken and sung by choristers from St Salvator's Chapel Choir. Wednesdays and Sundays at 5:30 pm during the semester.
Candlemas Semester: Wednesday 29 January to Wednesday 23 April 2025.
No services on: 2 March, 5 March, 9 March, 23 March, 6 and 9 April 2025.
Founders and Benefactors Sunday 23 February 2025, 11am
Easter Service Sunday 20 April 2025, 11am
Remembering Service Thursday 27 March 2025, 5:30 pm
Graduation Services - Summer Monday 30 June - Friday 4 July 2025
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 accessible by appointment only, which can be arranged through the Chaplaincy office. However, visitors are warmly invited to attend the following services and meetings.
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.
Candlemas Semester: Thursday 30 January to Thursday 24 April 2025.
No services on: 6 March and 10 April.
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.
There are many places for private prayer and meditation in the University, for both students and staff.
Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm during term time, and on Sundays, 9am to 5pm outside term time. Please use the cloister entrance. Note that the chapel may occasionally be inaccessible due to bookings. If you are planning a visit, we recommend checking with the Chaplaincy office 48 hours beforehand. For enquiries, 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, accessible with staff and students ID cards. Please be aware that during the summer, the space may occasionally be unavailable.
The Muslim brothers’ and sisters’ prayer rooms are located on the first floor of the Chaplaincy, Mansefield Building.
The Chaplaincy is situated across from the Students’ Association, in the Mansefield Building, providing a welcoming space for multi-faith events, whether they involve worship or social gatherings. For more information about the building, its uses, and booking details, please visit the Chaplaincy,Mansefield Building webpage.
The Christian Union hosts prayer meetings and social events throughout the term. For more information, please contact the Christian Union directly via Facebook or email christianunion@st-andrews.ac.uk
Equip Prayer Meetings: Held weekly during term time on Tuesdays at 7:15 pm at the Baptist Church, South Street.
Meditation sessions organised by the St Andrews Buddhist Meditation Group are held during term time in the Chaplaincy, Lochnagar room.
Kabbalat Shabbat—Friday Night Prayers (Term Time) Chaplaincy, Lochnagar, 6 pm An egalitarian service with the traditional liturgy and an open discussion of the weekly Torah portion.