Welcome to the Chaplaincy

We provide the University’s pastoral and spiritual support for students and staff of all faiths and none.

We have a variety of spaces around the University.  Our main location is the Chaplaincy Centre at 1 Bristo Square, next to Edinburgh University Students' Association Potterrow.

We also have spaces at King's Buildings on the 3rd floor of the Mary Brück building (including Muslim prayer rooms), the Vet School, Moray House and Little France, and the George Square Labyrinth.

Opening Hours

We are open 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, for our drop in common room with tea, coffee and microwave facilities available in the kitchen (suggested donation 25p per hot drink).  Many student groups book the space in the evening - usually these events run between 5pm and 9pm. 

Facilities:

All of the downstairs areas have good disabled access. There is an induction loop system in the auditorium.

  • Auditorium (with a capacity of 150 people) - this is where the common room space is located
  • Multi-faith Sanctuary, located at the back of the Auditorium
  • Microwaves are available in the kitchen to heat and eat food
  • Tea and coffee facilities are available in the kitchen
  • Toilets (with disabled access)
  • Reception

You are welcome to use the Sanctuary as a quiet space for personal use. This is an inclusive space for those of any faith and none.


The upstairs areas of the Chaplaincy can be accessed by a lift located in the Potterrow Dome café/bar.  Access is available weekdays 9.30am to 4.30pm.

  • Two meeting rooms (with a capacity of 70 people)
  • Spirituality and Multi-faith Resource Centre/Library

Arriving upstairs in the Chaplaincy:  Prior notice is required so access can be arranged.  Therefore please contact Chaplaincy on 0131 650 2595 or 0131 650 2598 and they in turn will contact EUSA in Potterrow to arrange access to the lift and the upstairs area of the Chaplaincy.  This can take some time so we would advise you to make sure you call in advance to make these arrangements so you are not late for your event.

Leaving upstairs:  The process is reversed for this.  So again call Chaplaincy on 0131 650 2595 or 0131 650 2598, or speak with a Chaplaincy staff member and they in turn will contact EUSA in Potterrow to arrange access to the lift and exit from the building.


We offer:
  • A place of welcome.
  • The University Listening Service for staff and students with one to one support.
  • A calm creative space at the centre of the University.
  • Common Room: Social drop-in with tea and coffee (by donation).
  • Opportunities for personal and spiritual development.
  • Exploration of values, personal, social and environmental.
  • A centre for social, justice, human rights and peace campaigning.
  • Worship facilities and belief contacts for a wide variety of faiths.
  • Multi-faith and belief events, meals, conversations and festivals.
  • Volunteering opportunities.
  • Meeting spaces for student groups and religion & belief groups.
Photograph of a meal being held in the auditorium in The Chaplaincy Centre. There are groups of people sitting talking at tables