Welcome to Chaplaincy

The Chaplaincy is a University provision of pastoral and spiritual support for students and staff of all faiths and none.

Opening hours

Normally we are open 9.30am to 4pm Monday to Friday for our drop in with tea and coffee available in the kitchen (donations appreciated, suggested donation 25p per hot drink). Many student groups book the space in the evening - usually these events run between 5pm and 9pm.

The Chaplaincy:

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)
  • Heat and Eat
  • Multi-faith Sanctuary which is located at the back of our main auditorium
  • Toilets (with disabled access)
  • Receptionist's office

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 5pm.

  • Offices
  • Two meeting rooms which can hold 65 - 70 people max.
  • 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.
  • Open Space: 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.
  • University-wide events including the Carol Service. 
  • Wellbeing lunchtime practices of mindfulness, Capacitar tai chi, and yoga.  
  • Courses including Eco-Spirituality, Mindfulness & Compassion courses.
  • Smaller events including memorials for students or members of staff.
  • Multi-faith and belief events and faith-based celebrations including Diwali and Eid.
  • Lecture series 
  • International events.
  • ‘What is the University for?’ programme of events.
  • Circles of conversations around topical themes. 
  • Weekly communion service.
  • Opportunities to explore and engage in environmental and social justice issues.
Photograph of a meal being held in the auditorium in The Chaplaincy Centre. There are groups of people sitting talking at tables

 The Chaplaincy has a variety of spaces around the University.  Our main centre is located at the Chaplaincy Centre at 1 Bristo Square, which is part of the Potterow student centre.

Details of the facilities at the Bristo Square Chaplaincy Centre

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.

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