First Time Visitor Guide
Our Community
St Andrew’s is a diverse and inclusive community. We welcome people of all backgrounds, nationalities, and walks of life. Our Provost, the Very Rev Dr Isaac Poobalan, leads a congregation committed to hospitality and service, continuing a tradition that stretches back over three centuries.
Your First Visit
When you arrive, you’ll find a welcoming community of all ages and backgrounds. Someone will usually greet you at the door and can help you find a seat – feel free to sit wherever you’re comfortable. Service booklets with all the words you’ll need are provided.
What to Wear
Come as you are! People dress in a variety of ways, from casual to more formal. What matters is that you’re here.
Do I Need to Know Anything?
Not at all. Our services follow the Scottish Liturgy, but everything you need is in the service booklet. If you’re unsure about anything – when to stand, sit, or kneel – simply follow what others are doing, or remain seated if you prefer. There’s no pressure to participate in any way that makes you uncomfortable.
Holy Communion
At our Communion services, everyone is welcome to come forward to receive Communion or a blessing. If you’d prefer to receive a blessing rather than Communion, simply cross your arms over your chest. If you’d rather remain in your seat, that’s absolutely fine too.
Children and Families
Children are warmly welcomed at all our services. We understand that children sometimes make noise – that’s the sound of a living church! Don’t worry if you need to walk around with little ones.
Music
Music is central to our worship. At the Sung Eucharist and Choral Evensong, you’ll hear our cathedral choir and historic organ. The music is glorious, but you don’t need to be musical to enjoy and participate in worship with us.
After the Service
Coffee and Fellowship
After the 10:45am service on Sunday, we gather for tea, coffee, and conversation. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet people and ask any questions. Please do stay – we’d love to meet you!
Questions?
If you have questions about the cathedral, our services, or the Scottish Episcopal Church, please speak to one of our welcomers, clergy, or members of the congregation. We’re a friendly bunch and happy to help.
Beyond Sunday
Friendship Café
First Friday of each month, 10am-12noon in the John Skinner Centre – delicious home baking and good conversation
Cathedral Tours
The cathedral is open to visitors from early June to early September. At other times, please contact the Cathedral Administrator to arrange a visit.