Business Details
Welcome to St Marks Unitarian Church, Edinburgh
St Marks Unitarian Church has served Edinburgh's spiritual community since 1824, offering a welcoming space for inclusive exploration of faith and values. Our congregation embraces diverse beliefs, from Buddhist and Christian traditions to secular humanism, united by principles of compassion, intellectual freedom, and environmental stewardship. We host weekly Sunday services featuring music, meditation, and thematic discussions on contemporary spiritual topics. Our historic building in Edinburgh's World Heritage Site hosts cultural events through the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and provides accessible facilities for weddings, funerals, and community gatherings.With both in-person and online services, we maintain a global connection while rooted in local traditions. Our volunteer-led structure fosters personal growth through mindfulness sessions, interfaith dialogues, and social justice initiatives. The church's architectural significance and central location near Edinburgh Castle make it a distinctive landmark. We actively promote accessibility through physical adaptations and digital participation options. Our commitment to progressive values continues the Unitarian tradition of questioning dogma while nurturing spiritual community.
Services
Sunday Services
Mindfulness Sessions
Wedding Ceremonies
Funeral Services
Venue Hire
Edinburgh Fringe Events
Highlights and features
- We offer inclusive spiritual exploration for all faith backgrounds
- Our church hosts Edinburgh's only Unitarian congregation since 1824
- We provide accessible services with both physical and digital participation
- Our venue combines historic significance with modern facilities
- We host unique cultural events during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Services
Sunday Services
Weekly Sunday services at 11:00am featuring music, meditation, and thematic spiritual discussions. Both in-person and online participation available through Zoom. Services include chalice lighting, hymns, readings, and sermons exploring contemporary topics.
Mindfulness Sessions
Weekly Tuesday mindfulness sessions from 12:15-2:00pm combining meditation, contemplation, and spiritual dialogue. These lunchtime gatherings provide space for personal reflection and community connection in a supportive environment.
Wedding Ceremonies
Personalised wedding ceremonies celebrating love and partnership. Our services accommodate diverse cultural and spiritual traditions in a historic Edinburgh venue with excellent transport links and accessibility features.
Funeral Services
Compassionate funeral and memorial services honouring lives with dignity. We create bespoke ceremonies reflecting individual beliefs, supported by our experienced celebrants and accessible facilities.
Venue Hire
Historic venue hire for events and performances. Our Edinburgh World Heritage Site location offers flexible spaces including the iconic church building and halls, with technical support and accessibility features.
People
Margery MacKay
Membership Secretary
Overseeing membership matters with 15 years' experience in church administration. Provides warm welcome to new members and maintains community connections through regular communications.
Ailsa Aikenhead
Pianist
Accomplished pianist leading musical elements in services. Brings 20+ years' experience enhancing worship through diverse musical selections from classical to contemporary pieces.
Joan Cook
Pulpit Secretary
Organising weekly services with meticulous attention to detail. Ensures smooth coordination between ministers, guest speakers, and congregation activities for over a decade.
Ann Sinclair
Venue Booking Coordinator
Managing venue hires for cultural and community events. Expert in facilitating Edinburgh Fringe Festival participation and coordinating technical requirements for performers.
Lesley Hartley
Safeguarding Lead
Ensuring safe environment for all attendees. Implements comprehensive safeguarding policies and provides confidential support for vulnerable individuals within the congregation.
Questions
What is Unitarianism?
Unitarianism is a progressive faith tradition valuing individual spiritual exploration without fixed doctrines. We welcome diverse beliefs while sharing principles of compassion, reason, and social justice.
When are your services?
Sunday services at 11:00am, both in-person and online via Zoom. Mindfulness sessions every Tuesday 12:15-2:00pm. Check our website for specific event dates.
Is the church accessible?
Yes, we have wheelchair access, hearing loop system, and online participation options. The building is located near Edinburgh Castle with excellent public transport links.
Can I hire your venue?
Our historic church and halls are available for events, including Edinburgh Fringe Festival performances. Contact our booking coordinator for availability and technical specifications.
Do you conduct weddings?
Yes, we offer personalised wedding ceremonies celebrating love and partnership. Our experienced celebrants create bespoke services reflecting your unique relationship and values.
How can I get involved?
Join our Sunday services, weekly mindfulness sessions, or special interest groups. We welcome volunteers for event organisation, community outreach, and building maintenance projects.
