Room Hire FAQs
Frequently asked questions regarding AUC room hire
Can we visit the Centre before booking?
Please book an appointment to do so, normally during weekday mornings. Please call 0131 220 1677 or email us.
What is a session?
A session lasts four hours (or part thereof) and is the basis of our fee. Sessions generally last 9am-1pm (morning), 1pm-5pm (after-noon) and 6pm-10pm (evening), but there is around half an hour give and take, assuming other users are not impacted. A day booking is 9am-10pm.
Is there an hourly rate?
No. Our lettings are on a sessional basis (see above).
Can we book during the Festival?
The Church centre is run as a Fringe venue, please contact Paradise Green Productions for more details.
Do you provide a laptop?
Users should bring their own laptop to connect to the data projectors. Windows laptops will connect. Apple users, please bring a VGA connector.
Do you take a deposit?
New users will be asked to pay a deposit at the time of the booking.
Is there a discount available for charities?
Almost all of our users are charities and community groups, our current prices reflect this.
Can we book one of the rooms beyond 10pm?
We will consider extending a session no later than 1030pm, subject to licensing (if applicable).
Do you have a theatre or public entertainment licence?
The Church Centre has a Theatre Licence which covers most Theatre & Public Entertainment events. Bookings affected by this Licence will incur higher charges, due to the cost of maintaining the Licence. Details of public performances & ticketed events must be discussed with us prior to acceptance.
Can we serve alcohol or food?
It is permissible to serve alcohol and / or food.
Food and alcohol may not be sold on the premises without prior permission and the appropriate licence, if required, being obtained from the City Council.
Do you have a PRS music or other copyright licence?
No. It is the Tenant’s responsibility to obtain the appropriate permission to use any copyrighted material and to pay the appropriate Performing Rights licences and copyright fees.
Can we use the Sanctuary gallery?
The balcony can be used to increase the size of an audience - an additional 40 adults, however you would need to provide four stewards for health and safety reasons. The audience may hear or see less from gallery seats.
Do we need to complete every page of the booking form?
Yes, you should complete every appropriate page. The booking form has two purposes. It is the contract for the room hire and tells us which facilities and the room set up you require.
How many cups and plates does the pantry have?
About 50 cups and 50 small plates. More can be made available, please mention this when you make your booking.
Are any of your rooms suitable for a ceilidh, dance / fitness classes or similar?
Unfortunately not, we encourage you to contact out sister church St. Columba’s by the Castle on nearby Johnston Terrace, which has an excellent Hall ideally suited for these purposes.
Can we book the Centre on a Sunday?
The Centre is in use by the Congregation on a Sunday morning. If you are a regular user or have used the Centre on a Sunday before, please contact us.
Can we make a booking on a bank/public holiday?
For most UK bank holidays and Edinburgh public holidays, bookings can be made as normal.
The Sanctuary is not available on Good Friday.
We will not take bookings on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve or New Year's Day.
Bookings are generally not available from Christmas Eve to the 3rd January (regular users please contact us).
Can bookings be taken in the summer?
The Centre is normally open during most of July, including the Edinburgh Trades Fortnight.
The Centre is a Fringe venue throughout August, please visit Paradise Green for more information.
Availability is limited during the first week of September.
What kind of groups use Augustine United Church?
The Church centre is used by cultural and musical groups, campaigning and political groups, religious and spiritual groups and trade unions, many of whom are regular users.
We would encourage all new users to be aware of our beliefs and ethos.
We may refuse bookings from some groups if we feel their activities or aims clash with the congregation's.
If you're group is spiritual or religious in nature, and you want to use the church centre regularly, please speak to us.
What are the transport links to the church centre?
Lothian Region Transport run services along George IV Bridge, Forrest Road and nearby North Bridge. The church centre is also close to Princes Street, further bus information can be found at the City Council website.
The church centre is also close to Waverley station for rail services.
Parking is limited in the area, the closest metered parking is on Chambers Street. The closest car park is at Lauriston Place.
Please note, all facilities and services are subject to availability and may be withdrawn. Augustine United Church reserves the right to refuse any booking.
Make Enquiry
If you are interested in booking a room simply fill in our online enquiry form.