Room Hire FAQs

This page contains some of the frequently asked questions regarding AUC room hire.

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, trade unions and many others, 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 inclusive approach.

Can we visit the Centre before booking?

Absolutely. Just get in touch with our administrator on 0131 220 1677 or email us and we’ll arrange a suitable time.

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), 1-5pm (afternoon) and 6-10pm (evening) but there is plenty of flexibility, assuming other users are not impacted.

Is there an hourly rate?

Yes.  We charge an hourly rate for each of our rooms after the first 4 hours. Details can be found on each of the room pages.

Is the church accessible?

Yes! Please see our separate page on accessibility here

Can we book during the Festival?

The Church centre is run as a Fringe venue and all our rooms are taken up in this capacity. 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 but if this isn’t possible, please let us know as we have one available to borrow. All our data projectors only support HDMI connections.

Do you take a deposit?

We reserve the right to take a deposit if we deem it necessary but it is not our usual practice.

Is there a discount available for charities?

Almost all of our users are charities and community groups, our current prices reflect this.

Do you have a theatre or public entertainment licence?

No, if you believe your event requires a public entertainment licence, you should arrange this directly with Edinburgh City Council

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 for music or other copyright licence?

We have a PRS licence for music but no video licence. If you wish to show a film in our premises, you must ensure you have the correct permissions in place.

Can we use the Sanctuary gallery?

The balcony can be used to increase the size of an audience by an additional 40 people. However you would need to provide additional stewards for health and safety reasons.  The audience may hear or see less from gallery seats.

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 our 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 until 3pm but can be booked by other groups after this time.

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, Hogmanay 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 from late July until early September and normal room hire is not available. Please visit Paradise Green for more information about Fringe activities.

You can still contact the administrator throughout the Fringe regarding future bookings.

What are the transport links to the church centre?

Lothian Buses run services along George IV Bridge, Forrest Road and nearby South Bridge.  The church centre is also close to Princes Street.

The church centre is also close to Waverley station for rail services.

There are bicycle racks directly outside the church and George IV Bridge is close to a number of cycle routes. Plan your cycle journey to us using Cycle Streets.

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.