BBC Radio Broadcasts Live in University Chapel

On Sunday 30 November, St Salvator’s Chapel transformed into a live broadcast studio for two nationwide BBC radio programmes — Sunday Worship on BBC Radio 4 and Carols Across the Country on BBC Radio 3. 

The dual recordings in the medieval Chapel — dating back to 1413 — marked both St Andrew’s Day and the beginning of Advent, drawing together students, staff, and leading figures from across Scotland’s artistic and academic communities.

The morning recording began early, with doors opened to the public at 7:30am for the live broadcast of Sunday Worship, produced by Mo McCullough. The service, led by University Chaplain Rev Dr Donald MacEwan and Assistant Chaplain The Revd Samantha Ferguson, featured readings, prayers, and music from the renowned St Salvator’s Chapel Choir.

University Principal and Vice-Chancellor Dame Sally Mapstone delivered a short reading incorporating Matthew 4:12-17, while students Cecilia and Thomas offered prayers. 

Reverend Professor Alison Jack, Professor of Bible and Literature Studies, and Principal of New College at the University of Edinburgh, contributed a reflection on the life, work, and spirituality of Scottish twentieth-century poet and writer Edwin Muir — the central theme of the service.

Rev Dr MacEwan reflected on the experience, telling The Saint: “The BBC got in touch in late September about broadcasting Sunday Worship from St Salvator’s Chapel on 30 November — not only Advent Sunday but St Andrew’s Day, so what better place to choose than the town and University named after St Andrew.”

The Chaplain continued, “The particular theme was to be writers. We were really excited and started planning a service on the Scottish writer Edwin Muir, choosing music for the choir and congregation, and inviting students, the Principal, and a friend Alison Jack to take part.”

He added: “It is an honour for the Chaplaincy to be invited to broadcast Sunday Worship. It’s the fifth BBC service from the chapel I’ve been part of [for] over fifteen years — a sign of how great our choir and organ scholars are. They also love our international mix of voices and accents.”

When asked about how he found the personal experience of delivering the service to the nation, he said: “ It’s a bit nerve-wracking, thinking that about a million people are listening to you right at that moment, but I tried just to focus on the congregation in the Chapel. Almost as soon as it was over, I started getting messages from people across the country — alumni and strangers alike — saying how much they had enjoyed the service.”

Later that day, from 4:30pm to 6:30pm, Carols Across the Country was broadcast live on BBC Radio 3, led by Scottish presenter and music journalist Kate Molleson. Unlike the morning service, this recording was not open to the public, with a select audience invited to attend, including an exclusive invite for The Saint from the BBC. 

The programme began with bagpipes played by piper Marshall Allan, followed by poetry readings and musical performances marking the start of Advent and celebrating St Andrew’s Day. 

The University’s flagship St Salvator’s Chapel Choir performance began at 5pm, singing a range of music including Christmas classics like ‘In the bleak midwinter’ and ‘Ding dong Merrily on high.’

Claire Innes-Hopkins, Director of Chapel Music at the University and Director of the vocal group spoke live on air to Molleson during the concert.

Asked what she found special about Advent vocal music, she said: “The music is just wonderful [with] all this excitement and anticipation and the hope of Christmas to come. All of the advent music embodies that as we look forward to the joy of Christmas.”

The music selection was joined by celebrated folk duo Chris Stout and Catriona McKay on the fiddle and harp, playing their own songs ‘For the Generosity of Aird’ and ‘Voar/A Love For All Seasons.’ They recalled how over 30 years ago, the duo played their first public gig in the same chapel.

Contributors also included Dundee-based poet Don Paterson, who spoke about St Andrews as a place of pilgrimage, Scottish poet and language performer Len Pennie, and Sound of Cinema presenter Edith Bowman, who grew up in nearby Anstruther.

The event was produced by BBC producer Esme Kennedy, with sound engineering led by Fiona Johnstone. 

Kennedy described the experience as “a privilege,” adding: “Doing an outside broadcast is always hard work, but to be in a place where you can feature local musicians — and certainly of the talent of the St Salvator’s Chapel Choir, Catriona McKay, and Chris Stout — has been an absolute pleasure.”

Johnstone shared similar sentiments: “It makes our job a lot easier when everybody is really nice. Everyone has been super lovely, the choir is amazing, and the perks of our job are coming to places like this and getting to listen to music like that. Every time you’ve got a live show, there’s always an element of uncertainty, but this has been a really nice event.”

Both Sunday Worship and Carols Across the Country are available to listen to on BBC Sounds, until Friday 26 December — offering audiences across the UK the chance to experience the music and spirit of St Andrews during the festive season.

Photos by Maria Ebrahim