The Guild
St Margaret’s Chapel Guild was founded in 1942. The Guild is a Scottish charity registered with the Scottish Charity Regulator. Its charitable purposes are to promote the knowledge and understanding of the life and works of St Margaret of Scotland and to follow her example in relation to supporting family life, piety, religious education, care of church buildings and tolerance amongst religious groups.
The original idea for the Guild came from the then Minister of the Canongate, the Very Reverend Dr. Ronald Selby Wright. Princess Margaret was its first patron, and it was led until 1958 by Lady Russell, whose husband had been instrumental in the Chapel’s restoration and re-dedication, and then by her daughter Mrs Margaret Anne Macaulay.
The Guild now has more than 300 members who meet annually on St Margaret’s Day for services in the Chapel, lunch and their annual general meeting. Donations are made annually to charities which reflect the values of St Margaret. A series of events are held throughout the year, including coffee mornings, visits to places associated with St Margaret, and pilgrim walks.
Not all of those with the name of Margaret who wish to be associated with the Guild live near enough to be able to take their place in the rota for placing flowers in the Chapel, or attend the celebrations on St Margaret’s Day. All members follow the same aims, receive the Guilds newsletter, and those members with geographical constraints are encouraged to place flowers in their own churches on St Margaret’s Day.
We are honoured to have as our Patron, HRH The Princess Royal.
Meet the Margarets: an Edinburgh 900 Special Event for 2024
Would you like to know more about the Margarets who are members of our Guild?
During 2024 Edinburgh will be celebrating 900 years of its Royal Burgh, from the time of King David to the present day. Our annual get together will form part of the celebrations this year, when we will open our doors to a wider audience and celebrate the lives of St Margaret and King David with a special service, as a one-off event.
This year’s event takes place on St Margaret’s Day: Saturday 16 November and will be at the Canongate Kirk, from 11 am for coffee or tea and then we’ll hold a service at 11.30 until 12.30 pm. The AGM – for members only – will take place at 10 am ahead of the public event.
As this is a special opportunity to welcome additional people to our Guild event, guests are required to register by emailing stmargaretschapel@gmail.com with their name, address and the number of tickets required before Sunday 10 November. Those who attend will receive our Chapel booklet and will be able to learn more about Guild activities and charitable role.
We look forward to welcoming a wider audience and celebrating this very special event for 2024.
You can find out more about Edinburgh 900 and other events here
