Robin Chapel

The Robin Chapel stands in the Craigmillar area of Edinburgh, on the grounds of the Thistle Foundation. This foundation began in 1944 as a charity to house and care for disabled war veterans and their families. The chapel itself was built as a memorial to Lieutenant Robin Tudsbery, who died in the last days of World War II. It was completed in 1953 and dedicated with the presence of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret. The chapel serves as both a war memorial and a place of ecumenical Christian worship. The chapel was designed by John F Matthew in the Scottish Arts and Crafts style. Its interior features stained glass windows by Sadie McLellan, depicting scenes from *The Pilgrim’s Progress*. The oak panelling and choir stalls include carvings of animals and birds, reflecting Robin Tudsbery’s love of nature. The entrance bears an inscription from the same book: “Come In, Come In, Eternal Glory Thou Shalt Win.” Many of these carvings were crafted by Thomas Good, who also worked on St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall. Inside, the chapel holds weekly Choral Evensong services at 4pm. It welcomes people of all Christian denominations, with clergy from different traditions invited to preach. The Chapel Choir, led by a director of music, performs at these services. The Sovereign’s Standard of The Blues and Royals was laid up here in 2015, marking a special occasion. The chapel remains open to all, reflecting its mission of unity and service.