In Focus: Revd Dr Donald MacEwan

University Chaplain Revd Dr Donald MacEwan reflects on faith and life, alongside his studies as a Creative Writing Masters student at the University of St Andrews. 

“I try to live a Christian life, failing sometimes, but I try my best,” said Reverend Dr Donald MacEwan. 

Raised in Glasgow by a father who was an accountant and a mother who was a housewife, faith was not a big part of Revd MacEwan’s early childhood. Whilst his parents were churchgoers and he regularly attended Sunday school, Revd MacEwan’s interest in faith only sparked after attending a summer camp organised by Scripture Union on the Isle of Arran, where he first started to pray and read the Bible. 

This interest of his accelerated when he enrolled into his undergraduate studies in English and Philosophy at the University of Aberdeen, where he attended Church and felt “that God wanted me to be a Minister and that [He] had a plan for my life and that I should follow that and see where it takes me.”

Subsequently, upon graduating, he applied to the Church of Scotland to become a Minister. However, he was advised to return to university and complete a second undergraduate degree, this time in Divinity, which he completed at the University of Edinburgh.

However, before starting the degree in Edinburgh at 21, Revd MacEwan went to Japan to work as an assistant English language teacher for two years as he “couldn’t face doing seven years as an undergraduate in a row.” He spoke fondly of his experience, describing how he felt at home given the cultural overlap between the UK and Japan with “a love of tea and politeness, for example.” Revd MacEwan spoke of the lifelong friends he made during his time there, and the great extent to which he developed his language skills, so much so that he has conducted a wedding in Japanese.

Following his time in Japan, Revd MacEwan returned to work for a year as an Assistant Minister in Elgin in the North of Scotland, learning the role whilst helping the Senior Parish. One final notable academic milestone for Revd MacEwan was his three-year PhD in Theology at Trinity College Dublin, which he described as a “training of the mind,” writing a dissertation that proudly remains on a bookshelf in his office.

Faith took him all around Scotland as he later became a Church of Scotland Minister both in St Monans and in Largoward in Fife, describing these ten years as a pivotal time for his growth and development as a person. The position offered him a plethora of opportunities to support individuals in every stage of life including marriage, times of illness, and bereavement. All of these experiences undeniably put him in good stead for the position he later took up as Chaplain of the University of St Andrews, which he has since held for the last 13 years. 

The role of a chaplain, especially at a historic institution and bustling town like St Andrews, comes with a lot of variety. As University Chaplain, Revd MacEwan plays a significant role in accompanying students and staff throughout their time at St Andrews. Whether or not you have directly interacted with him, Revd MacEwan is present at key moments in the ‘St Andrews experience’. From move-in day and the opening ceremonies to the iconic pier walks and the final milestone of graduation, his quiet yet meaningful presence weaves through university life.

More than just being present, Revd MacEwan offers a crucial source of support for students encountering hardships. For many, simply having someone to talk to is a deeply cathartic experience. His approach is marked by wisdom and compassion, often reminding those in need that "there is always hope, there are always options" — a message that resonates across faiths and philosophies.

Revd MacEwan’s work extends to ensuring the spiritual vibrancy of the town. With the help of the Chaplaincy team, he oversees the “beautiful worship” at the University’s chapels — St Salvator’s and St Leonard’s. These spaces, busy throughout the year with various services, are at the heart of university life. Organising these events involves a range of contributors — musicians, readers, technical staff, and custodians — all working behind the scenes. Revd MacEwan’s role is often to oversee this network, ensuring that each service feels inclusive and uplifting.

St Andrews, with its diverse student body, is a microcosm of global beliefs and faiths. The University is home to six faith societies, including the Catholic Society, the Jewish Society, and the Muslim Student Association, among others. Supporting these societies is another key part of Revd MacEwan’s role. His aim is to ensure that students of all faiths have the space and freedom to express their beliefs fully and confidently. Occasionally, this involves defending their right to exist and to practise openly, fostering an environment where everyone can feel at home in their spiritual identity while being away from home.

Given the multiple dimensions of his responsibilities, it's no surprise that Revd MacEwan’s schedule is very dense. Balancing a myriad of duties, he acknowledges that "there is too much to do and not enough time." It's a sentiment that resonates with many students, but Revd MacEwan feels it keenly as he now juggles his demanding role as Chaplain alongside the pursuit of a Master’s degree in Creative Writing. 

Revd MacEwan’s love for writing has been a long-standing passion, one that traces back to his undergraduate years when he wrote poetry and later composed short stories during his two-year experience in Japan. Having kept writing as a quiet background pursuit for years, Revd MacEwan decided to make it a more “intentional” part of his life by formally enrolling in its academic study. While his writing and faith remain distinct aspects of his life, they occasionally intersect — especially in the crafting of sermons, where his creativity shines through.

When asked about what he is currently working on, Revd MacEwan described the hard work he is putting towards organising a big chapel service on 16 October to celebrate the life and work of John Burnside — award-winning Scottish writer and Professor of Creative Writing — who passed away earlier this year. With regards to his academic studies, Revd MacEwan ended by saying that the afternoon’s task was to write two short stories and that he does not have a long-term project but rather is “just trying to keep up.”

Photo provided by Donald MacEwan