Moderator's diary
During their year in office, the Moderator visits two Church of Scotland Presbyteries; travels to partner churches overseas; represents the Church of Scotland on historic and national occasions; supports the work of Committees, congregations and organisations; and meets with interfaith and ecumenical bodies.
Below are details of the engagements in the moderatorial diary this month.
- 1 April 2025
On his final day with the Presbytery of the South West, the Moderator will visit Steven's Croft, a renewable energy power station in Lockerbie.
- 2 April 2025
The Moderator will visit 3rd Kilsyth Boys' Brigade, to hear about the Boys’ recent time in Malawi, and to receive a cheque towards Dr Paterson’s initiative to fund solar lights so that young people in the country who are living without electricity can continue to study into the evening.
- 6 April 2025
The Moderator will preach at the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Condorrat Parish church building in Cumbernauld, before joining the congregation for lunch. In the afternoon, Dr Paterson will attend a Service of Recognition and Welcome following the appointment of Sir Iain Torrance as Patron of The Robin Chapel in Edinburgh.
- 8 April 2025
The Moderator will meet with the Church of Scotland’s Chief Officer.
- 11 April 2025
The Moderator will meet with his local MP, Joani Reid.
- 15 April 2025
The Moderator will host an online gathering of Presbytery Moderators, to provide an opportunity for support and networking.
- 17 April 2025
The Moderator will lead the Maundy Thursday Service at Strathaven Parish Church in Lanarkshire.
- 22 April 2025
The Moderator will attend an online NHS Professional Lead Group gathering, to meet with the Spiritual Care Leads from each Scottish Health Board.
- 23 April 2025
The Moderator will attend the First Minister's gathering of Scotland’s political, civic and faith leaders, which is being held in Glasgow.
- 25 April 2025 - 30 April 2025
The Moderator will engage in the second of two visits during his year in office to the Presbytery of the North East and the Northern Isles. Dr Paterson’s final visit to the Presbytery will include preaching at services in Kirkwall and Lerwick, as well as attending a hybrid Presbytery meeting. On his return to the mainland on the evening of 30 April, Dr Paterson will attend the installation of Major General Bob Bruce as the new Governor of Edinburgh Castle.