Moderator embarks on Presbytery of the North East and the Northern Isles tour

Published on 10 February 2025 4 minutes read

The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland is embarking on the first leg of a tour across the Presbytery of the North East and the Northern Isles this week.

Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson said he is very much looking forward to learning more about the life and work of the church in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray.

Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson
Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson.

The visit is taking place from Wednesday, 12 February to Sunday, 16 February and provides an opportunity for him to engage with congregations and communities serving Christ in diverse settings, across coastlines, rural parishes, and urban centres.

Dr Paterson said: "I am really excited about the trip when I will get the opportunity to see first-hand some wonderful church and community projects.

"As I said at the General Assembly in May last year, I am eager to meet as many people as possible and have the opportunity to convey the good wishes of the General Assembly and remind them that they are valued and appreciated."

Formed on 1 January 2023, the presbytery brings together the former presbyteries of Aberdeen and Shetland, Buchan, Gordon, Kincardine and Deeside, Moray, and Orkney.

Encouragement

In April, the Moderator plans to complete the second stage of his exploration of the presbytery by visiting Orkney and Shetland.

Dr Paterson's programme will begin on Wednesday with a visit to Buckie Counselling Service, part of CrossReach Counselling Moray.

Run by what is the Social Care Council of the Church of Scotland, the donation-based service provides accessible support for people while helping to fund sessions for those unable to contribute financially.

The Moderator will also meet with members of a charity called Step by Step in Moray, which is based in Elgin and supports families who feel isolated or vulnerable.

He will have an opportunity to gather with members of the Church of Scotland who help those families to develop friendships and confidence as part of the Step by Step in Moray project.

Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland Rt Rev Dr Shaw J Paterson pictured in a church sitting with his arm over a pew.
Rt Rev Dr Shaw J Paterson said he is looking forward to seeing the work by local church communities and charities.

The charity's vision is to equip parents of children up to three years old with skills that will enable them to give their children the best start in life.

On Thursday, the Moderator will visit two CrossReach services in Stonehaven: The Bungalow, a purpose-built home for adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities, and Clashfarquhar House, a care home providing residential and day services for older people.

Friday's engagements will include the Founders' Day Service at King's College Chapel, University of Aberdeen, followed by a special service at Inverurie West Parish Church.

The Moderator will honour elders with the presentation of long service certificates, celebrating their dedication to the life and mission of the Church.

On Saturday, he will meet with New Scots – asylum seekers and refugees – and members of Aberdeenshire Council's Resettlement Team at Kingshill Parish Church in Westhill.

Life in all its fullness

Dr Paterson recognises the vital role they play in offering welcome and support to those building new lives in the region.

The visit will conclude with a service at St Ternan's Church in Arbuthnott, marking 465 years of worship and pastoral care since the Scottish Reformation in 1560.

This event will honour the church's rich history before its planned disposal later this year.

St Ternan's Church's history dates from pre-Reformation times and is dedicated to the memory of St. Ternan.

Its first Protestant minister, Alexander Arbuthnott, served at St Ternan's Arbuthnott from 1569 till 1574.

He later became the first protestant principal of King's College, Aberdeen, and served as the Moderator of the General Assembly in 1573 and again in 1577.

It is fitting for the current Moderator to visit Arbuthnott Church, bookending its long history of the Church of Scotland witness.

It began with a Moderator's presence and will now conclude with this significant moment before the building is released from the Church of Scotland's care.

Rev Stella Campbell, clerk to the Presbytery of the North East and the Northern Isles, said: "We're very excited to be welcoming the Moderator to the north-east and Moray.

"We hope that in his visit he will get to see some of the great community and other work which makes our area such a great place to live.

"We also hope that his visit will encourage the faithful and committed people of God who belong to our churches as they continue to share the good news of Jesus Christ in word and deed."

The Moderator's schedule:

Wednesday, 12 February – Elgin, Buckie, and Keith

  • Visit to Johnston's Mill, Elgin, with a tour hosted by Jenny and Neil Urquhart.
  • Lunch at Williamson Hall with community leaders, including Vice-Lord Lieutenant of Moray, Nancy Robson.
  • Meeting with Step by Step Care, supporting vulnerable families.
  • Visit to Buckie Counselling Service (CrossReach), engaging with staff and service users.
  • Tour of Keith North Church, discussing congregational challenges related to building refurbishment.

Thursday, 13 February – Stonehaven, Luthermuir, and Aberdeen

  • Visits to CrossReach facilities: The Bungalow (care for adults with profound disabilities) and Clashfarquhar House (care for older people).
  • Engagement with the Caim Project in Luthermuir, a community food-growing initiative.
  • Meeting with Presbytery staff at the Aberdeen office

Friday, 14 February – Aberdeen University and Inverurie

  • Founder's Day Service at Aberdeen University.
  • Presentation of long service certificates during a special presbytery service at Inverurie West.

Saturday, 15 February – Aberdeenshire and Northfield, Aberdeen.

  • Meeting with New Scots, including asylum seekers and refugees at Kingshill Parish Church, Westhill, highlighting the Church's resettlement efforts and support.
  • Visits to Northfield and Aberdeen North churches, focusing on congregational development and property challenges.

Sunday, 16 February – Stonehaven, and ABK (Arbuthnott, Bervie and Kinneff)

  • Leading morning worship at Fetteresso Church, with presentations of long service certificates.
  • Commemorative event at St Ternan's Arbuthnott Church, marking 465 years of ministry.
  • An informal visit to the 'Lighthouse' Youth Group at Fetteresso Church, emphasising youth engagement within the presbytery.