A north-east church congregation has welcomed a new minister to their parish, almost exactly a year after his predecessor departed.
Reverend Hugh O’Brien has succeeded Calum Stark as the minister of Macduff Parish Church on the Banffshire Coast.
The Glasgow-born Rev O’Brien, who previously worked at Perth’s North Church, was inducted at a service on Friday night.
He previously acted as minister in the Aberdeenshire parish of Meldrum and Bourtie before moving to Perth.
Prior to joining the ministry, he had a successful career in social work in the Glasgow and Oban areas as well as holding a senior position with Angus Council.
In 1996, he began studying at the University of St Andrews where he was awarded a Master of Theology degree.
Rev O’Brien said: “I used to be the minister in Oldmeldrum, so we’re delighted to be back in the north-east. We know this area, because we’ve been on holiday to Whitehills for 12 years.
“We know the place and now I am looking forward to settling in and getting to know the people.”
Last night, Andrew Simpson, the session clerk at Macduff Parish Church, added: “We’re delighted he has come up to be with us in Macduff. There has been a vacancy for just under a year since Calum Stark left in November.
“On behalf of the congregation, I would like to say we’re delighted he’s come to Macduff and we look forward to working with him in the coming months and year.”
