Minister hangs up his cassock

The Very Rev John Chalmers studied chemical engineering at Strathclyde University later transferring to the University of Glasgow where he completed his degree in divinity.

He served as a parish minister in Renton and Edinburgh, before taking on a variety of pastoral and administrative roles for the Kirk in 1995 and six years ago was appointed principal clerk to the General Assembly.

He would serve a year’s term as Moderator from May 2014, using his position to focus on reconciliation between the opposing sides during the Scottish independence referendum campaign.

The Very Rev Chalmers is set to retire from the ministry at the conclusion of the next meeting of the General Assembly in May.

Last week he was awarded an honorary Doctorate in Divinity from the University of Aberdeen to mark his outstanding contribution to the ministry.

Dr Chalmers said: “I feel particularly honoured to be recognised in this way, but I regard this as an award that has only been made possible because of the hard work and support of colleagues, family and friends who have encouraged me and allowed me, over the years, to enjoy a wide ranging involvement in church and public life.”