Jim Wallace, Rt Hon Lord Wallace of Tankerness QC, will become the Kirk’s ambassador at home and abroad next May.
A former Deputy First Minister of Scotland and leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, the 66-year-old now lives in Orkney but still has family in Annan.
He said: “I am delighted to have been asked to take up the role and feel humbled and honoured that people have put their trust in me.
“I am both excited and daunted about the challenge of the task that lies ahead and to be honest I have had to pinch myself that this is actually happening.”
His late father John was an elder at Annan Old Parish Church for 64 years and Lord Wallace is himself an elder at St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall.
He hopes to use the position of Moderator to inspire and encourage people, adding: “Many people have a spiritual longing and the Church has to be nimble, innovative and imaginative as to how it meets that need.
“As an elder, I hope my year will be a source of encouragement to other elders and members of congregations who already play a very full part in the life of their church and communities.”
Full story in this week’s Annandale Observer
