Aberdeen Minister Named Queen's Chaplain

Thursday April 27 2017

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An Aberdeen minister has been appointed by the Queen as one of her personal chaplains.

The Rev George Cowie of South Holburn Church, Aberdeen, has joined Her Majesty’s Household as a Chaplain-in-Ordinary. The prestigious role dates back to the 15th century and is today largely a ceremonial honour with chaplains taking part in formal state occasions and conducting services at significant national events.

Mr Cowie, who has been a parish minister for 26 years, said: “I felt surprised, humbled and honoured to be offered this appointment as a Chaplain to the Queen in Scotland.”

The 53-year-old grew up in Glasgow and trained as a civil engineer, working with Tayside Regional Council before entering the ministry.

He was ordained and inducted to the charge of Auchtertool linked with Kirkcaldy: Linktown in 1991.

He has served parishes in Aberdeen since 1999 and is a former Joint Clerk of the Presbytery of Aberdeen. He was acting Depute Clerk to the General Assembly in 2014 and 2015, and currently convens the Legal Questions Committee.

He is married to the Rev Marion Cowie, with whom he has two children, Graeme and Kay.

The Very Rev Professor Iain Torrance, Dean of the Chapel Royal in Scotland, said: "I am truly delighted that The Queen has appointed George Cowie to this trusted role.

“He was a Clerk to the Presbytery of Aberdeen when it was going through a difficult time.

“George’s fairness, integrity and pastoral commitment shone through.

“He is respected throughout the Church and I am delighted to see him recognised and honoured by the Queen.”

Mr Cowie will be officially installed at a special service in Aberdeen later in the year.

The Rev Professor David Fergusson, principal of New College at the University of Edinburgh and himself a Chaplain to The Queen, will be the guest preacher.

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