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Royal Honours for Church of Scotland Ministers

Monday September 9 2013

The induction of the Rev John Chalmers, as a new Queen's Chaplain yesterday (Sunday) was made even more memorable by the presence of his son John-James (JJ).

JJ was very seriously wounded in Afghanistan in May 2011, when he was caught in an explosion which killed two of his friends.

The ceremony took place during the morning service at St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh.

Mr Chalmers, who is Principal Clerk to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland said: “Today is a very special one, made all the more special for me by the fact JJ was able to attend as he continues to recover from his injuries. I am delighted to be appointed as a Chaplain to the Queen and look forward to fulfilling the duties of this role. “

At the same service, the Very Rev Professor Iain Torrance was inducted as the new Dean of the Chapel Royal. Prof Torrance, who is Pro-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen, will be responsible for the oversight of the ecclesiastical establishment, which is part of the Royal Household. He said: “I am honoured to take up this role and am looking forward to the challenges and opportunities which it will present.”

Commenting on the appointments, the Rt Rev Lorna Hood, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and herself a Queen’s Chaplain said: “Both Iain and John have faithfully served the church with distinction and we rejoice with them in this recognition by the Queen. The Church of Scotland is proud of its relationship with the Royal Household and we look forward to maintaining those links in the future.”

Also present at the service was Prof Torrance's immediate predecessor as Dean of the Chapel Royal, the Very Rev John Cairns, who was knighted after retiring from the role in July.

Left to right: The Rev John Chalmers, the Very Rev Dr Gilleasbuig Macmillan (minister of St Giles), the Very Rev Prof Iain Torrance, the Very Rev John Cairns

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