THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF ARGYLL AND THE ISLES
The United Diocese of Argyll & The Isles covers the mainland of Argyll and stretches from the northern tip of Lewis to the Mull of Kintyre encompassing the Hebrides, Skye, Mull and Iona and including Bute, Arran and Cumbrae.
We are a Diocese embracing a rich and varied culture in our past and our present. Our stories begin with Celtic saints and a history narrated in the language of the Gaels, still strong in areas of our Diocese.
Our geographical area is made up of ancient settlements and new townships; we encompass mountains and hills, lochs, rivers and seas, moorland and machair, crofts, land and sea farms, centres of culture and a diversity of trade and occupations.
Our landscape of land and sea influences our population numbers and means that we are the largest Diocese geographically but the smallest numerically. Our people are as varied as our landscape – with local families whose ancestors are intrinsically linked to the land and sea, together with those who have chosen to settle here for work, retirement or as holiday home visitors. Our travel is often along single track roads or on ferries at the mercy of the weather, but our journeys take us through some of the most beautiful landscapes. These, together with the HIAL (Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd) and Hebridean Air Service and West Highland train line, connect us to our Islands and beyond to the cities and towns of the rest of Scotland. We are at the historic heart of the Highlands and our everyday life – whether in new occupations or tending ancient family lands, is dictated by eachdraidh, dualchas and dùthchas – the history and heritage, language and culture, traditions and landscape, which shape who we are just as surely and deeply as the history and experiences, traditions and liturgy of our Episcopal church.
SEE BELOW: Net Zero Day details…..welcome to The Rev’ Paul Fletcher…..welcome to the Rev’d Canon Paul Watson
NET ZERO DAY 
A Warm Welcome ~ Fàilte Chridheil to The Rev’d Paul Fletcher
The Bishop of Argyll and The Isles is pleased to announce the appointment of Revd Paul Fletcher as Priest in Charge and Transitional Minister of St Andrew’s Fort William. Paul will be licensed at a service marking the start of this new ministry, which will take place on Monday, 2nd June at 6.00 pm at St Andrew’s Church.
Bishop David says, “Following the recent difficult situation at St Andrew’s, it is wonderful to share the news of this appointment, and I look forward to Paul taking up this ministry. Paul and his wife Sheena, who currently live in the Diocese, and I look forward to welcoming them as they join the Diocesan family. My prayers are with them and the congregation in Fort William in this time of transition.”
Canon Missioner appointed to the Diocese….
The Bishop of Argyll and The Isles is very pleased to announce the appointment of The Revd Canon Paul Watson as Canon Missioner for the Diocese of Argyll and The Isles. Paul will be Installed as a Canon of St John’s Cathedral and licensed to the role of Missioner, at a service of Evensong in St John’s Cathedral, Oban on Saturday July 26th at 5pm.
Bishop David says, “I am delighted to share the news of this appointment, and it will be a joy to welcome Paul and Ina to the Diocese in due course. My prayers are with them both as they begin to think about moving, and with the people they will be leaving. Paul has a great deal of experience, enthusiasm and wisdom to share, and I look forward to working with him over the coming years.”
Paul is presently serving as the Rector of St James the Less, Bishopbriggs, in the Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway. Paul spent many of his school years in India and Bangladesh where his parents were Baptist missionaries. He returned to the UK and graduated from St Andrews with an MA in Geography with Social Anthropology before spending 9 years working with international students in Glasgow on behalf of Friends International. During this time he was awarded a BD and MTh from Glasgow university before serving his curacy at St Ninians’ Pollokshields. Five years were then spent in Sri Lanka with CMS before returning to Aberdeen in early 2009 to St Devenick’s, Bieldside and then in August 2017 for St James the Less. He is married to Ina, a psychotherapist and has two adult daughters, two sons in law and a golden labrador called Bella.
LINKS
Diocesan Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064817552737
Facebook page of the Bishop of Argyll and The Isles https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563360388542
Provincial Website for the Scottish Episcopal Church https://www.scotland.anglican.org/the communities
Consecration and Installation of Bishop David: The service can be seen at this page on our website.
JOINING IN PRAYERS
Daily Prayers https://www.scotland.anglican.org/spirituality/prayer/authorised-daily-offices/
The Argyll and The Isles Weekly Prayer Cycle 2024/25
Diocese of Argyll & The Isles – Privacy Statement and Policies & Procedures
Website Updating This is a continual process. Please let the Office know if you wish to add any useful information. Email office@argyll.anglican.org