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.

A Warm Welcome ~ Fàilte Chridheil  to The Rev’d Ross Copley as Rector of St Andrew’s Fort William

The Bishop of Argyll and The Isles is very pleased to announce the appointment of The Revd Ross Copley as Rector of St Andrew’s Fort William. It is hoped that the service of collation marking the start of this new ministry will take place sometime in May 2025, when Ross and his wife, Victoria, will be warmly welcomed to their new home in Scotland.
Bishop David says, “It is wonderful to share the news of this appointment, and I look forward to Ross and Victoria’s arrival, and to welcoming them to the Diocese. My prayers are with them as they prepare to move, and with both the congregations they will be leaving, and the congregation in Fort William who will be preparing for their arrival.”
Ross is presently serving as a Mission Priest and Associate Vicar in the Parish of Swindon New Town, and Ross and Victoria will be very welcome as they join us in the Scottish Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Argyll and The Isles.
Ross writes “I am excited to begin this new chapter of ministry at St Andrew’s and to leading a renewed vision of joyful witness to our faith in Fort William. Victoria and I look forward to settling into life in The Highlands and to exploring its many treasures.”

A Warm Welcome ~ Fàilte Chridheil  to The Rev’d David Rushton as Rector of Holy Trinity Dunoon and St Paul’s Rothesay

The Bishop of Argyll and The Isles is very pleased to announce the appointment of The Revd David Rushton as Rector of the linked charge of Holy Trinity Dunoon and St Paul’s Rothesay. It is hoped that the service of collation marking the start of this new ministry will take place in early April 2025, when David will be warmly welcomed to the two churches, and to his new home in Argyll.
Bishop David says, “I am delighted to share the news of this appointment, and I look forward to David’s arrival, and to welcoming him to the Diocese. My prayers are with David as he prepares to move, and with both the people he will be leaving, and the congregations in Dunoon and Rothesay who will be preparing for his arrival.”
David is presently serving as the Chaplain and Outreach Officer of St Chad’s College, Durham University, and will be very welcome as he joins us in the Scottish Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Argyll and The Isles.
David writes, “I am thrilled and humbled to be invited to join the communities of Holy Trinity and St Paul’s. I look forward to journeying with you as we continue to live out our faith, generously serving the people of the Cowal Peninsula and Bute.”

Notification of the Diocesan Conference and Synod

The DIOCESAN CONFERENCE on Tuesday 25^th February will be considering the theological and pastoral responses to the Assisted Dying Bill and will be led by The Rev’d Dr Hamilton Inbadas. Hamilton is a Priest in the Scottish Episcopal Church and currently serves at St John’s Forres. His research interests are in spiritual care in end of life care; theological, philosophical and cultural understandings of death, dying and bereavement; as well as ethical issues in end of life care. This event, which is for both clergy and congregation members, will begin with Morning Prayer at 10am and Closing Prayers will be at 3.30pm.  Please contact the Office for further details.

The Diocesan Synod will be constituted at the SYNOD EUCHARIST in St John’s Cathedral, Oban at 5pm on Tuesday 25^th February. All are warmly invited to attend this service.

The DIOCESAN SYNOD business sessions begin on Wednesday 26^th February with Morning Prayer at 10am and Closing Prayers will be at 3.30pm. Tea/coffee will be available at 9.30am and the day will also include a bookable soup and sandwich lunch. Please contact the Office for further details.

LINKS

Diocesan Facebook page                                                            https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064817552737

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