Diocese of Argyll and The Isles
A Diocese of the Scottish Episcopal Church
News & Events
Scottish Episcopal Church
DIOCESE OF ARGYLL & THE ISLES
The Right Reverend David Railton
Bishop of Argyll & The Isles
Diocesan Centre
Croft Avenue
Oban
Argyll
PA34 5JJ
21st October 2025
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
Notice of dates for the 2026 Diocesan Conference and Synod
It is our custom to have our Conference and Synod before Lent begins, and as Ash Wednesday is early in the new year - 18th February - I am writing with an early reminder of dates, with the Conference Day on Tuesday 10th February 2026, and the Synod on Wednesday 11th February 2026. As last year, the venue is the Corran Halls in Oban.
This is also Valentine’s week, and half term in some places, so accommodation may book up. It would therefore be advisable not to leave booking until the last minute. I am aware that some lay reps will not be appointed until your Annual Meetings, so it would be helpful to share this information with new people as soon as possible.
Further information, and the official Synod mailing will come out early in the new year.
If you would like any further information at this point, please be in touch.
Many thanks,
Bishop David Railton, Argyll and The Isles
Scottish Episcopal Church
DIOCESE OF ARGYLL & THE ISLES
The Right Reverend David Railton
Bishop of Argyll & The Isles
Diocesan Centre
Croft Avenue
Oban
Argyll
PA34 5JJ
21st December 2025
Announcement from the Bishop’s Office
The Bishop of Argyll and The Isles is delighted to announce the appointment of the Revd Iain Osborne as Priest-in-Charge of St Columba’s, Portree, and St Michael and All Angels, Raasay. This appointment is subject to the receipt of the required paperwork and appropriate PVG clearance.
It is hoped that the service of licensing, celebrating the beginning of this new ministry, will take place in April. Iain and his wife Susan will receive a warm welcome as they join the congregations and settle into their new home on Skye.
Bishop David said: “I am thrilled to share the news of this appointment. Iain brings a wealth of ministerial experience, and the appointment of the first stipendiary priest on Skye for a number of years is a moment of real joy and significance for the Diocese. This is wonderful news for the Scottish Episcopal Church on Skye. We look to the future with hope and confidence, trusting in God’s abiding presence as we begin this new chapter of ministry together. I very much look forward to welcoming Iain and Susan and hold them in my prayers as they prepare to move.”
Iain currently serves as Senior Chaplain and Strategy Advisor to the Bishop of Ely and will be warmly welcomed, along with Susan, as they join the Scottish Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Argyll and The Isles.
Iain writes, “Susan and I are so much looking forward to getting to know the people of the churches and the islands. I know that many prayers by the faithful congregations on Skye and Raasay have led up to this appointment. Susan and I have also tried to hear and follow God’s call in our lives. So, while we don’t know exactly what the coming years will bring, we believe God has good things in store for all of us in the churches and across the islands.”
Cathedral of The Isles on The Big Screen!
TV Ayrshire have produced a short film about The Cathedral of The Isles, as part of the 'Hidden Ayrshire' series on YouTube.
Carol Campbell of Cumbrae Aspires SCIO had this to say about the piece: "Run by social enterprise Ayrshire Film Company, TV Ayrshire is a unique, volunteer-centred production crew, which gives young people access to high quality training and opportunities. They aim to shine a light on the best that Ayrshire has to offer, so the Cathedral of the Isles were delighted to welcome them to Cumbrae, and this film is the result.
We hope you enjoy it."
https://vimeo.com/ayrshirefilmco/download/1091806011/789b157347