We are pleased to announce that Bishop David’s 2026 Lent Appeal will be in support of Embrace the Middle East and their vital work tackling poverty and injustice across the Middle East.

This year, Bishop David is inviting us to stand alongside some of the most vulnerable communities in the world — families facing conflict, displacement, economic hardship and inequality.

Embrace the Middle East partners with trusted local Christian organisations to:

• Support education and healthcare services

• Empower women and young people

• Provide humanitarian relief in times of crisis

• Challenge injustice and promote dignity for all

Through practical action and long-term development, they help communities build resilience and hope for the future.

In a region where many continue to endure instability and deep-rooted poverty, our Lent Appeal offers a meaningful opportunity to respond with compassion and solidarity. Every gift, prayer and act of support will contribute to life-changing work on the ground.

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

21^st 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.”