The Rev Canon Ian Paton has been elected as the new Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane,

 The election of the new bishop was carried out by the Electoral Synod (comprising representatives of clergy and lay members from the Diocese).

The Rev Canon Ian Paton (Bishop Elect for the Diocese of St Andrews, Dunkeld & Dunblane) has been Rector of Old St Paul’s Church, Edinburgh since 1997, and is also honorary Anglican Chaplain to Edinburgh University, Canon of St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh and Associate Tutor at the Scottish Episcopal Institute. He was previously a rector in East Lothian, Vice-Provost of St Mary’s Cathedral, a university chaplain in Oxford, a bishop’s chaplain, and a curate in Reading. He is a former convener of the Scottish Episcopal Church’s (SEC) provincial Liturgy Committee, involved in writing new services for the SEC, and continues to teach worship to students training for ministry. He is a supporter of the ordination of women, the rights of LGBTQI people, and the inclusion of people of all ages in the Church.

Canon Ian Paton is married and he and his wife have, between them, four grown-up children. They enjoy art and poetry, hospitality around the dinner table and have a love of the sea.

On hearing the news of his election Canon Ian Paton said “I am very happy and deeply honoured to have been elected by the people of St Andrews, Dunkeld & Dunblane to serve them as their Bishop.  I ask for your prayers for the whole Diocese, and for me, as we set out together on this new journey for all of us.”

The service of consecration will take place – date yet to be confirmed – in St Ninian’s Cathedral, Perth.