An Armadale man has been appointed as a chaplain to Her Majesty the Queen.
Rev Dr Grant Barclay, will formally join her Majesty’s Household as a Chaplain-in-Ordinary.
The Church of Scotland minister said it is a “privilege” to be appointed to the prestigious role which dates back to the 15th century.
It is today largely a ceremonial honour, with members of the Chapel Royal taking part in formal state occasions and conducting services at significant national events.
Dr Barclay is a former pupil of Armadale Academy and practiced law in Sneddons Solicitors in Whitburn and Armadale before training for the ministry.
Dr Barclay, interim clerk to the Presbytery of Glasgow, said: “I am honoured to be invited to serve as chaplain to the Queen in Scotland and am humbled to stand in a tradition of Christian service to the monarch which has continued for nearly 600 years.
“I consider it a privilege to be able to offer Christian ministry to the Queen and Royal Household.”
Ordained as an elder in his home church in Armadale in his early twenties, Dr Barclay was minister of St Kentigern’s Church, Kilmarnock, and then Orchardhill Parish Church in Giffnock in East Renfrewshire.
He was the moderator of Irvine and Kilmarnock Presbytery in 2010, convened the Council of Assembly from 2012
until 2016 and is currently the convener of the General Assembly’s Legal Questions Committee.
As well as holding degrees in law and divinity, Dr Barclay’s research explored digital multimedia and Christian Education.
Married to Karen with whom he has three adult children – Katie, Andrew and Kirsten – he lives in Ayrshire and enjoys exploring the area as he is a keen walker.
Rev Professor David Fergusson, Dean of the Chapel Royal in Scotland, said: “I’m delighted to learn that Her Majesty has appointed Dr Grant Barclay to the Chapel Royal in Scotland.
“He will bring extensive experience of ministry and leadership at local, regional and national levels to the work of the Chapel Royal.
“His wisdom and acumen is widely recognised throughout the church.”
There are 10 chaplains to the Queen in Scotland, each normally retiring upon reaching the age of 70.
The chaplains, along with a physician, a surgeon, an apothecary, a sculptor, an astronomer, an historiographer
and some others form part of Her Majesty’s household.
The Queen is also served by her two domestic Royal Chaplains, the ministers of Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh and Crathie Kirk near Balmoral Castle.
All chaplains are personally chosen by the Queen and are people in whom she has placed her trust.
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