From minister to Moderator

A TV documentary follows a year in the life of the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Rt Rev Dr Angus Morrison – and catches the moment First Minister Nicola Sturgeon jokingly tells the Moderator that his collection of jewellery is superior to her own.

From Minister to Moderator, an hour-long programme to be broadcast on BBC ALBA on Thursday evening, provides a unique insight into the appointment that sees Rt Rev Dr Morrison move from parish minister into the high-profile role of Moderator of the General Assembly, a position first established 454 years ago.

The programme follows Angus as he attends a diverse range of appointments across his moderatorial year, from making history as the first Moderator to speak at the Church of England Synod, to visiting local Boys’ Brigade companies and opening the Royal National Mòd.

When the Moderator meets Nicola Sturgeon at the Scottish Parliament, as part of a day of meetings with party leaders at Holyrood, Ms Sturgeon quips that his official gold ring and cross pendant outshines the First Minister’s personal collection of jewellery.

Rt Rev Dr Morrison is the first Gaelic-speaking Moderator in almost 50 years. Born in Glencoe, he was raised in Oban to parents from the Isle of Harris in the Western Isles.

The documentary illustrates the significance of his Gaelic roots to Rt Rev Dr Morrison throughout his busy year, and profiles his support for advancing the language within the church, as well as giving the opening address at the Royal National Mòd.

From minister to Moderator

11 May 2016