Despite the wild weather and cancelled inter-island ferry sailings, a good crowd gathered for the induction of Rev David Ferguson to the Free Church congregation of North Uist, Grimsay and Berneray.

The congregation has been vacant for two years. in June 2022, and Rev Mark Macleod appointed interim moderator.

Mr David Ferguson was called by the congregation after he completed his studies at the Edinburgh Theological Seminary this summer.

He and his wife, Catherine, and their son, Duncan, have moved to the manse at Carinish.

Mr Ferguson grew up in Invergordon and started attending the Free Church in Rosskeen about 30 years ago.  

After many years as an elder there and some time working as the church administrator, the couple became convinced that God was calling them as a family to go into full time pastoral ministry.  

Part of his training included being a two year attachment to Tain and Fearn congregation where he says he learned a lot from Rev Alasdair Macaulay as his preaching mentor.

In summer 2022, the family moved to Fife where Mr Ferguson to work alongside Rev Jeremy Ross of Dunfermline Free Church of Scotland, known as New City Church, as a minister in training.  

New Free Church minister for North Uist

25 September 2024