Ex-prison chaplain to lead Kirk

A FORMER chaplain to one of Scotland's toughest prisons is to be the new moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

The Reverend David Arnott, who spent two years as a part-time chaplain at Barlinnie, is the moderator-designate.

A former pupil of Edinburgh's George Watson's College, Mr Arnott studied at St Andrews and Edinburgh universities before receiving his call to the Church.

Following a probationary placement at St Ninian's Parish Church in Greenock in 1971, he was ordained to Stobhill Parish Church in Gorebridge. Two years later, he was called to Netherlee Parish Church in Glasgow.

The minister is a regular guest on BBC Radio Scotland's Thought for the Day.

His hobbies include cooking, golf and photography and he is also passionate about Peebles Rugby Club.

Mr Arnott has served on various Church of Scotland boards and committees. He has been convenor of the Kirk's Education board and from 2006 to 2009 he was senior director of the Kirk's new Assessment Conferences.

He will succeed current moderator Rev John Christie if approved by the General Assembly next May.