Plea for religious representation

A Church of Scotland Minister has called on other churches and denominations in Orkney to put forward nominations for representatives to join him sitting on the Council’s Education, Leisure and Housing Committee.

Rev Fraser Macnaughton, Minister of St Magnus Cathedral, says his appointment last year is a  “privilege” and it is a role which he takes very seriously.

“I enjoy working with the rest of the committee, particularly on education, with which I’ve been involved here in Orkney for around 20 years in my role as chaplain at both Kirkwall Grammar and Papdale Primary schools, as well as having young people from the schools come to us at St Magnus Cathedral at various times of the year. I have also assisted many youngsters on the rugby pitch as a keen player myself and coach.

“I do believe that religious representatives make an invaluable contribution to the Education Committees. It is a recognition that everything has a spiritual dimension to it, not least education and so religious representatives can contribute a different perspective that can help  inform committee decisions.”

Each of Scotland’s 32 Local Authorities has three religious representatives on their committee that deals with education.

The Council is obliged, by law, to include one representative from the Church of Scotland and, at present, in Orkney this is Rev Macnaughton.

Two seats remain empty and so nominations for religious reps to sit on this Committee are being sought locally.

Churches or denominational bodies are invited to nominate a person to be considered for selection.

For further information or to lodge a nomination contact Hazel Flett, Senior Committees Officer or call 01856 873535.