Lanarkshire minister announced as next Moderator of the General Assembly

A minister who was discouraged from going to university and told that his Lanarkshire accent would hamper his life prospects has been announced as the next Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

Rev Dr Shaw James Paterson will take up the role on Saturday 18 May 2024 and spend a year as the Kirk’s ambassador.

Serving since 1991, as minister at Strathaven Trinity Parish Church in Lanarkshire, he was expected to become a bricklayer like other family members before him, but took a different path and he went on to complete four degrees at Glasgow University, including a doctorate.

The father of three, who is originally from Holytown, was told by teachers that there was no point continuing his studies, but was encouraged to do so at home.

“My father recognised something in me and I got in to study biology at Glasgow University,” he explains.

“He pushed me in a gentle and encouraging way.

“That moment when they shout Moderator – it will be for my Dad.”