CLYDE Presbytery’s new clerk says he is looking forward “to a new challenge” as he prepares to take on the role later this year.

Reverend Robbie Hamilton will officially be appointed as Presbytery Clerk for the Church of Scotland’s administrative body for the lower River Clyde in October.

Mr Hamilton, who has been a minister for nearly three decades, is currently based at New Wellwynd Parish Church in Airdrie.

Ahead of the move, he said: “I am a little sad because I have been a minister for 28 years and the minister here at New Wellwynd for 22 years.

“I will miss a congregation I have grown to love over the years, but I feel God has been nudging me towards this for a wee while now.

“I am looking forward to a new challenge and see it very much as a pastoral role. The Church is changing, and there are challenges and opportunities ahead we have never considered before.”

Mr Hamilton has previous experience serving as depute clerk at Hamilton Presbytery, as well as other presbytery roles such as moderator and ministries convenor.

At a national level, he has been involved with the Board of Ministry, the Ministries Council, and Faith Nurture. He is currently convenor of the Registration of Ministries Committee.

Mr Hamilton said he hopes his experiences of church and community as well as his ministry style will stand him in good stead as he begins this new chapter.