A new Free Church of Scotland (Continuing) minister from Scalpay is heading to Easter Ross, the Free Presbytery of the Outer Hebrides has announced.

Rev Kevin Norman MacDonald is to take up charge in Tarbat and will be ordained and inducted at a service in Portmahomack on Friday (9 October).

Rev MacDonald was licensed to preach by the presbytery of the Outer Hebrides in July. He is 36, is married to Mairi and they have one son.

Before embarking on his four-year course of studies at the Free Church (Continuing) Seminary in Inverness, Rev MacDonald worked as a net mender.

Tarbat has been without a minister since the sudden passing in December 2020 of the late Rev John MacLeod, who had served the congregation for more than 40 years.

Rev David Blunt of North Uist, Outer Hebrides presbytery clerk, said: “The prayers of the presbytery will follow Mr MacDonald as he takes up the Lord’s work in Tarbat.”

The service will be conducted by Rev Timothy McGlynn (Aberdeen), Moderator of the Northern Presbytery of the Free Church (Continuing). Rev Harry Woods (retired) will address the new minister and Rev James MacInnes (Lochalsh & Strath), Interim-Moderator of the congregation, will address the congregation.

There will be refreshments afterwards in nearby Carnegie Hall.