The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Former Fife minister made royal chaplain
George Cowie will join select group in Queen’s household in Scotland
The Queen has appointed a Church of Scotland minister, who once served in Fife, as one of her personal chaplains.
The Rev George Cowie of South Holburn Church in Aberdeen has joined Her Majesty’s household as a chaplain-in-ordinary.
The prestigious role dates back to the 15th Century and is today largely a ceremonial honour with chaplains taking part in formal state occasions and conducting services at significant national events.
Mr Cowie, who has been a parish minister for 26 years, said: “I felt surprised, humbled and honoured to be offered this appointment as a chaplain to the Queen in Scotland.”
The 53-year-old grew up in Glasgow and was ordained and inducted to the charge of Auchtertool linked with Kirkcaldy: Linktown in 1991.
The father-of-two, who is married to the Rev Marian Cowie, has served parishes in Aberdeen since 1999.
There are 10 chaplains to the Queen in Scotland, who hold office until the age of 70.
The Church of Scotland has two domestic royal chaplains, the ministers of Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh and Crathie Kirk near Balmoral Castle.
The chaplains, along with a physician, a surgeon, an apothecary, a sculptor, an astronomer, a historiographer and some others form part of the Queen’s household in Scotland.
They are all personally known to the monarch and are people in whom she has placed her trust.
The Very Rev Professor Iain Torrance, Dean of the Chapel Royal in Scotland, said: “I am truly delighted that the Queen has appointed George Cowie to this trusted role.
“He was a clerk to the Presbytery of Aberdeen when it was going through a difficult time.
“George’s fairness, integrity and pastoral commitment shone through.
“He is respected throughout the church and I am delighted to see him recognised and honoured by the Queen.”
Mr Cowie, who trained as a civil engineer and worked with Tayside Regional Council in Dundee before entering the ministry, will be officially installed at a service in Aberdeen later in the year.