Former bishop dies, aged 83

FORMER Catholic bishop of Argyll and the Isles Bishop Iain Murray has died aged 83.

Bishop Murray, who died on January 22, was appointed to the role of bishop in December 1999 and served until 2008 when, in accordance with cannon law, he retired having turned 75.

Scottish bishops had been gathered at the Royal Scots College in Spain and immediately halted proceedings when they heard the news of his passing. A mass was held in Spain on January 23.

His successor, Bishop Joe Toal, who is now Bishop of Motherwell, said: ‘ We will remember Bishop Murray with great fondness, both as Emeritus Bishop of Argyll and the Isles, and also his wonderful contribution to the Royal Scots College in Spain.

‘We ask God to grant him eternal rest after his fruitful and happy ministry as a priest and bishop in Scotland, and we appreciate all that he did for the church in our country over the past 60 years of his priesthood.’

Archbishop of Glasgow Phillip Tartaglia, who is also president of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said: ‘On behalf of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland I would like to offer Bishop Murray’s family our deepest and most prayerful sympathies.

‘During his active years as a bishop, Ian Murray played a full part in the life and work of the bishops’ conference, contributing with humanity, faith and humour to everything that we did. He will be sorely missed.’