The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Former Montrose minister Dr Laurence Whitley
Former Montrose minister the Rev Dr Laurence Whitley has died at the age of 69.
Dr Whitley was born in Port Glasgow and his father was minister of St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh.
Dr Whitley was educated at Edinburgh and St Andrews universities and later graduated with a PhD from St Andrews in 1991.
He stood as SNP candidate in the two general elections in 1974, as his mother had done against Sir Alec Douglas Home in what was then the constituency of Kinross and West Perthshire.
Dr Whitley served his probationary year in St Andrew’s Church, Dundee.
He was later inducted as minister of Busby East with West in 1975 before moving to Montrose Old Kirk in 1985, which was united in 2004 to become Old and St Andrew’s.
He was known for playing the bagpipes in the countryside during his time in Angus.
Dr Whitley was inducted into Glasgow Cathedral in 2007, which is the premier charge within the Presbytery of Glasgow and is known as the High Kirk of Glasgow.
He stayed there until he retired in 2017. He cultivated great friendships with colleagues across the ecumenical scene and considered Glasgow Churches Together members among his closest friends.
An eloquent preacher, Dr Whitley played a key part in major events in Glasgow including the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Service and the annual St Mungo Festival.
In 2014, Dr Whitley received one of Glasgow’s highest honours in recognition of his service over many years.
He was presented with the Loving Cup – an award presented to any person or group who has brought distinction or honour to Glasgow – by Lord Provost Sadie Docherty.
He was honoured for pastoral service to the city, presiding at civic events such as Remembrance Sunday.
As police chaplain, he also visited the crash scene of the Clutha disaster, supporting injured and grieving survivors and staff, as well as presiding at a special service at the cathedral in the aftermath.
Dr Whitley is survived by wife Catherine and his children Edward and Hilary.