James Weatherhead, former moderator, aged 86

The former moderator and principal clerk of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the Very Rev James Leslie Weatherhead, has died at the age of 86.

Mr Weatherhead was born in Dundee in 1931 and educated at the High School before studying arts and law at Edinburgh University.

After graduating, he performed his National Service in the Royal Navy, seeing active service on HMS Eagle during the Suez campaign of 1955-56.

After completing his service he returned to Edinburgh to complete his divinity studies at New College, where he was elected president of the students’ union.

His first ministry started in 1960 at the Auld Kirk of Ayr.

He was minister at the Trinity Church in Rothesay, Isle of Bute, until 1969, when he became minister at the Old Parish Church, Montrose.

He was appointed principal clerk of the General Assembly in 1985 until his retirement in 1996, a role that suited him perfectly, according to the Church. He was appointed moderator in 1993. In 1991 he was also appointed a chaplain to the Queen and received an CBE for ecumenical work in 1997.

Outside of the Kirk, Mr Weatherhead was a keen sailor, proficient recorder player – both as soloist and ensemble member – and was particularly fond of the Savoy operas of Gilbert and Sullivan.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Dr Anne Weatherhead, their sons David and Andrew, his three grandchildren, brother John and sister Janette.

The Very Rev James Weatherhead.