Dunfermline Presbytery appoints new moderator

Derek Peters, an elder at Cairneyhill Parish Church, has been appointed this year’s moderator for Dunfermline Presbytery.

It is only the third time an elder has performed the role, normally held by a minister or deacon.

He succeeds the Rev Christine Sime of Dalgety Parish Church.

Mr Peters said it was both a privilege and an honour to be appointed moderator and that he was looking forward to his year at the helm. He said he recognised the challenges facing churches today and the need to do things differently,

“With a decline in membership it is important to move forward in faith, engage fully and focus on working together both at a local and wider church level,” he said.

Glasgow-born Mr Peters joined the church as a 22year-old and became an elder at Thornliebank Church in Glasgow.

The Royal Bank of Scotland worker moved to Cairneyhill with wife Dorothy following a work transfer from Glasgow to Edinburgh and brought up three boys there, Craig, Grant and Lachlan.

He held the position of session clerk at Cairneyhill for 21 years before passing on the baton last year.

He has been involved in Dunfermline Presbytery since 2007, holding various roles.

A founder member of his church cycling club, he has covered many miles on his bike and helped raise money for charities along the way.

One of his lifelong passions has been with the paddle steamer Waverley, where he helped as a volunteer, worked during university holidays and still takes several sailings “doon the watter” each year.