New Principal Clerk announced

The Church of Scotland has announced Rev Dr Alistair May as the next Principal Clerk to the General Assembly.

The appointment will be confirmed at this year's General Assembly and will require Dr May to take an oath of office in front of commissioners.

He will take up the role, which has been held by 40 people since the 16th century, at the end of proceedings.

The Acting Principal Clerk, Rev Dr John McPake, will clerk the upcoming General Assembly before stepping down.

Dr May has been a parish minister for 24 years and currently serves the congregation of Motherwell: Kirk at the Cross.
Prior to this he was at Rutherglen: Stonelaw Church.

Dr May has held offices in different parts of the Church including as Vice-Convener of Legal Questions, a member of the Presbytery Partnership Support Programme Group and as Convener of the Presbytery Planning Group in Forth Valley and Clydesdale.

Having originally gained a Law degree, he carried out further studies in theology followed later on by a PhD on the New Testament, and he has a particular interest in ecumenical and doctrinal issues.

Speaking about the appointment, Dr May said it was both "an honour" and "daunting" to serve the Church in this new ministry.

"It will certainly be a huge wrench not to be ministering locally in a parish, which I have found to be a deeply fulfilling vocation over the last 24 years, but I see this as an exciting calling to continue to serve local churches in a new way," he added.

Rev David Cameron, Convener of the Assembly Trustees, said:

"Following a careful and prayerful process of interview and discernment we are pleased to announce the nomination of Rev Dr Alistair May as Principal Clerk of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland subject to the approval and appointment of the General Assembly 2026.

"Throughout the interview process he demonstrated a strong combination of ecclesial knowledge, procedural understanding, and pastoral sensitivity, together with a clear commitment to supporting the Church's life and governance in this season of change.

"We give thanks for his willingness to serve and commend him to the prayers and support of the whole Church.

"We also wish to record our sincere gratitude to Rev Dr John McPake, who has faithfully undertaken the responsibilities of the role of Acting Principal Clerk during this interim period.

"His steady service, institutional insight and commitment have ensured continuity and stability at a crucial time in the Church's life.

"We give thanks for his willingness to serve and for the care and diligence he has shown throughout this transitional season."

The role of the Principal Clerk is to act as the Clerk to the General Assembly, which includes advising the Assembly and the Moderator on church law, practice and procedure.

They also support the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland throughout the year as well as providing training courses and advice on church law and procedures to Kirk Sessions, Presbyteries, ministers and other church bodies.