School of Divinity

Diary of a Dean of the Chapel Royal

The Very Rev Professor David Fergusson has started his new duties as Dean of the Chapel Royal in Scotland and Dean of the Order of the Thistle.

While the roles are mainly historic and ceremonial, Professor Fergusson’s diary now includes some extra special entries:

  • 8 October 2019: installed Rev Dr George Whyte as Chaplain-in-Ordinary within Her Majesty’s Household, at a special service at Mayfield Salisbury Parish Church, attended by other members of Her Majesty’s Household in Scotland - Very Rev Dr John Chalmers; Very Rev Professor Iain Torrance, Rev Neil Gardner; Very Rev Dr Lorna Hood; Very Rev Dr John Cairns; Rev Professor Norman Drummond; Rev Charles Robertson – and by the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Rt Rev Colin Sinclair.
  • 6 November 2019: hosting a social gathering of Scotland’s Royal Chaplains in the Social Bite café at Rainy Hall, including a presentation to the outgoing post-holder, Professor Iain Torrance, an Honorary Professor in our School. 
  • 10 November 2019: representing the Church of Scotland at the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in London.
  • 1 December 2019: first public function as Dean of the Order of the Thistle, preaching at the St Andrewstide service, St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh.

What does he think of the role so far?

Professor Fergusson told us,

"Although it's a learning curve for me, I'm very much enjoying the variety of work and the friendships that accompany this new role."

Links

Professor Fergusson’s appointment in Life and Work, 3 July 2019

School news, ‘Royal appointments for Professor David Fergusson’

Church of Scotland article, ‘Principal Clerk installed as chaplain to the Queen’

Order of the Thistle