A FORMER Navy chaplain has been installed as the Monderator of the Presbytery of Ayr.

The Rev Scott Rae, MBE, minister of Muirkirk linked with Old Cumnock Trinity. was named at the Presbytery’s June meeting in Cumnock Church last week.

A native of Kilmarnock, educated at Riccarton and Shortlees primary schools and Kilmarnock Academy, Rev Rae studied at Glasgow University and graduated with a BD. degree in 1973.

There followed two years of Post Graduate study, spending most of his time in fieldwork with the Rev Dr Stewart Lochrie at the Glasgow Society for the Deaf. His first charge was at the Island Parish of Unst in the Shetland Isles. In 1981 he joined the Royal Navy as a Chaplain spending time in various appointments including training establishments, Naval bases, sea duty, the Fleet Air Arm and the Royal Marines.

In 1994 he was awarded the MBE by the Queen for outstanding service in the Royal Marines. In 2004 Scott was promoted to Principal Chaplain, Church of Scotland and Free Churches and Director Naval Chaplaincy Service responsible for Pastoral Provision and Operations. During his time as Principal Chaplain he was Honorary Chaplain to the Queen.

Invalided out of the Royal Navy in 2007, he took up a position as Locum at Old Cumnock: Trinity Church and was inducted to the charge in 2008. Two years later Muirkirk Parish Church was linked to Trinity.

Rev. Rae is married to Catherine and they have four daughters and six grandchildren.