NESS BANK 

Inverness Presbytery is in the Highlands of Scotland. It stretches from Tomatin in the south to Nairn in the east, from Drumnadrochit in the west to Beauly in the north-west. An area of vast natural beauty, of castles and lochs, mountains and forests, farms and fishing. The Presbytery will enable its congregations to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and their experience of the Living God with the communities in which they live.

 

History
 

The Presbytery of Inverness is first mentioned in 1592 when it was fully settled and established by an act of Parliament. Then there were only two charges in Inverness, the first charge of Inverness was what is now the Old High St Stephen's Church. The second charge became the West Church, which moved to become Inshes Church now.
 

The presence of the church in Inverness is, of course, older than Presbyterianism.  In the 6th century AD St Columba is said to have visited the pagan Pictish King Bridei, King of Fortriu, at his base in Inverness. While winning Bridei’s respect, Columba did not win the king’s conversion. Nor did he establish a church in Inverness when he came, because Inverness would only be a very small and insignificant settlement.  However, a settlement had been established by the 6th century, to which the first royal charter was granted by Dabíd mac Maíl Choluim (King David I) in the 12th century.

 

Present

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In 2019 The General Assembly of the Church of Scotland accepted three reports which have the potential to radically reshape the Church of Scotland at every level, from the local, to the national and the General Assembly itself. One of the main points is that the number of Scottish presbyteries should be reduced from 43 to about 12, focused on supporting local congregations in their ministry and mission.

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This recommendation continues to be discussed by Inverness Presbytery.

For further information please contact the Presbytery Clerk via their website:   invernesspresbytery.co.uk

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