At the service in St James’ on Sunday, 17 January 2016, Rev Graham Crawford gave the following information about the arrangements leading up to St James’ linkage with St Gerardine’s, which will probably take effect from the end of February 2016.

Graham is going to be away, attending a conference, and he will be away for the Sundays of 24 and 31 January 2016. During that time, we will have pulpit supply with Margaret King and Morris Smith conducting the services. Rev Geoff McKee will cover for any pastoral emergencies.

Graham returns on 04 February and he will preach for the last time at St James on 07 February 2016. He will be back covering pastoral duties from 04 February until 12 February.

On 14 and 21 February 2016, there will again be pulpit supply. Again, Rev Geoff McKee will be providing pastoral cover during this period.

Graham is to be inducted at Perth Kinnoull Parish Church on Wednesday, 24 February 2016 at 7:00pm.

Once Graham has been installed in his new charge, the way will be clear for Moray Presbytery to hold an introductory service for Rev Geoff McKee at St James. Although it is not yet confirmed, it is likely that that service will be on Friday, 26 February 2016.

From that point on, Geoff will be the Minister at both St James’ Church and St Gerardine’s High Church.

There will be services in both churches every Sunday, probably with effect from 28 February 2016.

The timings of the services in each church have still to be finalised.

At the meeting of the St James’ Church Kirk Session on Thursday, 14 January 2016, it was decided that, following Graham’s departure, the Manse will not be sold. Instead, it will be rented out, with a view to generating an income for the church.