The Scottish Episcopal Church would like to make clear that, contrary to what has been reported in The Times newspaper today, there is no investigation into Bishop Anne Dyer over matters affecting the Diocese of Aberdeen & Orkney.

The investigation referred to in the Times report is a local one, instigated and instructed by the Trustees of St Andrew’s Cathedral, “to investigate and provide potential solutions to the current issues surrounding the Director of Music, and subsequent breakdown in working relationships”.

A statement given to The Times on Thursday, in response to a series of damaging claims which the newspaper has published today, said:

“A process has been in place since October 2020 to resolve difficulties over provision of music at St Mary’s pro [acting] cathedral in Aberdeen, and that process has led to the appointment by the Trustees of St Andrew’s Cathedral of an independent human resources company to investigate and provide potential solutions to the current issues surrounding the Director of Music, and subsequent breakdown in working relationships.

“It would be inappropriate for the SEC or any party to make public comment while that independent investigation is taking place.”