The Diocese of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane has a new Dean following the appointment of the Very Rev Graham Taylor on Wednesday 1 September.

The new Dean takes office following the retirement of the Very Rev Kenny Rathband on 31  August.

The Dean continues to serve as Rector of St John the Baptist, Princes Street, Perth, where he has been since 2014, becoming a Canon of St Ninian’s Cathedral in 2019. Previously, he served in several charges in the Diocese of Aberdeen and Orkney, where he was ordained in 2001.

The Rt Rev Ian Paton, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane, said: “I am very glad that Graham accepted my invitation to become Dean, and I am looking forward very much to welcoming him as a colleague and adviser, and to helping him as he settles into this new ministry.

“The role of Dean is one of the most important in the life of any diocese. It includes support for the Bishop’s ministry; sharing in leadership of the Diocese with the Bishop and others; encouraging the clergy, lay ministers and vestries of the Diocese; and fulfilling the other duties specified in the Code of Canons. Graham brings to this ministry his love of the Scottish Episcopal Church, his long experience of congregational ministry, his priority of pastoral care, and his warm sense of humour!”

The new Dean was licensed at a short and simple service at St John the Baptist, Perth, with members of St John’s Vestry present. He will also be installed and welcomed, in the presence of many more people, at a full Diocesan service at the Cathedral at a yet to be confirmed date before Advent. At that service other Canons, appointed during lockdown, will also be installed, and there will be thanks given to the Very Rev Kenny Rathband as retiring Dean.

“Please welcome Graham, and pray for him as he becomes Dean of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane,” said Bishop Ian.