The new offices of the General Synod of the Scottish Episcopal Church was officially opened this week with a blessing by the Primus, Bishop Mark Strange.

Staff recently moved from the long-term home of the General Synod Office at Forbes House, a converted townhouse in Grosvenor Crecent, Edinburgh, to a modern open-plan space at nearby Torphichen Street.

The new office has been specially configured to meet GSO requirements in recent weeks, and is now fully furnished, giving staff a bright and fresh environment where new working practices are possible through more immediate communication and greater potential for collaboration.

The Primus celebrated the Eucharist in the main meeting room before blessing the other spaces around the office with holy water.

“The new office might only be a few minutes’ walk from our previous home but the move has involved months of hard work to make this happen,” said Dr Dee Bird, Secretary General. “Everyone has played their part but particular thanks go to Dr Patricia Krus and Donna Glass, without whom we could not have achieved the move within the required time scale.

“The blessing from the Primus was a happy celebration for us, and we look forward to welcoming visitors to our new home over the coming weeks and months.”