The Scottish College

Are you interested in knowing more about Stepwise?

There is a Stepwise Taster Session in the
Synod of Scotland waiting for you to join in

When: Wednesday, 4 February 2026 at 7 pm (to finish by 9 pm)
Where: on Zoom
Led by: John McNeil Scott

Stepwise is the URC’s discipleship development programme
offering time to reflect on and develop your Christian faith
for those who are ready to be stimulated and challenged
and want to make a difference in your own life and the lives of others

All are welcome to come along to the Taster Session
on 4 February, to receive the Zoom link please complete the Google form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd5asQE5jrrBZEtzTtjFJOg2GVw_hkH9janV4gnH3a3L_X5Qw/viewform

LUX LUCET IN TENEBRIS
And that light shineth in the darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not.
John 1:5, Geneva Bible (1599)

Follow the link to read a short reflection on The Scottish College trip to Torre Pellice, Italy, to spend time together journeying in the Waldensian story: https://www.scottishcollege.org/news/article/lux-lucet-in-tenebris

Synod Lay Preachers and Leaders of Worship Event
10 Lay Preachers and Leaders of Worship from the National Synod of Scotland attended the training day at the end of August with the Revds Derek McDonald and John McNeil Scott. Read more here: https://www.scottishcollege.org/news/article/inspiring-day-for-synod-lay-preachers-and-lay-leaders

Academic Year 2025/26 planning
Following a successful AGM, when our three new students all joined online for their first experience of The Scottish College, the Principal, Tutors and College Manager will meet next week to plan for the new academic year. Students can expect to hear more fairly soon, and if you would like to read a short introduction from each of the new students who will be joining us in 2025, follow this link:

Welcome to our new students! | The Scottish College (Congregational and United Reformed) The Scottish College gathers people in communities of faith and freedom - to learn and to listen, to speak and to grow. Our programmes prepare individuals to be Ministers of Word and Sacrament, as well as for other forms of service in today’s church.

Linda Harrison to be College Manager

The Principal and Trustees are delighted to announce that Linda Harrison will be joining the team in the newly created role of College Manager on a part-time basis.

Linda has decades of experience in church and educational administration. Most recently she has worked with our educational partners at the Scottish Episcopal Institute. Linda has been a Synod Clerk with the United Reformed Church and is the Church Secretary of Augustine United Church. Linda will begin her part-time role in the New Year.

“I can’t tell you how delighted we are that Linda was prepared to take on this role for us at this time. I have valued and respected Linda’s integrity, imagination, initiative and efficiency across the different roles in which we have had contact. I am quite sure that her gifts will complement those of others in our learning community to transform what we do in new and wonderful ways.” - John McNeil Scott, Principal

Congratulations to the Revd Derek McDonald, ordained to the Ministry of Word and Sacraments on Saturday 12 August 2023 and inducted to service with Greenock East United Reformed Church. As part of his ministerial role Derek will also serve as Lay Preaching Advocate for the National Synod of Scotland.

The Service took place at Greenock West United Reformed Church and was led by the Revd Paul Whittle, Moderator of the National Synod of Scotland, United Reformed Church.

Congratulations to the Revd Louise Sanders (Class of 2023) ordained to the Ministry of Word and Sacraments on Saturday 29 July 2023 and inducted to St Andrew’s United Reformed Church, Monkseaton.

The Service took place at St. Andrew's URC, Monkseaton and was led by the Revd Dave Herbert, Moderator of Northern Synod, United Reformed Church.

Congratulations to the Revd Roberta Mary Ritson (Class of 2023) ordained to the Ministry of Word and Sacraments on Saturday 22 July 2023 and inducted to Bellingham and Wark Local Ecumenical Partnerships (North Tyne) and Horsely Village Church.

The Service took place at Bellingham Methodist-United Reformed Church and was led by the Revd Dave Herbert, Moderator of Northern Synod, United Reformed Church.

(Picture of Roberta at Kelvinside Hillhead Church, Glasgow.)

Congratulations to the Revd Lesley Thomson (Class of 2023) ordained to the Ministry of Word and Sacraments on Sunday 25 June 2023 and inducted to the Southside Cluster with responsibility for Shawlands, Barrhead and Stewarton United Reformed Churches.

(Pictured with the Revd Paul Whittle, Moderator of the National Synod of Scotland, United Reformed Church)

On Friday 2 June four students received leaving certificates commending them to the church for ordination to the Ministry of Word and Sacraments.

With congratulations to them, and thanks to all involved in the service, especially our hosts at Knightswood Congregational Church and our preacher Fiona Bennett (Moderator of General Assembly)

It's that time of year...

all are welcome at our Valedictory Service

on Friday 2 June 2023

at Knightswood Congregational Church and online

We hope to see you there. If you are coming please let us know at http://tinyurl.com/Valedictory2023

Listen to student Roberta Ritson's sermon, preached at a joint college service (The Scottish College & Trinity College Glasgow).

Access via - https://soundcloud.com/the-scottish-college/a-lightening-return-journey