TRIBUTES TO ‘MUNRO BAGGER’ MINISTER

Tributes have been paid to the Rev Johnny Paton, a “kind and compassionate” minister who died while out hill walking in the Highlands in May.

Mr Paton, who was a “Munro bagger”, failed to return from a solo expedition to An Teallach, south of Ullapool, on Monday May 6. A helicopter search found his body the next morning.

Stewart Shaw, clerk to the Presbytery of Argyll, said: “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden loss of a distinguished minister and kindly friend, Rev Johnny Paton.

“We extend our sympathies and condolences to his wife, Cathy and his family.

“We hold them and his congregations in our thoughts and prayers at this tragic time.”

Mr Paton studied alongside the Very Rev Susan Brown, Moderator of the 2018 General Assembly, at New College in Edinburgh. She described him as “A man always quick to smile… kind, compassionate and quietly diligent and faithful.”