The Church of Scotland has announced the selection of the Rev Fiona Smith as the next Principal Clerk to the General Assembly.

Subject to approval by the General Assembly in May, Mrs Smith, minister of Ness Bank Church in Inverness, will become the first woman to become permanent Principal Clerk. She will replace the Rev Dr George Whyte, who is retiring in May.

Speaking after the announcement in December, she said: “It is a huge privilege to accept the appointment to become the next Principal Clerk but it was extremely hard telling my congregation yesterday.

“God called me to be the minister of Ness Bank Church in Inverness 12 years ago and it is God’s call that is now leading me to new pastures.”

Mrs Smith is currently Vice-Convener of the Registration of Ministries Committee, and has previously served as Convener of Assembly Business Committee and its predecessor the Assembly Arrangements Committee.

The Principal Clerk acts as the Clerk to the General Assembly, advising the Assembly and the Moderator on church law, practice and procedure; as well as supporting the Moderator throughout the year and providing advice and training to Kirk Sessions, Presbyteries, ministers and other bodies.