From the Pulpit to the Funeral Tea
by Douglas Stevenson, retired minister of Cullen and Deskford, now Seafield Parish Church of Scotland. For many years I had a book in me. Unfortunately, it showed remarkably little enthusiasm for coming out. I spent much of my working life in the Church of Scotland, completing my ministry in Cullen and Deskford in the north-east before eventually exchanging parish life…
Mission and Discipleship Development Worker
I hope you have all had a great summer; for me, as for many, the summer is defined not so much by the months and the weather but rather when my 3 children are on holiday from school. 6 weeks stretching across July and August which can be full of adventure, excitement and new experiences as well as boredom, frustration…
Finding Our Way Through Change Together
This is part of a series of posts over the summer where members of the Presbytery Staff Team write posts for the website in place of Stella. This week: Natasha Hepburn (Congregational Support Officer) Hello! I’m Natasha, the Congregational Support Officer for our Presbytery. I live in rural South Aberdeenshire and, outside work, I’m a mum, dog owner and chief…
Magnitude 2026
This is part of a series of posts over the summer where members of the Presbytery Staff Team write posts for the website in place of Stella. This week: Matt Sinar (Youth Development Officer) I’ve just returned from Magnitude 2026 – an inspiring week of worship, Bible teaching, and lots of fun for young people across Scotland. Over 2200 teenagers…
Sustainable Flower Festival
St Machar’s Cathedral Second Flower Festival August 7-9, 2026 Friday 7th and Saturday 8th 09.30-16.30 Sunday 9th 14.00-17.00 Entry by donation Venue: St Machar’s Cathedral, Old Aberdeen is the historic heart of Old Aberdeen. Founded in 580 by an Irish priest Machar the building has evolved over the centuries and now has a thriving Church of Scotland congregation as well…
Trust in God’s Plan
This is part of a series of posts over the summer where members of the Presbytery Staff Team write posts for the website in place of Stella. This week: Daria (Dasha) Oskolkova (Communications Officer) I started working for our presbytery in August 2024. But did I get an introduction to my role two years prior to that? My mother and…
Summer Thoughts
This is part of a series of posts over the summer where members of the Presbytery Staff Team write posts for the website in place of Stella. This week: Ruth Mackenzie (Deputy Clerk) It started with a message on my answerphone 3 summers ago. The consequence of responding to that message was that I became Depute Clerk of the Presbytery…
Admin 101
This is part of a series of posts over the summer where members of the Presbytery Staff Team write posts for the website in place of Stella. This week: James Buckingham-Hyman (Admin Officer) I’m James, the Admin Officer for the Presbytery, currently I live in Newmachar with my wife and daughter, and I’ve been in my role for 4 years…
DEC Venezuela Earthquake Appeal
On Wednesday, June 24, two catastrophic earthquakes hit Venezuela within seconds of each other. The UN estimates that millions of people have been affected, with more than two million in the worst impacted areas. Families have lost loved ones, homes and the sense of safety and security they once knew. Rescuers are searching for survivors, but the scale of loss is…
New Moderator
We thanked Shuna and welcomed Brian! On the 20th of June 2026, The Presbytery of the North East and the Northern Isles thanked its Moderator, Rev Shuna Dicks, for her two years of service, and welcomed Rev Brian Smith as the new Moderator for the coming year. During her term in office, Shuna has travelled the length and breadth of…