The Provost of the Cathedral, Fr Alex Gordon, installs Bishop Mark Strange in his Bishop's Stall in the Cathedral

St Andrew’s Cathedral in Inverness was packed to capacity with more than 750 people present from the Diocese, all around Scotland and beyond to witness the Ordination of Canon Mark Strange as the Ninth Bishop of the United Diocese of Moray, Ross and Caithness.

The chief celebrant at the Ordination was the Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, the Most Revd Idris Jones, Bishop of Glasgow and Galloway. He was joined by four of the Scottish Diocesan Bishops and five other bishops who joined him in laying their hands on the head of the new bishop in the act of ordination.

The Primus summed up his joy when he said, "The election of Canon Mark Strange as Bishop produced a feeling of excitement and genuine pleasure not only in his own Diocese but in the Scottish Episcopal Church in general. Mark assumes leadership of our church in the Highlands at a time of great change, with many opportunities for the church to offer a sense of purpose in life. Just as in the past new life came from our church out of the Highlands, so we pray for a sense of renewal under Mark’s leadership in the years ahead. We shall want to offer support to him and to all the family in the new challenges they face together."

After his Ordination as Bishop and Installation in the Bishop’s Throne, build (as was the Cathedral) by Bishop Robert Eden, the first Bishop of the United Diocese, when the Dean of Moray, Ross and Caithness presented their new Bishop to the Diocese, the Cathedral erupted in deafening applause to welcome Bishop Mark.

The service of Ordination was drawn to a dramatic conclusion when, rather than the usual organ music being played as the processions left the Cathedral, a kilted priest, Fr Mel Langille, parish priest of St Columba’s, Brora, with St Finnbarr’s, Dornoch, Kinlochbervie and Lairg, emerged in full Highland dress to play a special tune he had composed for the Highland Bagpipe - Do làmh, a Chriosta - Your hand, O Christ. The words echo the great Christian hope: "Your hand, O Christ, be with us always ... our safe harbour in stormy times ... O fill us with your grace, be close to us for ever."

After the service Bishop Mark said he had been overwhelmed by the occasion and that the feeling of support and encouragement was so strong that he felt surrounded by God’s grace and looked forward to his new ministry in the Diocese Moray, Ross and Caithness with great excitement knowing that he had the support and prayers of so many people.

Photographs of the occasion are available for congregations and others who wish them and will be posted to a special page on this website in due course.