The Rev David Lunan, Clerk to the Presbytery of Glasgow, has been elected as the Moderator Designate of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

Mr Lunan, (63) was born in London, brought up in Cambuslang and educated at Glasgow High School and the University of Glasgow.

During his university years, he was Chair of the Scottish Christian Youth Assembly (1967) and ran a youth club in Gorbals.

In 1968, he graduated MA BD Hons. Mr Lunan then attended Princeton Seminary, New Jersey and served at 1st Presbyterian Church Philadelphia as Peter Marshall Scholar.

From 1969 to 1975, Mr Lunan was youth club leader and Assistant Minister, living in Calton in the east end of Glasgow and working for Trinity College Missionary Society. He was ordained in December 1970.

In 1975, Mr Lunan was called to St Andrews Lhanbryd Church (Moray). During his 12 year ministry, the congregation developed ministries with children and new models for the eldership .

Mr Lunan was instrumental in raising the profile of Christian Aid, an organisation that he continues to support, and also helped open a hostel for homeless people in Elgin.

Described as having the ability to recognise gifts in others and encourage them to use them, Mr Lunan saw 6 members of this congregation go to selection school for the ministry.

He was Moderator of the Presbytery of Moray in 1985-86 and a part-time hospital chaplain in Elgin.

Mr Lunan was called to Renfield St Stephen's Church, Glasgow in 1987. As minister of this city centre church, Mr Lunan introduced alternative styles of worship, oversaw the redevelopment of the church centre and the rebuilding of the church after the collapse of the steeple. He was Moderator of the Presbytery of Glasgow in 2000-01.

In 2002, Mr Lunan took up his present post of Clerk to the Presbytery of Glasgow. In this role, Mr Lunan has initiated meetings with local MPs and MSPs, fostered links with Trades House, business, local charities and with police and fire services. Ecumenical links have prospered under his guidance.

He is involved in quarterly church leaders' meetings and in the City Council sponsored Forum of Faiths.

Mr Lunan has undertaken a variety of work for the wider church. He served on the first Assembly Council and on the Executive of the Board of Social Responsibility. He convened the Church's Committee on health and healing.

Together with his wife, Maggie, he is Honorary Chaplain to the Church's Mission Partners.

Mr Lunan is frequently invited to speak at conferences on topics that include Ministries, Mission and Discipleship, World Mission and Review and Reform. With his wife, he has co-led retreats and conferences.

Study tours with Christian Aid to Philippines, Malawi and South Africa have informed his continuing concern for world development and mission. He has a well-grounded understanding of the issues facing the wider church.

Mr Lunan and his wife, Maggie have four adult sons. His leisure pursuits are hill walking, travel, cinema and classical music.