The Very Rev Dr Robert (Bob) Gillies was elected on Friday as the new Bishop for the Diocese of Aberdeen & Orkney.

Bob Gillies is presently rector of St Andrew's Church, St Andrews and Dean of that diocese. He has previously held appointments as chaplain to the University of Dundee, Curate to Christ Church, Morningside, Edinburgh and Curate to Christ Church, Falkirk. He was an honorary philosophy lecturer at Dundee from 1985-1994.

On hearing the news of his election Dr Gillies said, "I am absolutely thrilled to have this wonderful opportunity of working with the people of the Diocese of Aberdeen and Orkney, to make new friends and learn some new skills. However, I am deeply sad to be leaving St Andrew's church in St Andrews."

The election of the new bishop was carried out by the Electoral Synod, comprising of representatives of clergy and lay church members from the Diocese of Aberdeen & Orkney, chaired by the Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, the Most Rev Dr Idris Jones.

Dr Jones welcomed Dr Gillies to his new role, saying, "Bob brings to the College of Bishops a clear and insightful mind; to the diocese he will offer the benefit of experience of working with a growing congregation."

Dr Gillies , 55, succeeds Bishop Bruce Cameron. He is married to Liz and they have three sons - Patrick, Andrew and Timothy.

The service of consecration and installation of the new bishop will take place in September in St Andrew's Cathedral in Aberdeen.