The Free Church of Scotland is considering allowing the use of hymns and instruments in worship for the first time.

Supporters in the Church believe it may help attract new members to struggling congregations.

Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland, the Rev David Robertson, minister of St Peter’s Free Church in Dundee and editor of The Recorder magazine, said the Church would remain committed to its tradition of psalm-singing, even if music and hymns were to be introduced.

“We will always be a psalm singing Church and I hope we will always have a capella singing. I think it is a great tradition. But I also think it is biblical, but not the only biblical way to worship God.

“Right now we cannot afford to turn away people or to chase people away from our Church.”

The Free Church of Scotland was formed in 1843 by ministers who split from the Church of Scotland in a dispute over the appointment of church ministers.

A report to be considered by its General Assembly this week stresses the need to ensure that the Church “prevent any possible outcome from precipitating further division in the Church”.

It goes on to state that a Kirk Session would not be forced against its will to change the worship practice of the congregation under its charge.

The Rev Iain D Campbell, from Lewis on the Western Isles, told the BBC: "If there has to be a change it has to be grounded on very clear scriptural principles which I hope will maintain the unity of the Church.

"Nobody wants to see another division within the denomination."