The Very Rev Kevin Pearson has been elected the Scottish Episcopal Church's new Bishop of Argyll and the Isles.

The See became vacant following the retirement last year of the Rt Rev Martin Shaw who had served the diocese as bishop for five years.

Mr Pearson is currently rector of St Michael and All Saints Church in Edinburgh, and the Provincial Director of Ordinands with responsibility for the discernment and selection process for candidates for ministry, a role which he was instrumental in creating in 1991 on behalf of the College of Bishops.

In accordance with the Church’s canonical process the right of election of the new bishop of Argyll and the Isles passed to the Episcopal Synod, consisting of all of the Church’s diocesan bishops.

Chair of the Synod, the Most Rev David Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld & Dunblane and Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church said: “I warmly welcome the unanimous election by the Episcopal Synod of the Very Rev Kevin Pearson as Bishop-elect of the Diocese of Argyll and The Isles.

“The College of Bishops views this appointment as one which is of great significance for the Scottish Episcopal Church. The Rural Commission which reported to this year’s General Synod reminded us that the population of rural Scotland is increasing. The Diocese of Argyll and The Isles is therefore a place of mission opportunity. It deserves leadership of the highest quality."

On hearing the news of his election, Mr Pearson said: “I am delighted, excited and humbled to be elected the new Bishop of Argyll and the Isles. I am looking forward enormously to working in this beautiful and exciting Diocese.

"My wife Elspeth and I are also looking forward to living there and to getting to know the people and the area better.

"I am however very sad to be leaving St Michael and All Saints Church, which I know will continue to be a vibrant congregation at the heart of diocesan and provincial life.”

A service of consecration and installation of the new bishop will take place in St John the Divine Cathedral in Oban at a date to be confirmed.