Inverness Presbytery of the Church of Scotland expressed surprise and concern at Provost Bob Wynd's unilateral decision of cutting the ancient annual ceremony — which dates back to 1602 and involves civic dignitaries pledging to serve God and their fellow citizens — to once every four years.

Its move follows Rev Douglas Clyne, interim moderator of the Old High which has traditionally hosted the service each year, saying he would stage an annual breakaway kirking in the light of the provost's decision.

Provost Wynd last week said it would go into abeyance until the start of the next council four-yearly cycle in 2011.

Business committee convener Harold Wilkinson, who raised the issue at the presbytery's monthly meeting, said people were taken aback by reports that the kirking of the council would only be held every four years.

He said the business committee had discussed the issue and had decided to recommend the presbytery should take initial action by asking its church and community committee to investigate.

Presbytery members agreed to the recommendation and asked that the committee report back at next month's meeting on 2nd October.

New presbytery moderator Willie Weatherspoon commented: "We just don't know when the kirking ceremony was started. My understanding is that the decision was taken by the provost himself.

"I personally feel that strange, but it may be he's acting within his rights and that's something we'll have to find out," Mr Weatherspoon added.

The provost's decision has already come in for criticism from several fellow councillors who claimed they had never been consulted on the issue.

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