Inverness minister moving on after 15 years in the city
The minister of one of Inverness’s largest congregations has announced his plans to leave the charge.
The Rev Peter Nimmo (54), minister of Old High St Stephen’s Church, preached as the sole nominee for a church in Cambuslang, and was invited to take up the charge.
After spending 15 years in Inverness, Mr Nimmo said he is leaving to take on a new challenge and to be closer to his family.
Mr Nimmo said he was very sad to be leaving Inverness, where he has seen some important milestones.
He said: “I was the first minister of this parish in Inverness after the Old High Street church joined with St Stephens. The congregations were joined at the time but still worked in two church buildings.
“It has been great fun. The church in Inverness is full of vibrant and energetic people. We have done amazing things together.”
Mr Nimmo said he was especially pleased with the work the church has done with Highland Council.
He continued: “We have transformed the Kirking of the Council and it is wonderful to have an opportunity to frame the work of Highland Council with God at its heart.”
Asked about his most memorable moment as a parish minister, Mr Nimmo said the first Ness Pride event in 2018 – a march through Inverness to celebrate gender inclusivity – was a highlight.
He said: “Two years ago
we held the first Highland Pride event and I was
asked to speak at the opening event.
“It was an absolute privilege to be there. I found it a very humbling experience, that the church was a part of it.”
“For some people it was difficult for them to understand why it was important that I, and the church was represented.
“But I believe that as the church we need to offer a message of support and kindness. And, of course, the church had an opportunity to witness to more than 1000 people, and that can not be a bad thing at all.”
Asked why he was leaving the post, he said: “Why would anyone want to leave such a beautiful, vibrant charge in the Highlands? I don’t know.
“For me, it has been an incredible 15 years, my wife Katharina and I have raised our family and enjoyed the spirit and hospitality of the area.
“But 15 years is a long time in one parish.
“We have family in the central belt and we would now like to be closer to them.
“I am 54 and we have been thinking of making a move. The charge in Cumbuslang is a real challenge, in that it is also a vibrant church in the heart of a busy town. It is in the Presbytery of Glasgow.”
While a final date for Mr Nimmo to leave the parish has not been set, it is likely to be sometime in June.
