Presbytery of the South West
Greetings from South West Scotland
Supporting and encouraging congregations in this area
News
See all
Visitors from the Czech Republic
Published: 22 Jun 2026
Since 2017, the parishes in Wigtownshire have had a twinning link with the Trutnov area in the Czech… Read more
The Presbytery Welcomes New Moderator: Rev Val Ott
Published: 15 Jun 2026
As the Presbytery of the South West, we gathered at Stranraer Parish Church on Saturday 13th June… Read more
MBE Honour for Rev Alex Cairns
Published: 14 Jun 2026
The Presbytery of the South West is delighted to congratulate the Rev Alex Cairns, who has been… Read more
Diary
September 2026 Ordinary Meeting of Presbytery
12 Sep ’26, 10:30am – 3:30pm
December 2026 Ordinary Meeting of Presbytery
01 Dec ’26, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Full DiaryWhat We Do?
How we support and encourage our congregations
Dedicated Staff
Five staff members work on behalf of congregations and committees to progress the work of Presbytery.
Online
We offer online information about every congregation in the Presbytery.
Standing Committees
Nine committees take forward the work of Presbytery to underpin its activities and obligations.
Learning and Training
To inform and increase the endeavours of the people of God at work within congregations.
Finance and Funding
We provide financial oversight of congregational finances and manage Presbytery budgets to support its work.
Oversight and Support
Providing Safeguarding, Goveranance and Review services to ensure safe and healthy environments for all.
Key Personnel
Who's Who in the Presbytery
Moderator
Rev Val Ott
Presbytery Clerk
Mrs Christine Murray
Depute Presbytery Clerk
Rev H Taylor Brown
Administration Officer
Mrs Sharon Caldwell
Presbytery Building Officer
Mrs Esmé Greenan
Mission Facilitator
Mr Brian Devlin
Business and Nomination
Keeps the wheels of Presbytery running: arranging meetings, managing people, congregational records, policies and procedures. It can act on behalf of Presbytery on occasion.
Mission
Assists the Presbytery and its congregations to be encouraged, resourced and `on fire` for the Five Marks of Mission: Tell, Teach, Tend, Transform and Treasure.
Safeguarding
Ensuring that the protection of children and vulnerable adults is at the forefront of all Presbytery and Congregational policies and procedures.
Finance
Promoting and encouraging Christian stewardship within its congregations and overseeing the financial element of that within the life of each congregation and of Presbytery.
Property
Supporting congregations in caring for their buildings, fixtures and fittings. Acting as a bridge between congregations and the General Trustees who own most buildings.
Presbytery Review
This committee keeps under review the operation of the Presbytery: its governance, procedures and practices. It advises on any areas requiring development.
Presbytery Planning
Working within the Presbytery’s Mission Plan to ensure that ministry is adequately resourced and buildings are utilised appropriately for worship and mission.
Superintendence
The point of referral for issues of conflict in congregations and for matters relating to the discipline of ministers, deacons and elders.
Ministries, Education, Resources and IT Committee
Supporting enquirers, Elders and Ministers in areas such as: calling, discernment, vocation, training, continuing development.