Six priests were inducted into the Metropolitan Chapter of Canons today at St Mary's Cathedral in Edinburgh.

  • The Very Rev Brian Canon Gowans (St Serf's, Kirkcaldy)
  • The Very Rev Kenneth Canon Owens (St Andrew's, St Philip's, Livingston, and St Theresa's, East Calder)
  • The Very Rev James G Canon Tracey (St James', Burntisland)
  • The Very Rev Jock Canon Dalrymple (St John's, Portobello, St Mary Magdalene's, Bingham)
  • The Right Rev Mgr Patrick J Canon Burke (St Mary's Cathedral)
  • The Very Rev Jeremy C Canon Bath (SS John Cantius & Nicholas, St Philomena, Winchburgh)

Also at the Mass were Canons Allan Chambers, Patrick Boylan, Paul Kelly, Gerard Hand, Philip Kerr and Joseph McMullan, the Provost of the Metropolitan Chapter.

From left: Canons Kenneth Owens, Jock Dalrymple, Allan Chambers, Patrick Boylan, Joseph McMullan, Archbishop Leo Cushley, Canons Paul Kelly, Gerard Hand, Philip Kerr, James Tracey and Patrick Burke.

The Canons of the Cathedral Chapter are among the most senior parish priests within the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh.

Given their years of experience, the canons are expected to act in an advisory capacity to the Archbishop.

As a mark of their standing, His Holiness Pope Pius XI, in a letter issued 22 May 1925, stated that the canons of the Archdiocese “may and should during their time in office...lawfully wear the black soutane with red piping, buttons and buttonholes.”

The canons are also  assigned their own stall within St Mary’s Cathedral.

In his homily, Archbishop Cushley explained the background and role of a canon, and said: "I would like to congratulate them all warmly on reaching this milestone, and we wish them continued health, consolation, and blessing in their service of the Lord."