A Fife-based priest is marching towards the military as he prepares to become a full-time army chaplain.

Fr Kevin Dow, of The Most Holy Trinity Parish (Rosyth, Inverkeithing, Dunfermline), will say a fond farewell to parishioners next month and start training initally at the Defence Academy followed by a commissioning course at the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst.

He said: "As a chaplain, I am called upon to minister to 'all faiths and none', and it's an important role in assisting our men and women of the forces in their own personal faith journey, whilst also helping with pastoral, welfare and moral concerns."

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Fr Dow, a priest of the Archdiocese since 2003, was first commissioned into the Royal Army Chaplains Department in 2013 and served as chaplain (or 'Padre') with two different Battalions of the Army Cadet Force.

He added: "During this time I have also ministered as an Officiating Chaplain to the Military (OCM), in which I have been called upon to conduct funerals, baptisms, confirmations and such to Catholic service personnel based in Scotland.

"It's been a privilege and I look forward to the challenges ahead. Thanks to everyone at The Most Holy Trinity for their support over my six years there."

Fr Dow will be replaced at the parish by Fr Joshua Kauras, of Bauchi Diocese, Nigeria, who is currently based in Stirling. Fr Joshua will serve as Administrator of the parish. The two appointments become effective on Saturday 10 April.

Archbishop Cushley said: "Let me wish Fr Kevin a safe and fulfilling ministry to our nation’s armed services’ personnel."