Pope Francis has nominated Fr Martin Chambers as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Dunkeld.

He will succeed Bishop Stephen Robson who was Bishop of Dunkeld from 2013 to 2022.

Fr Martin (59) is a priest of the Diocese of Galloway, based at Our Lady of the Assumption & St Meddan’s, Troon.

He said:  “As I set out on this new Mission as Bishop of Dunkeld, I pledge to sit in prayer as a Disciple at the feet of Jesus, listening to his voice calling me forward in faith.

"Together, with Christ’s strength and inspiration, we will all be able to continue to build the Kingdom in the Diocese of Dunkeld."

He added: "One of the catchphrases of Pope Francis is that, as Christians, we are called to be ‘Missionary Disciples’. The Pope reminds us that, yes, we are all called to take our part in the mission of spreading the Good News in our families and within our local community.

"However, the Pope reminds us that, first of all, we must sit as disciples at the feet of Jesus, listening to Him and letting Him guide our steps.”

Bishop Robson, who was bishop from 2013-2022 before retiring on health grounds, said: “I have known Fr Martin for many years since he was in the Sixth Form of Blairs College in 1981.

Since then, I have followed with great admiration his journey in the priesthood thus far. He was educated in the Royal Scots College in Spain, and he has had great experience in Ecuador as a missionary priest.

Various appointments as pastor, school chaplain and diocesan responsibilities in Galloway diocese then followed. All this previous experience will stand him in great stead going forward as bishop here in Dunkeld."

Fr. Martin added said: “I am conscious that many years ago, I was accepted into seminary by Bishop Joseph McGee.

"He was the Bishop of Galloway who had started off as a priest of Dunkeld Diocese.

"In a strange way, I am returning a compliment in faith for, having started as a priest of Galloway, I am now becoming Bishop of Dunkeld.”

Fr Martin Chambers

Pope Francis has nominated Fr Martin Chambers as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Dunkeld.

Fr Martin was ordained Priest for the Diocese of Galloway in 1989.

He first served as an Assistant Priest St John’s, Stevenston (1989-1993) before being appointed Parish Priest St Thomas’, Muirkirk (1993-1996).

Since then he has served at the following parishes in the Diocese of Galloway:

• Parish Priest St Bride’s, West Kilbride (1996-1997)
• Parish Priest St John’s, Stevenston (1997-2004)
• Parish Priest St. Matthew’s, Kilmarnock (2009-2023)
• Administrator St Sophia’s, Galston & St Paul’s, Hurlford (2013-2015)
• Parish Priest Our Lady of Mount Carmel (2015-2023)
• Parish Priest St Sophia’s, Galston (2017-2018)
• Parish Priest Our Lady of the Assumption & St Meddan’s, Troon (2023-2024)

He studied for the priesthood at the Royal Scots College, Spain – both at Valladolid (1982-1998) and then Salamanca (1988-1989), where he graduated with a Bachelor of Sacred Theology.

Fr Martin (59) was baptised at St Paul’s in Shettleston, Glasgow

He attended two primary schools - St Mary’s Primary in Irvine  and then Guardian Angels Primary in Bury.

He then attended St Vincent’s College in Langbank and then St Mary’s College, Blairs, the then junior seminary for Scotland.

From 2004 - 2009 he served with the Missionary Society of St James in Guayaquil, Ecuador .

The date of his Episcopal ordination is expected to be announced shortly.