Bishop-Elect of Dunkeld Fr Martin Chambers (1964-2024)

Fr Martin Chambers, a priest of the Diocese of Galloway who was shortly to be ordained as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Dunkeld, has died aged 59.

Bishop Frank Dougan, of Galloway Diocese, said: “It was with a heavy heart and the deepest sadness that I learned today of the death of Fr Martin Chambers, a priest of the Diocese of Galloway and the Bishop-Elect of the Diocese of Dunkeld.

"I know his family and the people of Galloway diocese who knew him and loved him will be deeply shocked and dismayed at his untimely death.

"Together we give thanks for the selfless service he gave to our diocese; we recognise the enormous contribution he made to support some of the poorest communities in Ecuador and we pray for the repose of his soul.”

“To know Martin was to know a man of love, enthusiasm, humour and a deep faith which enlivened all that he did.”

Pope Francis nominated Fr Martin on 2 February 2024 as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Dunkeld. His Episcopal Ordination was scheduled for Saturday 27 April, 2024.

He latterly served as parish priest at Our Lady of the Assumption & St Meddan’s, Troon (2023-2024)

He established the Martin Chamber Ecuador Trust in 2006 to support the lives of those who live in the poorest conditions in Ecuador and worked on the missions in Ecuador’s largest city, Guayaquil from 2004-2009.

He added: “On behalf of the Dioses of Galloway I offer our deepest condolences and the promise of our prayers to Martin’s family as they come to terms with his loss, our prayers too are with the people of the Diocese of Dunkeld, who were preparing to welcome him as their bishop.

"We give thanks to God for the great service of a selfless priest and pray for his eternal rest.”