THE Very Reverend Dr John Cairns, former chaplain to The Queen and minister of Aberlady and Gullane Parish Churches, is retiring after almost 35 years as a parish minister.
Dr Cairns, 66, became minister of the East Lothian churches seven years ago having held a number of parish posts since his ordainment in 1974.
In that year, Dr Cairns left behind his previous occupation as a solicitor to become one the most respec
ted ministers in the church.
He was appointed Chaplain to The Queen in 1997 and in 2006 he became Dean of the Chapel Royal in Scotland, a post he will maintain for a further three years following his retirement from frontline ministerial duties.
He will also continue to serve on the board of governors at The Compass School in Haddington, and as chaplain to the Royal Company of Archers, the Queen's Scottish bodyguards.
He said: "I think the time has come to make way for someone else.
"I've been a parish minister for nearly 35 years and you're bound to miss the life, but I've very luck and really enjoyed the work I've done. I've made a lot of good friends but you don't lose your friends, do you?"
Dr Cairns lives with his wife Liz in Gullane, and has three grown-up sons Will, Ben and Dan.
He has signalled his intention to retire in six months, and is currently preparing for a quieter life.
He said: "I really haven't had a chance to think about it as I'm pretty busy. It will no doubt be a welcome change but I've never experienced retirement before so I'll have to wait and see."
As well as spending more time with his family, Dr Cairns will undoubtedly spend much of his extra time improving his handicap on the golf course. He is a keen golfer and a member of the Dunbar Golf Club.
Following Dr Cairns' retirement, The Rev Howard J Haslett will serve as interim moderator at Aberlady with Gullane until a permanent replacement can be found.
Dr Cairns served as interim moderator at St Mary's Parish Church, Haddington, prior to the appointment of The Rev Jennifer Macrae last year.
The full article contains 376 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
