Kirk minister applications rise

More people were accepted for training in the ministry

The number of people wanting to become Kirk ministers has risen, the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland has been told.

Applications increased from 59 in 2003 to 75 last year, according to a report from the Board of Ministry.

Thirty-two people were accepted for training in the ministry, compared to just 17 in 2001.

However, for the second year in a row no-one from the clergy's ranks applied to become an Army chaplain.

The assembly was also discussing a proposed code of working conditions on Thursday.

It will include the right to join a union, to have two days off every week and to have a day of rest on six Sundays a year.