Gay minister set to take up role

Mr Rennie was backed by the majority of the congregation in Aberdeen

The gay minister whose appointment to a church in Aberdeen caused major controversy is expected to preach his first service in the city in July.

The General Assembly of the Church of Scotland voted in support of the Rev Scott Rennie.

He will be formally inducted at a ceremony in Queen's Cross Church in Aberdeen on Friday 3 July.

The 37-year-old divorced father-of-one will conduct his final service at Brechin Cathedral on 28 June.

Mr Rennie had been backed by the majority of the congregation at Queen's Cross Church.

More than 400 Kirk ministers and almost 5,000 Church of Scotland members were said to have signed an online petition opposing the appointment.