It is with a deep sense of shock and sadness that we report the death of Rev. John MacLeod, Portmahomack, who passed away suddenly on 17th December.  He had taken ill while on his way from the Manse to the Church to adjust the Church Notice Board. He was 72 and had been the Minister at Tarbat (centred on the village of Portmahomack) for the past 42 years.  His brief time as an insurance underwriter with Standard Life was put to good use in the administrative affairs of the Church, and for the last 20 years, he was the Principal Clerk of Assembly.  However, it was as a preacher and pastor that his main concern lay and it was whilst engaging in serving the Lord in his local parish that he received his home-call.

While it is sudden glory for the saints, we remember at this time his dear wife, Joy, and their nine children and their respective families, as well as the Congregation of Tarbat and commend them to the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.  Indeed his passing is a great loss to the wider Church.

Obviously, there are no further details at this time, and the funeral itself will be affected by the current Covid restrictions.

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”