The Free Church of Scotland (Continuing) have announced that Moderator-designate of their next General Assembly is Rev John W. Keddie, currently minister at Bracadale in Skye. Mr Keddie is expected to take up his duties as Moderator in May.

   Born in 1946 and educated in Edinburgh, John Keddie first professed faith in 1966 under the ministry of the Rev James Philip. He came into the membership of the Free Church at St Columba’s, Edinburgh some two years later

Following theological studies in the Free Church College and a pastorate in Burghead, Mr Keddie has, since 1997, been ministering on the Island of Skye where he is minister of Bracadale Free Church (Continuing).

A keen interest in Church history and theology has led to his authoring books, booklets and many articles for the Christian press, including books on Sing the Lord’s Song: Biblical Psalms in Worship (Crown and Covenant, 2003); George Smeaton: Learned Theologian and Biblical Scholar (Evangelical Press, 2007); and Running the Race: Eric Liddell, Olympic Champion and Missionary (Evangelical Press, 2007).

Mr Keddie has had a very close interest in sport over the years, both as a competitor and as a writer. In his competitive days he was Scottish Junior triple jump champion in 1965, and in athletics represented the Scottish Amateur Athletic Association and Scottish Universities. In rugby he played for Boroughmuir School Former Pupils XV for several seasons.  He is the author of Scottish Athletics, the official centenary history of the Scottish Amateur Athletic Association (1982). He assisted the writer of the screenplay for the award-winning film, Chariots of Fire, in which a character was named after him.

Married to Jean, they have a family of four children and have five grandchildren.