Gilleasbuig Macmillan: 'One of the giants of the Church'

"Iain Crichton Smith, who was his English teacher at Oban High School also had a contributing hand in his formation, as was John MacLean, brother of poet Sorley, who was the rector. After an MA and BD at New College he returned to the Highlands, to Portree for his first ministry.

"His influence reached far beyond the congregation, with national and international contributions to liturgy, worship and innovation. During a service at the conclusion of the First Gulf War in 1991, including different faiths, he called for a pause in the Christian worship. For those 10 minutes, our friends of the Muslim faith were given space to say their prayers, before the service recommenced.

The tribute comes to the much-loved clergyman after he passed away December 13, 2023.

Rev Campbell added: "Gilleasbuig thereafter received criticism by those who chose to misunderstand his kind gesture, long before others would be so bold. Years later word reached him that in Nigeria there had been tensions and violence between Christians and Muslims, where an Islamic leader called for peace, because of the example given in Edinburgh, where people of faith had met together and shared a common space. Gilleasbuig reflected on his small achievement with a suitable Gilleasbuig hint of comment rather than pride.

"When the Very Rev Gilleasbuig Macmillan was the moderator of Edinburgh Presbytery, he gave wise advice to the candidates for ministry. He abjured falseness and valued authenticity in all things, and so his students learned quickly not to put on airs and graces they thought were required for the High Kirk of Edinburgh. One look normally sorted that.

"Many former students in Scotland and beyond owe Gilleasbuig a deep gratitude for what they learned, about worship and liturgy: he stripped back needless words and foibles to give an authentic expression of ministry.

"His use of language: his cadence and images, rhythm, lyricism and a deep sense of the presence of the divine melded into calls to worship, prayers and sermons which soared to the heights and touched the heart and soul, with the most exquisite and succinct use of words, to convey so much. No one could craft prayers like Gilleasbuig.

"The congregation of St Giles’ deeply valued his 40 years of ministry. Gilleasbuig was there in pastoral times of need as well as celebrations. He encouraged innovation and thoughtful reflection, gathering people together of many perspectives to lecture, preach and inspire. His Holy Week and Trinity Sermons moved and called people to holy things here on Earth. To sit at the feet of Gilleasbuig was a pleasure, a challenge and a privilege.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Maureen, the woman who knew him best and longest and his daughter Mary Jane on whom he doted. We give thanks for a life lived in the service of the Eternal Triune mystery. So much is owed to a man of remarkable talent and faith."