Gilleasbuig Macmillan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Very Reverend
Gilleasbuig Macmillan
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|
|---|---|
| Born |
Gilleasbuig Iain Macmillan
21 December 1942 |
| Died | 13 December 2023 (aged 80) |
| Education | University of Edinburgh |
| Occupation | Minister |
| Spouse(s) | Maureen |
| Children | 1, Mary Jane |
| Theological work | |
| Language | English |
| Tradition or movement | Reformed (Presbyterianism) |
Gilleasbuig Iain Macmillan (1942-2023) was a very important minister in the Church of Scotland. From 1973 until he retired in 2013, he was the minister of St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland. This church is sometimes called the "mother church" for a type of Christianity called Presbyterianism. He was also a special chaplain to Queen Elizabeth II.
Contents
About Gilleasbuig Macmillan
Gilleasbuig Iain Macmillan was born in Stirling, Scotland, on December 21, 1942. He grew up in the Highlands, in a place called Appin. His father, Kenneth Macmillan, was also a minister. His father's work greatly influenced Gilleasbuig.
His Education and Early Career
Macmillan studied at the University of Edinburgh from 1960 to 1967. He trained to become a minister there. After his training, he worked as a minister at Portree Parish Church on the Isle of Skye. He was there from 1969 until 1973. In 1973, he moved to become the minister at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh.
His Role in Parliament
Gilleasbuig Macmillan led a special church service called the "Kirking of the Parliament." This service happens when the Scottish Parliament begins a new session. He led this service four times: in 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2011.
Promoting Understanding Between Religions
In 1991, St Giles' Cathedral held a special service. It was a Service of Repentance for the victims of the First Gulf War. Muslims also attended this service. Reverend Macmillan made a special decision during the service. He paused the service to allow the Muslim attendees to perform their prayers. The Muslim call to prayer was even made from the pulpit of the cathedral. This act of respect happened in front of over 1,000 Christians. For this, he received an award called the Muslim News Award for Excellence.
Retirement and Later Life
Gilleasbuig Macmillan retired as the minister of St Giles' Cathedral on September 30, 2013. He passed away on December 13, 2023. He was survived by his wife, Maureen, and his daughter, Mary Jane.
Awards and Recognitions
Gilleasbuig Macmillan received several important awards and honours during his life:
- He was made a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 2005. This is a special honour for people who have made great achievements.
- He received an Honorary Doctorate (DD) from the University of St Andrews in 2003. An honorary doctorate is a special degree given to someone to honour their achievements.
- He was given the CVO by the Queen in 1999. This is an award given by the British monarch for personal service.
- He received another higher honour, the KVCO, from the Queen in 2014.
- He received an Honorary Doctorate (Dr.h.c.) from the University of Edinburgh in 1998.
- He won the Annemarie Schimmel Award for Championing a Muslim Cause in 2009. This award recognized his efforts to promote understanding between different religions.
