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 an important minister in the Church of Scotland. For 40 years, from 1973 until 2013, he was the minister of St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland. This church is sometimes called the main church of Presbyterianism. He also held special titles like Dean of the Thistle and was a Chaplain to Queen Elizabeth II.
Contents
Life of Gilleasbuig Macmillan
Gilleasbuig Iain Macmillan was born in Stirling on December 21, 1942. He grew up in the Highlands, in a place called Appin. His father, Kenneth Macmillan, was also a minister, which greatly influenced Gilleasbuig.
Education and Early Career
He went to the University of Edinburgh from 1960 to 1967 to train to become a minister. After his training, he became a minister at Portree Parish Church on the Isle of Skye in 1969. He stayed there until 1973.
In 1973, he moved to St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh. He became the minister there and served the church for many years.
Important Roles and Events
Gilleasbuig Macmillan led the special "Kirking of the Parliament" services in 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2011. These services are held to mark the start of a new session of the Scottish Parliament.
One of his most notable actions happened in October 1991. St Giles' Cathedral held a service to remember the people affected by the Gulf War. Muslims also attended this service. Reverend Macmillan decided to pause the Christian service so that the Muslim attendees could perform their prayers inside the Cathedral, right next to the Holy Table. The Muslim call to prayer, called the Adhan, was even made from the pulpit. This act of kindness and understanding was very special. For this, he received an award called the Muslim News Award for Excellence.
Retirement and Passing
Gilleasbuig Macmillan retired from his role as 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.
Honours and Awards
Gilleasbuig Macmillan received several important 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 in science, arts, and public life.
- He received an Honorary Doctorate (DD) from the University of St Andrews in 2003.
- He was appointed a Commander of the CVO by the Queen in 1999.
- He was appointed a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KVCO) by the Queen in 2014.
- He received another Honorary Doctorate (Dr.h.c.) from the University of Edinburgh in 1998.
- He received the Annemarie Schimmel Award for Championing a Muslim Cause in 2009, for his actions during the interfaith service.
