THE congregation of St Michael’s Church, Inveresk, is still on the lookout for a new minister, after a previous candidate pulled out because the house she was going to get “proved to be unacceptable”.

The Rev Lisa-Jane Rankin, minister at Wilton and Teviothead, Hawick, was set for the post but withdrew her application, which was discussed at a recent meeting of the Presbytery of Lothian.

The presbytery heard that the congregation had reached “an advanced stage” of nominating a minister to replace the Rev Andrew Dick, who retired after 16 years.

Mrs Rankin had preached at the kirk as sole nominee back in April, and the congregation received her acceptance.

There was then, according to presbytery, a “severe and most unusual problem” in that, having sold the former manse with due permission and authority, the congregation had not yet acquired a new manse.

Although it had been in the process of acquiring a house in the parish, it had proved to be “unacceptable” to Mrs Rankin and, “more crucially”, had not been of the standard of manses required by the Church of Scotland General Trustees. Mrs Rankin withdrew her application in consequence of this, the presbytery heard.

The Rev Ruth Halley, of Penicuik North, who acted as interim moderator for about 11 months, asked if she could be relieved of the task, which was agreed by presbytery’s business committee.

She was praised for serving “diligently and efficiently” and has been replaced by the Rev Mark Nicholas, of Gorebridge Parish Church.

A Church of Scotland spokesperson later said: “After selling its old manse, St Michael’s Inveresk has been searching for a suitable new property. A minister expressed interest in the vacancy, but unfortunately the congregation were unable to find a suitable new manse in the short timeframe available.

“The congregation has now found a property in Inveresk and the purchase is under way. St Michael’s Inveresk is now looking forward to receiving applications from interested ministers.”

John McCulloch, presbytery clerk, added: “There is nothing unusual in a change of interim moderatorship, especially if the vacancy is lengthy. Ministers do this work in addition to looking after their own charges and cannot afford to spend too much time out of their parishes.

“The first phase of this vacancy came to a natural conclusion, giving an opportunity for another to take over the reins. The Rev Ruth Halley has completed her term and the Rev Mark Nicholas was appointed by presbytery to succeed her in the task.

“Presbytery is grateful that they have both been willing to use their time and talents in this way for the benefit of St Michael’s, Inveresk.”