People in our Church

Rev'd Scott McKenna
Parish Minister

Scott McKenna has been the Minister at Mayfield Salisbury Parish Church for eleven years.   After a brief career as an accountant, he studied Divinity at St Mary’s College at the University of St Andrews.   While there he developed a special interest in the work of the theologian, Friedrich Schleiermacher, the father of modern theology.   Scott’s probationary period was spent at Wellington Church, Glasgow under the Revd M. Leith Fisher.   Thereafter, he was ordained and inducted as Minister of Viewpark Parish Church in Uddingston, Lanarkshire where he remained for six and a half years before being called to his present charge in 2000.   Since coming to Mayfield Salisbury, Scott has gained the degree of MTh from the University of Edinburgh and is currently studying for an MPhil.

Scott’s work and, in particular, his preaching is permeated and inspired by his deep and passionate faith.   He reads widely and the breadth of his reading, including poetry, is reflected in his sermons.   His theology is rational, progressive and pertinent to life in the 21st century and he has no hesitation in tackling controversial subjects.   He particularly admires the preaching of the late Revd Professor James S Stewart, who worshipped at Mayfield.   Scott understands worship, both private and public, as a ‘thin place’ where we can encounter the Living God.   He believes strongly that beauty in worship, in the liturgical and artistic decoration of the sanctuary, and in the music, is vitally important to the Church in the 21st century.  A convivial man, with a hearty infectious laugh, he is never happier than when enjoying a coffee with friends, a meal with colleagues or a discussion with students.

If you have any questions relating to weddings, funerals, membership of the Church of Scotland or worship, then Scott will be very happy to discuss the matter with you.

Philip Hacking

Pastoral assistant

Some years ago, Philip was the organist at Mayfield Salisbury. He returned as our pastoral assistant in September 2011.

Recently he has been organist at Granton Parish Church, and was also involved in the Worship and Outreach groups there as well as being an elder. His other 'day job' is in social work. He works mainly with older adults with additional needs across the south west and south central areas of Edinburgh.  In fact, he has worked in a variety of social work posts in and around the Lothians for the past twenty years.

Philip's hobbies include travelling, theatre, tennis, football and reading. He is married to Barbara who also works in social work.  Their family consists of Ashley and Craig, and they have a little five year old granddaughter, Kylah. They enjoy looking after her as much as they can.  

Philip tells us that he has been made to feel very welcome at Mayfield Salisbury and has enjoyed the genuine warmth and encouragement shown to him as he begins his work with us: meeting and visiting people both at home and in hospitals. He is very much looking forward to getting to know members of the church over the coming months and being part of the life of the congregation.
 

Philip maybe contacted by email phil.hacking@gmail.com .
  
 

William Mearns
Church Manager
William was born and brought up in Edinburgh. He has a degree in the information technology area, but working within the Church of Scotland has been familiar to him since childhood, as his father is Church Officer at Liberton Kirk. He has been Church Manager at Mayfield Salisbury since 2006 and very much appreciates the independence the job gives him and the feeling that his is an essential and worthwhile role within the church. In particular he enjoys the variety of the work as it involves not only organising the maintenance and running of quite sizeable premises but also more creative aspects such as the putting together and publishing of the monthly magazine Grapevine.

It is William that you should contact for any information about the use of our buildings such as booking our halls.
 

Click here to email William

Christine De Luca

Session Clerk

Christine became Session clerk in April 2009, having been an elder since 1983.  Before that her interests were mainly in youth work in the church.  Happily retired from a working life spent in education, she spends her time trying to get to grips with this job: it appears to be about encouraging us all to sing from the same hymn-sheet.  (That seems to help with the singing in the choir too.) 

In her spare time she enjoys meeting friends and walking and all things to do with poetry.   She’s hopeless at yoga (and Facebook) but is deluded enough to think she will improve. 

If you detect a strange accent – despite forty years in Edinburgh, she’s still a Shetlander at heart!

Click here to email Christine