The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

The Roman Catholic Bishops in Scotland work together to undertake nationwide initiatives through their Commissions and Agencies.

The members of the Bishops' Conference are the Bishops of the eight Scottish Dioceses. Where appropriate the Bishops Emeriti (retired) provide a much welcomed contribution to the work of the conference. The Bishops' Conference of Scotland is a permanently constituted assembly which meets regularly throughout the year to address relevant business matters.

Members of The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

12th August 2026

12 August 2026

Statement from the Bishops of Scotland on the Funeral of Ann Widdecombe

Today, the Requiem Mass of Ann Widdecombe, the former Member of the UK Parliament and Government minister, has taken place at Buckfast Abbey, where she was a regular worshipper.

Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said:

“On behalf of the Bishops of Scotland, I offer our prayerful condolences to Ann’s family, friends and all who mourn her today. We join them in commending Ann’s soul to the loving mercy of God.

“Ann was a woman of sincere Catholic faith, sustained by prayer and the sacraments and was happy for her faith to be known publicly.’

“We pray that Christ welcomes her into the peace of His Kingdom."

Contact:

Media Office

Bishops’ Conference of Scotland
64 Aitken Street, ML6 6LT
Tel: 01236 764061
Email: [email protected]

News from the Commissions and Agencies

Archive by category: BCoS FacebookReturn

May 2026

08May

His Majesty The King has sent a message of congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on the first anniversary of his election...

08 May, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

His Majesty The King has sent a message of congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on the first anniversary of his election, reflecting upon the enduring ties between the United Kingdom and the Holy See. 🇬🇧🇻🇦

07May

Young Catholics (age 16+) are invited to join ACN Scotland at the Camp Out for Hope!

07 May, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Young Catholics (age 16+) are invited to join ACN Scotland at the Camp Out for Hope! This will be a powerful event to show solidarity with our displaced Christian brothers and sisters around the world. Join us at Scotland’s Marian shrine for a unique camping experience, including an all-night prayer vigil, opportunities to learn more about ACN and our work, time to meet and socialise with other young Catholics, and more.

Participants can sign up by clicking here and should bring their own camping equipment and sleeping bags.

For more information, contact [email protected]

07May

St Margaret Pilgrimage 2026

07 May, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

07May

New Dawn in Scotland Ministries, in collaboration with St Joseph’s, Kilmarnock, will host a Healing Service on Friday 15 May fro...

07 May, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

New Dawn in Scotland Ministries, in collaboration with St Joseph’s, Kilmarnock, will host a Healing Service on Friday 15 May from 7.00pm to 9.30pm in St Joseph’s Church.

The service will be led by Fr Frankie Mulgrew of the Diocese of Salford and will include praise and worship, adoration, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the laying on of hands, and prayer ministry.

All are invited to take part in this time of prayer and encounter with Christ’s healing love.

07May

Gospel

07 May, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Gospel
John 15:9-11
‘Abide in my love, that your joy may be full.’

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.’

06May

What is God asking of us today as a Church in Scotland?

06 May, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

What is God asking of us today as a Church in Scotland?

Join us for the Festival of Synodality on Saturday 6 June at Glasgow Caledonian University; a day centred on Conversation in the Spirit, where we listen deeply to God, to one another, and to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

This isn’t just another event, it’s an opportunity to:
✨ Reflect on God’s Word
✨ Be heard in a prayerful and respectful space
✨ Discover together how the Holy Spirit is guiding our Church

As Bishop Brian shares, this is an important and exciting moment for our parishes, our dioceses, and the Church across Scotland.

📅 Saturday 6 June
📍 Glasgow Caledonian University

👉 Come and be part of the conversation. Come and listen. Come and discern.

🎟️ Book your place now: bit.ly/synodality26

06May

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

06 May, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Young people from St James’, Coatbridge, recently spent a day in St Andrews as part of their preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

The Primary 7 confirmandi completed their St Carlo Acutis “Highway to Heaven” passports during the visit, marking an important step in their journey of faith.

06May

Where the poor are concerned, it is not talk that matters

06 May, 2026 | Missio Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Where the poor are concerned, it is not talk that matters. What matters is rolling up our sleeves and putting our faith into practice through a direct involvement, one that cannot be delegated

#MissiosWednesdayWisdom

@followers

05May

The Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh is hosting a Family Picnic and Vigil Mass on Saturday 9 May 2026 at 1:00pm at The Gi...

05 May, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

The Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh is hosting a Family Picnic and Vigil Mass on Saturday 9 May 2026 at 1:00pm at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB.

The day will include children’s catechesis, talks for adults, a Rosary procession, and Vigil Mass at 4:00pm. It offers an opportunity for families to gather in faith during the month of May, with a focus on Our Lady and the life of the Church.

The programme will be led by Fr Benedict Iwatt of the Marriage and Family Commission, alongside Sr Miriam Ruth Ryan RSM, Director of Catechetics.

Places are going fast so register now for this FREE event at bit.ly/archpicnic26

05May

Photos from Bishops' Conference of Scotland's post

05 May, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Young people from several parishes, including St Vincent’s in Thornliebank, St John’s in Barrhead, and Corpus Christi in Glasgow, recently came together for a day of faith and friendship.

The programme included catechesis, sport, games, and prayer, offering a chance to grow in faith while building connections with other young Catholics. In this month of May, there was a particular focus on Our Lady and her importance in the life of the Church.