Assembly votes for new post despite cost fears

THE Church of Scotland's General Assembly has voted to create an extra post at the top of the Kirk, despite warnings over extra costs.

When the Rev Dr Finlay Macdonald, principal clerk to the assembly, retires in 2010, his job as the Kirk's most senior official will be split in two.

Former Moderator, the Rev Dr John Cairns, backed a report suggesting too much power was concentrated in one person and proposing a new post which might evolve into a "chief operating officer" alongside the principal clerk.

But the Rev Helen McLeod, convener of the Council of Assembly, said a new high-level post would mean extra costs, possibly a new department and more staff. And she warned of potential conflict between the two posts.

"This is a complex matter which needs an in-depth review," she said. However, the assembly voted to go ahead with the two posts.