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

6th November 2026

06 November 2026

Scottish Bishops Promote ‘Show Mercy’ Theme for Prisoners’ Week 2026

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland is encouraging parishes across the country to support Prisoners’ Week Scotland, taking place from 15 - 22 November, under the theme Show Mercy.

The annual initiative invites communities to reflect on the experiences of prisoners, their families, victims of crime and those working within Scotland’s prisons.

This year’s theme highlights the importance of recognising the dignity of every person, including those serving prison sentences.

Deacon Kenny McGeachie, lead Catholic chaplain for the Scottish Prison Service, said:

“This year’s Prisoners’ Week invites us to think more deeply about what it means to show mercy, particularly towards those who are already paying the price for their actions. I would encourage everyone to take part in Prisoners’ Week and reflect on how even a small act of kindness can affirm a person’s human dignity.”

One practical example is the Prisoners’ Week Dignity Fund, supported by the Society of St Vincent de Paul and other groups. The fund helps prisoners who lack financial resources or family support to obtain essential items, including suitable clothing for family funerals and basic necessities.

The Bishops’ Conference is encouraging parishes to make use of the Prisoners’ Week information packs distributed to parishes throughout Scotland, helping communities mark the week through prayer, reflection and practical support.

The public launch of Prisoners’ Week Scotland will take place on Sunday 15 November at Freedom City Church, Cumbernauld, with charity and support-service stalls from 3pm.

The event is open to everyone, and members of the public are warmly encouraged to attend.

Further information is available at www.prisonersweek.org.uk.

...ENDS

Notes to editor

Prisoners’ Week Scotland 2026 takes place from 15–22 November, with the theme Show Mercy. The public launch event will be held on Sunday 15 November at Freedom City Church, Cumbernauld, with charity and support-service stalls from 3pm. Everyone is welcome.
For further information, visit www.prisonersweek.org.uk
For further information, contact Fr Michael Kane, Director of the Communications and Evangelisation Office. Email: [email protected]

Contact:

Media Office

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

22nd October 2026

22 October 2026

Statement from the Bishops' Conference of Scotland

Bishop John Keenan, Bishop of Paisley and President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, has announced that he is stepping back from his daily duties until further notice, following medical advice.

Bishop Keenan has been undergoing medical investigations and will require further tests and examinations over the coming weeks.

During this time, Vicar General Monsignor Joe Burke will oversee the day-to-day running of the Diocese of Paisley.

Bishop Keenan hopes to provide a further update once these investigations are concluded and is grateful for your prayers at this time.

...ENDS

Notes for editors

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland (BCoS) is the assembly of the Catholic bishops of Scotland, working together on national pastoral, social and legislative matters on behalf of the Church. www.bcos.org.uk
For further information, contact Fr Michael Kane, Director of the Communications and Evangelisation Office. Email: [email protected]

Contact:

Media Office

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

News from the Commissions and Agencies

June 2026

27Jun

All are welcome to come together in prayer at Holy Mass for the people of Venezuela on Sunday 5 July at 12 noon in St Leonard's ...

27 Jun, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

All are welcome to come together in prayer at Holy Mass for the people of Venezuela on Sunday 5 July at 12 noon in St Leonard's Church, East Kilbride.

The Mass will be celebrated in Castellano (America Latina) and offers an opportunity to gather in prayer and solidarity with all those affected by the recent earthquake.

Please keep the people of Venezuela and all those impacted by this tragedy in your prayers.

27Jun

Today, Bishop Frank Dougan celebrates the 25th anniversary of his ordination to the Sacred Priesthood

27 Jun, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | BCoS Facebook |

Today, Bishop Frank Dougan celebrates the 25th anniversary of his ordination to the Sacred Priesthood.

A son of the Motherwell Diocese , Bishop Frank was ordained a priest on 27 June 2001 and has faithfully served the Church for the past twenty-five years. Since 2024, he has served as Bishop of RC Diocese of Galloway.

We give thanks to God for his ministry and ask the Lord to continue to bless him as he serves the people of the Diocese of Galloway.

Please keep Bishop Frank in your prayers.

Ad multos annos.

27Jun

Photos from RC Diocese of Galloway's post

27 Jun, 2026 | RC Diocese of Galloway | BCoS Facebook |

Today, Bishop Frank, Bishop of Galloway, celebrates 25 years since his ordination to the Sacred Priesthood. To mark the occasion, last night he was joined by his brother priests and faithful from across the Diocese for Mass in St Margaret's Cathedral, Ayr, with Fr Stephen Reilly from the Diocese of Motherwell, a long time friend of Bishop Frank, preaching the homily.

At the end of Mass, Bishop Frank was presented with a quaich by the Revd David R Gemmell, the local Church of Scotland minister, marking their strong friendship and shared ministry.

A short biography of Bishop Frank:

Bishop Frank was born on 8th December 1972 and baptised in St Aidan’s, Wishaw. After attending St Aidan’s Primary, St Mary’s College, Blairs and St Aidan’s High School, Wishaw, he studied at the Scots College in Rome and at Glasgow University. He is a graduate in Law (LLB) and holds a Licentiate in Canon Law. He received priestly ordination on 27th June 2001 and was incardinated in the Diocese of Motherwell.

Bishop Frank served as assistant priest at Our Lady and St Anne’s, Hamilton and as parish priest St Mark’s, Rutherglen, St Anthony’s, Rutherglen, St Anthony’s and St Mark’s and Our Lady of Lourdes. He was Vice-rector of the Scots College, Rome from 2006 to 2012, assistant Judicial Vicar, Scottish Inter-diocesan Tribunal and Judicial vicar for the Diocese of Motherwell from 2017.

On 22nd December 2023, Pope Francis nominated Bishop Frank Dougan as the new Bishop of Galloway. He was ordained Bishop on Saturday 9th March 2024 at St-Peter-in-Chains, Ardrossan, and was received into his Cathedral Church of St Margaret in Ayr the following day. His episcopal motto is: “Quench not the wavering flame”.

27Jun

Votive Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary | 27 June 2026

27 Jun, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Votive Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary | 27 June 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

27Jun

Gospel

27 Jun, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

Gospel
Matthew 8:5-17
‘Many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.’

At that time: When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, ‘Lord, my servant is lying paralysed at home, suffering terribly.’ And he said to him, ‘I will come and heal him.’ But the centurion replied, ‘Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, “Go”, and he goes, and to another, “Come”, and he comes, and to my servant, “Do this”, and he does it.’ When Jesus heard this, he marvelled and said to those who followed him, ‘Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith. I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ And to the centurion Jesus said, ‘Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.’ And the servant was healed at that very moment.
And when Jesus entered Peter’s house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve him. That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. This was to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: ‘He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.’

26Jun

This weekend, the Second Collection will be taken up for Peter’s Pence

26 Jun, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

This weekend, the Second Collection will be taken up for Peter’s Pence.

Peter’s Pence is the annual collection that supports the Holy Father in his mission to proclaim the Gospel, promote peace and charity, and assist those in need throughout the world.

Thank you for your generosity and support of Pope Leo's ministry and the work of the Church.