Russell Barr


Russell Barr is a minister of the Church of Scotland, who was nominated in late 2015 to be the next Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

Early life and education

Barr was born on 15 October 1953 in Kilmarnock, Scotland. He received a doctorate of ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary.

Ordained ministry

Since 1993, he has been the minister of Cramond Kirk in Edinburgh. He is chairman of the Edinburgh-based charity Fresh Start, which helps people who have been homeless establish themselves in their new home.
In October 2015 he was nominated to succeed Right Rev Dr Angus Morrison as Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. He took office in May 2016. He was succeeded as Moderator by Dr Derek Browning in May 2017.

Personal life

Barr is married to Margaret, a retired teacher. They have one son and daughter.