An inspiring parish minister has been recognised as part of University of the West of Scotland's winter graduations. 

Reverend James Gibson, Interim Moderator and Minister for Paisley Abbey, was celebrated during a ceremony at the church on Thursday 20 November, for his support of the local community and commitment to ensuring a sustainable future for the Abbey and other notable churches. 

Jim served as Minister of Bothwell Parish Church for 30 years and retired from parish ministry in 2019 after 42 years’ service for the Church of Scotland. He later returned to service after accepting an appointment at Paisley Abbey, having been a probation assistant there in 1977.  

Under his leadership, Jim helped the Abbey – which was founded in the 12th century - to recover from closure during the Covid-19 pandemic and is now leading the Abbey’s bid for UNESCO World Heritage status.

Jim was a key player in the development of the King’s Apartment within the ancient place of Paisley, which is part of the Abbey buildings. The historic Kings Apartment, which is where James VI and I (King of Scotland as James VI before he became King of both England and Scotland) resided during a visit to Scotland. The King’s Apartment is being developed into luxury town centre accommodation, providing income for Paisley Abbey as part of a larger development project for its future. 

Jim is also actively involved in outreach initiatives and support for various groups within the community – engaging in ecumenical activities and supporting local students as Paisley Abbey hosts UWS’s graduation ceremonies. 

In addition, Jim  has been recognised in Scottish Parliament for his role as a minister and Queen’s Chaplain, as convenor of major boards of the General Assembly, and for 20-years’ membership of the Territorial Army deployed in Bosnia and elsewhere. Jim is now Chaplain in Ordinary to the King in Scotland. 

Jim was congratulated for his work in strengthening national support for historic churches across Scotland. Particularly Paisley Abbey - led by his ambition for the church to be known and appreciated for its cultural significance on both a national and international scale.

Dr Ian Birch, Principal of the Scottish Baptist College, located within the University of the West of Scotland’s Paisley campus, delivered James’ laureation, which reflected on his dedication to his vocation and his contribution to Paisley and beyond.  

On receiving the Honorary Doctorate from UWS, Jim said: “It’s an honour to receive this award from UWS, and as always, what better place to celebrate the success of UWS students than here in the magnificent surroundings of Paisley Abbey. Having been involved with UWS and supporting graduations over the years, it was wonderful to hear firsthand the success stories of the students as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.”

It’s an honour to receive this award from UWS, and as always, what better place to celebrate the success of UWS students than here in the magnificent surroundings of Paisley Abbey.

Reverend James Gibson, Interim Moderator and Minister for Paisley Abbey

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS, said: “As part of the ceremony, we were delighted to present Jim with this Honorary Doctorate. A friend of UWS, Jim’s determination and vision for Paisley, its heritage and its people, is exceptional. His drive and commitment in giving back to the community demonstrate important values which I’m sure will be an inspiration to our students as they go off into the wider world and embark on their next chapter.” 

A friend of UWS, Jim’s determination and vision for Paisley, its heritage and its people, is exceptional.

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS