It is with great delight that we can announce that the 2023 Chieftain is Reverend Andrea Boyes, the Minister for Durness and Kinlochbervie Parish.

​

“Originally from Lanarkshire in Scotland, I found my home in the Highlands in my early 20’s with a move to Inverness for work. It was there that I met my husband, working together as Mental Health Nurses. We were also both part of the Craig Dunain Women's Rugby Team, Jimmy the coach and I, for a while, a prop forward. 

My nursing career offered me many opportunities and has taken me to different parts of the UK, but the Highlands has always been home.  I continued to work as the Community Nurse for Homelessness in Inverness, whilst also beginning my Divinity studies. I studied for a BA Hons in Theology at Highland Theological College in Dingwall. However, being a mum to our children Rebecca, Connor and Andrew and a full-time student, I left nursing for what I thought would be a short time. However, God’s plans are often not our plans, and I was accepted for ministry training with the Church of Scotland.  

I have now been an Ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament with the Church of Scotland for 10 years and been here as the Parish Minister for Durness and Kinlochbervie for over five years. I love serving and being part of the communities here in Durness and Kinlochbervie. Sharing in the everyday joys and sorrows, is a great privilege and a real adventure with God.  

In ministry, we are advised to take time off each week. For a while I enjoyed the freedom of running and even managed the Cape Wrath 10k, but in the past few years I have enjoyed spending the free time I have, learning to look after my own wee flock of sheep and training my three collies. Although some days I think the collies are training me! I am always happy to talk about sheep and dogs (some might say too much) but really my life is about learning to be more like the Good Shepherd.  

I was overwhelmed to be asked by the Durness Highland Gathering Committee to be this year's Chieftain. It is a great joy and privilege to be able to be part of this wonderful day in such a role. I always look forward to games day and planning our church tent, but this year is even more special for my family and I.”