Leadership Team
Our leadership team provides a solid foundation for the congregation as they are each passionate about God’s word, and the Christ-centred gospel, eager to reach the community of Thurso and the North Coast.
Rev. Jerry Taylor
Minister
Jerry is passionate about sharing the good news of Jesus Christ crucified and risen and engaging all ages with the Bible. He has previously worked with the Bank of England and the Church of England, most recently spending 12 years ministering in a small town and rural village in the East Midlands. He enjoys reading spy novels, following Aston Villa FC and being beside the sea. Jerry is married to June, who was brought up in Shetland with Orkney family roots too, and they have three sons, Magnus, Erlend and Olaf.
John Hymers
ElderJohn has been in farming all his life living in Calder, Caithness, and has a keen interest in ploughing matches as a hobby! He is married to Barbara, and they have four children and six grandchildren.
They have recently moved into Thurso. Both John and Barbara have a passion for gospel outreach in the smaller communities of the North of Scotland and are keen to help in all areas of church work along the North Coast. They rejoice in the addition of new elders and deacons to the congregation.
They have recently moved into Thurso. Both John and Barbara have a passion for gospel outreach in the smaller communities of the North of Scotland and are keen to help in all areas of church work along the North Coast. They rejoice in the addition of new elders and deacons to the congregation.
Iain MacKillop
ElderIain is now retired, having previously worked in hospitality in Skye and Edinburgh, as well spending thirteen years in the call centre in Thurso, and also being employed by STV in Glasgow and the BBC in Inverness. Originally from South Uist, Iain enjoys reading books of historical interest (especially that of the Highlands and Islands and family history) and is a fan of Hibernian FC. He has been married to Maureen, who is from Minard, Argyll, since 1999, and they have two cats (!). Iain joined the Free Church in Thurso and has been an elder since 2015.
Stuart Macdonald
DeaconStuart and his family have been part of the congregation since 2017. Having grown up on the West Coast of Scotland he has since settled into life in Caithness, even though the lack of trees, hills and mountains took some getting used to. Stuart recognised his faith in Jesus when at a youth camp as a teenager, since then he has been an active member in his local congregations, taking on various roles to serve those around him. On a Sunday in Thurso he can normally be found chasing his little boy round the church, trying his best to keep him from eating all the biscuits.
David Mackay
Deacon
David was born and brought up in Inverness, but spent a lot of time helping with the family croft in Bettyhill. He studied at Edinburgh University before moving to Thurso in 2018 to work as a mixed practice vet. David is passionate about seeing God’s gospel shared in the north, and enjoys helping out with the young folks’ Bible study and the music at Sunday services. In his spare time he enjoys running, playing his accordion and walking his cocker spaniel, Bailey. David is married to Esther who settled in Caithness after moving north in 2021.
Ben Nicolson
ElderBen was born and brought up in Caithness - specifically Castletown. He then moved to Edinburgh to study Business and Accountancy which led him to working in a legal firm for a year. Ben then went onto work as a Ministry Apprentice in St Columba's Free Church in Edinburgh, where he was given useful training in all aspects of church service and leadership. Now a teacher in Thurso High School, Ben enjoys time away from the classroom by following Hearts FC and playing snooker. Ben recently got married to another local, Alice who also works in the High School.
John Angus Macleod
ElderJohn Angus and his wife, Elizabeth, retired up to the North Coast in 2022, eager to help in the work of the gospel in evangelism and discipleship. John Angus was minister in Dingwall from 1989-99, and then taught at Edinburgh Theological Seminary (formerly Free Church College) for 23 years. Elizabeth is from the Black Isle and has also retired from nursing. They have five daughters, one son, and one granddaughter, and spend much of their ‘spare time’ helping the Banner of Truth by way of editing (John Angus) and proofreading (Elizabeth).
Jamie Maclauchlan
Deacon
Jamie was born in Inverness and spent most of his childhood in Forres. He studied in Glasgow, where he became a christian, before returning to the Highlands in 2021 to become an electrical engineer. You'll often see him at the back of the church, operating the AV desk. He enjoys climbing the hills of Caithness and Sutherland, reading history books and supporting St Mirren.
Jamie was born in Inverness and spent most of his childhood in Forres. He studied in Glasgow, where he became a christian, before returning to the Highlands in 2021 to become an electrical engineer. You'll often see him at the back of the church, operating the AV desk. He enjoys climbing the hills of Caithness and Sutherland, reading history books and supporting St Mirren.
Angus Mackay
Deacon
Angus is married to Alison and they have two grown up children. Angus has recently retired after a lifetime working in construction, where he was involved in a wide mix of civil engineering projects in many locations. He now spends most of his time on his Croft in Bettyhill with his loyal collie dogs and family. Alison and Angus are excited to be part of the thriving Thurso and North Coast congregation, contributing to the life and work of the Church wherever practicable.
Angus is married to Alison and they have two grown up children. Angus has recently retired after a lifetime working in construction, where he was involved in a wide mix of civil engineering projects in many locations. He now spends most of his time on his Croft in Bettyhill with his loyal collie dogs and family. Alison and Angus are excited to be part of the thriving Thurso and North Coast congregation, contributing to the life and work of the Church wherever practicable.
