She is a godsend! Rev Andrea Boyes named as chieftain of Durness Highland Gathering 2023
She is truly a godsend for Sutherland's most north westerly community.
For Durness Highland Gathering has named its local Church of Scotland minister as chieftain for the 2023 Games.
Rev Andrea Boyes, the minister for Durness and Kinlochbervie Parish, is certainly a good shepherd – she has her own small flock of sheep!
The former mental health nurse is originally from Lanarkshire, but found her home in the Highlands in her early 20s with a move to Inverness for work.
It was in the Highland capital that she met her husband, also a mental health nurse.
"We were also both part of the Craig Dunain Women's Rugby Team; Jimmy was the coach and I, for a while, a prop forward," she said.
"My nursing career offered me many opportunities and has taken me to different parts of the UK, but the Highlands have always been home. I continued to work as the community nurse for homelessness in Inverness, whilst also beginning my divinity studies."
Rev Boyes studied for a BA Hons in Theology at Highland Theological College in Dingwall.
Juggling being a full-time student as well as mum to her children Rebecca, Connor and Andrew, she left nursing for what she thought would just 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," she said.
"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 what 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."
Rev Boyes said she had been overwhelmed to be asked by 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," she said.
The 51st Durness Highland Gathering will take place on Friday, July 28.
The day begins with the declaration of the new chieftain in the Village Square at 11.30am, with Rev. Boyes then marching on to the Games Field behind the local Spar Shop to officially declare the gathering open at about noon.
A spokesperson for the gathering said: "Entry to all competitions are free and open to everyone. If you don't wish to compete just come and watch, and maybe meet up with old friends or make new ones.
"This is a day not to be missed when touring this beautiful part of the Highlands. We have much to offer in the way of a Scottish Pipe Band, Highland dancers, field, track and heavy events.
"The Durness Highland Gathering is a small event with all the trimmings of traditional Scottish Highland Games. The day ends with a dance in the village hall to local band Blue Ridge."
