Issued on behalf of the Aberdeen Oil Industry Chaplaincy Trust

The Reverend Gordon Craig has been appointed chaplain to the UK offshore oil and gas industry.

He will take up the role from 11 June-20 July, initially as part of a Civilian Work Attachment from the RAF, but from 6 August will provide full-time pastoral advice and support to people working in the industry both onshore and offshore.

Reverend Gordon Craig will build on the work of his predecessors, who for nearly 25 years have established strong bonds between the chaplaincy and the people and companies active in the UK offshore oil and gas industry.

He said: “This is a ministry which demands engagement at all levels. It will allow me to share the high points and to stand alongside people during the darker times, supporting them through the challenges that confront them - offshore, at home and during their normal working lives.”

Originally from Paisley, Reverend Craig began his career in industry and later trained for the ministry of the Church of Scotland at Glasgow University. His interest in aviation led to a long and varied career as a chaplain working within the RAF, where he served in a variety of roles with postings throughout the UK as well as West Germany, The Falkland Islands and Afghanistan. In 2008, he was appointed as an Honorary Chaplain to the Queen. Most recently he was Principal of the Armed Forces Chaplaincy Centre at Andover which trains service personnel in the skills required by the pastoral care of service personnel and their families.

Brian Wilkie, chairman of the Aberdeen Oil Industry Chaplaincy Trust, said: “Our industry is diverse and dynamic with people of all faiths and of none. I am delighted that Gordon is ready to take up the challenge of working in this immensely stimulating, important and rewarding role to provide spiritual and pastoral care whenever and wherever needed."

Reverend Gordon Craig follows the Reverend Martin Grashoff in the role of industry chaplain, the fifth since the role was officially established following the Piper Alpha offshore disaster in 1988. 

ENDS