College building staircase

Shaw Paterson

Lay Advisor

Shaw Patterson Headshot

Shaw is a serving Church of Scotland parish minister who has previously held the roles of Presbytery Clerk and prison chaplain, alongside a number of convenerships at local and national levels. He served as the first Moderator of the newly formed Presbytery of Forth Valley and Clydesdale and, for the 2024–2025 session, was appointed Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, reflecting his long-standing commitment to the Church’s life and governance.

Beyond parish ministry, Shaw has contributed to wider professional work, including serving on the Advisory Panel to the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (Scotland) from 2004 to 2007. With more than 30 years in post, he has been deeply involved in training and supervising students and previously oversaw the study leave programme. His commitment to continuing professional development is demonstrated through a Masters in Palliative Care and a Doctorate in Practical Theology from the University of Glasgow, the latter examining support for women experiencing early miscarriage.