Church suspends organist Iain McIntyre after concerns arise due to prior child pornography conviction.
The hall serves as a school nursery, and Crown Primary School is next door. Parents voiced their concerns to the church, and the head teacher contacted the church too. Senior education officers got involved, and child protection officers were also notified.
The Church of Scotland made a statement, saying McIntyre never was alone with kids. He didn’t come during nursery hours either, and he started playing in February 2024. Police caught McIntyre with indecent images at his home in Tain.
A court sentenced him back in March 2020 to 18 months in jail, and police then performed routine monitoring. He previously went to jail for a past offense and was jailed by the High Court in Edinburgh. For a year, he played the organ, and church officials knew about his convictions.
The church developed rules with the police because the lower hall is used for nursery classes. This is part of a partnership with a council that started back in August 2022. The Church of Scotland said they stood down McIntyre because they worry he did not follow building rules.
He played organ monthly at Sunday service and practiced weekly with the choir. He was a member of the church band, and the church knew about his charges. They have been working with police on this. The church confirms he is currently suspended and is not allowed in the church right now.
He was never alone with anyone under 18, and he also was never at the church during nursery hours. A council person said they know parents are worried; the school and officers contacted the church. They reported it to child protection officers, who can take action if needed.
The council spokesperson added safety comes first. People should report all concerns about kids, and they shared help numbers and said call police in emergencies.