Lord Hodge

The Supreme Court justice said he is “delighted and honoured” to have been chosen by Her Majesty The Queen as her personal representative at the annual event.

The General Assembly is the supreme court of the Church of Scotland and is taking place in the General Assembly Hall on The Mound in Edinburgh from Saturday 21 May until Thursday 26 May.

Commissioners to the General Assembly, which was first held in 1560, the year of the Scottish Reformation, examine the work and laws of the Church and make decisions that affect its future.

The Lord High Commissioner makes opening and closing addresses and carries out a number of official functions throughout the course of the week.

Lord Hodge said: “I am delighted and honoured to have been asked by Her Majesty The Queen to represent her as her Lord High Commissioner at the General Assembly in this, her Platinum Jubilee year and on the 200th anniversary of George IV’s historic visit to Scotland.

“My wife and I look forward to attending the General Assembly and taking part in the other events of the week.”

Rev Dr George Whyte, the principal clerk of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, said: “We are honoured that Her Majesty has appointed Lord Hodge as Lord High Commissioner.

“We look forward to welcoming him to the General Assembly.”