Bishop accused of bullying to retire next year

Scotland's first female bishop has announced she is to retire in 2027, five years after being accused of bullying.

The Right Reverend Anne Dyer, the Scottish Episcopal Church's Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney, was suspended in 2022.

The church's independent procurator reviewed the evidence and decided it was not in the public interest to pursue matters any further.

Bishop Dyer will retire when she turns 70 in February.

After returning to work in November 2024, following the bullying allegations, she vowed to rebuild trust and relationships in her church.

She added it was time to try to "move forward".

The Scottish Episcopal Church said Bishop Dyer had now given the required six-month notice ahead of leaving.

She revealed the news of her retirement in a pastoral letter.

Bishop Dyer wrote: "Through times that have been both joyful and sometimes very challenging, it has been a privilege to serve as your bishop.

"I am much changed by this experience, and very grateful to God for all the grace and encouragement I have received."

Of her remaining time in the role, she added: "I will look forward to worshipping with as many of you as possible and continuing to give attention to the many projects that are in progress."

Her last day as Bishop of the Diocese will be 20 February.