Sutherland Convention

Rooted in the Word

Equipping the Church

United in Christ

2026 Convention

Dates: 4th to 6th September 2026

Friday: 7.30pm
Saturday: 6.30pm
Sunday: 6:30pm

Venue: Dornoch Free Church, Church Street, Dornoch, Sutherland.

All welcome.

Light refreshments and an opportunity for fellowship will be available following the meetings.

Admission free, freewill offering for expenses.

Speaker: Dr. Mark Stirling.

A former medical doctor, Mark has pioneered work amongst university students with the Navigators in Edinburgh from 1998 to 2004.

In 2007 he completed an MA in Exegetical Theology at Covenant Seminary in St Louis and in 2011 gained a PhD in Biblical Studies from St Andrews University, his thesis examining issues of discipleship and maturity in Ephesians.

He and his wife Jenny moved to the Highlands from St Andrews, where they had been involved in leading a new church (Cornerstone St Andrews) and developing the work of Chalmers Institute, seeking to see God’s people equipped with the necessary theological tools for discipleship and mission.

The move to the Highlands was to facilitate a growing partnership between Chalmers and Highland Theological College.

Mark is currently a member of the Teaching Faculty as Programme Director - MA in Contemporary Christian Leadership, at Oak Hill College.

In 2023 Mark co-edited a book with Mark Meynell, "Not So with You: Power and Leadership for the Church", reflecting a long-held concern for healthy biblical leadership.

He loves the mountains of Scotland and occasionally plays golf. He’s also an enthusiastic cook and occasional scuba diver.

Our Vision

The Sutherland Convention exists to bring believers together around the faithful teaching of God's Word, to strengthen unity across denominations in Christ, and to equip the Church for gospel witness in our communities and for the generations to come.

We seek to encourage deeper obedience to the Great Commission, trusting that through His Word and by His Spirit, Christ will build His Church in Sutherland and beyond.

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly"

Facilities

Recently renovated, the venue is pleasant and comfortable, with hearing loop and accessible lift.

Parking

There are several signposted car parks in the town, and street parking is sometimes possible. The street outside the church is often congested and difficult to park, so please park further away and walk the few 100 yards, leaving the few spaces within the church gates for disabled parking.

Especially for children

Image with smiling children's faces

Mike & Tina Hook will be running an event especially for children, downstairs in the same building, to coincide with the three evening Convention meetings.

Children, bring your parents along!

Event location

Local information

If you're planning to attend and looking for accommodation, food, or things to do in addition to the convention meetings, "This Is Dornoch" website has plenty of suggestions.