THE Church of Scotland has cancelled its yearly conference in light of the coronavirus crisis.

The General Assembly was due to open in mid May, with around 1000 people attending.

This includes ministers from other countries.

But the week-long summit has now been called off amidst infection risks and travel restrictions.

Principal Clerk, Rev Dr George Whyte said: “We did not take this decision lightly but in the current circumstances it was the only choice we could make.

"Our Assembly would have brought almost a thousand people to a week-long meeting in Edinburgh including visitors from overseas and from other churches.

"It is a time when we can celebrate being the Church and make important decisions about our future but these are exceptional times and people’s health must come first.

“We were also looking forward to welcoming the Duke of Cambridge as the Queen’s representative but we are assured that Prince William will understand our unavoidable decision. We hope that he may be Lord High Commissioner on another occasion.

“In the meantime the Church will find alternative ways to make urgent decisions including confirming the appointment of our new Moderator, the Rev Dr Martin Fair, who will take up his duties in May.”