The Life and Legacy of Lord Wallace of Tankerness
Albert Bogle
January 31, 2026
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The Sanctuary First community joins the Church of Scotland and indeed many outwith the church, in mourning the sudden passing of Right Hon. Lord Wallace of Tankerness KC (Jim Wallace), who served as Moderator of the General Assembly from 2021–2022.
Lord Wallace passed away in Edinburgh following complications from a medical procedure. A life peer from Orkney, Jim Wallace made history as only the second elder in modern times to serve as Moderator. He was a man of deep, unwavering faith, famously balancing his duties as an elder at St Magnus Cathedral, even during high-stakes parliamentary campaigns.
A Voice for Justice and Truth
Jim’s unique perspective on faith and authority was something we were privileged to explore here at Sanctuary First. Back in 2016, Albert Bogle interviewed him for our podcast on the theme: 'What would Jesus say to power ?' In that conversation, Jim reflected on the intersection of his political career and his Christian witness - a balance he maintained throughout his years as Deputy First Minister and as a leader in the House of Lords. You can listen to that archive podcast HERE
During his moderatorial year - conducted largely online due to the pandemic - Lord Wallace used his platform to champion the vulnerable. His legacy is defined by:
Social Action: Advocating for CrossReach and calling for action on child poverty.
Climate Stewardship: Representing the Church at COP26, framing care for creation as a fundamental 'faith issue'
Ecumenism: Strengthening ties with the Episcopal and Catholic churches to bolster the Gospel witness in Scotland.
Current Moderator Rt Rev Rosie Frew paid tribute to his 'kind and entertaining' spirit, noting he served both church and state faithfully.
We offer our sincere condolances to his wife, Rosie, his daughters, Helen and Clare, and all his wider friends and family
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