A native of Croy, Mgr Hugh was ordained by the late Cardinal Winning in 1989 and holds ecclesiastical degrees in philosophy, theology and Church history from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome as well as a BA from Strathclyde University in Glasgow.

Mgr Hugh is currently Parish Priest of the historic old parish of Holy Cross, Crosshill, but has a wealth of administrative experience, having served as an official at the Congregation for Catholic Education at the Vatican, General Secretary of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, and latterly as Vicar General of the Archdiocese.

Following his election as Administrator, Mgr Hugh said: “We are all still stunned and sorrowing following the sudden death of Archbishop Philip. We will have to prepare his funeral in the difficult circumstances of the current health emergency and in conjunction with his family. We hold him and them in affection and prayer at this difficult time.

“The role of the Administrator is to ensure the proper functioning of the Archdiocese until a new Archbishop is appointed. I will carry out that task to the best of my abilities, and I ask for the prayers of the clergy, religious and laity of the Archdiocese in so doing.”