Meet the Clergy

The Very Rev Dr Isaac Poobalan has served as Provost and Rector of St Andrew’s Cathedral since 2015. Originally from Southern India, Isaac came to Scotland with his wife Amudha in the 1990s, and has been warmly embraced by the northeast community.
Before entering ministry, Isaac trained and worked as a psychiatric nurse, serving in India and the United Arab Emirates. He came to Edinburgh to train for the priesthood and was ordained in 1995. Isaac holds a Master of Theology degree from the University of Edinburgh and a Doctorate in Ministry from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
Prior to his appointment at the Cathedral, Isaac served as Rector of St John’s Episcopal Church, Aberdeen from 2001 to 2015, where he became known for his open-hearted approach to ministry and commitment to welcoming diverse communities.
As Provost, Isaac continues this ministry of radical hospitality, helping to bring the Cathedral’s different communities together in worship. He has welcomed Syrian New Scots and Ukrainian refugees, and works to ensure the Cathedral remains a place of welcome for all. Isaac is also Chaplain at Robert Gordon University.