The founder of a homeless charity has been chosen as the Church of Scotland's moderator designate.  

The Reverend Dr Russell Barr, who set up Edinburgh-based Fresh Start more than 15 years ago is to be the next moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

The 62-year-old, who is minister at the city's Cramond Kirk, said he was "excited, honoured and overwhelmed" to be chosen for the 12-month leadership role which he will take up in May 2016.

He will succeed the Right Rev Dr Angus Morrison in May 2016.

Dr Barr said: "It is not a role that I ever imagined being asked to do. It is humbling to be elected by your peers to serve the Church in this way.

"I will seek to use the role to raise moral and ethical issues, and publicise the important part the Church plays in public life."

He said he also hoped to raise greater awareness of homelessness and food poverty.

Fresh Start, which is supported by more than 80 congregations in Edinburgh and employs 18 people, provides food and offers cookery classes and lessons on budgeting and growing fruit and vegetables.

Dr Barr is also the convener of the Presbytery of Edinburgh's superintendence committee and a member of the business committee.

The 62-year-old previously served as presbytery moderator in 2011-12 and was chaplain to the Lord High Commissioner of the General Assembly in 2012-13.

He was convener of the Africa and Caribbean Committee of the Church of Scotland's World Mission Council between 2011-2015.

He has a doctorate of ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary in the USA.