l Argyll and the Isles: Joseph Toal, 56, was appointed Bishop in October 2008 and is expected to play a role in the Catholic clergy for the next two decades.

The first bristle of the new broom.

l Aberdeen: Right Reverend Hugh Edward Gilbert, 60, was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI on June 4, 2011. He had previously served as abbot of Pluscarden Abbey and has been expected to find a way of tackling secularism and boosting church attendance in the north. Big on liturgy.

l Dunkeld: Vincent Logan, 71, became one of the world's youngest bishops when he was ordained aged 39. Now in ill health, he is expected to be replaced as soon as July.

l Glasgow: Mario Conti, 78, had the unenviable job of replacing Cardinal Winning. Has been waiting to formally stand down for the best part of three years. Philip Tartaglia is likely to replace him by June.

l Galloway: John Cunningham, 74, has been Bishop of Galloway, including Ayrshire, since 2004. Expected to retire soon due to ill health.

l St Andrews and Edinburgh: Due to turn 75 next St Patrick's Day, Ulster-born Keith Michael Patrick O'Brien he has been Archbishop in the east coast for 27 years. He became Cardinal in 2003. The appointment of Stephen Robson as auxiliary Bishop does not mean he will succeed O'Brien. No new Cardinal can be appointed until O'Brien turns 80 and with Parliament cementing Edinburgh as Scotland's capital the "red hat" may not travel back along the M8.

l Paisley: Bishop Tartaglia's diocese for the past seven years and time being at least, his reputation as "one of Benedict's men" has thrust him into the role as the man expected to take on Glasgow.

l Motherwell: Bishop of the Diocese covering most of Lanarkshire for almost 30 years, Joe Devine wants to leave as soon as he turns 75.