Functions
The office is now - and indeed was always - largely ceremonial; the person appointed invariably has a distinguished record of public service in Scotland as well as having close connections with the church, often being Elders of the Church of Scotland.
On behalf of the Sovereign, the Lord High Commissioner attends the General Assembly, makes opening and closing addresses to the Assembly, and carries out a number of official visits and ceremonial functions, not all related to the Church of Scotland. At the formal opening of the General Assembly, the Principal Clerk reads out the Royal Warrant appointing the Lord High Commissioner. The Lord High Commissioner is then invited to address the Assembly. All ministers, elders and deacons appointed by Presbyteries to attend the General Assembly are known as "Commissioners" and have voting powers; the Lord High Commissioner has no vote, nor may he/she intervene in debates.
Apart from his/her opening and closing addresses the Lord High Commissioner makes no further intenvention in Assembly debates, but will be in daily attendance for at least part of each day's business. Following the Assembly the Lord High Commissioner personally informs The Queen about the business of the week.
Read more about this topic: Lord High Commissioner To The General Assembly Of The Church Of Scotland
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