The Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney, Anne Dyer, has been suspended for a second time following a new disciplinary complaint, just months before her planned retirement. 

The Scottish Episcopal Church confirmed that the complaint concerns an alleged breach of church rules relating to the designation of a temporary cathedral, known as a pro-cathedral. 

Bishop Anne became the Scottish Episcopal Church's first female bishop in 2018 and is due to retire in February 2027. 

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Church said its Preliminary Proceedings Committee had referred the complaint to an independent procurator under its clergy disciplinary procedures. 

It stressed that the suspension was automatic and did not imply any finding of wrongdoing. 

The Church's Primus, Most Rev Mark Strange, will take over responsibility for the diocese while proceedings continue. 

Bishop Dyer was previously suspended in 2022 following allegations of bullying and misconduct, which she has consistently denied. 

Those proceedings ended in October 2024 after the Church's procurator decided it was no longer in the public interest to pursue the case. She subsequently returned to her duties. 

According to the BBC, a statement issued on Bishop Dyer's behalf said she was surprised by the latest complaint and confident it would be found to be without foundation. 

Proceedings are ongoing.