The Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney is considering legal action after the Scottish Episcopal Church's Synod rejected her appeal against her suspension over bullying accusations. 

Rt Rev Anne Dyer had been suspended in August after the Church received two formal complaints against her alleging misconduct. However, Bishop Anne was reinstated a day after she appealed. 

Now, the Episcopal Church's bishops have decided to re-suspend Bishop Anne from all work at the diocese while the claims are being investigated. 

In a statement, Episcopal Church clarified that Bishop Anne's suspension "does not constitute disciplinary action and does not imply any assumption that misconduct has been committed".

The 65-year-old, who became Scotland's first female bishop in 2018, has now hired a legal firm to represent her. 

Her lawyer, Callum Anderson, of Levy & McRae told the BBC: "As a result, an entirely one-sided and self-serving picture has been presented by a handful of people who fundamentally object to same-sex marriage and to Bishop Dyer's appointment as the diocese's first female bishop.

"Whilst Bishop Dyer is hugely grateful for the enormous support she has received from her wider diocese, clergy and congregations, she is clearly frustrated at being unable to respond publicly to the very personal and gruelling attacks on her."

He added: "Following the 3-2 split judgement on her appeal, she is most keen to see a full, prompt and transparent accounting of the entire circumstances of this unsavoury episode.

"The speedy resolution of this matter must now be a priority, not just for the bishop but for the diocese and the wider Church."

The Bishop of Edinburgh, Rt Rev Dr John Armes will serve as Acting Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney while the complaints are being investigated.