Scotland’s first female bishop is facing new bullying allegations. 

Bishop Anne Dyer is the subject of at least six new claims, according to the BBC’s File on 4 Investigates, having been cleared of misconduct last year.

She has denied bullying and has called the new complaints “totally without merit”.

Having been suspended in 2022, the Scottish Episcopal Church’s (SEC) procurator decided there was insufficient public interest to proceed in a disciplinary tribunal for Bishop Anne. The BBC investigation claims an independent risk assessment was not carried out as she returned to work.

The SEC acknowledged the "deep wounds that exist within the Diocese of Aberdeen and Orkney" and said grounds for a risk assessment were fully considered. 

A number of clergy and lay preachers have raised concerns with the BBC about behaviour they deem to be bullying, and about how the Church has handled the cases. 

Peter Ferguson-Smyth, a lay preacher, told the investigation that it was a “David and Goliath story”. Having not received a response after writing to the SEC college of bishops about Bishop Anne, he sent letters to all churches across Scotland. In July, his license to preach was revoked for "disturbing the peace and unity of the church", a move he views as “vindictive”.  

Others have alleged that they were shouted at and intimidated, leaving them distressed. 

Speaking to BBC Radio Shetland last year, Bishop Anne expressed her desire to “move forward” and that “the people in my churches are very pleased to have me as their bishop.”

No complaints have been upheld against Bishop Anne.

Her lawyer told the BBC: "It is unfortunate that a small number of individuals within the diocese continue to engage in a campaign against Bishop Anne and others who support her. The further complaints are frivolous, vexatious and are totally without merit."