A BORDERS priest has accepted a high-ranking job in Rome.

Nick Welsh, 36, has been based in Galashiels for the past two years.

But he will soon be flying out to Italy after being picked for the role of vice-rector at the Scots College, where aspiring Scottish priests receive their training.

Father Nick, originally from Stirling, told the Border Telegraph he had “mixed emotions” when he heard the news.

He said: “I’m quite excited, but I’ll have a bit of a heavy heart when I leave – I was just getting used to the Borders.”

Since 2018, Father Nick has been administrator of the Parish of Our Lady & St Andrew, which has churches in Galashiels, Melrose and Selkirk.

He said: “I was really warmly welcomed here. I’m a bit of a city boy, but I was very much welcomed into a place I was very unfamiliar with.”

Asked what his favourite parts of the job have been, he highlighted working with local children, saying: “It was a really great thing to be involved with the schools here.”

His routine has seen him leading services in Galashiels (Our Lady and St Andrew), Melrose (St Cuthbert’s) and Selkirk (Our Lady and St Joseph).

But he has also visited the Borders General Hospital and people who are unable to leave home due to illness.

Last week, however, he received a surprise phone call saying he had been selected for the Scots College job.

“I was a student there from 2007-2014, so it’s a very familiar place but it was quite a surprise to me to be asked to go back,” Father Nick said.

“I’ve only been here for two years and I thought I would be here for a bit longer.

“Often you would be in a place for 10 years before you move on.”

Father Nick was happy to accept the new post, though, having enjoyed living in the Italian capital previously.

“I loved living in Rome so I’m quite excited about moving back,” he said.

“I love being a priest and helping others to become a priest will be something I’ll be quite energised by.”

Father Nick, who intends to fly out in August, will be second-in-command and will take care of the administration of the college.

He says he will also teach priests “how to preach” and give guidance on “practical aspects” of the job.

The Scots College currently boasts three Borderers in its ranks, according to Father Nick – including former disc jockey Bobby Taylor from Galashiels.

Josh Moir is also from Galashiels, while Martin Eckersley is from Jedburgh.