THE VERY Rev Miriam Byrne, the controversial provost of St Paul’s Cathedral, Dundee, has announced her resignation.

She told her congregation she intends to step down from her position as provost and rector on June 30.

Ms Byrne was the first woman provost in the Scottish Episcopal Church when she took over in 1998 from the Rev Dr Michael Bunce, who was convicted for fraud and fined £60,000.

But her appointment attracted controversy, with unhappy members of the vestry complaining of a “dictatorial style” and making a formal complaint.

Then allegations emerged she exceeded an £18,000 allowance from church funds for improvements to the rectory in Richmond Terrace by a further £19,000.

This led to members of the congregation calling for her resignation and a Scottish Episcopal Church hearing, which ruled she could retain her post.

A statement last night from the vestry said, “Very Reverend Miriam Byrne announced to St Paul’s congregation on Sunday April 9 that she would be stepping down from the position of provost and rector on June 30 this year after almost eight years of ministry in Dundee.”

It added, “The provost leaves Dundee having completed a number of very successful initiatives.

“Her legacy includes starting up the Ark nursery, completing several phases of the cathedral’s restoration and developing forward-looking and much sought-after patterns of worship.”

A statement from Ms Byrne said, “I would like to express my thanks to all those who over the years have supported me and enabled the regeneration of a lively cathedral community where all are welcome.”

It is understood that Ms Byrne will leave Dundee to pursue other projects.