A Perth priest suspended over allegations of historical abuse has been allowed to return to work, although he won’t be going back to his old parish.
The Catholic Church on Wednesday confirmed Father Tom Shields had been ordered to stand down in August while police investigated an accusation made against him.
Church leaders alerted police after a complaint was made about Mr Shields, who was based at St John the Baptist church in Perth.
The church said its own inquiry had found no evidence of criminal behaviour, but it contacted police in line with national procedures.
A force spokeswoman confirmed Police Scotland was no longer investigating the allegation and no-one else had come forward with new information since the case was made public three months ago.
A Church spokesman said: “In August, a historical allegation was made against Father Tom Shields.
“He was removed temporarily from parish ministry while the necessary police and Diocesan investigations were conducted.
“This process is now complete and Father Shields has been fully restored to ministry in the Diocese of Dunkeld and asked to serve in St Fillan’s Church, Crieff and St Margaret’s Church, Comrie.”
Bishop Stephen Robson has appointed Canon Martin Drysdale to take over at the St John the Baptist.
Mr Shields, who had also been appointed chaplain responsible for two primary schools, could not be reached for comment.
In a post in his old church newsletter, he wrote: “Many, many thanks to all the parishioners of St John the Baptist for your kindness and generosity over the last six years and particularly over the last couple of months.”
He added: “We perhaps didn’t get much of a chance to say goodbye, but I’m sure it is simply au revoir.”
Churchgoers described Mr Shields as a “very sociable man” who was popular with the congregation.
One member said people were upset when they were told he had been suspended and would not be returning “for the foreseeable future”.
Last year Bishop Robson appointed Mr Shields to lead the church’s youth formation programme and help with religious education in schools.
Just days before news of Mr Shields’ suspension broke, the bishop publicly called for the church to be transparent about abuse issues.
“Learning from our shortcomings, omissions and ineffectiveness will be a painful exercise for the church,” he said.
“But learn we must. We must be transparent and accountable for our mistakes and, yes, incompetence in the past.”