The Rev'd Canon Dean Fostekew
An adopted Scot, Dean is a graduate of Chichester Theological College; in 1991 he visited Edinburgh to undertake 3 days of research and never really left. He moved permanently to settle in Scotland in 1995 following a curacy in All Saints Boyne Hill Maidenhead.
After working and living in Lockerbie from 1995-97, St. Mary's Dalmahoy 1997-2001 and the Episcopal Cathedral in Edinburgh 2001-2009 Dean was inducted as the Rector of the Church of the Good Shepherd in May 2009.
Dean thoroughly enjoys his job, supporting the local community and working in the diocese. He says that Murrayfield is a good place to minister in because the people are interesting, supportive and challenging.
Dean is a practical theologian constantly reflecting on his experiences in ministry and his experience of Christ in day to day living. He is Eucharistically centred and is constantly encouraged by the congregation's response to Scripture, the sacraments, sermons and new ideas. Exploring the grey areas of life and faith with others excites and challenges him. He is also committed to working ecumenically with colleagues and the people of Murrayfield Churches Together.
Dean has a roles as Chaplain to the Bishop of Edinburgh, which takes him hither and thither across the Diocese and as a Canon of St.Mary's Cathedral, which also engages him in various different aspects of the life and mission of the Diocese and wider Scottish Episcopal Church.
When he's not out and about on church business, there are several places that Dean can be found ...
In the Rectory kitchen ...
for our Rector cooking is not so much of a hobby but a passion and, although he's more or less vegan, Dean's roast-dinners are said to be 'Master-Chef'-worthy, including roast potatoes described by his friends as the 'crispiest in Scotland'. Dean is some-what sceptical of this praise. Whilst working in the kitchen, Dean is kept company by his Radio friends from Ambridge (he's listened since age 7) and other voices on Radio 4 & 4Extra. His cat Angus can usually be found with him, usually asleep on a kitchen chair, unless there is smoked salmon in the offing.
At the ...
Dean has been known to overdose on culture during Edinburgh's International Festival; contemporary dance (most especially Scottish Ballet), theatre, art galleries, opera and open gardens keep him happy as does anything on television that is historical or archeological; (especially if they contain forensic osteology - something he once thought he might have a career in). When not reading theology he quite often has his nose in a historical detective novel. Although frustrations can creep in with differing interpretations of historical events. That's to say when they don't agree with his interpretation! When not indulging these passions Dean will more than likely be in the garden pottering about tending his plants. His best buy has been a gardener's nail brush!
... that said ...
Dean is a fan of Sci-Fi especially "Dr Who"; archive comedies especially the Ealing Studios Comedies. He is also not adverse to a good action/adventure movie. He is also somewhat addicted to Archive Radio as can be found in the Sounds archive of Radio 4Extra. 'All gas and gaiters', 'The Men from the ministry' and "The Navy Lark' to name but a few have seemed to have improved his ironing skills no end.
Dean in his own words:
"I believe I live in the best city and the most beautiful Country in the world. I feel privileged to be a priest in the Scottish Episcopal Church, and to serve the community I live in."
Judy Wedderspoon: Lay Reader
Judy was licensed as a Lay Reader at the Good Shepherd in February 2025.