Reverend Douglas Cranston, pictured, is at the centre of a police probe and has been suspended by the Church of Scotland pending an internal investigation.

The leading churchman is minister at St Columba Church in Kilmacolm and it’s understood his congregation were informed of developments on Sunday.

A spokesman for the Church of Scotland said: “Rev Douglas Cranston has been placed under administrative suspension pending an internal investigation into the affairs of Kilmacolm St Columba. The congregation will be led by another minister acting as interim moderator until matters are resolved.” The controversial minister is a former chairman of evangelical organisation Forward Together and has been vocal in his opposition to the appointment of gay ministers.

Mr Cranston was at the centre over a row over gay minister Scott Rennie being appointed in 2009.

The group was forced to apologise after admitting spreading misinformation about Mr Rennie and his estranged wife.

Mr Cranston claimed Mr Scott had left his wife and child to live with his male partner when in fact it transpired Mr Rennie’s wife had left him and he didn’t meet his partner until two years later.

Kilmacolm councillor David Wilson, who has known Mr Cranston for 15 years, said: “I know Douglas Cranston well. I am an elder at the Old Kirk but I have regularly attended services at St Columba and I am very surprised.

“I am au fait with the accounts of the Old Kirk and I understand both churches are quite prosperous.

“I always got on well with Douglas, he’s a very keen golfer. He seems to have a loyal congregation.

“I know he is very much against the appointment of gay ministers. If there are issues they need to be investigated.” Sergeant Laura Stewart of Greenock police said: “We can confirm that on 25 June Police Scotland received an allegation of financial irregularities at St Columba Church and police enquiries are ongoing, however, no criminality has been established at this time.” The Tele contacted Mr Cranston yesterday but he hung up when he was asked for a comment by our reporter.