More than two thirds of ministers in the Church of Scotland are suffering from stress, a new survey has suggested.

In a poll of almost 600 ministers, 43% felt their health had been affected by stress and a further 28% said their marriage had been adversely affected by their work.

More than three-quarters surpassed the European Working Directive of more than 48 hours, with around 40% reporting working hours of between 57 and 72 a week.

Almost two in five have considered leaving the ministry because of the demands of their job.

The survey was carried out by Life and Work

But the findings of the survey carried out by Life & Work, the Kirk's magazine, are not a cause for alarm, according to the Board of Ministry of the Church of Scotland.

Rev Bill Wallace, convenor of the Board of Ministry, said: "There is no doubt that the growing shortage of ministers is increasing the pressure on those who continue to serve.

"However, many of our ministers are working in extremely difficult circumstances and coping remarkably well.

"It would be wrong to conclude, on the basis of a fairly superficial survey, that we are facing a major crisis."

He added: "Our medical advisers, who examine ministers on a regular basis, assure us that stress in the ministry is no worse than in comparable professions."

Lynne Robertson, editor of Life & Work, said: "While it could be argued the ministry is no different from other caring professions in the pressures which its members face, it has to be remembered ministers are not paid by the hour and do not clock up paid overtime when they pass the basic working week enjoyed by those in secular society."