<span>A SALTCOATS priest has been charged with alleged embezzlement offences in the town. </span> <span>Father Graeme Bell, of Our Lady, Star of the Sea, known locally as St Mary’s, was reported to the Procurator Fiscal on Monday. </span> <span>The priest has left the parish and is expected to appear in court this month. </span> <span>A statement on the church website, which is also linked to St Peter’s in Ardrossan and St John’s in Stevenston, said: “As you will all be aware by now Father Bell has now left our parish and Canon Poland has been appointed parish administrator.” </span> <span>A spokesman for the Diocese of Galloway said: “Fr Graeme Bell recently received permission from Bishop Nolan, to take a leave of absence and to resign his position as Parish Priest of Our Lady, Star of the Sea, Saltcoats.</span> <span>“This was due to begin on Monday, June 1. </span> <span>“On Wednesday, May 27 a report was passed to Police Scotland alleging financial irregularities in the parish.</span> <span>“Police enquiries are ongoing and Father Bell has vacated the parish house.</span> <span>“The Diocese of Galloway will continue to assist the police in their investigations.”</span> <span>A SALTCOATS priest has been charged with alleged embezzlement offences in the town. </span> <span>Father Graeme Bell, of Our Lady, Star of the Sea, known locally as St Mary’s, was reported to the Procurator Fiscal on Monday. </span> <span>The priest has left the parish and is expected to appear in court this month. </span> <span>A statement on the church website, which is also linked to St Peter’s in Ardrossan and St John’s in Stevenston, said: “As you will all be aware by now Father Bell has now left our parish and Canon Poland has been appointed parish administrator.” </span> <span>A spokesman for the Diocese of Galloway said: “Fr Graeme Bell recently received permission from Bishop Nolan, to take a leave of absence and to resign his position as Parish Priest of Our Lady, Star of the Sea, Saltcoats.</span> <span>“This was due to begin on Monday, June 1. </span> <span>“On Wednesday, May 27 a report was passed to Police Scotland alleging financial irregularities in the parish.</span> <span>“Police enquiries are ongoing and Father Bell has vacated the parish house.</span> <span>“The Diocese of Galloway will continue to assist the police in their investigations.”</span>