Ernest Hayes was Dean of Brechin from 1971 until 1983. He was educated at Durham University and ordained in 1932. He was a Curate at Pollokshields and then Priest in charge at St Barnabas, Dennistoun. He was Rector of Ballachulish from 1947 to 1950; and of Stonehaven from 1950. He was a Canon of St Paul's Cathedral, Dundee from 1964.