Church services to mark Kirking of the Council

Traditional church services to mark the start of the new term for West Dunbartonshire Council took place on Sunday.

The Kirking of the Council is a long-held custom to inaugurate a new term for the Council and this year's services were held at Bonhill Parish Church, Alexandria and St Mary's Church, Duntocher.

Councillors and senior officers from the Council welcomed past Provosts to the services along with Deputy Lieutenant Owens Sayers and Lumsden Mathieson, and Archbishop Mario Conti who took part in the service with Father Mills from St Mary's Church. Representatives from Strathclyde Police and Strathclyde Fire and Rescue were also in attendance.

Special readings by West Dunbartonshire Council Chief Executive, Joyce White and Deputy Lieutenant, Owens Sayers were heard in Bonhill while Provost Douglas McAllister and Leader of the Council, Martin Rooney read for the congregation at the service in Clydebank.

Provost Douglas McAllister said: "The Kirking of the Council is an important occasion for the Council and reaffirms the commitment by our Elected Members to serve the people of West Dunbartonshire.  During the services we asked God's blessing on the work of Elected Members and officials of the Council and it was also an opportunity for the Council to recognise the contribution of the Christian community.  I was delighted to see people of all faiths at this historic and important event."

Depute Provost, John Millar said: This was a very proud day for the Council and its Elected Members and I was delighted to be part of this historic occasion. The Kirking of the Council marks the new term of the Council and our pledge to work on behalf of the people of West Dunbartonshire."

Former Minister of Bonhill Parish Church, Rev Miller who retired last month was back in the pulpit after agreeing to take part in the historic service.