Council announces plan to make Rev Ian Miller a Freeman of West Dunbartonshire

Provost Douglas McAllister has announced the Council plans to admit Reverend Ian Miller as a Freeman of West Dunbartonshire.

Rev Miller recently retired after serving as minister at Bonhill Parish Church for 38 years. The 68-year-old has been a stalwart of the community and is held in the highest regard by families across the area after conducting nearly 4,000 weddings, 3,000 baptisms and more than 5,000 funerals.

Amongst his greatest achievements was helping to galvanise his congregation and local community to raise £100,000 to carry out essential repairs to the church building.

He is known throughout West Dunbartonshire for his approachable and easy-going attitude as well as his legendary sense of humour.

Provost McAllister made the announcement at yesterday's Kirking of The Council at which Rev Miller came out of retirement to undertake part of the service at Bonhill Parish Church.

The decision will be formalized at a Council meeting later this year at which Rev Miller will be presented with a Freeman's Ticket - a decorative scroll to mark admission to that office. He will join previous Freeman's such as Sir Jackie Stewart O.B.E., Margaret McGregor and former Provost, Alistair Macdonald.

Provost McAllister said: "One of the great honours of being Provost of this Council is to identify and honour those individuals who have served their local community with distinction by admitting them as Freemen of West Dunbartonshire.

"There can be few men or women who deserve this accolade more than Reverend Ian Miller. He has been a giant in the community and a man touched with a nature that was tailored made for his many years in the church. So many people have received compassion from him in their time of need or celebration during their special moments. Congratulations Ian!"

Councillor Jonathan McColl, Leader of the Opposition, said: ""Having known Ian all of my life, it is great pleasure to be a member of the Council at this time as we recognise his many years of service to the community. Ian Millar is a man who is loved by everyone because he has time for everyone. Whether you know him personally, from church, for his work in our schools, care homes and hospitals or the countless local community campaigns he has led and supported, Ian has touched and enriched the lives of people and communities from Gartocharn to Clydebank and beyond. I am a better person for knowing him; a sentiment I'm happy to share with a great many people."