A TULLIBODY woman was in "a shock" to learn she has been named as the next youth moderator of the Church of Scotland.

Dana McQuater is set to take up the important role in August at the start of the 2019 National Youth Assembly.

She featured in the Advertiser last September, having braved the shave for Macmillan a second time and raising almost £2,000.

The 23-year-old also supports other charities like Clean Up Scotland and Autism Scotland in her role as planet champion for McDonald's in Alloa.

Dana said: "I'm always thankful for the way in which god guides me to the right places and people – those that know me have all helped me develop and gain in confidence over the last few years so that I'm able to accept this post for the next year.

"To the National Youth Assembly family, I hope that during this term of moderator I can give back what you have given me and I look forward to all the challenges and celebrations that we will share together."

As moderator, she will be chairing the discussions that take place, collating a record of events, producing a report for the General Assembly and representing the Alloa Kirk at events.

Dana will also be making sure that the voice of young people resonates loudly throughout the Church of Scotland.

She grew up as a member of Alloa Ludgate Church and attended last year's General Assembly as a youth representative.

She sees the local kirk as having shaped her "with love, grace and compassion".

Themes for the National Youth Assembly for this year will include tackling hate speech, missional buildings as well as confirmation and testimony.

Dana, added: "[I'm] really excited to be leading the discussions as we have three really good topics this year.

"I think these topics will generate a lot of discussion and cannot wait to hear what the delegates have to say about them."

She will also be encouraging more young people to head along to the youth assembly, saying that "it will help you find a home, find friendship, find love, find and deepen your faith as we journey together".

Dana's work as moderator will be supported by fellow 23-year-old clerk Hannah Dunlop from Dalgety Bay.

She added: "The National Youth Assembly has opened my eyes to all that the Church of Scotland does and this has encouraged and inspired me to get involved in my local congregation.

"I'm looking forward to hearing what the delegates have to say on our discussion topics and then working alongside Dana and the youth reps to take these thoughts and ideas forward."