SPIRITUAL leaders in the Wee County and beyond are adapting to the coronavirus crisis in a bid to keep services going.

Local husband and wife minister team Revs Margaret and Alex Shuttleworth, of Sauchie and Coalsnaughton Parish as well as Tulliallan and Kincardine Parish churches respectively, are providing live, video streamed services on social media each Sunday.

Their joint online services started on Sunday, March 22, and Alex has also been leading evening prayers and has been reading stories during the day on Facebook.

Indeed, the Presbytery of Stirling is sharing online services from across the area on its social media pages.

The first online service of Margaret and Alex was a clear success, with dozens of appreciative comments pouring in from the congregations following a “reassuring and uplifting” experience during a time of uncertainty.

With the nation effectively under lockdown, the only way to keep services going is to go online and with Alex very confident when it comes to technology, the livestream was quickly set up.

Speaking about the experience, Margaret told the Advertiser: “It was quite odd because you are used to people responding what you are saying and joining in in the prayer and singing.

“It was a bit strange, but it was lovely and the comments that we got after it, they were just absolutely beautiful.”

Plans are to carry on with online services on Sundays with a livestream on Facebook, keep an eye on the social media pages of both churches on the day.

Many Church of Scotland services are also going online, it is understood.

Margaret said: “Obviously, there is no way we can meet up with people, but just give us a call if you are in need.”

Looking to reassure people, she added: “This will pass, don't be too frightened, as long as people are paying attention to the washing of the hands, staying in the home – that's the most important things we can do.

“God is with every one of us at this time, he will never leave us.”

The two ministers are also happy to take calls from people who are in need of spiritual guidance, call 01259 731 002 if struggling.