A CHURCH minister in the Wee County said heartfelt goodbyes to her congregation at the weekend, following seven years of service in the community.

Rev Margaret Shuttleworth held her last service with Sauchie and Coalsnaughton Parish Church on Sunday, May 3, and is moving on to new pastures.

The church minister told the Advertiser she has been blessed to have spent seven years with the congregation.

She said: "I absolutely loved being the minister of Sauchie and Coalsnaughton Parish Church.

"It was at times challenging, but it was a fantastic place to be, it was wonderful to have so many people that were interested in the church.

"And of course, a minister can't really work without people behind them.

"The church really works together with everybody looking after each other."

The reverend added: "It was just a wonderful place to be the minister."

It was her first charge and a time in her life she said she will never forget.

Due to the ongoing coronavirus and lockdown, the church minister had to innovate when it came do delivering services in recent weeks.

As previously highlighted, she took to streaming online along with her husband Rev Alex Shuttleworth of Tulliallan and Kincardine Parish Church, in what proved to be a popular move.

While the services in the past weeks have been held jointly between the two churches, Rev Margaret Shuttleworth felt the last one had to be exclusive to her own congregation.

And there has been considerable interest in the online services, which are available on Facebook pages for both churches.

Indeed, more people have been tuning in than the usual amount of worshippers attending the church building.

"That's very encouraging", the minister said.

"I think at this time of lockdown, people are looking for hope and inspiration.

"It's so difficult for everybody at this moment in time."

Speaking of her new role, which will see her in chaplaincy, she added: "I felt it was a call from god and I answered the call, as I did with Sauchie and Coalsnaughton."

"It's been an absolute privilege to work in the community in Sauchie and Coalsnaughton because there are so many wonderful people in it.

"I don't think I'll ever forget my first charge."

Extending best wishes from the congregation was Anne Fowler, session clerk.

She said: "We are sorry that Margaret is leaving us after seven years.

"During her time with us she has been a very well-respected minister who has bestowed loving care on the church family and everyone in the community."