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Daily Record
12 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Talks underway for Kenmore community takeover of historic Perthshire church
The Church of Scotland and the community in Kenmore, Perthshire, are in discussion over the potential community transfer of the historic Kenmore Church. Talks are in progress for a Perthshire village to potentially complete a community transfer of an historic church. The Church of Scotland has confirmed that talks are ongoing that could potentially see Kenmore Church handed over to the local community there. It's understood that plans to close and sell the church have been considered due to falling congregation numbers there. Now, the local community council is gauging public opinion on a potential takeover of the building. Kenmore and District Community Council said: 'Kenmore Church is about to be sold on the open market if our community does not act quickly to buy it. 'Before considering a purchase of the church we need to ask people in our community what they think; try to answer any questions; and to assess practical support to convert the church into a functioning and flexible community space. 'We welcome views from the wider community and area; business owners; holiday home owners; visitors and importantly, young people. 'Our consultation process will close after August 7.' The Church of Scotland says that it hope a community transfer will take place and 'the building will continue to be part of the community of Kenmore'. A spokesperson added: 'The church is not closed yet and is still being used every fortnight, although the number of people attending is sometimes in single figures and this has an impact on income, which is not enough to keep the building viable. 'Kenmore is part of a united group of churches which were clubbed together in 2019 previously known as Fortingall, Kenmore, Glenlyon and Lawers Church. 'Due to a recent linkage with Rannoch Church, the name of the cluster is The Churches of Loch Tay and Glenlyon with Rannoch. 'The Church of Scotland owns thousands of properties, far more than required to achieve our primary mission of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ and serving our local communities. 'Changing population patterns along with falling membership, fewer people training for ministry and a reduction in financial contributions mean that it is necessary to reduce the number of buildings we own. 'We appreciate that churches have meaning for people but having fewer buildings reduces pressure on congregational finances, freeing up funds and general income for other Church missional activities and a more sustainable and realistic situation.' The church was built in 1760 to serve the planned village of Kenmore, which had been redeveloped on the site of an earlier village since 1755. Records suggest that in 1759 the architect William Baker, of Cheshire, was paid six guineas to produce plans for a church by the Earl of Breadalbane. The church was then renovated in 1869.
Scotsman
3 days ago
- Health
- Scotsman
Church of Scotland: Tributes paid to stalwart of General Assembly who gave moving palliative care speech
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Key figures in the Church of Scotland have paid tribute after the death of a 'remarkable' and 'deeply compassionate' man who received a rousing ovation after delivering a moving speech about his own experience with terminal illness during this year's General Assembly. John Williams, who spent five decades playing a vital behind-the-scenes role at the annual gathering, has died at the age of 71 after receiving dialysis treatment for seven years. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The audio-visual technician made headlines after addressing the assembly earlier this year. He spoke candidly about his own experience living with terminal illness, and called for major improvements in the way palliative care is financed and delivered across Scotland. In an interview with The Scotsman last month, Mr Williams said that although he did not expect to give the speech, he was glad to have done so after speaking with Rev Dr John Ferguson, convener of the church's working group on assisted dying, and hoped it would help others. John Williams addresses the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. | Andrew O'Brien 'I've told people what I've been going through and I've been honest at every stage,' he said. 'Sharing your story is so valuable to people and just talking to folk is really important.' Leading the tributes to Mr Williams, Dr Ferguson said the experience of watching and listening to his speech moved everyone in attendance. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Truly remarkable' 'When John asked if he could speak during the assisted dying debate at the General Assembly, there was initially some uncertainty whether that would be possible as he wasn't a commissioner,' he recalled. 'Thankfully, it was made to happen and John spoke powerfully and with great courage about his illness and all that he had gone through. It was a moment which left its mark on the assembly. 'It was wonderful that after serving the assembly for 50 years in the audio visual area that John was able to address it in such a profound and moving way. He was a truly remarkable, courageous and deeply compassionate human being.' The health problems experienced by Mr Williams were complicated by the fact he was also diagnosed with cancer of the small bowel that later spread to his lung and spine. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mr Williams played a key role behind the scenes at the General Assembly for five decades | contributed In his speech to the assembly in May, he said he could not support the assisted dying legislation that passed an initial vote at Holyrood earlier this year, but pointed to an opportunity to achieve 'better' laws that addressed key issues. 'How are you going to square doing this with the medical profession - how is that going to work in practice?' he asked. 'I think that's the really difficult one. It's not going to be easy, whatever happens, and I honestly don't know what will come next, but there has to be detailed thought given. I'm concerned the Bill is being rushed through.' He later told The Scotsman that while he could decide to stop his dialysis treatment if the burden of his cancer became too great, he found it difficult to reconcile the fact that others living with life-limiting illnesses had no such choice open to them. 'You think 'why me and not other people?'' he reflected. 'I can understand people who want to go down that road. I just hope that anyone who does it does so for the right reasons, and that everything else has failed. You've got to be really, really careful as to how it's worked out and what discussions take place beforehand.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Hospice funding concerns During his 14-minute long speech to the assembly, Mr Williams also spoke of the care he had received at St Columba's Hospice and described the level of resources given to hospices as a 'disgrace'. 'There just isn't the capacity there, and the number of people who die in hospices is just a tiny figure,' he said. 'The hospices are just not supported or properly funded and they need volunteers just to run things.' Mr Williams's long career involved working on television programmes for BBC and STV, as well as video production work for the University of Edinburgh, Erskine Stewart Melville and George Heriot's School. In the wake of his speech, Modrator Rt Rev Rosie Frew thanked Mr Williams for sharing his story 'so openly and so honestly' and helping people to understand what he had been going through. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Rev Fiona Smith, principal clerk of the Church of Scotland, said Mr Williams's death represented a 'very sad day' for everyone who knew him. 'Heartfelt, compelling words' 'He was a remarkable person with an indomitable spirit who endured his long illness with tremendous faith, courage, cheerfulness and good humour,' she said. 'During over 50 years of service to the church, his expertise in filmmaking and his meticulous planning became an essential part of our General Assemblies, making it possible for people to watch the discussions no matter where they were. 'At our last assembly, John knew his life was drawing closer to the end. But as he had always done, he still gave his all - but now he had another gift to give, this time to the wider world. His powerful speech advocating for better, more thoughtful palliative care was heard. Every person listening in the hall and outside it was moved and changed by his heartfelt, compelling words.'
BBC News
24-07-2025
- BBC News
Elders 'devastated' as church 'ransacked' during break in
The elders of a church in West Dunbartonshire say they are "devastated" after a four figure sum of money and food from a community pantry were stolen during a Church of Scotland Dalmuir Barclay Church, near Clydebank, was targeted in the early hours of Wednesday community food pantry, which was set-up three years ago, has been forced to close on Thursday and Friday as a Scotland said inquires were ongoing. Church elder, Fiona Hennebry told BBC Radio Scotland's Drivetime programme she was "absolutely heartbroken" about the break-in and the impact it's said: "If someone had came and asked us, said they were struggling, we would have absolutely helped them, they didn't need to break in and do this to us."Ms Hennebry said a safe was broken into and a four-figure sum of money which had been earmarked to pay for more food for the pantry was vestry was broken into with a fire extinguisher and the minister, Reverend Steven Henderson's desk was "ransacked". A summer holiday club for around 30 families has also had to be cancelled as a result of the break-in and six doors will have to be replaced due to the Scotland said they were investigating the break-in and have appealed for anyone with information about what happened, or the current whereabouts of the stolen items, to come Insp Pamela Grant said: "Break-ins and thefts like this are not victimless crimes. There's a financial loss of the stolen items and a cost to repair damage caused."However, some of the items taken cannot be replaced and this has an even bigger impact on those who attend the premises."
The Herald Scotland
24-07-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Historic Edinburgh churches walking trail unveiled
The Trail takes in all three city cathedrals, including: St Giles' Cathedral on the Royal Mile, where Queen Elizabeth II laid at rest; St Mary's Catholic Cathedral on York Place, visited by Pope John Paul II in 1982; and St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral near Haymarket, the city's highest building. Smaller churches highlighted include: Canongate Kirk, the parish church to the royal Palace of Holyrood House; St Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, which is modelled on Trafalgar Square's St Martin-in-the-Fields; and Old St Paul's, which hosts Alison Watt's iconic painting Still. READ: Sale of Glasgow west end care home nets £1m for charity Scotch whisky chief pays price as global turmoil hits industry Why the case for a 'Scottish visa' just got stronger The Trail is an inter-church – or ecumenical – venture involving the Church of Scotland, the Diocese of Edinburgh in the Scottish Episcopal Church, and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh. It was designed by Anne Martin, a congregant from the Episcopal Diocese. The Very Revd John Conway, Provost of St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, Edinburgh, said: 'This lovely initiative provides a route to walk between the landmark churches of our beautiful city. Our hope is that the Trail not only shows people how to make their way from one church to another, but also helps reveal the long shared history and deepening friendship between us all as church communities.' Monsignor Jeremy Milne, Administrator of St Mary's Catholic Cathedral, Edinburgh, said: 'The ecumenical Walking Trail takes you through the heart of the city and is a brilliant exploration of Edinburgh's rich Christian heritage and living communities. It is a well-chosen sample of Christian history, culture and worship which offers rich reward to those who set out along its path.' The new walking route celebrates 10 of Edinburgh's most historic churches (Image: Peter Backhouse) The Revd Dr Scott Rennie, Minister of St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh, said: 'Edinburgh has some of Scotland's most uplifting places of worship, and I hope the Trail encourages people from far and wide to discover some of them. It is wonderful for our three church communities to be working together.' The Revd Fiona Reynolds, Advisor for Christian Life at the Episcopal Diocese of [[Edinburgh]], said: 'The history of the city and its churches are intertwined, and so it is fitting that our three denominations are part of this venture. It has been great seeing this Walking Trail develop from a spark of an idea to publication and launch.' Anne Martin, who edited the Trail leaflet and is a congregant in the Episcopal Diocese of Edinburgh, said: 'Setting up the Walking Trail has given an ecumenical opportunity for three Edinburgh church communities to work together to welcome visitors, and I hope it will lead to many more.'
The Herald Scotland
13-07-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Meet the exiled minister who has a new flock to care for
There was a time when she had another kind of flock to tend to and wore a very different outfit – the robes of a Church of Scotland minister. Then, after a rape by a married church elder that led to an ecclesiastical trial, she donned the heavy cloak of a scarlet woman, foisted on her by disapproving people who didn't really know her. Helen Percy left her church role behind for a new life as a shepherd (Image: Helen Percy/Luath Press) Before she could shed it, she'd face finger-pointing and horrible name-calling – she was a 'witch, a whore, a harlot'. It would take almost a decade of legal action before her sex discrimination case against the Kirk would see her vindicated and compensated. Cast out and shunned by some, comfort would be found not in scripture but in the slow, grounding work of shepherding. Today, a resurrected Helen sits comfortably in a house made of straw, the walls – 18 inches thick – have been plastered by her own hand using lime mortar mixed with hair from her beloved mare, quite an achievement for someone who started off not knowing how to operate a drill. There is a log burner to keep her cosy and three devoted dogs at her feet for company ready to join her later at a nearby farm where she will help shear 540 sheep. Her church is now nature's great cathedral and her flock is her own dozen or so Devon and Cornwall longwool sheep. Read more by Sandra Dick: While life as a shepherdess is far from the sex scandal that rocked the Kirk and saw her suspended from her duties as an associate minister to six parishes in the village of Kilry, Perthshire, she still lives and works slap within her former parish's boundaries. 'Many people have asked why I didn't move away,' she says. 'But anywhere I went within Scotland, people would have read the newspapers and made a decision about me based on that. 'If I stayed in the parish, everyone who knows me knows I'm not I'm not the floozie plastered on the front pages.' She laid that to rest in her memoir, Scandalous, Immoral and Improper: The Trial of Helen Percy. The title borrowed from the charges laid at her door by some in the Kirk, it told how she was raped by a married church elder, became pregnant as a result and had an abortion. He confessed that the sex had not been consensual – no police charges were brought – yet Helen still found herself hauled in front of Church members and other ministers. As the scandal seeped from the rural Angus parish into national headlines, she felt no option but to quit. For nine years she fought her corner until, in 2006, her sex discrimination claims led to compensation from the Kirk. Now, she has written a different kind of book that reflects a new life, first as a hired farmhand learning as she went, and then as a shepherdess. Helen Percy's new book, Skirly Crag, tells of her new life as a shepherd (Image: Helen Percy/Luath Press) Entitled Skirly Crag in reference to a Highland hill near her home, it is peppered with first-hand insight into sometimes hard-to-stomach animal husbandry – a grim reminder of the price animals pay to provide our food, and the dedication of farmers and shepherds who care for them. As well as documenting the brutal reality of farming life, it highlights the comfort a beloved animal companion can bring in times of despair, the grief of losing them, and how while some are indeed dumb animals, their instincts to nurture offspring and to survive are as strong as any human. For Helen, sleeves rolled up and often knee deep in mire, there is the relief at pulling stricken animals back from the brink – sometimes using whatever comes to hand from belts to her bra – and acts of mercy to end suffering. As she travels from one farming job to another, she encounters rich characters both human and animal, including one epileptic hare, a smarter-than-average Bluefaced Leicester ewe that amazed her with its mothering skills and a rescued guillemot that seems determined to set up home with her. In some cases – such as the tight-fisted island farming family who grudge their flock feed and abandon their care in favour of respecting the Sabbath – the animals can be more likeable than their keepers. In that particular case Helen would catch her ferry home after lambing season was over carrying a little something extra in her backpack in the form of a bleating motherless lamb, snatched from what she feared would surely have been a miserable death. It's a moment of compassion, something Helen recalls not everyone displayed as she navigated life away from the pulpit. 'When you go through any trauma you end up knowing who your friends are,' she reflects. 'There can be surprises in both directions. 'For me, there were a couple of people that I felt were my friends who didn't want anything to do with me, and others who I expected would cut me dead, were so kind. 'The people that were not, were mostly other ministers,' she adds. 'A handful of people in the parish snubbed me or drove past without acknowledging me.' Helen Percy left the church for a new life as a shepherd (Image: Helen Percy/Luath Press) Most though, stood by her with kindness that could reduce her to tears. One, whose 'nothing ever goes right and I'm not long for this world' outlook earns him the moniker, Eyeore, would change her life. With the parish scandal still fresh and despite being in her 30s and with no agriculture in her DNA, his need for a farm labourer clashed with her need for new work. Carrying water buckets and hauling sacks of oats, pitching hay and spreading straw in the animal pens was not work that her University of St Andrews theology degree or ordination as a Church of Scotland minister in Paisley's Greenlaw Church in the early 1990s had prepared her for. Yet under the guiding hand of Eyeore, she learned 'on the hoof' of the ups, downs, blood and guts of lambing season, emerging as animal midwife, nurse and undertaker to countless animals. As her reputation as a trusted shepherd grew, she'd travel to farms across the country to help farmers through the turbulence of another lambing season. Handling sheep is dealing with a very different kind of flock. Rummaging around a labouring ewe's rear end to drag free a stricken lamb, tending to a miserable mother sheep mourning their dead or suffering mastitis or some other miserable condition would be all in a day's work. And often the animals would be less troublesome than their owners… Among them, so-called Mr Effin Fox-Harding of Forfochten, who dines on a sludge-coloured pot of brussels sprout soup that lasts a week, and an entire cow that's been butchered and every single bite turned into burgers. He calls his skittish flock of sheep 'old whores' and his dog has felt the toe of his boot on many occasions. Shepherdess Helen Percy still lives and works in the parish where she was once a minister (Image: Helen Percy/Luath Press) But his nasty temper backfires: nervous sheep are harder to control, and his panicked herd of cows extract their own revenge… 'Cows that were ambling along the lane calmly, pausing to sample mouthfuls of lush grass from the verges, suddenly start leaping over fences and breaking gates when Effin falls in behind them,' she notes. Eventually his temper triggers them into an impromptu rodeo and stampede leaving him flattened on the ground, chewing grass. Helen favours gentler methods, and as her confidence as a shepherd grows, her homeopathic remedies have remarkable impacts on the sheep she tends to. Regardless and to her frustration, some farmers remain rooted in methods of the past and outdated superstitions. 'The six most dangerous words in farming are 'It's aye been done that way',' she says. 'Some methods can appear cruel but most farmers know their animals are worth a lot of money and they do care about them. 'They can be cussed and bad tempered but they are very caring and very knowledgeable. 'For most, it's a way of life, a hard job with long hours.' Read more by Sandra Dick: The book pays also pays tribute to the sheepdogs that can make or break the task of caring for sheep. Loyal and hardworking, some of hers were adopted from less kind owners and become treasured companions at her side through difficult times. There would be some difficult dogs too, among them one bought in good faith from an unscrupulous dealer that turned out to be too timid to leave its kennel, and then so inept it would chase a blackface sheep off a ravine and run into a fence. It led to another messy legal dispute as she battled for her money back. One dog in particular would touch her soul like no other. The overwhelming grief that came with its loss is the subject of her next book, Whistlebare, set to be published next year by Luath Press. Now 60, her life as a minister is now firmly in the past. Other than conducting the occasional funeral for a friend, she doesn't go to church, nor does she regard herself as particularly religious. 'I think the church is a human and very flawed institution,' she says. 'Besides, I have never really thought that God had all that much to do with the church. 'I find God in all sorts of people and places, in nature but not really in church.' She covers her story in the book Skirly Crag. (Image: Helen Percy/Luath Press) But still there are parallels between her two lives: caring for the dying and dealing with death are components of both. 'You have to deal with death frequently in both,' she points out. 'It is a downside of the job.' Death is not the problem, she adds. After, all most of the animals she encounters will end up as Sunday roast. Witnessing suffering is harder. 'Pulling out a lamb in bits I don't mind so much because it's already dead. 'You become immune to the dirt and the smell. But not to seeing something in pain.' The book, which began as a series of 'lambing' diaries, scribbled down each day despite her fatigue, explodes any lingering myths that shepherding is a gentle occupation. 'One reason I wanted to write the book was to get people more connected with where their food comes from. 'People tend to have a romantic idea of what it's like to be a shepherd,' she adds. 'I wanted people to understand why I'm usually covered in glaur.' Skirly Crag by Helen Percy is published by Luath Press.
