We use cookies to improve your experience of using our website Please let us know if you agree to the use of these cookies An historic village church has been recognised in the Scottish Parliament for its work to care for creation and tackle climate change Dalserf Parish Church in South Lanarkshire was awarded a silver award by Eco-Congregation Scotland a Christian environmental charity addressing climate change and conservation who recently visited the Clyde Valley church where she was married 19 years ago It stated: "That the Parliament congratulates Dalserf Church on achieving the prestigious silver award from Eco-Congregation Scotland in recognition of its environmental work and achievements." The motion commended the congregation's eco group for developing a reflection garden recycling centre and wildlife area within the grounds of the historic 350-year-old church It congratulated members for deciding to hold a workshop to inspire other churches and encourage them to work towards the environmental award interim moderator at Dalserf Parish Church "We were delighted that the work of Eco-Congregation Scotland was being acknowledged and that Dalserf had been highlighted in this Scottish Parliament motion "We were thrilled when Mrs Lennon agreed to come along and present a copy of the motion to the Church." Mary Sweetland from Eco-Congregation Scotland presented the Silver Award plaque to the congregation on the same day She was one of the assessors who judged the church's application and encouraged the congregation to aim for the gold award next an East Kilbride church has been commended in the Scottish Parliament for hosting a lifesaving defibrillator to assist people suffering cardiac arrest The automated machine has been installed at Moncreiff Parish Church It was sourced from the British Heart Foundation by 3rd East Kilbride Girls' Brigade troop which researched the impact of first aid and the importance of defibrillators in the local community Backed by cross-party MSPs, the motion was lodged by Collette Stevenson Eco-Congregation Scotland gathering wants to see climate justice on the election agenda Scottish Parliament recognition for congregation's lifesaving work Former Eco-Congregation Scotland coordinator with a passion for social justice ordained Contact us Resurfacing works on the A72 Lanark Road from Garrion Bridge to Rosebank are set to get underway this weekend The work is due to start on Sunday 4 August and be completed by Wednesday 7 August as the road is not sufficiently wide along this section the road will be closed from Garrion Bridge to Rosebank each evening from 8pm to 6am the following morning Although the road will remain closed to vehicles during these times access for local residents and businesses will be made whenever possible please be aware that there may be significant delays at some stages during the progress of the work Traffic Marshals and site staff will be there to advise and assist where access is requested during the works A diversion will be in place via A71 Horsley Brae said: “We would request that all road users allow additional time for all journeys which involve the use of the A72 Lanark Road Dalserf during the times indicated and that they plan their journey accordingly “We apologise for any inconvenience that may occur during these essential road improvement works.” Employment support for care experienced young people Bold course set for health and social care in South Lanarkshire Elmer having a jungle adventure in Lanark next month Award for charity that connects people with jobs New Education director for South Lanarkshire Pupils’ voices heard as school wins award Have your say on future of council buildings Good_sports_are_a_perfect_match_for_each_other Find out more about what's happening in South Lanarkshire Inspectors evaluate Dalserf Primary School in Ashgill as all good in their report to Education Scotland Following an HMIe inspection the report assessed Dalserf Primary School as good with leadership of change equality and inclusion and raising attainment and achievement The report highlighted that the pupils were polite and confident They work well together and are proud of their school and their successes and achievements Staff also work well as a team and demonstrated that they were keen to develop their individual and collective skills to help improve learning experiences and outcomes said: “Our recent Inspection report by Education Scotland was a very positive experience for the whole school community “We are proud the inspectors recognised our nurturing ethos and positive relationships that exist across the school leading children and their families to feel welcomed and to be part of the school community.  “I'd like to thank all our pupils parents and partners at Dalserf Primary for all their hard work dedication and commitment in contributing to the key strengths identified in HMIe's evaluation of our school.  “Dalserf Primary uses the outdoor environment to enhance children's learning experiences and have developed outdoor spaces to provide a range of learning and to develop the children's sense of wellbeing.” Additional strengths recognised in the report included good opportunities for staff and pupils to develop leadership skills through a variety of committees and groups which will help the children develop “skills for learning the council’s Executive Director of Education said: “This HMIe report is another example of all the great work that is being carried out in our schools “Congratulations to Ingrid Gardiner and to all the school staff parents and families for their fantastic dedication and commitment to making sure that the pupils are getting off to a great start in their educational journey the school’s staff and the entire learning community are working hard to develop and nurture the emotional wellbeing of every child at the school.” A former actor and council worker has been set apart as a Reader and will now serve the Presbytery of Glasgow Graham MacGregor's new role will see him provide Ministry of Word to congregations such as taking services where he is needed in the local area Mr MacGregor is passionate about ensuring no one feels excluded from the Church."In my ministry God's love is for everyone," he says."One of my supervisors said always leave your congregation with a message of hope."Mr MacGregor explained that although he had joined the Church of Scotland at 23 he had not always felt welcome."As a younger man I felt the church wasn't inclusive – but you come back as you know that God is calling you."It's an amazing journey once you give over to God."Asked about the highlights of ministry the one-time stage performer says that preaching is an "immense privilege"."You meet people whose faith enriches your faith," he adds."It's not one way and it continues to inspire you on your journey."God is always there working in the background."In his 50s Mr MacGregor began to feel a calling to serve the Church."I'd gone through a very bad patch in my life with a lot of pain and I realised God reveals himself in our inner suffering," he said.After attending a vocations conference in 2015 Mr MacGregor discovered he would not meet the age criteria to become a Minister of Word and Sacrament but a discernment placement helped to show him that the right path was Readership.In 2017 he did his first placement as part of the training and also began to do distance learning with the University of Aberdeen COVID prevented Mr MacGregor from taking up a second placement delaying his training.Despite this set-back the Presbytery of Glasgow were eventually able to place him with Tron St Mary's Church under Rev Rhona MacDonald."What a wonderful experience that was – a wee church with a big heart," he said."In many ways I feel I blossomed there it was joyous for me there."They were so kind and supportive."God always finishes what He starts."You hold onto this and that gives you the strength and courage that you'll get through."Explaining what the new role will involve Mr MacGregor said:"Readers are Ministers of Word You are serving the church and serving where there is a need in the Presbytery."As part of services the retired pantomime star sees storytelling as a vital part of teaching others about religion stating "it's all part of my drama training All your past experience you can use."Advising those who might want to pursue a role within the Church of Scotland he said:"Anyone who has a feeling that God is calling them go forward with it as you never know where it might lead."Maybe you'll say ministry of Word and Sacrament isn't for me but maybe you'll find the Diaconate is for you."The journey is joyous The love and the support and the kindness that I've experienced over my journey has been overwhelming."Mr MacGregor's setting apart took place on Thursday 24 August at Cambuslang Parish Church "I was overwhelmed – so blessed with so much love." 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