A SPECIAL celebration was held at a Dalry church yesterday (Sunday, December 11) to recognise eight "pillars" of the local kirk who have given a combined near-300 years of service.

Eight elders of St Margaret's Parish Church were presented with long service certificates for their decades of dedication - with the group having contributed a remarkable total of 290 years of service.

David Nisbet has been with the church for 50 years, Daniel Reid (40 years), Jean Rodger (40 years), Gilda Smith (40 years), Donald Priestley (30 years), Isabella Walker (30 years), Ian Brown (30 years), and Penny Brown (30 years).

The memorable occasion was followed up with a social media post that added: "Thanks and congratulations to all. A most impressive line-up of hard workers. Truly, pillars of our kirk."

Minister David Albon, who has been in the position since 2019, said: "It was both inspiring and humbling taking part in today's special service. Congratulations to our long-serving elders."

St Margaret's is facing a fight for its future after it was confirmed earlier this year that the kirk is among a number of Garnock Valley and Three Towns churches set for closure.

READ MORE: North Ayrshire churches set to close as decision rubber-stamped

The Dalry church is due to close in 2025 and merge with the town's Trinity Church as part of a controversial Church of Scotland shake-up.

However, members of St Margaret's are not giving up hope of remaining open.

The church's website states: "This is still three years away and we should remain positive.

"We have a full program of events due to take place and are very much open and ready to welcome you.

"There will be challenges ahead but as a community we will embrace them and make the most of the new opportunities it brings.

"Following the decision to close St Margaret's we have lodged an appeal with Edinburgh. We will keep you updated as we know more."