THE new minister at Auchterderran/Kinglassie Church is excited about the way ahead for the two kirks.

Rev Donald Lawrie has only been in the charge for nine weeks but already he and his family feel really settled and he has been looking at some new projects that he hopes will work in Cardenden and Kinglassie.

Rev Lawrie started his time in the ministry at Campbelltown and spent 12 years in the Argyllshire town, before taking time out from the church.

He then decided to return and became minister of a Hamilton kirk and spent six years in Lanarkshire before taking up the opportunity to take over at Auchterderran and Kinglassie Parish Church, the two congregations having experienced a long vacancy.

Now the Glasgow man has settled in and is looking forward to maintaining the progress the people of churches have made over the past few years.

Rev Lawrie said this week: "Within a matter of days my wife Jackie, myself and our children had settled in to our new life here being made most welcome, not just by church people but by everyone we met.

"It has helped us settle in very easily and it has been interesting to hear of the challenges that have faced both congregations over the past few years and the way these have been met.

"Looking ahead the enthusiasm and knowledgeable way things are tackled augers well for the future and I am excited about hat can be achieved in both communities."

He added: "Both congregations are very positive and I get the feeling they are ready to forge a way ahead as they look to persuade more and more people to use the excellent facilities they have for whatever the need.

"The Drop-in events each Tuesday lunchtime have been getting busier and busier and I would like to see this facility expand and become, if you want, a One Stop Shop of assistance for people."

Rev Lawrie is also excited by the New Pilgrim's Way track that includes both Auchterderran and Kinglassie Churches. The route passes landmarks such as the Inverkeithing Hospitium, Dunfermline Abbey, Markinch Church, and includes historic pilgrimage paths such as the Waterless Way at Ceres. It ends in front of the grand ruins of St Andrews Cathedral.

"To be part of this is something that will hopefully bring a lot of people to our kirks and perhaps provide opportunities to be be developed," he added.

"I am looking forward to working hard with both congregations on developing new ideas for the way ahead."