The end of an era beckons for worshippers in Stevenston, following the new the Stevenston High Kirk's Reverend Scott Cameron is to call time on his involvement in the parish.

News of Rev Cameron's departure will bring down the curtain on more than two decades under his ministry for the church's congregation.

It comes after the Church of Scotland recently confirmed buildings at Ardeer and the High Kirk were to close as part of the organisation's Presbytery Mission Plan.

When the High Kirk's appeal of this decision was thrown out in March of this year, it was confirmed that the building would close by December 2023.

The decision was one which rocked the town, with members of the High Kirk congregation sharing their shock that such a historic landmark could be closed.

The decision stood and means that a 'Stevenston Parish Church' will be formed in the town's only remaining Church of Scotland building - Livingstone Church.

One minister, to be voted on by members of the united congregation, will lead this parish.

And it has now been confirmed that this minister will not be the Stevenston High Kirk's Reverend Scott Cameron.

It comes as the popular character told his congregation that he wants to give this new congregation a "fresh start".

At the church's service on Sunday, Rev Cameron said: “It is with a heart filled with gratitude, reflection and a deep touch of sadness that I share an important notice from my family that we’ve made regarding our future.

“After much careful consideration, my family and I have come to a decision that if things continue to progress as currently planned for the High Kirk – I believe it is fitting for the new congregation in Stevenston to have a fresh start with a new minister.

“We still have time to make wonderful memories and therefore I will continue serving as minister at Stevenston High Kirk until the Church of Scotland seeks to move things forward.”

The minister admitted the decision was one which was "deeply disappointing for all of us" but added that he knows the High Kirk will live on even when it closes its doors in December.

When Scott Cameron departs the Stevenston High Kirk, it will bring to an end over 21 years as minister at the Three Towns church - after he was as inducted and ordained as minister on Thursday, February 14, 2002.

Originally from the Isle of Skye, Scott was educated at Portree High School. On leaving school at the age of 16 he began his career as an accordion demonstrator and salesman in Aberdeen.

In October 1989, Scott came to experience the life transforming message of the Christian Gospel.

He then began his training as a lay-evangelist at the Church of Scotland Centre in Crieff in 1991, and entered a study programme for full-time ministry in 1992.

He graduated from the University of Aberdeen with a Master of Arts degree in 1997, and with a Bachelor of Divinity degree in 2000.

After assisting the Rev Andrew MacLean at St Andrew’s Church in Port Glasgow, Scott received a call to Stevenston High Kirk - and he has enjoyed so many great years since then.