THE future of Stevenston's former High Kirk and Livingstone churches was discussed at a meeting last week.

Thursday's Stevenston Parish Church Kirk Session meeting was chaired by the newly appointed interim moderator, Rev Alison McBrier, Minister of Caldwell & Dunlop Parish Church.

The meeting was dominated by a single item of business - the review of the church buildings of the three former congregations in the town.

The properties were inspected in June by the Church of Scotland’s health, safety, risk and compliance manager, Mo D’souli.

Although there was some disappointment about the timing of the report, Rev McBrier responded that as the united Stevenston Parish Church, they did now have powers to apply to Presbytery to make changes if that was what they decided to do.

With the Ardeer Church building now taken on by the general trustees, discussion centred on the former High Kirk and Livingstone buildings.

It was decided early in the meeting to contact North Ayrshire Council about their responsibilities for the maintenance of the cemetery, including the retaining walls, at the High Kirk.

Many of those present spoke about the need to have full and up-to-date information about all the church buildings, including halls and manses, so they could make the best decisions for the mission of the church in Stevenston.

Rev McBrier said: "Kirk session members were united in their desire to see the church prosper in the town, now and in time to come.

"Through all the talk of practicalities and purpose, prayer was very much to the forefront as this new congregation looks forward in faith."