Former parish minister Right Reverend David Lunan – now the moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland – returned to mark the occasion.

He was joined at Sunday morning's special service by his wife, Maggie, who also had an anniversary milestone of her own to share with the local community.

It was 25 years ago that Mrs Lunan, along with local volunteers, helped to establish a thrift shop next to the manse to raise money for Christian Aid.

The current parish minister, Rev Rolf Billes – who was the moderator's student – said everyone linked to the church was delighted the couple could attend.

"David and Maggie still have family in the area and they visit as much as they can. They are still very much part of the community here," said Mr Billes.

Unusually, the historic old church is not located within the main centre of the population at Lhanbryde but a few miles west out towards Sheriffston.

Both Lhanbryde and St Andrews had their own churches up until the 1780s, when a decision was taken to combine the two churches into one building.

It was discovered that Lhanbryde church needed extensive repairs and, at almost the same time, a fire swept through St Andrews and destroyed it.

Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland Rt Rev David Lunan (right) returned with wife, Maggie, to his former parish at St Andrews, Lhanbryde and Urquhart to mark its 225th anniversary. He is joined by current minister Rev Rolf Billes (left) and session clerk Eddie Corsie. NS

The new church was built in 1783 at Sheriffston, the centre of the combined parish. Urquhart joined in 1990 when that village church closed its doors.

"There has not been a church in Lhanbryde for 225 years and that can be a little bit awkward because the community has developed away from the church," said Mr Billes.

"However, away back in the 1780s, there was a huge farming community and they would walk to the church. Back then, it was in the centre of the community. Children would also walk to St Andrews School until it closed in the 1960s and relocated to Lhanbryde.

"So, the church has stayed where it is. It still forms a place of worship, but not where the population has grown up."

l.carter@northern-scot.co.uk

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