Father Joseph Mills has been named a Freeman of West Dunbartonshire in recognition of his decades of service at St Mary’s Church in Duntocher.

As well as his many years at St Mary’s, Father Mills served as chaplain of St Patrick’s High School in Dumbarton and as chairman of the Chaplain’s Association.

At a special civic event at Clydebank Town Hall on Friday night, Father Mills was given the formal title.

Provost McAllister said: “Father Joseph Mills has served with great distinction across various parishes in the Glasgow Archdiocese. However, it is his service in particular, over the last two decades, to St Mary’s Duntocher which should be commended by West Dunbartonshire Council.

“Father Joseph Mills has, as a result of his compassion, love, understanding and kindness, been a positive influence in the lives of not only his parishioners, but across the whole spectrum of society in West Dunbartonshire.

“It is a great honour to confirm that, as a result of his quite outstanding contribution to the communities of West Dunbartonshire, Father Mills has been offered the Honorary Freemanship of West Dunbartonshire.”

Archbishop Tartaglia of Glasgow announced in February that Father Mills, having reached the age of 75, would be retiring in accordance with Canon Law.

Father Mills was ordained into the priesthood in 1967, with 2017 marking his 50th year as a priest. He joins former Provost Alistair MacDonald, former Councillor Margaret McGregor, Sir Jackie Stewart OBE, Sister Rita Dawson MBE, Rev Ian Miller and Duncan Mills as a Freeman of West Dunbartonshire.

A scroll presented to Father Mills on the night reads: “In recognition of his 50 years of distinguished service as a Parish Priest within the Archdiocese of Glasgow, as an Assistant Priest in Dumbarton and in particular the last two decades at St Mary’s RC Church in Duntocher; for his commitment to and participation in the education of children in his role as Chaplain of St Patrick’s High School in Dumbarton and as Chairman of the Chaplain’s Association, in appreciation of his significant contribution to the social wellbeing of the people of this area; for his compassion, love, understanding, kindness, humour and overall positive influence he has had on the lives of not only his parishioners but on the whole spectrum of society throughout West Dunbartonshire.”