TRADITIONAL church services to mark the start of the new term for West Dunbartonshire Council took place at the weekend.

The Kirkin’ o’ the Council is a long-held custom to inaugurate a new term for a newly formed council and this year’s services were held in Dumbarton’s Riverside Parish Church and St Margaret’s Church, in Clydebank.

Councillors were joined by chief executive Joyce White and other senior council officers as they welcomed distinguished guests Martin Docherty MP, Gil Paterson MSP, Chief Superintendent Hazel Hendren, Deputy Lieutenants Lumsden Mathieson and Owen Sayers and other guests to the church services.

Readings were delivered by Provost Hendrie at both venues and Councillor Marie McNair also gave a reading to the congregation at St Margaret’s Church.

Provost Hendrie told the Post: “The Kirkin’ o’ the council is an important occasion and reaffirms the commitment by our elected members to serve the people of West Dunbartonshire.

“During the services, we ask for blessings on the work of elected members and officials of the council and it’s also an opportunity for the council to recognise the contribution of our communities.”