Local clergymen have asked the Clydebank community to continue to pray for one another and follow government guidelines, in a bid to save lives amid the potentially deadly pandemic.

The Archdiocese of Glasgow has advised all churches to “close their doors”, with no funerals, baptisms or weddings to be held at church.

This follows guidance put out on Monday night by the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon which detailed a national lockdown measures to limit the spread of Covid-19.

Father Martin of St Stephen’s in Dalmuir told the Post: "We must do our best to help one another and hopefully this will allow us to return to some sort of normality sooner.

“I would ask that we pray for one another in these times. It’s really all we can do now as we are limited.

“Pray for our neighbours, loved ones, for the sick.

“We may not be able to come to mass, but we can still pray together and for each other.

“This is an incredibly difficult time for our community, one where people are bound to feel helpless.

“I would ask that people continue to look after one another in any way they can.”

Fr Martin added: “I will still be available on the parish email and telephone, should anyone wish to speak to me.”

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This message was echoed by Reverend Gregor McIntyre, of Faifley Parish Church. He said: “We have been given, and taken heed of, strong advice to close. All my services are now called off.

“The only thing we have kept up and running is the food bank, which was held this morning (Tuesday) at the church hall.

“I was there with the chair of the community council, we distributed it at the door rather than having people come through into the hall.

“I recorded the Sunday service at home last weekend and I will continue to share this on my Facebook and Youtube.

“At the weekend, it included a piece of music by our organists, who videoed from his home and sent it over to me.

“Facebook has been great over the past week and I will continue to post throughout the week, so people can communicate and see what we are up to.”

Mr McIntyre also had a message for the community in this time of need and uncertainty.

He said: “In particular, I would like to advise people to reach out to others if you are in difficulty, if you are unwell or your health is compromised.

“Now is not the time to be stuck, trying to do things for yourself if you can’t, and there are plenty of people willing to help.

“The Golden Friendships club in Clydebank have lots of volunteers and means of getting shopping and essentials to you.

“My personal focus will be to continue helping out in Faifley, Duntocher and Hardgate. If I see fit, I will help others and make allowances to get out to offer support.”

He added: “At the end of the day, our Christian faith is about helping and supporting one another. Keep praying for the sick, those in need, family, friends and the wider community.

“It is the best part of our human nature, that we help one another, we need to keep doing that now, showing up for people, helping, it’s what our communities do best. ”

The parish’s Sunday service will continue to be uploaded to the Faifley Parish Church YouTube page on a Sunday at 11am.