The future of North Ayrshire has been placed in God’s hands after the council’s official Kirkin’ ceremony

Members of the public joined recently-elected councillors in a historic service to mark a new term at NAC where a blessing was bestowed on the Council by local clergy.

The traditional Kirkin’ of the Council service was held on Sunday at Irvine’s Old Parish Church.

The Kirkin’ is long-held custom to inaugurate a new term for the local authority and usually takes place following local elections.

Elected members and officials were joined by local organisations and members of the public for the service in which a blessing was bestowed on the Council by the local clergy.

A welcome and call to worship was given by Father Willie Boyd.

Then prayer and call to confession by Rev Black.

Council Leader Joe Cullinane gave a reading of Psalm 46 (NKJV) while Provost Ian Clarkson gave a reading from Matthew 5:1-10 The Message (MSG).

After the ceremony Provost Ian Clarkson said: “The Kirkin’ of the Council is a traditional service, steeped in history and reminds us that, first and foremost, we have a duty to serve the people we represent.

“Regardless of party politics, our over-riding objective is to work together to improve the lives of our residents and communities.

“A big thanks to the local clergy for a wonderful service and to everyone who came along on the day.”

Prior to the service, attendees gathered outside Irvine Townhouse before making their way to the Old Parish Church.