A former Fullarton Church member has been given an award for her work as a prison chaplain.

The Rev Jill Clancy, Church of Scotland chaplain was recently named the ‘unsung hero’ of Kilmarnock prison at a ball marking the 20th anniversary of SERCO running HMP Kilmarnock, where she has been chaplain since 2013.

A delighted Jill, who also serves at Barlinnie, said: “I had no idea I’d be getting the award until they started to announce it. I knew there were going to be awards but I thought it would be for long service and the like, I didn’t think there was a category I could be included in.

"It means a lot to me to have been recognised, but also that the Chaplaincy has been recognised for the important work we do. We’re here for people with faith and no faith. The majority of my work is pastoral care – just sitting with people one-to-one, listening to them, praying with them if that’s what they want, and of course every week we lead worship for the men.“

Fullarton Church minister Rev Neil Urquhart added: “Jill does a lot behind the scenes and is devoted to her work.”