Tell me about yourself and your early life – you are not a Falkirk bairn are you? How did you come to Falkirk?

Not a Falkirk bairn but an Honest Lass since I was born in Musselburgh and baptised in the church at Temple. Then when I was about two, the family, Mum, Dad and big sister moved to a farm in Haddington  which remained our family home until last year. After school at Knox Academy I came to Falkirk to Callendar Park College to undertake teacher training and . . . I have been here ever since.  In that time I met my husband John, had two daughters and did a few other things!

Were you always involved in church life?

I think my church background was fairly typical of the time. I attended Sunday School and Bible class followed by Youth Fellowship, all in St Mary’s Parish Church in Haddington. Sunday School was bible stories, singing and the struggle to memorise the text for the week so that I would receive a little card with a Bible verse if I got it right. Youth Fellowship was perhaps more adventurous and I recall sitting on the top of North Berwick Law one Sunday evening singing hymns as loudly as we could.

You have always worked in education – in which roles?

After completing my teacher training I taught in Stenhousemuir Primary School for six years, leaving to have my first daughter. I had no intention of ever going back to work, as I then had two little girls but . . . I was asked to help out at Dawson Park School for a couple of days, which I did - and 20 years later I left, having completed a qualification in Special Education, another Education degree and been assistant headteacher of the special school for 11 years. I then became an officer in the special educational needs. Now that I have retired (early!), I continue to use my skills and knowledge of that field and travel all over Scotland to sit as a member on the Additional Support Needs Tribunals for Scotland which resolve disputes relating to children with special needs.

How did you become involved with Falkirk Old and St Modan’s?

We lived in Hallglen when it was a brand new housing estate and attended the church there. The services were held in the primary school before it moved to the community centre. When we moved to live down the road we continued our attendance at St Modan’s church. Then 20 years ago the two churches united and . . . I have been here ever since.

Which activities have you taken part in in the church?

When my girls were little, I used to help out with Junior choir events, not least because I had access to a mini bus. After being ordained as an elder, I was a member, then convener, of the Education Committee. I have also been a member of the Finance Team – I never quite worked out why!!  Most recently, I have been Team Leader for Pastoral Care and since no longer having the day job, I thoroughly enjoy my weekly session in the kitchen at the snack lunches.

How do you see the role of Session Clerk?

I’m not sure that I have formed a proper opinion yet. I would like to think that it may not be too different from the role of members and elders of Falkirk Old & St Modan’s in trying to live out our mission statement. “To celebrate and share the good news of God’s love by worshipping together, growing together in faith, encouraging all in following Jesus, offering welcome, care and support in the local community and beyond.”

What is your vision of the church in the future? Do you think young people will come back to the church? How would you like to see it developing?

In terms of the national church I find it difficult to envisage what the future holds. I think the church as we currently know it is unlikely to exist although I do believe that there will always be a Christian church in some form. Locally, I think we are at a very exciting time in Falkirk Old & St Modan’s. Our refurbishment and subsequent development present many challenges.

I would hope that ultimately we (and others) become a known and recognised Christian presence in the centre of Falkirk - a place where all are welcome and the hub of many and varied activities which will demonstrate active Christian witness - which is exactly what has been suggested already.