It is history in the making as there was a land dedication service for the new Cumbrae Parish Church on the island.

At the end of last month, a special service took place conducted by the Reverend Marjory Mackay in the field next to the Primary School. Bible readings were made by Nicky Smith and Margaret Meechan.

The cutting of the first sod was carried out by Bob Morris.

Over 50 members of the congregation attended this occasion which marks the start of the building of the new church facility on Bute Terrace, Millport.

Services have since taken place in the Age Concern Hall within the Garrison grounds since the sudden Parish Church closure just over two years ago.

However, a major fundraising effort has been underway over recent years to set up a new church on the island on available land next to the primary school on Bute Terrace.

The completion of the sale of the church manse, together with some generous donations, and ongoing fundraising events, have helped push on the plans.

Planning permission in principal has been given to the church by North Ayrshire Council in 2013.

The overall works will be carried out by McLean Architects, who recently carried out the successful restoration of Saltcoats Town Hall which was honoured in the Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning 2016 in the Place Category for the development works carried out on behalf of NAC.

The new church will include a multi-functional area – seating 100–120, Vestry, kitchen – light refreshment, plant room, toilets, meeting room, storage, and car parking for 30 cars

A number of important plaques and items including the pipe organ is to be removed from the currently derelict Cumbrae Parish Church.

Due to deterioration within the old church, which closed in December 2015, permission has been sought from North Ayrshire Council regarding transferring some of these items to storage.