Both St Columba’s Parish in Largs, and Fairlie Parish Church of Scotland are currently without a church minister.
The churches, which share a joint minister, bid farewell to Rev John Purves who had been serving as a locum minister until last month. 
A message appeared on the St Columba’s Parish Church website which states: “The charge of Fairlie linked with Largs: St Columba’s is now vacant.
"The Rev John Purves was appointed as Interim Moderator in the vacancy until 31st August 2017.
“The vacancy procedure committee will consult with local parties with a view to bringing forward proposals for future ministry provision in these parishes, no later than the meeting of Presbytery for Ordinary Business on Tuesday October 3.”
The Fairlie Parish Church newsletter, which goes around all the local householders, stated in bold lettering on the opening page: “Fairlie Parish Church is currently without a Minister”.
Deacon Fiona Blair provided a recent Sunday service at Fairlie Parish Church. 
A spokesman for the Church of Scotland said: “The linkage Fairlie and St Columba’s Parish Churches is vacant and is being handled promptly and efficiently with the full support of the Ardrossan Presbytery.
“The process to appoint a locum and interim moderator is already underway including handling of church services, weddings and funerals.
“The Presbytery Advisory Committee, a team of various representatives from Presbytery, has already met with both Kirk Sessions and the same committee is handling the procedure for the linkage to call a new minister.
“Both congregations are being advised of the situation as it progresses and all is well.
“Any support required from the Church of Scotland is freely available.
“Rev John Purves, as planned, vacated his role as Locum and Interim Moderator on 31st August 2017 but is not retiring.
“He will continue to work with the Church of Scotland in other capacities. 
"At no time will both churches in the linkage operate without an interim Moderator, ordained Minister or suitably qualified individual.
The previous full-time minister in the linkage post of St Columba’s and Fairlie Parish Church, Rev. Chris Vermeulen, resigned after he was suspended from duties for a period of five years, in relation to a church rule violation.