The Cathedral of the Isles was host to the 'Carols by Candlelight' service held by the churches together on Cumbrae. The cathedral was decorated beautifully by the trees of the Christmas Tree Festival.

A total of 170 people and children attended the service to enjoy familiar readings of the Christmas story as well as poems.

The Boys Brigade sang the Carol 'De Virgin Mary had a baby boy', the Fun Club sang 'It was on a stormy night' and the Girl Guides led us in with the first verse of the Carol 'Silent Night'. The Rural Choir sang the carol 'Mary's little Boy' and the Cumbrae Parish Church Choir sang 'Christmas Lullaby'.

Both choirs sang beautifully for us in the wonderful acoustics of the Cathedral. Two excellent solos were sung for us, 'The Birds' by Benjamin Britten sung by Mr Matthew Metcalfe and 'Christmas Thanksgiving' to the tune 'Highland Cathedral' sung by Mr John Orr.

The service was led by Canon Alec Boyd and the Revd Marjorie Mackay. The organist and pianist was Mr Alastair Chisholm.

After the service refreshments we served in the College Cloisters to a happy gathering of members of the churches and community as warm mince pies and hot drinks were provided for everyone by the Congregation of St Andrew who worship at the Cathedral and the new College Warden and his wife, Andrew and Amanda Wright.

Thank you to everyone who made this such a memorable occasion for the Millport community.

The following Cathedral of the Isles events are lined up over the Christmas period: 20th December, The Fourth Sunday of Advent, 11am Sung Eucharist , Celebrant and Preacher Canon Alec Boyd. Director of Music: Mr Alastair Chisholm. 23rd December 11am Cumbrae Primary School Christmas Service. 24th December Christmas Eve 11.15pm Midnight Eucharist of Christmas. Celebrant and preacher: Canon Alec Boyd. 25th December Christmas Day 11am Christmas Day Sung Eucharist with carols Celebrant and preacher Canon Alec Boyd 27th December Sunday after Christmas 11am Said service of Holy Communion 3pm The Cathedral of the Isles Christmas Carol Service of lessons and carols. Singing by The Cathedral Choir Director of Music Mr Alastair Chisholm. 3rd January 2016 Second Sunday after Christmas 11am Sung Eucharist Celebrant and Preacher: Bishop Idris Jones. Morning and Evening Prayer are said daily in the Cathedral. Details available on the Cathedral of the Isles web page.