A LARGS woman Betsi Thane ordained as a Church of Scotland minister is heading overseas to her new calling.

Betsi, who is the widow of former St John's Church and Cumbrae Parish minister Markus Thane, is soon to take up a spiritual leader post in Malta.

The 51-year-old, an ex-school teacher and social worker, was ordained at West Kilbride Parish Church last Thursday evening.

The next step on her journey will see her soon inducted as the new minister of St Andrew's Scots Church in Valletta.

Betsi, who was born in Poland, has lived away from her home country for nearly 30 years. She has been resident in Largs since Markus became church minister in Largs and Millport in 2012.

Betsi said her late spouse was an inspirational figure in her journey.

She added: “He was very supportive of me going into ministry.

“He went into ministry to serve international people and it looks like I am going to be doing that in Malta.”

Looking towards her new position, she said: “I am excited, hopeful and trusting that the Lord will keep guiding me in my new role as a minister.

“I studied pedagogy (a method of teaching) and my degree has been translated in Scotland as Master of Education.

“I have worked as a primary school teacher but also as social worker and carer in homes for older people.

“My career to date has given me an experience of working with people of all ages - from newborn babies to the very elderly.

“Having this experience means it seems to be easier to connect with people in church.”

Betsi, who loves to paint using acrylic or watercolours, preferably outside on sunny days, has an grown-up daughter, Sarah.

In preparing for the role in Malta, Betsi carried out placements at a number of Ayrshire churches including Beith, Kilwinning, and Ardrossan Park Parish, as well as spending a 15-month probation period at West Kilbride Parish Church.