A PORT Glasgow congregation is celebrating the appointment of a new minister.

Reverend William Boyle has been chosen as minister of Port Glasgow New Parish Church.

The church is merger of the congregations of the former St Martin's and St Andrew's in the town.

Both had been without a permanent minister for many years.

William, 35, who is newly qualified, said: "I am really excited. It's hard to take in after six years of training, here it is.

"There are a great bunch of people - such an amazing congregation."

William, who hails from Grieve Road in Greenock, is a lifelong member of St Margaret's Church in Finch Road and was a Sunday school teacher there and then an elder.

He graduated from the University of Highlands and Islands after four years studying theology on the distance learning basis.

This was followed by 15 months as a probationer at Westburn Parish Church under the guidance of Reverend Karen Harbison.

He said: "This was a chance to put everything you learned into practice."

Although he is from from Greenock, the church in Port Glasgow - the former St Andrew's - is close to William's heart.

Prior to training for the ministry William was a manager with supermarket Tesco for ten years and this included a stint in their Port Glasgow store.

He said: "When I applied for the ministry, my first placement was with the late Reverend Andrew MacLean and when he retired I felt they were huge boots to fill, unaware six years later it would be me.

"I feel as if I've come full circle.

"I always tried to get pulpit supply during the holidays - I just loved the place and couldn't get Port Glasgow out of my head.

"I feel it was meant to be, like a calling.

"I'm really looking forward to it."

Wilma McDade, an elder at Port Glasgow New Parish Church, says everyone is delighted.

She said: "We cannot wait until Reverend Boyle starts.

"It's a new beginning for everyone, it's a new year, we have a new minister, a new united congregation.

"He will be the lynchpin that will take us onwards and forwards.

"I think it will be good for the younger members of the congregation and older members too.

"We are all looking forward to the future."

Reverend Boyle's ordination and induction will take place on Wednesday March 18 at 7pm at Port Glasgow Parish Church.

More than 200 guests have been invited and this will be followed by a 'social' to mark the occasion.

On Sunday March 22 Reverend Karen Harbison will then preach Reverend Boyle into his new congregation at 11am.