St Margaret’s Church in Clydebank hosted the traditional Kirkin o’ the Council - a service where the new council is inaugurated by the church. Although the Council is a civic body and not formally religious, it is seen as an important service showing the council recognises its duty to the communities it represents. Various officials of the council will ready, pray and blessings are asked for the work of both elected representatives as well as paid officials.
Many Councils throughout Scotland will have a similar ceremony, sometimes dating back centuries, where the civic authorities will have their first duty in the local kirk (Church). It is not infrequent for a zealous minister to freely hand out advice to the new council about how to run things!
The traditional Kirkin' service is a way for the Council to show its dedication and commitment to promoting the welfare of the community.
All Councillors are invited to attend the Service and the Council workforce and members of the public are also made welcome. An added inducement, if needed, will be the serving of tea / coffee and cake afterwards!
