For the last few years the post of minister of this parish has been vacant. A linkage was agreed with the neighbouring vacant parish of Glassary, Kilmartin and Ford. During the vacancy years the congregation has been blessed by visits from several international locums, local retired ministers and lay readers.The elders of the kirk session are a committed group and prayerfully led the church through this time with new initiatives and continued pastoral care.

We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Rev Richard West to our linked parishes of North Knapdale and Glassary, Kilmartin and Ford. Richard and his wife Angela live in the manse at Kilmichael and welcome visitors. However, please note that Monday Richard’s day off.

Richard was ordained in 1994 and has come to us from the United Reformed Church where he was the minister for 6½ years in Stocksbridge and Oughtibridge, north of Sheffield. Richard has been a teacher, and depute officer in charge of a residential establishment for young people with special needs in Stockport. Angela has most recently worked for Sheffield Social Services as a rehabilitation officer and social worker for blind and partially sighted people.

Richard and Angela have a daughter, Louise in Sheffield who is a nurse and has recently been accepted for training with the Church Army, an outreach branch of the Church of England. Their son Guy is a GP in Beverley near Hull. He has his own practice and also works in local hospitals. Between them, Louise and son-in-law Julian and Guy and daughter-in-law Laura have produced six grandchildren for Richard and Angela.

Richard and Angela are no strangers to Scotland - they have holidayed in Oban in the past, Angela has relatives in Broughty Ferry on the East coast and Richard’s brother has worked at Pitlochry Festival Theatre as a costume designer.

Richard will be leading worship each week at 10 am and we look forward to welcoming all visitors to our churches.

North Knapdale congregation has forged ahead with making physical changes to the churches ... Tayvallich church building has a step free access at the vestry door and easy access toilet .... the interior of the church also has had chages made to the pulpit area. Bellanoch Church has been completely refurbished inside and looks beautiful.

The congregation of North Knapdale has approximately 80 members. The Ladies Work Party organises celebration meals, coffee mornings and refreshments after the morning services. The choir which meets after the Sunday service over the winter months is involved in special services. Everyone is welcome to join the choir - no audition necessary!

Alpha courses have been run in homes in Tayvallich since 2000. There is a house group which meets fortnightly over the winter to have fellowship together, praying for the church and the community and one another's needs and to hear what God is saying to them.

There is a monthly joint parish prayer letter ... linking members of both parishes to praying for each other and the needs of both parishes.

The minister can be contacted on 01546 606926