PRESBYTERY past Moderator, the Rev Ramsay Shields, enjoyed a tour of projects in
Clydebank recently.
Ramsay, minister at St Luke’s in Milngavie, undertook the visit as part of
his role as Moderator, which ends in June.
First stop was the Golden Jubilee Hospital where he met Andrew Graham, spiritual care provider at the recently opened spiritual pastoral care centre, and two of his volunteers, Janice Dinning, a member of Dalmuir Barclay, and Isobel McGregor, a member of Faifley Church and also secretary of Clydebank Churches Together). Andrew and his team provide spiritual support to patients and staff at the hospital.

The work of Clydebank Women’s Aid Refuge was outlined to Ramsay when he dropped in to the centre to meet staff. For the past 27 years the refuge has provided shelter, support and encouragement for the victims of domestic violence, and Ramsay was impressed – and moved – by the nature of the work of staff and volunteers

Lunch at the new Clydebank College - with a spectacular view of the Clyde and the recently opened Titan Crane - was next on the agenda when Gordon Paterson, chief executive/principal of the college, and Elizabeth McTaggart, director of business growth, outlined the many different aspects of the college which moved to its new campus recently. This was followed by a tour of the campus conducted by Fiona McLaren, communications officer, with a chance to see the excellent facilities on offer. There was an opportunity to chat to staff and students - and Ramsay was even tempted to sign up to a course or two!

The day finished with a visit to St Margaret’s Hospice in Clydebank, where a newly refurbished unit has just opened. The friendly, welcoming and relaxing atmosphere of the hospice provided the perfect ending to an enjoyable and informative day. John McLintock, administrator, and Elizabeth Thomas, head of clinical services, guided Ramsay round the hospice, explaining the joys and the challenges of the excellent work carried out there.