The Rev Bob Milne, minister of the Parishes of Broughton, Glenholm and Kilbucho, linked with Skirling, linked with Stobo and Drumelzier, linked with Tweedsmuir (quite a mouthful!), has succeeded the Rev Sheila Moir, minister of Maxton and Mertoun, linked with Newtown, linked with St Boswells (another mouthful!) as churches unite to meet the demands of a changing population.

There is no doubt that the Rev Milne (62), formerly Moderator of the Presbytery of Annandale and Eskdale while a minister in Langholm, is relishing his new role.

“These are challenging times,” said Mr Milne, who, in his own words, 'received the call from God’ after a career in local government.

“My job is to guide the Presbytery in the year ahead, and having done it before (2004-05), I really have some idea what to expect and raise issues which are brought up by the General Assembly.

“I will be keeping a watching brief on our Presbytery and will be guided by the conveners of our various committees. I hope there will be nothing too controversial!” Mr Milne, who is married to Sheila and has a grown-up daughter,Keira, and son, Craig, has already chaired his first Presbytery, but takes over in his own church of Skirling, when the Sacrament of Holy Communion will be celebrated to mark the opening of a new Presbytery year next month.

Prior to moving to Peeblesshire, Mr Milne was minister of his first charge of Langholm, Ewes and Wester Kirk, and which he joined as the last minister there of the 20th century.

Previously, his local government career spanned Horticulture, Leisure and Recreation and Grounds Maintenance at Aberdeen City Council.

“I then got a sense of 'calling’ to join the ministry, studied at Aberdeen University and served as a probation minister at Macduff. I thought I would remain in the Highlands, but knew that Langholm was the place for me,” he said. I have no regrets about the change.” In Peeblesshire, there are services in Broughton and Skirling and Tweedsmuir and Stobo, thanks to a Worship Workshop set up by former minister, the Rev. Ian Rennie.

So the Church is alive and healthy in Upper Tweed, and Mr Milne’s new role will drive the Presbytery on into a new year.