NOT many parish priests will get such a send-off.

Or will his rookie replacement receive such a welcome.

It’s all change this week at the Our Lady and St Andrew Church in Galashiels with Father Kevin Murray being replaced by Father Nick Welsh.

And during the handover a major organ recital will take place on Saturday evening with celebrated organist John Brydon making a welcome return to the Borders.

Father Murray, who is taking over a parish in Stirlingshire, admits he’s enjoyed his four years in the Borders.

He told the Border Telegraph: “I have seen so much change in my short time here in the Scottish Borders and I have grown to love living here.

“The Borders is a great place to live and to explore.

“I would like to have stayed longer but circumstances dictate that UI will be moving this month to a new parish.”

New priest Father Welsh has just completed four years of training at Edinburgh Cathedral following his six years in Rome.

He will have responsibility for the Galashiels, Melrose and Selkirk parish cluster.

And among his first duties will be to welcome his new parishioners as well as the wider public into the Galashiels Church on Saturday for the organ recital.

Father Murray added: “The organ was refurbished throughout 2017 and we hope many people will come along to hear its capabilities.

“I see a lot of people pass the Church every day and they won’t realise how beautiful it is inside.

“This is an opportunity to see our beautiful church at the same time as hear the capabilities of our organ in the talented hands of John Brydon.”

Saturday’s evening’s recital starts at 7pm.