Emotional farewell to long-serving Arbroath minister

The couple were presented with gifts during the evening, pictured with Amy Scott, Sheila Stewart, Leah Ramsay and Ruaridh Scott. (Wallace Ferrier)

An Arbroath congregation gave their minister a rousing send-off recently as he moves on to pastures new.

Rt Rev Dr Martin Fair has been minister at St Andrew’s Church for the last 32 years, but is now moving on to take up another post within the Church of Scotland.

It follows his year-long role as the Moderator of the Kirk’s General Assembly.

His departure was marked with a gathering at the church with refreshments, live music with sing-a-longs, a few speeches and films of various events during his time at the church projected on to large screens.

There was even a surprise one of his sons, currently living on Australia’s Gold Coast, sent a recorded video which was also projected to be shared with the whole gathering. There were also individual video recordings from the Sunday School children who all wished Martin and his wife Elaine all the best in the future.

Dr Fair gave a humorous but emotional speech as he recalled his 32 years at the church, including the charity work the church has undertaken, and thanked all who attended, and many people who supported him over the years none more so than his "rock”, Elaine. A new minister will be appointed in the near future.