THE CHURCH of Scotland’s only dedicated ‘farming minister’ conducted his first wedding ceremony in his new role, marrying Jack and Rachel Malcolm at Norrieston Church in Thornhill.

Mr and Mrs Malcolm, who run agricultural business JRM Contracting Ltd, were very impressed with the work of Reverend Chris Blackshaw, who is based at Ayr Livestock Mart and regularly visits surrounding farms: “The fact that Chris is a dedicated minister to the farming community is the main reason we asked him to marry us,” explained Mrs Malcolm.

“We took an instant liking to him and we thought the help that he offers people in the industry was just so admirable and the way he portrayed God and related the two subjects was lovely. We think the role that he plays in the community is such an important one and one that is not recognised enough.”

Mr Blackshaw was deeply moved by the newlyweds involving him in their special day: “I felt deeply honoured to have been asked to marry Jack and Rachel and feel we have a great friendship with them and their family. I felt very emotional and a great love for them both during the whole day."

Attached to the Presbytery of Ayr, Mr Blackshaw’s principle role is to visit farms across the area to provide spiritual and family support, counselling and encouraging people to buy local produce. A retired police sergeant, he has experience which enables him to provide support to people dealing with a wide range of issues such as bereavement, addictions, illness, depression, stress, suicide and isolation.

Mrs Malcolm added that farming can be a tough industry to work in: “Sometimes people just need a kind ear to listen to their worries which is exactly what Chris provides and that can make the world of difference to people who are struggling.”