Pictured in Ayr Auld Kirk are South Ayrshire Provost Helen Moonie with fellow Councillors and some of the people who participated in the service.
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On Sunday 17 June, the Kirkin' o' the Council, was held in Ayr Auld Kirk.
After each new Council is elected a Service is held in Ayr Auld Kirk called the 'Kirkin' o' the Council' whereby an Act of Commitment is taken by the Council and the congregation.
This is the fifth Kirkin' o' the Council since local government reorganisation in 1996 and the third time that there has been a female Provost.
South Ayrshire Provost Helen Moonie, Bill McIntosh Leader of South Ayrshire Council and David Anderson, Chief Executive all gave readings. The Reverend Mark Bentham from Ayr Baptist Church gave the Children's Address, the Prayers of Intercession were led by William Mackie, Moderator of Ayr Presbytery of the Church of Scotland and Ayr Academy choir filled the church with glorious songs.
During the multi-denominational church service, at which different faiths were represented, conducted by the Reverend David Gemmell, of the Auld Kirk, the Councillors made a commitment – "Entrusted with the responsibilities of local government in South Ayrshire we commit ourselves to our work for the well-being, development and protection of our communities and all those who live in them. We undertake to meet the responsibilities placed upon us to the best of our ability, with justice, impartiality, compassion and respect for the work of all people. This we promise before God in acceptance of the trust placed in us." There was a commitment made by the People, undertaking to "fulfil our duties and responsibilities with willingness and with perseverance."'.
Provost Moonie added her signature to the list that contains the names of all the Provosts since 1847. The list is contained within a Bible which records the names of those elected to the post under South Ayrshire, Kyle and Carrick, Ayr County Councils and the Royal Burgh of Ayr. This tradition reflects the long association and partnership that exists between the Church and the Council.
Following the ceremony a procession of invited guests, which included South Ayrshire Provost Helen Moonie, Bill McIntosh, Leader of the Council, David Anderson, Chief Executive and Elected Members from the Council, led by the 1st Troon Boys' Brigade Band walked through Ayr town centre to County Buildings, the Council's headquarters.
Speaking after the ceremony Provost Moonie said: "The Kirkin' o' the Council is a very traditional ceremony that unites all members of the Council.
"I feel very honoured and humbled to be the Provost of South Ayrshire Council. I undertake to carry out my duties over the next five years with enthusiasm and dedication, as will my fellow councilors.
"Promoting South Ayrshire and meeting people from all over the area, and visitors will be my great pleasure. I will have the opportunity to tell everyone what a wonderful place South Ayrshire is for local residents, visitors, businesses. Acting as an ambassador for the South Ayrshire is a great privilege."