An Aberdeen congregation has bid farewell to its minister after five years at the helm of an historic city cathedral.
A special service was held at St Machar’s Cathedral on Sunday to mark the retirement of the Reverend Barry Dunsmore.
The aisles were packed for the occasion which featured some of the minister’s favourite music and a tribute from the Sunday school children.
At the end of the service, the congregation stood to applaud Rev Dunsmore and his wife Hilda as they left the church.
The 65-year-old has spent 37 years as a minister and, as well as serving St Machar’s, his previous charges included churches in Saltcoats, Stirling and London – followed by eight years in Bermuda, before returning to Scotland.
Session clerk Alan Grant said: “We’re very sorry to see Barry and Hilda leave St Machar’s, but we wish him a very happy retirement after five years of dedicated service to the cathedral.
“During his time, St Machar’s bucked the trend of falling church attendances – with people attracted by Barry’s eloquent and challenging preaching.
“Barry has led the development of a vision for the future of the cathedral, which has already seen new pews installed and a new floor in the nave.
“Later this year, work will start to renovate the roof, the stained glass and the famous Heraldic ceiling, which celebrates its 500th anniversary next year.
“We wish Barry and Hilda all our best as they move back to their native Glasgow – knowing they’ll always get a warm welcome when they come back to visit St Machar’s.”