Retiring to the village of Connel near Oban has not stopped an octogenarian from bringing his music to his home parish.
Alasdair MacDonald, 82, moved to Connel in 2001 but continues to make at least one 80-mile return journey every week to play his accordion and accompanying hymn singing in three churches in Strathfillan and Inishshale Parish.
The devoted musician has been doing this for 58 years and still plays at the churches in Bridge of Orchy and Crianlarich, a mere 50 miles away.
Now he has been given a BEM for his services to the community, which is a crucial factor in holding the congregations together, the church says.
Mr MacDonald said: “I feel quite touched. I have done it for nearly 60 years now. I moved from Bridge of Orchy to Connel when I retired 18 years ago.
“They asked me if I would come back until they got somebody new and I’m still going up there. I enjoy it.”
