The weather had not been promising earlier, but it dried for this year’s ecumenical service, in the ruins of Crossraguel Abbey, to mark the beginning of Maybole Gala Week. This year’s service was a bit special as this is the 1100^th anniversary of the founding of Cluny Abbey in France, the Mother House of Crossraguel.

Everyone was welcomed by Rev Alistair Morrison, locum minister for Maybole Parish Church and chairman of Maybole Council of Churches. Members from the different Christian churches in Maybole chose the hymns for the service and explained what the hymn they had picked means to them. This year’s selection was chosen by Walter and Moira Gill, Maybole Baptist Church; Eileen Hamilton, Our Lady & St Cuthbert’s Church; Doreen Qua, Maybole Parish Church; and Becky Fleming, St Oswald’s Church.

There was a reading by Rev Ian Meredith, St Oswald’s, and a prayer from Fr Philip Kitchen, Our Lady & St Cuthbert’s. The Council of Churches would like to thank everyone who helped in organising and participating in the service with special thanks to Historic Scotland who gave permission to use the Abbey precincts.