Two items from the news today caught my eye: a resurgence in the number of migrants attempting the perilous Mediterranean crossing from North Africa to Europe and the slack nature of the Scottish economy.

At our Bible Study the other evening we were discussing how we might respond to the refugee crisis. Someone came up with a suggestion that would address both issues: that two new towns of 100,000 residents each should be created in the northwest Highlands, which refugees from the Middle East and North Africa should be invited to occupy.

What a way to secure 200 years of land reform, re-populating the glens that were emptied by the Clearances with a new generation of migrants. The gentleman whose idea this was further remarked that, while their eviction can never be justified, many of the Highlanders who were forced out prospered in the nations which received them. Should we not expect that those whom we would welcome, might enjoy a similar renaissance to our mutual benefit?

What a boost such an injection of youth and talent would bring to our denuded wilderness, while the hills would again ring with industry and culture, albeit of an exotic kind. But was it not ever thus, as successive waves of Picts, Gaels, Vikings and French enriched our gene pool through the ages?

Roderick MacLeod (Rev), Isle of Skye

Rural Vacancy Appeal

Dundonald is a village parish not far from the coast in leafy Ayrshire. It is a community with a heart, a big, caring and generous heart, but sadly our minister, the Rev Robert Mayes, is retiring in September and I am concerned that the beating of our big, generous heart might diminish during the vacancy.

It makes me wonder what, if anything we can, or should, do to keep the momentum up and so, via the fantastic “Life and Work” I would ask other rural parishes who may have gone through a vacancy, or may still be in a vacancy situation, what they have done and what worked or didn’t.

Bob McMillan, Clerk to the Congregational Board, Dundonald Contact via www.dundonald-parish-church.com

Theo Thanks

The members of the congregation at Auchterderran Kinglassie Parish Church and people in the community are very pleased that Theodore Davidovic has been recognised for his commitment and dedication to Christian Aid for 60 years. Theo, as he likes to be called locally, always gives the thanks to all the people who have supported his efforts for Christian Aid over the years. Theo and I were ordained as elders in Kinglassie Church on December 26 1965. We have both received our 50 years long service certificates. Theo for many years was the churches’ stewardship promoter and presbytery elder in Kirkcaldy presbytery. He is a very modest man.

Thomas S Michie, Kinglassie, Fife

Cartoon: Bill McArthur

Churchill and the King

Peter Kimber’s letter (Life and Work July) mentions King George VI and Dunkirk. There is another story about the King.

Prime Minister Winston Churchill wanted to accompany the allied troops on the D Day landing. Nothing would persuade him not to do so until the King sent for him and asked if it would not be too dangerous. “Not at all, Your Majesty,” was the reply.

“Then in that case, I’ll come with you,” said the King. That dissuaded the PM.

Such examples of loyalty had devotion to duty are an example to all, especially Church members in this day and age of compromise. W Findlay, Bishopbriggs, Glasgow

Life and Work welcomes letters from readers of not more than 350 wordswhich can be sent by post to Life and Work,121 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4YN or by email to magazine@lifeandwork.org

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