A MINISTER who was ordained in March has not yet held a service in his church thanks to Covid-19.

Reverend William Boyle took over the New Parish Church over five months ago, but as a result of the pandemic has only been able to lead worship with his congregation via the internet.

With restrictions beginning to ease, the 35-year-old is planning on reinstating services and baptisms during phase four of the Scottish Government's lockdown lift.

He says this difficult period has proved the church isn't about the building, but its members.

Mr Boyle said: "It has been quite the challenge.

"I took over the church at the very beginning of lockdown and have yet to have a service where people are actually in the church.

"It's been a real blessing being able to move online and live-stream our service every Sunday.

"We've had thousands of views, and not just from Port Glasgow - people have been tuning in from all over the world with viewers joining the service from as far away as Canada and Singapore."

With the church doors being closed at the moment, Rev Boyle has been out in the community that he knows so well to keep spirits high.

Before William took up his new post he spent years as the manager of Tesco in Port Glasgow, so knows the people of the town very well.

He said: "I always did consider becoming a minister, it was actually suggested by many people at the end of my time in Greenock Academy that it would be a good career for me to pursue.

"I was very shy and lacked the confidence to do it, so I think working in Tesco and building my people skills was what eventually gave me the push to pursue the role.

"I trained at this church so it was a real full circle moment when I applied and was able to return."

Port Glasgow New Parish Church is a union which took place at the end of last year between St Martin's and St Andrew's.

William said: "The community has stayed very strong over the past few months and we have a united congregation.

"But I am looking forward to when they can return to the church building for a normal service."