A CHURCH has created a special stained glass artwork in memory of over 200 people who died from Covid-19 or suffered during the pandemic.

Hamilton Bardrainney elder David McLellan designed the panel with the words 'My Peace I Give You', to reflect on the loss and hardship the community has faced.

During the lockdown the close knit Church of Scotland congregation in the Port, which has survived against all the odds without its own minister, found ways to worship online and look after their flock.

Now they are looking forward to getting back together again for a Sunday service as restrictions ease.

Elder and retired engineer David said: "It was important for us to recognise the suffering, we all know family or friends who have lost someone.

"We are a really close church and we have all looked after one another, with phone calls and making sure everyone is okay.

"We are so looking forward to coming back together although it might take longer for some of our congregation.

"We used to run a bus to collect people on a Sunday.

"We have one member who is 103 now, he used to come but I don't know when he will get back.

"When all this started we didn't even have wifi in the church but we found our way to film services.

"We have learned an awful lot!"

The brass plaque underneath the new window reads 'In memory to all who have died, were bereaved or affected by the Covid 19 Pandemic'.

After retiring David, who looks after the fabric of the church, found a love for art and stained glass work.

Hamilton Bardrainney has a number of stained glass windows in recognition of its past ministers.

Now they have two new panels designed by David, with the one for Covid memorial joined by another in honour of the 4th Port Glasgow Boys' Brigade Company which is run from Hamilton Bardrainney.

Covid is one of many challenges the parish has faced in recent years.

After their last full-time minister Rev James Munro retired nine years ago and their church building was demolished, the Church of Scotland tried to merge them with other parishes.

The church moved back into the original building, which had been used as the hall, and fundraised for refurbishments.

Hamilton Bardrainney still remains determined to stand alone.

Session clerk Morag Wilson added: "We are such a close community in the top of Port Glasgow and we really believe the Church of Scotland has to have a presence here."

Elders David, Morag, Cathy Dunnachie and Jim Carnegie along with others work tirelessly to keep the church going, with Rev Francis Murphy as interim moderator.

The church would like to thank Deaconess Greta Grey for her support leading services.