A TALENTED young organist from Port Glasgow said a fond farewell to a church that has become his home in the last six years.

Royal Conservatoire graduate Connor Bristow stepped in to take on the role of organist at Hamilton Bardrainney while still a school pupil.

The composer who plays the piano, flute, bass guitar and saxophone, soon found himself part of the family.

Together he accompanied the congregation as hymns helped them through the most difficult of times, particularly recovering from the pandemic.

Now as he gets set to take on new roles composing with national orchestras he says the church will always be special to him.

But his time with Hamilton Bardrainney has helped convince Connor that making music in the community is where his hearts lies.

The former Port Glasgow High pupil said: "They gave me such a wonderful send off, it was really special.

"They are such lovely, lovely people at Hamilton Bardrainney, they have become like family to me. I loved spending Sundays with them. I have grown up in the church.

"I first started there when I was doing my Nationals."

Connor is one of the many graduates of Inverclyde's first class school music programme and in Port Glasgow High he was inspired by legendary teacher Julie Ballantyne.

He studied composition at the Royal Conservatoire in Glasgow where he has flourished.

Now Connor is set to work with Tinderbox Orchestra in Edinburgh and then the Royal Conservatoire Symphony Orchestra.

But the musician spoke about how the choral music has helped to shape his progression.

He said: "As the organist in Hamilton Bardrainney I really appreciated the hymns. My favourites include 'As The Deer Pants' and 'I'll Go On The Strength of the Lord' which is jazzy.

"The church very kindly let me choose the hymns on my last day. I would like to thank Hamilton Bardrainney for all their help and support.

"They are such a community church with their drop-ins and cafes. They made me feel so welcome."

Connor is now keen to work in the community and use music to help improve people's lives.

He is set to work on a project with Craigmarloch in his home town.

The former Hamilton Bardrainney organist would like to thank Deaconess Greta Gray and all the congregation.

Church elder David McLellan said: "Conner is such a talented musician, we will miss him."