Rural activities come to the fore next week as the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland embarks on a tour of St. Andrews Presbytery.

During the nine day visit the Right Reverend Sheilagh Kesting, moderator of the General Assembly, will see a local farm, pottery, the Scottish Fisheries Museum, and even take in a fish supper.

She highlighted the importance these places have in the area: "I look forward to meeting those who are actively involved in rural activities, and to discuss the challenges which they face within their communities, as well as acknowledging their valuable contribution."

In addition, Miss Kesting will lead worship at Creich and Tayport churches on 13 January, and at Kilconquhar Church on 20 January. She is also preaching at a special Guild service in St Leonard's Church in St. Andrews on Wednesday 16 January.

Other plans during the nine day period include a visit to the University of St Andrews, RAF Leuchars, The Lighthouse bookshop and coffee shop in Cupar, Manna coffee shop in Newport and an evening with the WRI.

The Moderator will conclude her visit by preaching at a united Presbytery service with ACTSA (Action of Churches Together in St Andrews) in Hope Park Church, St. Andrews on 20 January. The special service is being held to mark the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

The moderator of St Andrews Presbytery, Rev David Arnott, said:
"We are delighted to welcome the first lady minister to be elected moderator. She will see for herself the rich variety of church and secular life in this corner of Fife.

"She will appreciate how highly the local churches are valued by their communities and how hard they strive to serve them.

"Although this will be a busy time for the moderator, the number of people who are going out of their way to welcome her indicates the respect in which the Church is held."