THE NEW Letham St Mark’s Church has been held up as a major achievement for the Church of Scotland and the community.

Perth’s newest church opened its doors in October, when the first official service took place, and already it is drawing admirers.

One of them, Arthur Harrison, said, “All we seem to read about of the Church of Scotland are dwindling congregations, shortage of cash, dearth of ministers and decaying fabric.

“You would think all is doom and gloom but not quite.

“It is really an encouraging sight to see a brand new church on Letham’s Rannoch Road, where they took the courageous decision of demolishing the old church and erecting a completely new one.

“The new building is simple, neat and attractive.

“Little over a year ago there was just a heap of rubble on the site but this has been transformed into a lovely wee kirk.”

The active congregation of Letham St Mark’s Church was at the forefront of fund-raising to make the £1.25 million replacement building possible.

Presided over by the Rev Jim Stewart for the last eight years, the Rannoch Road church includes a sanctuary, meeting rooms, coffee shop open through the week and sports hall.