An Angus church has celebrated its history by restoring three of its most prominent stained glass windows.
Carmyllie Church is set to unveil two fully refurbished windows this weekend and a final third one next week.
They depict one of the parish’s most famous former ministers, Patrick Bell, and his legacy to the church.
Reverend Patrick Bell was the inventor of the reaper machine in 1828 and served at the church from 1843 to 1860.
His invention went on to become a globally significant piece of technology in agriculture and industry and revolutionised farming.
Models of his work were sent to America and Canada and the invention led to the emergence of the ”bread basket” fields in the continent.
The renovation work focused on a rose and double lancet combination, which was originally designed by famous stained glass artist Adam Stephen in the early 20th century.
Two out of three of the windows have been restored to their former glory as part of Angus Heritage Week’s Doors Open Day and work on the third window is set to be completed next week.
Current minister of the church Stewart Lamont said: ”The people of Carmyllie Church are very strong in conserving their heritage.
”This former minister established something which has made the world a better place. To that extent it’s a very happy occasion. It’s taking the best of the past and still celebrating it in the 21st century.”
The central rose window has numerous biblical references on its individual panels, with images of the Apostles.
It is complemented on either side by one window showing Bell with his machine and another with Ruth, from the Book of Ruth.
Local church historian David Lindsay told The Courier: ”The windows by Stephen Adam depict two aspects of Patrick Bell’s life.
“The left one is of Ruth gleaning in the fields for Boaz, from the book of Ruth. The right depicts Paul as teacher and preacher representing Bell’s religious vocation.
”Patrick Bell invented the reaper in early life and continued to perfect his development at Carmyllie.
”He refused to patent the machine, even when Lord Panmure offered to pay for the costs, as a true sign of altruism as he believed that all should benefit from it.”
Carmyllie Church will be open to the public this weekend from 10am to 4pm on Saturday and 11am to 4pm on Sunday.
All are welcome to attend the church’s Sunday service at 9.30am.