The moderator of the Church of Scotland was one of the Good Samaritans who spent an evening helping the most vulnerable people in Perth.
The Right Reverend Angus Morrison and Youth Moderator Rachel Hutcheson joined Perth Street Pastors this week when they took to various streets in the city centre to “listen, care and help”.
The moderators joined the pastors as they gathered at North Church in Mill Street on Thursday at 9.30pm before they headed out at 10pm.
Part of an international Street Pastors movement, the Perth Pastors have been operating since 2007. Members come from a wide variety of churches from different denominations and locations around Perth and Perthshire.
Street Pastors go out on the streets of their communities to listen, care, and offer help where they can.
Sandy Gunn, team leader with the Perth Street Pastors on Thursday, said the moderator was “well received” by the people they met.
“The moderator interacted very well with the people we met and has a good sense of humour,” Mr Gunn said.
“The evening went well. We dealt with a lot of people, including those who are homeless and some who have mental health issues. There was some good craic.”
He continued: “A lot of the people we talked to have issues that are like a boil waiting to burst they bottle them up and then get depressed.
“However, the people appreciated the visit of the moderator and youth moderator.”
Mr Morrison said: “It was a privilege to join the Perth Street Pastors. This is a front-line ministry of listening, help and care.
“It was evident how good the relationship is between the pastors and those they regularly meet on the streets, who clearly value their presence and feel reassured by it.
“I encourage everyone to give these dedicated pastors full support in the great service they provide.”
Miss Hutcheson said: “I really enjoyed my evening with Perth Street Pastors, who were all very welcoming.”
A Church of Scotland spokesperson said: “The Guild, the Church of Scotland’s voluntary organisation, has chosen the Street Pastors as one of six projects it will support over the next three years.
“Just eight years ago, Scotland had no street pastors. Now, more than 500 street pastors work across 20 communities from Edinburgh to Tain.”