On Sunday 23rd October, the Deacon Convener, Scott Gallacher, along with 10 Craftsmen and a few wives travelled in a minibus, driven by Deacon Daniel Kerr, to Kirkcudbright to attend the Kirking of the Deacon Convener of the Haill Six Incorporated Trades of Kirkcudbright.
There has been a longstanding friendship between our two Incorporations. Indeed, as well as attending each other’s Kirkings, Deacon Convener Ian Swan has attended and spoken at several of the Big Pies in Irvine and previous of Irvine’s Deacon Conveners have made a toast at the Burns Supper in Kirkcudbright.
The parade, led by the piper and consisting of the Deacon Convener and Craftsmen of Kirkcudbright Trades, the Provost of Kirkcudbright and local Councillors and Deacon Convener and Craftsmen of Irvine Trades, marched around the town centre to the local parish church.
The service was conducted by Revd. James Gatherer and members of both Incorporations sat in the Trades Loft in the church. During the service Deacon Convener Ian Swan was invited to read from the Scriptures.
Following the service, Deacon Convener Ian Swan invited his guests to a lunch in the Masonic Arms where we all enjoyed an excellent buffet and an entertaining afternoon before our journey back to Irvine.