A FORMER lecturer has been deployed into his first charge in Ayrshire after years of studying to become an ordained minister.

Rev Dr David Hume has taken up a role at Alloway Parish Church in Ayrshire. Dr Hume had considered becoming a minister in his early 20s, but instead followed an academic career.

Faith remained important to him and early retirement meant that he was able to follow his calling.

He said: “My parents didn’t go to church but my grandparents did, they had a huge influence on me becoming a Christian. It started with going to my parish church when I was seven or eight – anything that was going on there I went along to.”

Dr Hume met his wife at church and they both attended a Young People’s Group in Kilmarnock.

He encourages anyone who is interested in becoming an ordained local minister to find out more.

He said: “Put your toes in the water, try things out at your own church. See if you feel comfortable with the different aspects of ministry.”