I took on the role of Lothian Presbytery Safeguarding Contact at the beginning of 2015, and continued in this position when the present Presbytery of Lothian and Borders was formed. The role involves arranging training dates, getting to know the congregational safeguarding coordinators and helping them deal with issues which may arise.

My background is in secondary school teaching, latterly on a supply basis until retirement. I have been a church elder for almost 40 years, presently at Penicuik Trinity Community Church, and was for around 20 years pastoral assistant at Penicuik South Church. I have undertaken a variety of training in pastoral care, leading worship, and taking funerals, and am engaged in all of these aspects of congregational life from time to time.

During the time of Covid, it became clear that the need for safeguarding was even more strong than under normal circumstances – along with our two trainers, and with the support of the Safeguarding Officer at 121 George Street, a means of offering safeguarding training through the medium of Zoom was developed: this has become an important part of our work now that the Presbytery is so much larger.

Outside of church, I am a great music lover, singing whenever I get the opportunity, and playing guitar for my own pleasure. I’ll read anything with print on (but especially detective fiction and travel writing). Walking, and travelling to interesting places with my husband, Neil, come high up the list of pastimes – nowadays often in our little Mazda camper van – as do sewing and knitting by way of a rest. And of course our three children (and 7 grandchildren) scattered across England keep us busy, as well as providing good excuses for travelling.