The moderator of the General Assembly swapped his clerical collar for a trowel to help with a community project in Giffnock.

Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson, who used to work as a tiler as a student, worked on installing a splashback in Orchardhill Church's kitchen in their Black Door Shop.

He was joined on site by church elder Steven Bennett and Mary Montague, Provost of East Renfrewshire Council.

Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson with the Provost (Image: The Church of Scotland) Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson with the Provost (Image: The Church of Scotland) The Black Door Shop is run by volunteers and carries out weekly litter picks, and sorts donations of toys, clothes, and household items.

Each week, two vans and a car loaded with donations support partner charities assisting those in temporary accommodation.

The project has diverted more than 75 tonnes of material from landfills annually and lends tools for a small donation, from wallpaper scrapers to lawnmowers, fixing items in an on-site workshop.

Additionally, the shop plans to run food preparation skill-sharing sessions and host life skill-sharing events.

(Image: The Church of Scotland) During Dr Paterson's time as moderator, he has offered to assist where possible with tiling projects in churches – an opportunity which Orchardhill Church jumped at.

He said: "I encouraged the General Assembly to focus on building together and I'm delighted to put to use skills I earned years ago to benefit churches.

"I'm enthused by this wonderful example of recycling and reusing all sorts of things from toys to tools which benefits the community and brings people together."

Meanwhile, Steven, whose vision and hard work since 2015 have been key to the growth of the Black Door Shop, said: "I'm delighted to receive help from all people around us here in Giffnock.

"We especially welcome today the Provost and the moderator and thank them for giving their time to help develop the Black Door Shop into the place it is."

Provost Mary Montague added: "I'm grateful for the work done and the time generously given by volunteers through the Black Door Shop which helps people in the local community and further away.

"I'm delighted to welcome the moderator to East Renfrewshire and to see him get involved in such a practical project."