Minister hopes poems can help raise funds for kirk.

FUNDRAISER: Poetic way to help finance revamp of community hub

An Angus minister has used his daily woodland walks as inspiration for his first book of poetry, which he hopes will raise funds to renovate his church.

The Rev Dr Wayne Pearce did not have to look far for subject matter for the verses in Musings On The Muir.

The manse overlooks Edzell Muir, a wooded and parkland area on the edge of the village, and he and his trusted bearded collie Ben have enjoyed walks there in all weathers.

Now the Church of Scotland minister for Edzell, Glenesk and Lethnot, linked with Careston, Fern and Menmuir, is hoping sales of the book will help boost the Edzell Church Development Project.

Around £160,000 is needed to replace six windows in the Edzell church, as well as upgrading the heating, lighting and sound system.

Mr Pearce and Ben have travelled around the area since settling in Angus in 2017, with walks through the famous Blue Door, near Edzell, Arbroath Abbey and Dunnottar Castle among their favourite destinations.

The minister’s observations are contained in the collection of compositions, which also cover local, regional and national ecclesiastical, historical, natural, personal and seasonal themes.

Since moving to Edzell with his wife Margaret and their children he has been particularly drawn to writing about the trees, birds and wildlife.

“On a Monday, my day off, we jump in the car and go for a run to visit places of historic interest,” he said.

“I hadn’t written any poetry until I came here so thought this would be my contribution to the Edzell Church Development Fund. The lead in the windows in the church is starting to perish so they need to be replaced.”

Mr Pearce, 53, praised the fundraising committee led by Judith Hay which has gathered about £60,000 to date.

“The church is the hub of the community,” he said.

The book is available from the Tweedie in Edzell and the village hairdresser’s.

Mr Pearce will sign copies, priced at £7, tomorrow at the development fund’s coffee morning in Edzell Church Hall from 10am until noon.

The lead in the windows is starting to perish so they need to be replaced

Picture: Paul Reid. The Rev Dr Wayne Pearce and his bearded collie Ben in front of Edzell Church.