Her consideration for everyone was remarked on many times during her nine-day stay in the area, particularly at a special presentation of certificates to people who had given, in some cases, a lifetime's service to the church.

The ceremony, in Hope Park Church hall, St Andrews, celebrated the contribution of 29 parishioners, holding various offices, from all over St Andrews Presbytery.

Instead of standing while the recipients, some of whom had served for half a century and more, walked up to her, Miss Kesting took each certificate to them individually.

She later preached a special service to a capacity congregation in Hope Park Church, before meeting and chatting to people at the reception afterwards which completed her visit.

The Moderator was particularly interested in the rural aspect of north east Fife and spent time getting to know children in smaller country schools such as Largoward and Kingsbarns, as well as leading worship in a number of churches and halls from Creich to St Andrews.

She also visited a wide range of organisations and groups, including RAF Leuchars, Stratheden Hospital and Bell Baxter High School in Cupar and the Manna coffee shop in Newport.

In Kingsbarns last Thursday, she took part in a special children's service for the World Day of Prayer on the theme 'God's Wisdom Provides New Understanding.'

The church service, which is now available for use by children throughout Scotland, was led by pupils of Kingsbarns Primary School.

The re-writing of the service in 'child-friendly' language, was undertaken by the children of P5, P6 and P7 as part of their ongoing religious and moral education programme.

During Miss Kesting's visit to Stratheden, she met members of staff at Edenview and Lomond wards who explained to her the type of care they provided to patients.

One patient she met was William Moonlight who had been a patient since 2005.

His wife Jessie said: "William is very well looked after by the staff and the care he receives is excellent."

IMPRESSED

The visit also included a tour of the Ceres Centre, the patients' social and therapy centre, where art and horticulture therapy are among the interests the patients share.

The Moderator said: "I am very impressed by the level of care provided by the staff and also the vision for the development of Stratheden.

"The environment surrounding the hospital contributes to and enhances the wellbeing of the staff and the patients.

"It is very important to have chaplaincy services in hospital, particularly within mental health services."

Pastoral and spiritual care at the hospital is provided by Rev. Allan Grant, chaplain ct Stratheden.

He said: "This was a very positive visit of the Moderator who appeared very interested in everything that was being done at the hospital.

"From the point of view of the church, the Moderator's visit went a long way towards the idea that there can be a church without walls."

The Chaplaincy Centre at Stratheden Hospital is open during the day for patients, staff and visitors as a drop in centre for anyone who needs the sanctuary of the chapel or just to pass some time chatting on a social occasion.

Visiting the new Air Cadet regional activity centre at RAF Leuchars last Wednesday, Miss Kesting was installed as an honorary chaplain to the Air Training Corps.

The Moderator was presented with her chaplain's badge, which she will wear on her preaching scarf, along with the ATC chaplains' pack given to all new Squadron padres.

Miss Kesting was shown round the new accommodation facilities by Wing Commander Colin McCrae.

The centre will be used by cadets and staff from across Scotland and Northern Ireland while they are undertaking various courses at RAF Leuchars.

The Moderator was later presented with the first of the newly designed 2345 (Leuchars) Squadron Plaques, which bears the Squadron's new crest.