THE congregation of the Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea in North Berwick has welcomed a new priest after the death of its former priest in March. 

Father Augustine Bobi replaces Monsignor Brian Halloran, who suddenly passed away on March 1, hours after conducting his last service.

Father Bobi comes from the diocese of Navrongo-Bolgatana in the north of Ghana, sharing a border with Burkina Faso.

He was ordained on August 20, 2005, and came to Scotland on December 15 last year on a two-year-long sabbatical.

He was placed temporarily at St Margaret’s Catholic Church in Duns in the Borders and arrived in North Berwick to take up his post on June 22.

After taking some time to familiarise himself with the people and the town, he was working with parishioners to prepare the church so it could open for private prayer.

Before the church opened, however, it was professionally deep cleaned and fumigated.

The church is now open on Sundays from 2pm to 4pm, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11am until 1pm.

Stewards will be on duty and visitors to the church must wear face coverings and all must comply with social distancing.

For more information, contact Father Bobi on 01620 892667.