TALKS are underway over a plan to unite all of the Church of Scotland kirks in Musselburgh.

The Presbytery of Lothian is considering the proposal – one of the options on the table – and a confidential consultation paper has been shared with local office bearers at this stage.

Kirks which will be involved in the discussions in the autumn are St Andrew’s High Church, Northesk Church and St Michael’s Church, Inveresk.

The Rev Graham Duffin, convener of the Presbytery of Lothian’s strategic planning and mission committee, said: “Across the Church of Scotland we are having to make difficult decisions as we plan for the future amid an anticipated reduction in the number of full-time equivalent ministry posts.

“One of the options for the Presbytery of Lothian is to unite some of our churches in Musselburgh to create a strong unit more able to take the work forward in creative ways.

“We are currently exploring this and other options with our congregations across the presbytery as we look for the best way forward.”

He added: “A consultation paper has been circulated within the local congregations, and this is one of the options set out in the paper.

“It is at this stage simply one of the options being explored.

“Discussions will continue in the autumn with office bearers in Musselburgh, during which time we will explore a range of possibilities.”