A CHURCH minister who will retire in the New Year has been recognised in the Scottish Parliament.

The Rev Alison McDonald became minister at Haddington’s St Mary’s Parish Church in 2019 following the death of the Rev Jennifer Macrae.

Ms McDonald was previously the minister at Musselburgh’s Northesk Parish Church for more than 20 years.

Craig Hoy, South Scotland MSP, highlighted the upcoming retirement with a motion acknowledging the service of the minister.

The motion, which was supported by more than 15 Holyrood colleagues, reads: “That the Parliament congratulates the Rev Alison McDonald of Haddington’s St Mary’s Parish Church on her retirement; notes that Haddington was the town where Scottish Reformer John Knox was born; understands that St Mary’s is one of Scotland’s finest medieval parish churches, with a rich history stretching back over many centuries; commends Rev McDonald for her work in maintaining a vibrant congregation, which draws people from diverse church backgrounds from across Haddington and neighbouring villages; acknowledges what it sees as her outstanding 25 years of service as a minister; commends her commitment to working with families across the community; and wishes Rev McDonald all the best for the future.”