CHURCH leaders in Dumbarton have spoken of their delight and sense of hope as in-person worship gets set to resume locally, and across Scotland, this weekend.

Nicola Sturgeon’s lockdown exit strategy announcement gave places of worship across the country the provisional green light to hold services within their buildings for the first time this year from Friday, March 26.

Ms Sturgeon is expected to make a formal announcement on whether worship will indeed be allowed when she addresses MSPs on Tuesday.

If the First Minister does give the formal green light, it means Christian congregations will be able to hold services at Easter next weekend – and also throughout Holy Week.

And while several restrictions remain in place – including social distancing, a ban on singing and, in many cases, a requirement to book in advance to ensure a seat – local church leaders remain delighted at the prospect.

Father Gerard Conroy of Dumbarton’s St Patrick’s Church, said: “I am very happy, as are the parishioners here.

“We are following the guidelines and taking all appropriate measures to ensure that those who attend church will be as safe as anywhere - safer than most places I should imagine - in the current circumstances.

“People are glad to be able to get back to church and are looking forward to summer when hopefully the remaining restrictions will be eased further.”

Oli Higham, pastor of the town’s Rock Community Church, added: “It’s great to start see things reopening.

“It has been a tough few months and the sense of hope that it brings is really important.

“We’re looking forward to restarting face to face church services and all the groups and activities at The Phoenix, because people keep asking us when the cafe is reopening or pizza nights, youth clubs and toddler groups are restarting.”