The Council’s traditional Kirkin’ church service may soon be held in other towns and villages in Renfrewshire, rather than just Paisley.
Councilors agreed efforts should be made to have the ceremony, which is usually held at historic Paisley Abbey at the start of a new term, visit other communities and denominations.
A host of government officials and other local representatives are usually invited to attend the event, which was last held in June 2017.
Councilor Iain McMillan, leader of Renfrewshire Labor, raised the issue at a full council meeting on Thursday and asked for the location of the service to be reviewed.
He said: ‘I know it only happens once every five years and some of us won’t be there in five years, but I would just like the administration to think about it.
“I know Paisley Abbey has gravity, I know that. It’s a cultural and religious icon for all of Renfrewshire, in fact all of Scotland, but I think it would be nice to move it to another place. other regions and even churches, also other denominations.
“I know it’s a non-denominational service, I know that, because I’ve been there in the past, but I think it would be nice to move with Paisley to some of the other villages and towns that make up Renfrewshire. ”
Provost Lorraine Cameron said she agreed with Councilor McMillan and confirmed that officers would report on the status of preparations for the next service before considering a change of venue now or in the years to come.
She confirmed the service was unlikely to leave the Abbey at this stage, but added: “It’s certainly something we could consider in the future.”
Councilor Andy Doig, who represents Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch as an independent, added: ‘It would be a wise and prudent decision to remove it from the locality of Paisley only, but also to look at all denominations.
“I think that’s very wise in 2022.”