A FORMER minister from Helensburgh has been thanked after her visit to the Scottish Parliament to deliver a thoughtful contribution.

The Rev Tina Kemp, who was formerly associate minister at Helensburgh Parish Church, delivered her contribution to the Scottish Parliament at the weekly Time for Reflection slot last week.

Tina, who retired in 2021, worked as a journalist with the Helensburgh Advertiser before she was ordained to the ministry in 2005, initially carrying out her duties part-time alongside her full-time job as a reporter.

In 2012, following 33 years in journalism with the Advertiser, its sister title the Dumbarton Reporter and the Lennox Herald, Tina left to take on ministry on a more permanent basis, serving for three years with two congregations in the Clydebank area before her move to Helensburgh.

She spoke about her Granny Stephen, a mother of five who was widowed in her 50s and explained how it’s important to talk and to listen to the stories of people you encounter every day.

Tina said: “Throughout my career both at the newspapers and within the church, I have been able to share my own stories and that of others which has brought me great joy.

“It was a pleasure to deliver Time for Reflection at the Scottish Parliament and I was delighted to be able to bring stories about my own Granny to members and the wider audience watching.”

Tina was nominated to speak in the weekly slot by Helensburgh's constituency MSP, Jackie Baillie, who was moved by her contribution.

Ms Baillie said: “It was truly thoughtful, reflecting on the people who have shaped our lives and encouraging all of us to play a part in shaping the lives of those we come across on a day-to-day basis.

"It is a really important message to Members of the Scottish Parliament as we go about the work we do in our communities.

“I am grateful to her for taking the time to come to the Scottish Parliament and sharing her thoughts.

“I hope people from Dumbarton and Helensburgh who know Tina well enjoyed her contribution as much as I did.”