Organist recognised for 60 years of service to Caithness church

A woman who has dedicated 60 years of her life to playing the organ has been recognised for her service.

Cynthia Grant has provided musical accompaniment at Keiss Church near Wick in Caithness since 1964.

Her father was an elder there and initially asked her to play during two services and she was hooked thereafter.

Mrs Grant was presented with a long service certificate signed by Rt Rev Sally Foster-Fulton, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

It was given to her by parish minister, Rev Janet Easton-Berry and Susanna Mackay, the granddaughter of Irene Mackay, a "much loved" elder who died last year.

She and Mrs Grant were great friends.

Ms Easton-Berry said: "We are all so thankful to Cynthia for her dedicated service in playing the organ for us in all our services.

"It was wonderful to be able to present her with a long service certificate signed by the Moderator of the General Assembly.

"Cynthia is a lovely lady and someone made a comment about looking forward to being there for her next 60-year certificate."

Dedication

Keiss Church is part of Pentland Parish – the largest geographical Church of Scotland area in Caithness.

The union includes Canisbay, Olrig and Dunnet churches.

Mrs Grant was presented with flowers arranged by Christine Shearer, an elder at Canisbay Church whose father was once the minister there.

The organist was also given an "amazing cake" baked by Christine's granddaughter Annie.

In 2022, the then Prince Charles presented Mary Edmondson, the organist at Canisbay Church, with a special letter from the Moderator of the General Assembly and a basket of flowers to thank her for her service.

At that time, she had been playing in churches for 75 years but she has sadly since passed away.