And finally…Kirk goes contactless

The Kirk, which has already sought to embrace the internet era having last year appointed former Moderator Very Rev Albert Bogle as its first digital minister, says it will run a pilot scheme offering the new technology at a number of churches across the country.

The move comes after the Church of England revealed members would be able to make donations by contactless cards, Apple or Google Pay.

About 16,000 churches south of the border will offer the faster way to pay at special events like weddings and christenings.

In 2016, contributions from Church of Scotland worshippers – including donations, fundraising and gift aid tax recovery – which are traditionally made to churches in cash or by standing order, was around £70 million.

Anne Macintosh, the general treasurer of the Church of Scotland, said they work with the Church of England in areas of shared interest.

She added that they were “very excited” by the success of a trial of contactless payments at 40 English churches last summer.

“Our own stewardship team has been looking at this and we have identified a number of churches with a view to piloting contactless payment terminals in the near future,” she said.

“We envisage that these could be used for many purposes including retiring collections and donations by visitors to our historic churches and cathedrals.

“Regular giving to our congregations is largely made by standing order which is hugely important.

“But we know that there are many occasions when special collections are held or people would like to give spontaneously but just don’t carry much cash.

“We think there is huge potential for congregations here, not only to raise extra income, but to show that the Church is moving with the times.”

The Catholic Church has also expressed interest in the idea which, it said, “may be considered in the future”.