Renfrewshire provost in glowing tribute after death of former Paisley Abbey minister

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Renfrewshire’s provost has paid tribute to a “lovely and kind” former minister of Paisley Abbey following his death at the age of 69.A minute’s silence was held in the chambers on Thursday as councillors remembered Reverend Alan Birss, who passed away on Friday, December 9.Rev Birss, who was minister at the church for more than 32 years, had been diagnosed with stage four oesophageal cancer in late September.Provost Lorraine Cameron described him as “some man” – an individual who had “turned around the fortunes of the Abbey” and someone with a “real community spirit”.Rev Birss was due to leave his charge at the 12th century church on June 7, 2020 but postponed his retirement due to the covid pandemic and conducted his last service in Paisley in August 2020.Provost Cameron said on Thursday: “Before we do get on to the official business of the council, I would just like to take a minute to reflect on the very sad news of the death of the Reverend Alan Birss from Paisley Abbey.Renfrewshire Live, the new free app dedicated to bringing you around the clock breaking news, is now available to download.Powered by the Paisley Daily Express, Renfrewshire Live is your go-to source for news, features and sport with live coverage provided direct to the app, seven days a week.The dedicated team of experienced journalists, responsible for the publication of the award-winning Express, will focus on breaking news, day and night, across Renfrewshire’s towns and villages.There is also a dedicated St Mirren section that will follow every kick of the ball with the Buddies.Available on both Android and Apple.

Download here: smarturl.it/RenfrewLiveSocial “Alan, as you know, just retired during the covid pandemic to Aboyne with his wife Carol