MEMBERS of Luss Parish Church braved the elements to ring in their 1,500th anniversary year from an historic hill.

The 13-strong group welcomed the new year by ringing two bells from the top of Tom A Chluig (the hill of the bell) on Inchtavannach island.

A 64lb bell was borrowed from HMS Neptune, with Lieutenant Commander Mike Palmer joining the Rev Dane Sherrard to welcome 2010.

Along with the bell from HMS Neptune at HM Naval Base Clyde, a smaller bell which was uncovered in the garden of the manse was rung on New Year's Eve.

Dane, minister of Luss Parish Church, was thrilled the evening went to plan.

He said: "The night was absolutely super.

"Members of the congregation who couldn't make the trek gathered in Aldochlay, at Bandry, at the pier at Luss and at the church to listen for the bell.

"After Mike Palmer's first ring of the bell at the stroke of midnight, there was a reply from Luss church and the bells rang back and forth for 10 minutes.

"Everyone who climbed the hill had an opportunity to ring in the new year." FOR MORE ON THE NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS AT LUSS PICK UP A COPY OF THIS WEEK'S HELENSBURGH ADVERTISER?

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