Almost 40 children of primary school age enjoyed the weeklong club which was full of activities, singing and games. Run by members of the church the holiday club featured arts and crafts, music, games and was based round the theme of St Columba and his arrival on Iona to bring Christianity to Scotland.

During the week the children learned to make a wooden sail boat, a St John’s cross and even a model of the Loch Ness monster, as legend has it that St Columba chased a sea serpent into the river Ness giving birth to the Loch Ness Monster stories.

The Summer Holiday Club culminated in a re-enactment of St Columba’s landing on the shores of Iona, except this time it was Cardross beach.

Peter Foster, one of the leaders, sailed the coracle along a mile of the shoreline and was welcomed by a crowd of over 100 church members, villagers and children from the Holiday club waving flags. The coracle was built by the Bill Watson and Graham Cordner with the help of the children of the holiday club.

After landing successfully on the village shore everyone joined Peter for a pilgrimage back up Station Road to the church halls for a family picnic and and afternoon for splashtastick fun outside.

Peter told the Advertiser: “It was a great week, all the children were a super reflection on their school and parents and it was a privilege to have so many well behaved kids.

“This is the second year we have ran this club and it has been a great success from a whole team of volunteers who help out.

“The children all enjoyed themselves and it was a fantastic week for everyone.”