Father steps out for final challenge

Father David Borland, of St Columba’s and St Andrew’s, walked a total 17.4 miles between the two churches at the weekend, raising over £2000 for two charities.
Speaking after completing the fundraising trek, Father Borland said: “It was absolutely excellent — the weather was superb.
“It was a wee bit hot on Saturday but fine on Sunday, and it stayed dry up until the last 15 minutes.”
And Father Borland enjoyed strong support from his congregations, as he added: “There were always at least five of us on the road at any one time, so there was a great turnover of people from both St Columba’s and St Andrew’s.
“So it was a good representation of the parish.”
The challenge took about six-and-a-half hours in total, split over two days due to Father Borland’s obligations in the churches.
And just over £2000 has already been raised for the two charities — UK-based Friends of the Holy Land and St Martha’s House.
Father Borland said: “It’s absolutely wonderful.”
Grateful to those who provided support or who donated money, he added: “Heartfelt thanks, really.
“Those who walked were a fantastic support and kept the spirits up when we were getting fed up, and to the number of people who went past and tooted their horn and some stopped and gave us money, which was great.”
Next weekend mark’s Father Borland’s last as the priest at St Columba’s and St Andrew’s.
He is departing for St Paul’s in Ayr and at St Francis Xavier’s, and will be succeeded by Father Gerald Donnelly who previously served as parish priest for Holy Trinity in Lockerbie.