Ken, when Jane Denniston suggested that I consider St Bryce Kirk for a placement it was a great idea, and my lucky day when you agreed to take me on! I had a really great start with you in my training for ministry of Word and Sacrament, and will always be grateful for what I learned from you and the congregation. Thank you and happy retirement! [Martin Ritchie, Minister at Greenbank Church, Edinburgh]

.in 1983in the Kirkcaldy area there was a significantss number of school leavers who needed a lot of guidance and support to prepare them for employment.
The more you learnt about this, the more you were convinced that the church should be involved in working with these young people..
After much preparation, St Brycedale Youth Training Scheme opened the doors to a group of ten trainees.  They were all very apprehensive at being with “church people”  However, the majority eventually settled into this new situation as did those who came in later years.
The Scheme ran for 20 years and during that time 500+ trainees were given the opportunity to gain life skills, qualifications and employment.
For the first five years we operated from the spare bedroom in the manse we had groups in the dining room and lounge for two mornings most weeks
Agnes Ann made everyone feel welcome, but she must have been relieved when the Training Scheme moved into the new church centre.

Ken what can I say from the two photos shown I see the young man starting out on a journey, and the second showing a man that has achieved so much. I would like to say a big thank you for all the help you gave me when I cared for my aunt it was a difficult time for me. I also loved working in the church baking doing posters once again Ken I wish you and your family all the best enjoy your retirement and once again many thanks.

Ken you will be missed in the office for your commitment and dedication to the growth of Christian Community in St Bryce. But I will also miss the cheeky comments and inspirational ideas. You and Agnes-Ann deserve a long and happy retirement. Enjoy.

Nothing much more I can say to you here that I haven’t already said in other formats! Nevertheless I want to acknowledge the huge part you have played in my life, and that of my family. You and I have shared good times and bad, and I hope that during the latter we were able to support each other - I know that I was the better for it.
There are good times ahead however! I look forward to seeing you down at Kinghorn where we can share a walk round the loch and perhaps photograph the birds?
Best wishes to you both!

A message in honour of Minister Ken.
To learn how to earn respect one should look at Minister Ken’s life. He is pure, clean and crystal. Minister Ken was and still is complete Ministry, and he truly served the community from his heart. Thank you.

Throughout the changes at Fair Isle, you have been a constant for our school community. You organised a school cinema trip to see Prince of Egypt, shared in the official opening of the new school along with your praise band and at our project launch. The children sold their home grown produce in the church and the school choir sang with The Kinghorn Singers. Annually, P6 pupils visited the church to hear the history of St Bryce Kirk and it’s traditions and you supported our P7’s in ‘Moving On’ to High School.  You have given guidance to pupils and staff and supported me as a Depute and also as the Headteacher.  I always appreciated and benefitted greatly from your encouragement, guidance and advice. Even during the global pandemic, we kept in touch by phone and you stayed in contact, with pupils and families through digital technology. In true Fair Isle style, a pandemic was not going to stop our summer assembly! Everyone at Fair Isle Primary wishes you a long and happy retirement.

Dear Ken,
As convenor of the Guild it is a privilege for me to say a few words on your retirement.
Over the years both you and Agnes Ann have given your prayers and support at our meetings and events.
We wish you well as your journey begins through a long and happy retirement and that you take away with you many happy memories.
God Bless
Helen Mitchell on behalf of St Bryce Kirk Guild.

Ken, there is no doubt you will be missed but I wish you a long, healthy and happy retirement and hope you enjoy whatever you choose to do. 
With best wishes
Jessie x

Well Ken, that’s it and your final message as our minister was, as always, informative and thought provoking. I have learned so much from you over the years; I have found the way you make connections between the ancient world and today fascinating. As a Street pastor, I found the comparisons very useful when discussing my faith with ‘the folk on the street’. I appreciated you coming out with the team one night in Kirkcaldy.
After knowing Alec for 25 years, we made the impulsive decision to get married before you retired. We were delighted you agreed to officiate our wedding ceremony in October
In addition to your teachings, I will miss your humour, mischievous comments and your leadership skills; you have served the Church, and the community, well and now deserve a long, safe, healthy and happy retirement.
You’ll be a tough act to follow. May God continue to walk with you, and bless you, and Agnes Ann as you begin a new chapter of your life together.