A former game reserve worker from South Africa has become the first woman to be ordained as a Church of Scotland minister on Skye.
Janet Easton-Berry will lead the charge of Bracadale and Duirinish on the north and west of the island which has been vacant for the last 18 months.
READ MORE: More than half of Scots now have no religion
The 53-year-old has worked among elephants, lions and rhinos on several game reserves in the Kwazulu-Natal Province as a safari rest camp supervisor.
She described it as an "incredible experience" that helped shaped her world view by giving her an appreciation of the natural environment.
Ms Easton-Berry originally moved to the UK in 2000 to work as a social worker in London.
READ MORE: More than half of Scots now have no religion
She studied theology part-time at Highland Theological College in Dingwall while working as a community social worker on Mull.
Ms Easton-Berry was working as a probationer minister in Aberdeen until last year but will now take up her first full-time position with the role on Skye.
"I am inspired by faith and very much looking forward to getting to know and serve the community," she said.
"Being a minister is the best job in the world because it is such a privilege to walk alongside people and hear their stories.
READ MORE: More than half of Scots now have no religion
"I would encourage anyone who feels called to ministry to follow their calling because it is the best journey ever.
"I have worked in different fields but skills are transferable, so I carry what I have learned with me which will help me in my ministry."
The Rev David Kellas, moderator of the Presbytery of Lochcarron and Skye, described the move as a "significant development" for the church.
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