The funeral of long-serving Reverend Alan Birss took place yesterday in his beloved Paisley Abbey.
The minister, who served the Abbey and its congregation for more than 32 years, sadly passed away on Friday, December 9.
He had been diagnosed with stage four oesophageal cancer in late September and had been battling and “persevering” with palliative treatment.
He passed away at home in Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, aged 69.
Alan was associated for many years with the 2nd Paisley Abbey Scout group where he was assistant Scout section leader for 22 years, Scout section leader for seven years, and group Scout leader for three years.
He was also County Chaplain of the former Renfrew and Inverclyde County for 11 years.
Alan was extremely well known throughout Paisley, Renfrewshire and beyond and was a dedicated Scouter, winning many awards culminating in the Silver Acorn in May 2021.
He was best known as the much-loved minister at Paisley Abbey for more than 32 years and a Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Renfrewshire.
West Region Scouts Regional Commissioner Ian Hunter paid tribute to the former Scout Leader.
Ian said: “I am desperately sorry to hear about Alan’s passing. He dedicated a large part of his busy life to Scouting and made a huge difference to the lives of young people in Paisley and beyond.
“The thoughts and condolences are with all of Alan’s family and friends at this sad time. His legacy in Scouting will not be forgotten.”
Born in Aberdeenshire and educated at St Andrew’s University, where he achieved a degree in English Literature, and then a Bachelor of Divinity at the famous New College at the University of Edinburgh, Alan came from a churchgoing family.
He was due to leave his charge at the 12th century Abbey on June 7, 2020. But he postponed his retirement due to the Covid pandemic and conducted his last service in Paisley in August 2020.
During the service, Alan thanked his wife Carol, who worked closely alongside him at the Abbey, managing the gift shop.
He also talked about the wonderful people he had been privileged to work with all through the years, in particular the young people involved with the Abbey through its choir and Scout group.
MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, Gavin Newlands, also paid tribute to the long-serving “link” at Paisley Abbey.
Mr Newlands said: “After retirement in 2020 Alan moved to Aboyne where he sadly passed away after battling oesophageal cancer for the past few months.
“Before he retired, I was lucky enough to meet Alan many times and on each occasion I found him very courteous and welcoming. He always took a keen interest in what was happening in the community and in society more widely.
“During his time at the Abbey he oversaw, amongst many other things, its 850th anniversary celebrations in 2013, a truly historic occasion and one which meant a visit from the BBC for a special live Easter Sunday broadcast.
“Along with his wife, who ran the gift shop at the Abbey, they supported the local community through an era of huge change for Paisley and Renfrewshire.
“Rev Birss was a link in a lineage of clergy at the Abbey stretching back to the 12th century – indeed, William Wallace himself was reputed to be a pupil in his time in Elderslie.
“My thoughts go to his wife Carol, son Sean and all those who will mourn his loss across our community and beyond.”
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