Renton-born Peter Houston – minister, writer, musician, photographer, broadcaster and, to all who knew him, lovable rogue – died on January 18, aged 81, at Lochside Care Home in Rhu, writes Tina Kemp.

Peter intended on becoming a journalist on leaving the army, but his life took a different direction when he was called to the ministry.

He remained a card-carrying photo journalist all his life, using his gift with words and communication in worship, poetry and prose, and in his role as a religious programme producer and presenter with the former Q96FM and Clan FM.

Peter’s first placement was as assistant at Dumbarton Old Parish Church, now Riverside. While there he married Nan Beveridge in Renton Union Church in 1952. Their daughter, Liz, is now minister of Alexandria Parish Church.

Later that year he moved to his first charge, Craigneuk Bellhaven between Motherwell and Wishaw.

It was while in Craigneuk that Peter became involved in industrial mission and he was the first chaplain to Ravenscraig Steel Works. In 1963 he was called to Renfrew Old Parish, where he remained till 1997.

During that time he became chaplain at Renfrew Airport and then at Glasgow International Airport from its opening in 1966 until 2002.

Peter was heavily involved in the creation of the airport chapel and the development of a multi-faith chaplaincy there. He also served as chaplain with the police, fire service and at Renfrew High School.

On retiring, Peter and Nan moved to Jamestown where he spent many months conducting worship in Luss, Arrochar and Rhu during vacancies.

In 2002 he was appointed locum minister at Kilmaronock Gartocharn Parish until the charge was filled, and the same year was made Associate Minister Emeritus by Alexandria Parish Church to mark his 50 years of ordination.

• Full story at the Lennox Herald.

• Filed under Church of Scotland, Glasgow, West + Ayrshire, Media, Obituaries, Scottish Christian News Monitor.