Monday February 2nd 2026
Reverend Graham Duffin being honoured after his last Sunday Communion Service at Loanhead and Bilston Parish Church as Reverend (photo by Joe Gilhooley LRPS).
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
A beloved Reverend and community figure in Loanhead has retired after 24 and a half years at a Lonehead church.
In June of 2001, Rev Graham Duffin moved from being a minister in Newmains and Bonkle, Lanarkshire, to Loanhead Parish Church (Church of Scotland).
Now named the Loanhead and Bilston Parish Church, Rev Duffin has become a beloved Reverend and community member, with himself and his wife Jane being involved in many areas of Loanhead life within and outside the church.
After moving in 2001, Rev Duffin and his wife Jane then moved into The Manse adjoining the Church in The Loan, Loanhead, with their three children, Laura, Alan and Amy.
They became well-known faces in the town and in Loanhead’s two schools, becoming good friends to many, not just to their parishioners. The Parish Church did and still does much to assist and help many in Loanhead throughout the years, including youth work that continues to grow.
After yesterday’s Sunday Communion Service and after 24 and a half years at the Church, Graham retired from his role.
On the previous evening, parishioners and friends held a farewell celebration where parishioners Audrey McLaren and Paul Anderson gave at times emotional tributes to Graham and Jane with presentations and gifts also being handed over.
The Reverend’s three children are married with Graham being the celebrant at each wedding. Alan and Sarah have given Graham and Jane three Grandchildren, Eden, Gracie and Caleb.
Graham and Jane have moved to Bonnyrigg and look forward to working on their new home. With Graham spending some of his retirement time improving his golf handicap, he also looks forward to having more time to support his rugby teams, Edinburgh and Scotland.
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