Reverend Lamont’s Highland Hope

The publication of the book completes a trilogy by the Rev Jim Lamont, who is the Presbyterian chaplain at Donegal Hospice and Letterkenny University Hospital.

Rev. Lamont is currently in charge of the Presbyterian congregations at Inch and Burt, and is also Minister Emeritus (senior minister) of Dunfanaghy and Carrigart congregations.

He is a regular broadcaster on Highland Radio in Co Donegal and Highland Hope is a 140-page selection of inspirational Thought for the Day style stories, interspersed with photographs of the Co. Donegal landscape.

The book, which was launched at a virtual ceremony held on Zoom on November 12, is priced at €10 and is a fundraiser for Donegal Hospice.

Rev. Lamont’s two earlier books, Highland Inspiration (2005) and Highland Reflections (2008), both proved popular in Donegal and beyond.

The two books plus the proceeds of a number of concerts in Letterkenny have raised more than €125,000 for Donegal Hospice.

Rev. Lamont said: “I have chosen the title for this book because it reflects my connection with Highland Radio – which goes back 20 years – and my conviction that we should never give up on hope.”

Dr Michael McBrien, co-ordinator of the editorial committee, said: “Readers can dip in and out of the book and we hope they will be variously entertained, amused and encouraged by the content.

“We are grateful to all those who gave financial support as the idea was taking shape – and this means all our costs are already covered, so everything we raise now can go to Donegal Hospice.”

Rev. Lamont currently hosts a Sunday service on Highland every other Sunday morning as part of the Aidan Murphy show.

Highland presenter John Breslin, who first hosted Mr Lamont on his radio show in 2000, said: “In this book Rev Jim once again takes the time to talk to us about our everyday concerns and fears, about what makes us tick and about what we aspire to.”

For the Zoom launch, local singer/songwriter Eilidh Patterson performed a specially recorded version of her song ‘You are There’ from her album ‘When the Time Comes’.

She said: “Highland Hope is a comforting, delightful read. Rev Jim has once again created inspirational moments of reflection to warm the heart and remind us of our reason for living. At a time when hope seems in short supply, he gently turns our eyes towards Jesus, using personal anecdotes, poetry and stories that are refreshingly relatable.”

The front cover of Highland Hope features a photograph by local photographer Marie Wilson of a rainbow – a symbol of hope – over Dunfanaghy.

Highland Hope, which has been published by Impacto Print in Letterkenny, retails at €10 and is available from Bookmark bookstore at Letterkenny Shopping Centre, in person or by mail order, from various gift shops in Co. Donegal once they re-open and at the Faith Mission outlet in Derry, and by mail order, priced at £10.