AN Erskine minister is to star in a reality TV show about the challenges he has faced during lockdown.

Reverend David Nicolson features in a new series on BBC ALBA following various people as they learn to cope with the Covid pandemic.

The 35-year-old, who is a fluent Gaelic speaker, talks about the difficulties of serving his congregation while juggling family life with teacher wife Victoria and their three young children.

David used to work as a TV programme director but got the calling to the ministry in 2015 and gave up a promising career in the small screen industry to become a man of the cloth.

After graduating with a theology degree, he was appointed minister at Erskine Parish Church in October 2019, which is his first charge.

Life in Lockdown shows how David adapts to the pandemic by broadcasting his sermons on YouTube and then eventually welcoming his congregation back after restrictions were eased.

He is also seen relaxing with his four-year-old twins Autumn and Issac and seven-year-old son Finlay.

David told The Gazette: “It was an interesting experience to be on the other side of the camera.

“Because of social distancing, I filmed it on my phone using a special app and the production company pieced the raw footage together.

“I had only been a minister for five months when lockdown happened, so it was a big challenge.”

Before becoming a minister, David made programmes on a range of subjects such as the Berlin Wall and the nuclear weapons site at Faslane and the protestors who live there.

He added: “I have been a Christian since my early 20s and have tried to serve the Church as much as I can.

“What I try to get over on the programme is that, although I’m a minister, I have a normal life, like everyone else,” said David, who is from Storonoway, on Lewis.

“For example, I love boxing and am passionate about going to the gym.”

During lockdown, David would also broadcast recordings of hymns on his guitar for members to sing along to.

He said: “At the most extreme end of lockdown, I was just preaching to a webcam, which was not the same as addressing a congregation.

“I really struggled with the online services because there is no atmosphere or energy in the room, which you get in a church.

“Despite the lockdown, I feel as though I have been in the right place at the right time and that is what I try to get over in the programme.”

Episode three of Life in Lockdown will be screened tonight, with the fourth episode to be broadcast on May 5, starting at 8.30pm. Each episode is also available on the BBC iPlayer for 30 days.

Marsaili Shields, director of programme makers MacTV, added:”We feel it is refreshingly honest depiction of the highs and lows of lockdown from all walks of life.”