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The Church of Scotland has stopped the bell ringing overnight at Beith Parish Church

By Cameron Angus Mackay

Journalist

A church bell that sounded every hour for more than 200 years has been silenced after a noise complaint.

The 24-hour ringing at Beith Parish Church in Ayrshire was stopped after a resident told council environmental health their sleep had been disturbed.

The Church of Scotland has now stopped the bell between 23:00 and 07:00.

A petition to restore the 24-hour chime has gathered more than 900 signatures. Organisers say the tradition is part of the Beith's "history and heritage".

Following the noise complaint, North Ayrshire Council asked the Church of Scotland to consider silencing the bell overnight.

The church's Kirk Session said members were "empathetic" and recognised it could be disturbing for some people.

A spokesperson said: "The Kirk Session took Environmental Health's suggestion on board, embracing the bible teaching of love thy neighbour as thyself."