Minister sports halo to take Caithness services
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A CAITHNESS minister will be wearing his very own halo when he conducts his Sunday services this weekend.
However, it’s not the kind you would associate with angels and Christmas, but a contraption known as a halo vest which the Rev Howard Stone has to wear following an accident.
The Castletown Free Church of Scotland minister was on his way from his home to conduct a church service in Wick when he came off his motorbike.
Initially, he was taken to Caithness General hospital in Wick but was later transferred by helicopter to the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary to be treated for a fractured bone in his neck.
His medical team decided to fit him with the halo vest which he will have to wear for three months.
Mr Stone is now back home in Castletown and recovering well.
“I can do everything I need to do but more slowly than before. The halo vest is a bit cumbersome but I am thankful I have it,” he told the John O’Groat Journal yesterday.
Mr Stone, who has been the Free Church minister in Castletown for nearly 19 years, will be taking the service and bible class on Sunday as usual.
His accident happened on November 20 when he was travelling through to Wick to conduct a service.
He came off his motorbike near the Hoy junction after being dazzled by the sun. The bike struck the verge and Mr Stone landed on the grass. It is the first time he has been involved in an accident.
When he was in hospital in Wick it was discovered he had fractured a bone in his neck and he was transferred to Aberdeen.
The minister has had a motorbike for the past 11 years although he has been interested in bikes since he was 17.
Asked if he will now give up the machine, Mr Stone, replied: “I will wait and see.”
A Free Church of Scotland spokesman said: “We are thankful Howard was spared further injury and pray for a speedy recovery.”
