Kenmore Church
The Church of Scotland (CoS) has decided that, due to falling congregation numbers, it intends to close and sell Kenmore Church.
Many similar CoS churches across Scotland are also being sold.
This will come as a serious disappointment to all of those in the area, not just our churchgoers - the kirk is very much part of the village and its life, and is a special place for many of us.
Worried about the future status of the kirk, and being keen not to lose such a precious asset, the Community Council approached the Kirk Session to try to explore options to protect the building for community use for the future should a sale take place. Our approach was warmly met and we have been offered the sale of kirk on an exclusive basis for a limited period. The details of a sale, including price, are yet to be firmed up.
Clearly, such a move would present opportunities to retain our kirk as a valuable community space for now and into the future, but it also brings financial and management risks which need to be properly assessed.
We have formed a small working group to prepare a feasibility report which will look at all the key issues involved. We are fortunate to have a recently prepared building condition survey and the pro bono assistance of McKenzie Strickland Architects, for which we are very grateful. Their report is linked below.
We are also investigating possible sources of funds and advice, and are learning from other communities’ experiences with taking over former religious buildings.
Taking the kirk on as a non-denominational community space would require significant commitment and support from the community.
The Community Council considered the Feasibility Report at its meeting on July 10 and voted unanimously to carry out a public consultation on the purchase. Details to follow.
Feasibility Report - Executive summary
In the meantime, if you have any questions, or wish to make your views known, please contact:
Community Council: info@kenmore-and-district-cc.org.uk
Kirk Session: lorimer.gray@gmail.com