Famous former church to be revamped into vital community hub

The King’s and Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer (KLTR) has announce the transfer of Campsie High Kirk in Lennoxtown into community ownership for use as an arts, cultural and community events hub

The historic and much-loved building is being sold for a nominal sum to local community group, Friends of Campsie High Kirk, who have developed their plans for the ruined church with support from the local community and East Dunbartonshire Council.

The Grade A-listed Kirk, which has been standing empty for decades after a devastating fire, will help to rejuvenate the Lennoxtown area which is in the top 10 per cent of the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD).

Designed by renowned architect David Hamilton and constructed in 1828 in the gothic revival style, Campsie High Kirk is a Grade A-listed building.

Friends of Campsie High representatives have worked with East Dunbartonshire Council (EDC) and a number of support agencies to present a successful application containing detailed proposals to the KLTR’s Ownerless Property Transfer Scheme (OPTS).

This scheme was launched earlier this year to provide opportunities to bring ownerless buildings back into productive use for the benefit of local communities.

The KLTR deals with ownerless property in Scotland, a large part of which centres around land and buildings most recently owned by dissolved companies.

Until March 2024, these properties were either sold at auction or disclaimed. The OPTS provides another option and may be used where a property could be transferred in the public interest to benefit the local community.

The KLTR evaluates applications with the help of an Advisory Panel.

Bobby Sandeman, the KLTR’s CEO, welcomed the news, saying:

“This is an excellent example of how communities, local authorities and support organisations can work collaboratively with us to bring long-neglected ownerless property back into beneficial use.

“We were particularly impressed with how the Friends of Campsie High Kirk had taken advantage of sources of funding and support to develop such a strong plan for the Kirk’s future, and with their commitment to saving this incredibly important building to benefit the local area.”

With a clear vision for the Kirk from the outset, the Friends of Campsie High Kirk were motivated by other similar successful projects including St Paul’s Church in Perth which was revitalised as an outdoor space for public events and exemplifies how old church buildings can be restored into valuable community spaces while preserving their heritage.

Craig Brooks, Chair of Friends of Campsie High Kirk, said:

“We are excited to have the opportunity to transform Campsie High Kirk from a neglected ruin into a centrepiece jewel and beacon of inspiration.

“This project will drive the wider regeneration of Lennoxtown and Greater Campsie, setting in motion a chain reaction of positive change. Together, we can revitalise Lennoxtown and the Greater Campsie Corridor into a vibrant place to live, thrive and visit.”

OPTS is designed as a public interest scheme, which encourages public bodies, local authorities and communities to work collaboratively to identify the best use for OPTS property which will provide the most benefit to the community.    

Picture credit: Campsie High Kirk (picture by Ronnie Shepherd).