Murdo Fraser MSP has asked the SNP Government to encourage the Church of Scotland to allow time for community groups in Mid Scotland and Fife to put together a business case to take over empty Kirk buildings.
The Scottish Conservative politician recently raised the issue during a Constitution, External Affairs and Culture Portfolio Question session, which included questions on church buildings, at the Scottish Parliament.
Speaking during the Parliamentary session, Mr Fraser said: “I share the concern about the speed with which the Church of Scotland is disposing of so many properties that have been at the heart of their communities—for centuries, in some cases—and to which many people have a strong emotional connection.
“I am certainly aware of community groups across my region that are interested in acquiring historic church buildings but need time to put together a business case and raise the funds - and are concerned about the speed with which the Church of Scotland is putting those properties on the market.
“Those groups are worried that they will not get that opportunity, because a delay has not been built into the process. I therefore encourage the Cabinet Secretary, if he is engaging with the Church of Scotland, to encourage it not to force the process along too quickly and to allow any community interest that expresses a view that they might want to purchase a property the time to put together a business case so that those assets are not lost to the communities that they serve.”
Speaking following the PQ session, Mr Fraser said: “I was pleased to hear the Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, Angus Robertson MSP, tell me that he is aware of the ‘accelerating rate at which churches are being disposed of across denominations.’
“During the question session, the Cabinet Secretary also told me that he is having discussions with the Church of Scotland and other denominations to best understand what can be done.”
Mr Fraser continued: “I recently wrote to the General Trustees of the Church of Scotland after being contacted by members of the Mount Blair Community Development Trust (MBCDT) in relation to the sale by the church of the Kirkmichael and Glenshee churches. There is strong local feeling about the future of these buildings: residents are deeply concerned about the potential loss of local places of worship, the stewardship of family graves and the risk of the buildings falling into private ownership or disrepair.
“I understand that several local estates and landowners have also expressed a willingness to support the community in exploring possible purchase options. The General Trustees have responded to say they have been notified of the interest by MBCDT and will inform me of any developments.”
