The King’s and Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer (KLTR) is delighted to announce his decision to transfer Campsie High Kirk in Lennoxtown into community ownership for use as an arts, cultural and community events hub.
This 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.
Notable examples included the Bombed Out Church in Liverpool, which lay derelict for 60 years before being transformed into a venue for dance, world music, theatre and spoken word events.
Similarly, St Paul’s Church in Perth was revitalised as an outdoor space for public events. Both projects exemplify 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.”
More information about the KLTR and the OPTS can be found here and in the attached Media Pack. Please contact policy@kltr.gov.uk with any further enquiries.
EDITORS NOTES
- OPTS Guidance is available on the KLTR’s website, together with a summary document to help prospective applicants to initially consider whether OPTS may be an option for them.
- 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.
- The KLTR has created an OPTS Advisory Panel to assist with the decision-making process, which consists of nominated members from the three key sectors involved in OPTS. Members include representatives from Crown Estate Scotland, Confederation of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), Glasgow City Council, Highlands & Islands Enterprise and the Scottish Land Commission. The purpose of the panel is to provide advice to the KLTR on OPTS criteria on a case-by-case basis and to ensure key sectors continue to play a vital role in delivering OPTS.
FOR BACKGROUND
- Campsie High Kirk was designed in the early 19th century by prominent Glaswegian architect David Hamilton, known as the father of the profession.
- His other well-known works include Hutcheson’s Hall, Nelson’s Monument in Glasgow Green, Lennox Castle and the Royal Exchange building in Glasgow, which now serves as the Gallery of Modern Art.
- The High Kirk was used for worship until the 1970s and was ravaged by a catastrophic fire in 1984.
- Details of OPTS cases are available on the KLTR’s website.
- The attached photo of the church today should be credited to Ronnie Shepherd.
- The attached artist impressions should be credited to James Fallan.
