An historic kirk is to be transformed into an arts venue and heritage centre.
Kilmaronock Old Kirk in Gartocharn will also be made available for community use following its acquisition by Kilmaronock Old Kirk Trust (KOKT). And there are plans to make use of external areas including for natural burial sites.
The group has been involved in talks to take over the building, car park and the glebe since it closed in 2017 and back in 2019, they were awarded £57,110 through a Scottish Land Fund grant which meant the dream was closer to reality.
Recently trust chair Willie Roxburgh took hold of the keys.
He said: “The intention is to develop the building as a sustainable multi-use community meeting space, an arts venue and a heritage centre.
“The glebe field will be developed as a natural burial ground and outdoor recreational space.”
Located in the southern part of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, the Christian use of the site can be traced back to at least 1325, serving the communities of Gartocharn and Croftamie.
The existing building dates from 1813 and was closed by the Church of Scotland in 2017.
Funding for the purchase was made possible by the Scottish Land Fund grant as well as earlier partial funding for feasibility, other studies and surveys plus a business plan from SLF and Forth Valley and Lomond Leader organisation.
Willie explained: “This external funding would not have been possible without the generous donations from KOKT members and local residents. All contributions are gratefully acknowledged.”
The first phase of the work will renovate the external fabric of the kirk so some initial use can be made of the building.
The work will then focus on converting the interior and improving the external landscape .
Trustees are now engaged in progressing the works as well as fundraising. They are keen to involved the local community as much as possible and invite anyone interested in getting involved to email kilmaronock@gmail.com or visit www.kilmaronockoldkirk.org.uk
Willie added: “It is intended that the use of the new facility will very much be complementary to the very successful Kilmaronock Millennium Hall in Gartocharn and assistance from Kilmaronock Millennium Hall management to date is much appreciated.
“KOKT trustees very much look forward to proceeding with the project and fulfilling the vision of this unique building achieving sustainable use for local communities and visitors alike.”
