Historic Lennoxtown church building set to become community arts centre
Campsie High Kirk, a 200-year-old building in Lennoxtown, will be formally handed over to the community in a ceremony on Wednesday, July 9, as part of a major restoration project.
The church will be transformed into an arts hub under the Ownerless Property Transfer Scheme (OPTS), launched last year by the King's and Lord Treasurer's Remembrancer (KLTR).
(Image: James Fallan) The building will be formally handed over to East Dunbartonshire Provost Gillian Renwick during the ceremony.
John Logue, the KLTR, said: "The Friends of Campsie High Kirk presented a really compelling case for not only rescuing this magnificent building from further decline but also providing a community arts hub with the potential to give a huge economic and cultural boost to the Lennoxtown area.
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"We are delighted to see the opportunities provided by the OPTS used in this way and look forward to watching the transformation."
The Friends of Campsie High Kirk secured ownership for £1 plus transfer costs.
(Image: James Fallan) Craig Brooks, chair of the group, said: "It's not just about saving a building.
"It's about something much bigger.
"It's about communities being empowered by those in a position to give them the tools to make it happen.
"That applies from government right down to communities like ours."
The OPTS allows community groups and local authorities to apply for ownerless properties if they can show public benefit and community support.
Since its launch, the scheme has helped deliver green spaces, affordable housing, and a community hub.
Campsie High Kirk was designed in the early 19th century by Glaswegian architect David Hamilton.
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