Talks underway for Kenmore community takeover of historic Perthshire church
Talks are in progress for a Perthshire village to potentially complete a community transfer of an historic church.
The Church of Scotland has confirmed that talks are ongoing that could potentially see Kenmore Church handed over to the local community there.
It's understood that plans to close and sell the church have been considered due to falling congregation numbers there.
Now, the local community council is gauging public opinion on a potential takeover of the building.
Kenmore and District Community Council said: 'Kenmore Church is about to be sold on the open market if our community does not act quickly to buy it.
'Before considering a purchase of the church we need to ask people in our community what they think; try to answer any questions; and to assess practical support to convert the church into a functioning and flexible community space.
'We welcome views from the wider community and area; business owners; holiday home owners; visitors and importantly, young people.
'Our consultation process will close after August 7.'
The Church of Scotland says that it hope a community transfer will take place and 'the building will continue to be part of the community of Kenmore'.
A spokesperson added: 'The church is not closed yet and is still being used every fortnight, although the number of people attending is sometimes in single figures and this has an impact on income, which is not enough to keep the building viable.
'Kenmore is part of a united group of churches which were clubbed together in 2019 previously known as Fortingall, Kenmore, Glenlyon and Lawers Church.
'Due to a recent linkage with Rannoch Church, the name of the cluster is The Churches of Loch Tay and Glenlyon with Rannoch.
'The Church of Scotland owns thousands of properties, far more than required to achieve our primary mission of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ and serving our local communities.
'Changing population patterns along with falling membership, fewer people training for ministry and a reduction in financial contributions mean that it is necessary to reduce the number of buildings we own.
'We appreciate that churches have meaning for people but having fewer buildings reduces pressure on congregational finances, freeing up funds and general income for other Church missional activities and a more sustainable and realistic situation.'
The church was built in 1760 to serve the planned village of Kenmore, which had been redeveloped on the site of an earlier village since 1755.
Records suggest that in 1759 the architect William Baker, of Cheshire, was paid six guineas to produce plans for a church by the Earl of Breadalbane.
The church was then renovated in 1869.
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