Fire-hit Lennoxtown kirk given back under new scheme
The move forms part of a flagship case for the new Ownerless Property Transfer Scheme (OPTS) launched last year by John Logue, the King's and Lord Treasurer's Remembrancer (KLTR).
East Dunbartonshire Provost Gillian Renwick, third from left, joined the KLTR John Logue, fourth from left, at a handover ceremony for Campsie High Kirk (Image: Supplied) The 200-year-old church, one of Scotland's best-known kirks, was officially handed over by the KLTR to East Dunbartonshire Provost Gillian Renwick at a ceremony on Wednesday, July 9.
This transfer came after the Friends of Campsie High Kirk successfully applied to acquire the building from the KLTR for a nominal £1 plus the costs of transfer.
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Mr Logue said: "I am delighted that this once-abandoned kirk can now thrive in the hands of those who cherish it most.
"This is a model of regeneration that speaks volumes."
He also highlighted the success of the OPTS scheme as a catalyst for change in the drive to empower local communities to revitalise vacant properties.
The OPTS offers opportunities for properties fallen to the Crown as ownerless to be brought back into purposeful use for the benefit of local communities.
Mr Logue said: "It is hard to believe it has only been 15 months since OPTS was launched.
"Already, communities across Scotland are coming to us with ideas for gardens, for housing, for space for communities to gather and grow, and other transformative ideas."
He praised the Friends of Campsie High Kirk for their clear, compelling, and visionary application, remarking on their belief in taking responsibility for what is broken and breathing life back into it.
He added: 'Lennoxtown is a place full of pride, history, and potential.
'And here, in an area facing significant challenges, the community saw the kirk not as a ruin but as a resource, something to be restored, reimagined, and made meaningful again.
'Working closely with East Dunbartonshire Council and partners, the Friends group demonstrated what's possible when people care deeply and act boldly.'
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