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The Herald Scotland
12-07-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
This isn't just about preserving buildings; it's about restoring hope
The handover moment on Wednesday morning went largely unheralded, save for a host of civic panjandrums; Iona from STV and me, your most humble messenger. The most important group of all though, were all here: 100 or so people from the Campsie community who had pledged not to let this old Kirk perish amidst hope that it may yet enkindle an era of much-needed civic renewal in their village. Among them was 94-year-old Willie Ralston, who was baptised at the Campsie High Kirk in November, 1930. Read More: The import of this moment will also come to resonate in communities across the land. This was a landmark treaty – the first of its kind - signifying a new chapter in Scotland's relationship with its own people and their stewardship of their public buildings and the land bequeathed to them by several generations of their own families. The Campsie High Kirk ranks among the most majestic and important ruins in this part of West Central Scotland. It sits atop the raised cemetery in the middle of the town where most of Lennoxtown's departed souls now rest. Beyond it lie the Campsie Hills which form the gateway to the Trossachs. You'd be blessed indeed to secure your eternal rest beneath these pastures. And besides: David Hamilton is one of the UJK's most important – but under-appreciated architects whose genius helped shape Glasgow's Georgian majesty. Last year, The Herald revealed that a local community group, Friends of Campsie High Kirk, had successfully applied to acquire the ruin from the Crown, represented by King's and Lord Treasurer's Remembrancer (KILTR). On Wednesday, John Logue, Crown Agent and Chief Executive of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, formally transferred ownership of the A-listed High Kirk to the community. A ceremonial key to mark the event was presented to the local provost, Gillian Renwick, representing the community of Lennoxtown. Simply to have reached this stage is a small miracle in itself. The Friends group had come together barely two years ago, a handful of local people united by their affection of the old High Kirk and a growing alarm about its impending fate. They had chosen their moment well, though. It had come just as the Crown was developing its ambitious Ownerless Property Transfer Scheme, whereby many other hallowed community buildings may be handed back to the people whose forbears had built them and used them. The Friends of the High Kirk believe that this place can be first restored and then used as a community arts and events hub which would spark authentic regeneration in a small town that's been left reeling by the departure of several old industries. Even as their plans emerged from the drawing board, the decrepitude of its once thriving Main Street has continued with the departure of the local Post Office. That followed the closure of several pubs, the local family butcher and a number of family-run shops. In a town which occupies the bottom reaches of the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation, the restoration of the High Kirk and its future use as a Community arts and civic space is vital. Campsie High Kirk (Image: Gordon Terris) Sympathy and sentiment alone though, wouldn't have been sufficient to enable the transfer of the Kirk. The community needed to meet a high bar set around levels of future viability and purpose to the community. The potential to do all of this: the repairs (especially to the roof) the clearing of trees and stabilising the old stones, while retaining the integrity of David Hamilton's architecture was crucial. Usually, it takes a lot of time and effort to disturb the serpentine nexus of pathways that lead to funding and support for community projects. Unless you have the cash and influence to be received in Holyrood or to persuade cash-strapped Councils that your project is beneficial to the people, then you're facing an uphill battle. Craig Brooks, Chair of Friends of Campsie High Kirk, has used every lever at his disposal to cause the necessary ripples. Thus far, they've been backed by East Dunbartonshire Council, a host of local community groups and support agencies and now, crucially, the King's man in Scotland. As the architects charged with restoring this place outlined their five-phase plan on Wednesday it became clear that several serious challenges lie ahead. Around £3m is required to effect the repairs and re-setting necessary for a space to be created for community events. Replacing the roof with a glass canopy and restoring the old clock tower to its former grandeur will take a few million more. In the absence of any rich benefactor, the next five years will see a massive fund-raising effort that must, at least, involve the entire community. 'It'll be worth it, though,' says Mr Brooks. 'Few other towns in Scotland have an architectural jewel like this sitting in the middle of their high street. And fewer still have the backdrop of the Campsie Hills or the imprint that makes this place one of Scotland's most historically important sites stretching back to the activity of the Romans and centuries before them.' One of the main challenges which could make a crucial difference is to secure VAT relief from the UK's labyrinthine tax regime. Capital works are taxed at 20%, even when those works – such as this one – are demonstrably beneficial to the public and administered by a charity solely comprised of volunteers. Charity exemptions are denied for projects with sustainable income models. 'In effect,' says Craig Brooks, 'the system demands that the Friends of Campsie High Kirk prove they are financially self-sustaining and then penalises them for doing so.' He cites an article in this month's edition of Scottish Field by Peter Burman, the former Director of Conservation and Property Services for the National Trust for Scotland. In it, Mr Burman shows how VAT treatment of historic buildings is a false economy and how taxation is actively destabilising charitable regeneration work. 'How do you feel about fundraising for an additional 20% just to pay a tax bill,' he asks. As usual, it's disadvantaged communities which face discrimination in this tax-trap. 'Many of the buildings affected lie in deprived or 'regenerative-priority areas'. It means that the very communities who are being encouraged to lead renewal are penalised at the point of delivery.' For now though, the local people are celebrating their crucial first victory in the battle to restore their beloved old kirk to its former glory. Michelle Haswell, Secretary of the Friends of Campsie High Kirk was raised in Lennoxtown and still lives in the shadow of the old church. 'The High Kirk is part of our identity and to lose it would have been like losing a loved one. It's intrinsic to who we are and still lives in our childhood memories. It's such a majestic building and a great deal of community pride is invested in it. 'I recall watching a documentary about the Singer factory in Clydebank and the sense of loss felt by the community when the old Singer clock tower was dismantled in 1963. They felt that a piece of them had disappeared too. We feel the same about our beloved High Kirk. For the first time though, we feel that we can save it and you can already see that the wider Campsie community is becoming more invested in the campaign.' Of all the speeches which marked the ceremonial transfer, perhaps the words of John Logue, the Crown Agent were the most poignant as he effectively signalled the King's assent for this old Kirk to be given back to the people. 'So let me say, without reservation, how delighted I am that this once abandoned kirk can now thrive in the hands of those who cherish it most,' said Mr Logue. 'What you've done here isn't just about preserving bricks and mortar; it's about restoring hope; creating opportunity and reclaiming a shared space for generations to come.'
Glasgow Times
10-07-2025
- General
- Glasgow Times
Fire-hit Lennoxtown kirk given back under new scheme
Campsie High Kirk, in the heart of Lennoxtown, is set to become a local arts hub after being returned to the community. 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. Read more: Thousands of Jet2 ski seats on sale from Glasgow Airport 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.'
The National
09-07-2025
- General
- The National
Historic 200-year-old kirk bought by community for £1
Campsie High Kirk, Lennoxtown, will become a community arts centre following major restoration after it was left vacant for more than 40 years, after it was badly damaged by a fire in the 1980s. Last year, the Ownerless Property Transfer Scheme (OPTS) was launched by the King's and Lord Treasurer's Remembrancer (KLTR), and the transfer of the East Dumbartonshire kirk has been considered a flagship case for the new scheme. OPTS aims to bring properties that have fallen to the Crown to be brought back into purposeful use for the benefit of local communities. READ MORE: BBC host takes issue with legal expert labelling Israel's plans 'concentration camps' Local authorities and community groups can apply for ownerless properties to be transferred to them for a nominal sum, but applicants must demonstrate that the planned use is supported by the community, sustainable and in the public interest. The church will be taken over by the Friends of Campsie High Kirk after the group successfully applied to acquire the building from the KLTR for the nominal sum of £1, plus the costs of transfer. According to the Scotsman, John Logue, from 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. 'We are delighted to see the opportunities provided by the OPTS used in this way and look forward to watching the transformation.' Craig Brooks, chair of the Friends of Campsie High Kirk, welcomed the handover, which is due to be completed on Wednesday at the church. 'It's not just about saving a building. It's about something much bigger,' Brooks said. '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.' Around 3200 buildings in Scotland, including former schools, garage yards, abattoirs and hotels, sit on the vacant and derelict land (VDL) register.
STV News
08-07-2025
- General
- STV News
Historic church to reopen as community arts centre after £1 purchase
A historic church in Lennoxtown which was previously destroyed in a fire is set to begin a new chapter as a community arts centre. Campsie High Kirk Church lay empty and without an owner for years after a devastating blaze in 1984. Friends of Campsie High Kirk acquired the building from the King's and Lord Treasurer's Remembrancer for just £1 in May. The building will be formally transferred to the local community and to East Dunbartonshire Provost Gillian Renwick in a milestone ceremony on Wednesday, July 9. It will then undergo a major restoration project to reopen as an open-plan space that can host community meetings, arts events, and theatre performances. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service via Supplied The building is set to undergo a major restoration project The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service via Supplied It will also involve replicating the damaged tower that was torn down in the aftermath of the fire. The new ghost tower will see a frame constructed on the top of the remaining clock tower, which would light up at night. A balcony will be put up around the interior of the building, which has been on the buildings at risk register since 1990, and a Celtic Garden will be created in the middle of the space paying homage to the story of Lennoxtown. The church is being 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). It has been hailed as 'a landmark moment in Scotland's heritage-led regeneration journey'. John Logue, the KLTR, spoke of his enthusiasm for the Campsie project ahead of the visit. He 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. 'We are delighted to see the opportunities provided by the OPTS used in this way and look forward to watching the transformation.' Craig Brooks, Chair of the Friends of Campsie High Kirk, 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.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Scotsman
08-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Disused kirk handed to town for £1 in 'ownerless property' deal
Sign up to our History and Heritage newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A 200-year-old church will be formally transferred to its surrounding community for just £1 in a milestone move to bring hundreds of ownerless properties in Scotland back into use. Campsie High Kirk in Lennoxtown has been vacant since it was badly damaged by a fire in the 1980s and will become a community arts centre following a major restoration. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The transfer is considered a flagship case for the new Ownerless Property Transfer Scheme (OPTS) launched last year by the King's and Lord Treasurer's Remembrancer (KLTR). Ownerless properties in Scotland are described as 'bona vacantia' and typically last owned by a dissolved company. It is not known how many there are in Scotland, with more research to follow. The church will be taken over by the Friends of Campsie High Kirk after the group successfully applied to acquire the building from the KLTR for the nominal sum of £1, plus the costs of transfer. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 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. 'We are delighted to see the opportunities provided by the OPTS used in this way and look forward to watching the transformation.' READ MORE: Scottish community loses bid to take windfarm from energy giant Craig Brooks, Chair of the Friends of Campsie High Kirk, welcomed the handover, which will take place at the church on Wednesday. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mr Brooks 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.' Campsie High Kirk was designed in the early 19th Century by prominent architect David Hamilton, who also designed Nelson's Monument in Glasgow Green, Lennox Castle and the Royal Exchange building in Glasgow, which now serves as the Gallery of Modern Art. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The church was used for worship until the 1970s and was ravaged by a catastrophic fire in 1984. The Ownerless Property Transfer Scheme (OPTS) works to bring properties which have fallen to the Crown to be brought back into purposeful use for the benefit of local communities. Local authorities and community groups can apply for ownerless properties to be transferred to them for a nominal sum. Applicants must clearly demonstrate that the planned use is supported by the community, sustainable and in the public interest. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Since the OPTS was launched last year, it has provided opportunities for green spaces, affordable housing and a community hub. Overall, around 3,200 buildings in Scotland - from former schools, garage yards, abbatoirs and hotels - sit on the vacant and derelict land (VDL) register. The overwhelming majority - 88 per cent - have a listed owner or are described as being owned. Many of the rest will also be owned by an individual or active company Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Only a small proportion of properties on the VDL have 'fallen to the Crown'. Over the next two year, proactive work will be undertaken to identify which properties in Scotland can be classed as ownerless. Ultimately, the scheme helps to tackle local problems such as anti-social behaviour which often accompany abandoned properties.
