The tranquil shores of Loch Tay are witnessing a powerful outpouring of community spirit as residents of Kenmore, a picturesque village in the heart of Perthshire, band together to prevent the closure and sale of their cherished local church. This landmark building, which has stood as a central pillar of village life for centuries, faces an uncertain future as the Church of Scotland, citing declining attendance figures, has announced its intention to sell the property. However, local inhabitants are not standing idly by; instead, they are embarking on an ambitious mission to acquire the building for broader community use.
For generations, Kenmore Church has been more than just a place of worship; it has served as a focal point for communal gatherings, a backdrop for countless memories, and an enduring symbol of the village’s rich heritage. The recent decision by Kirk officials to put the building on the market follows a period of dwindling attendance, with fortnightly services seeing participation reduced to single digits. Recognising the deep emotional and historical ties the community holds with the church, the Church of Scotland has, commendably, offered Kenmore residents the first opportunity to purchase the property. A Community-Led Vision for Kenmore’s Future
In response to this crucial offer, the Kenmore Community Council has swiftly mobilised. After extensive consultations and a comprehensive survey of local sentiment, the council has confirmed its commitment to spearhead a formal bid to buy the beloved church. The vision for the future of Kenmore Church extends far beyond its traditional role. Inspired by successful community-led initiatives elsewhere in Perthshire, such as the transformation of the White Church in Comrie into a thriving community hub, campaigners envision Kenmore Church becoming a dynamic multi-purpose venue. This re-imagined space could host a diverse array of activities, from local clubs and cultural events to concerts, public meetings, and educational workshops, serving the needs of villagers and visitors alike.
Colin Morton, a dedicated spokesperson for Kenmore Community Council, acknowledges the significant challenges ahead. The Church of Scotland has set the building’s valuation at £80,000 and imposed a tight six-month deadline, which commenced in June, for the community to submit its purchase proposal and secure the necessary funding. This timeline demands swift and concerted action from the community and its supporters. Despite the daunting task, Mr. Morton expresses unwavering determination, emphasising that the building’s profound significance to local people, and indeed to admirers from across the globe, makes this an opportunity that cannot be allowed to slip away. Overwhelming Local Support Fuels the Initiative
The immediate next steps for the community council involve meticulously planning their fundraising strategy and exploring potential avenues for financial assistance. They are particularly keen to investigate support from organisations such as the Scottish Land Fund, which offers crucial grants to communities seeking to acquire land or buildings for communal benefit. The council may also consider enlisting the expertise of a professional project manager to guide them through the complex acquisition process, ensuring that all aspects of the bid are handled efficiently and effectively.
Recent public engagements have powerfully underscored the widespread affection for Kenmore Church. A public survey conducted by the community council revealed overwhelming support for the acquisition, with over 80% of respondents endorsing the initiative. Furthermore, a well-attended public meeting held in Kenmore last week solidified the consensus, with approximately 30 individuals gathering to formally agree that the community council should move forward with the plan. Mr. Morton shared touching anecdotes of solidarity, noting, ‘We have received messages from all corners of the country, from people who have learned of the sale and who possess familial connections to Kenmore, or have enjoyed holidays here. The church is undeniably a very special place to many.’
The present Kenmore Church building dates back to 1760, having served as an integral part of the local fabric for nearly two and a half centuries. It currently forms part of a larger ecclesiastical grouping known as The Churches of Loch Tay and Glenlyon with Rannoch. Despite substantial investments in its upkeep, with over £500,000 reportedly spent on maintenance and repairs in recent years, the Church of Scotland has unfortunately found it unsustainable to continue its operation due to the aforementioned decline in congregational numbers. However, the Kirk maintains a hopeful outlook for the future, expressing its desire that a community transfer will indeed materialise, allowing the building to remain a cherished and active component of village life in Kenmore for generations to come.
For generations, Kenmore Church has been more than just a place of worship; it has served as a focal point for communal gatherings, a backdrop for countless memories, and an enduring symbol of the village’s rich heritage. The recent decision by Kirk officials to put the building on the market follows a period of dwindling attendance, with fortnightly services seeing participation reduced to single digits. Recognising the deep emotional and historical ties the community holds with the church, the Church of Scotland has, commendably, offered Kenmore residents the first opportunity to purchase the property. A Community-Led Vision for Kenmore’s Future
In response to this crucial offer, the Kenmore Community Council has swiftly mobilised. After extensive consultations and a comprehensive survey of local sentiment, the council has confirmed its commitment to spearhead a formal bid to buy the beloved church. The vision for the future of Kenmore Church extends far beyond its traditional role. Inspired by successful community-led initiatives elsewhere in Perthshire, such as the transformation of the White Church in Comrie into a thriving community hub, campaigners envision Kenmore Church becoming a dynamic multi-purpose venue. This re-imagined space could host a diverse array of activities, from local clubs and cultural events to concerts, public meetings, and educational workshops, serving the needs of villagers and visitors alike.
Colin Morton, a dedicated spokesperson for Kenmore Community Council, acknowledges the significant challenges ahead. The Church of Scotland has set the building’s valuation at £80,000 and imposed a tight six-month deadline, which commenced in June, for the community to submit its purchase proposal and secure the necessary funding. This timeline demands swift and concerted action from the community and its supporters. Despite the daunting task, Mr. Morton expresses unwavering determination, emphasising that the building’s profound significance to local people, and indeed to admirers from across the globe, makes this an opportunity that cannot be allowed to slip away. Overwhelming Local Support Fuels the Initiative
The immediate next steps for the community council involve meticulously planning their fundraising strategy and exploring potential avenues for financial assistance. They are particularly keen to investigate support from organisations such as the Scottish Land Fund, which offers crucial grants to communities seeking to acquire land or buildings for communal benefit. The council may also consider enlisting the expertise of a professional project manager to guide them through the complex acquisition process, ensuring that all aspects of the bid are handled efficiently and effectively.
Recent public engagements have powerfully underscored the widespread affection for Kenmore Church. A public survey conducted by the community council revealed overwhelming support for the acquisition, with over 80% of respondents endorsing the initiative. Furthermore, a well-attended public meeting held in Kenmore last week solidified the consensus, with approximately 30 individuals gathering to formally agree that the community council should move forward with the plan. Mr. Morton shared touching anecdotes of solidarity, noting, ‘We have received messages from all corners of the country, from people who have learned of the sale and who possess familial connections to Kenmore, or have enjoyed holidays here. The church is undeniably a very special place to many.’
The present Kenmore Church building dates back to 1760, having served as an integral part of the local fabric for nearly two and a half centuries. It currently forms part of a larger ecclesiastical grouping known as The Churches of Loch Tay and Glenlyon with Rannoch. Despite substantial investments in its upkeep, with over £500,000 reportedly spent on maintenance and repairs in recent years, the Church of Scotland has unfortunately found it unsustainable to continue its operation due to the aforementioned decline in congregational numbers. However, the Kirk maintains a hopeful outlook for the future, expressing its desire that a community transfer will indeed materialise, allowing the building to remain a cherished and active component of village life in Kenmore for generations to come.