Highland community working against the clock to save historic church

The race is on to save a historic Highland church whose origins date back to the seventh century.

Loch Insh Old Kirk is one of many across the country earmarked to be sold by The Church of Scotland.

For generations, the church has been a place of solace for the community and hosted countless weddings, christenings, and funerals.

Some accounts claim it is the site of the longest continuous Christian worship in Scotland.

News of upcoming closure encouraged the formation of a working group whose members are actively trying to secure the kirk’s future.

They are working against the clock to raise the initial funds to prevent Loch Insh Old Kirk from being lost to private sale.

The Church of Scotland is in the process of selling buildings across the country due to a number of ongoing challenges.

These include a drop in minister numbers, a decline in membership, and a decrease in income.

Securing the future of Loch Insh Old Kirk

The Kincraig kirk, also known as Alvie and Insh Church, is to be disposed of by the end of 2026.

And so the community group, who have registered as a charity organisation, are aiming to raise £10,000 as soon as possible.

This “Foundations Fund”, being raised through a Crowdfunder page, will be used to cover the legal groundwork needed to purchase the church building.

If they fail to secure the building within the “narrow window”, the church will be listed for sale.

Merryn Glover Appleby, Loch Insh Old Kirk trustee, said: “The Old Kirk isn’t just a building.

“It’s the spiritual heart of our community, history and landscape.

“We’ve seen too many of Scotland’s iconic churches shut their doors or be turned over to the private market recently.

“By raising these foundation funds, we put the community in the strongest possible position to buy the kirk and keep it open as a site of worship, preservation, creativity and gathering.”

Keeping Kincraig history alive

The working group wishes to keep the church open as a place of worship, as well as creating a multi-use community hub.

It was first announced Loch Insh Old Kirk was to be sold back in 2023.

A public meeting held in June last year to discuss options for its future.

The building sits atop a wooded knoll known as Tom Eunan, overlooking the water at Kincraig.

It is believed to have originated as a cell for one of Columba’s earliest missionaries.

A series of building have been built on the site since, with the current kirk dating back to 1792.

Clear glass windows and a Celtic cross etched above the altar were added during the 20th century.

[Source: Press and Journal]