£440,000 target for church upgrades
A Kinross-shire church is applying for grants and hosting fundraisers to raise £440,000 for upgrades to one of its buildings.
Orwell and Portmoak Parish Church says its Orwell church building in Milnathort is at risk of falling into “disrepair” if improvements are not made.
The church still needs around £100,000 to start the project and it has been hosting fundraisers to meet the target.
A spokesperson said: “The Orwell church building is in need of basic improvements to prevent it falling into disrepair.
“It is the only church building still in use as a place of worship in Milnathort.
“At present it is unsuitable for those with mobility issues as it lacks both disabled access and toilet.
“Current entrances can pose difficulties with the access for funeral caskets.
“It lacks both the equipment and flexibility required in the 21st century for meetings, religious services and community and social activities.
“The kirk session has agreed to release a large sum of money from church funds and we have secured a pledge from a local charitable trust.
“We still need to raise around £100,000 and are continuing to apply for grants and assistance from various charitable bodies as well as raising funds through a range of events and activities.
“The kirk session has a desire to bring the church and community together and the renovated church building is a key part of plans for this.”
The church plans to install disabled access and toilet facilities as well as replace the heating and electrical systems.
They also plan to replace the lighting and replace pews with flexible seating.
New audio and visual equipment would be installed and planning permission has been obtained from Perth and Kinross Council for an extension to the north of the building to house a kitchen and toilets.
The spokesperson continued: “We recognise that we still have a long way to go but look forward to helping to create a welcoming, inclusive building for the congregation and our community.”
As well as church services the upgraded building could be used for training events for businesses, concerts and fundraising and social events.
The church also has an Community Band
initiative to combat loneliness in the elderly and an active Guild group.
The spokesperson said: “All of these examples are part of the kirk session’s vision of bringing the church and community closer.
“At a later date similar changes will be made to our other church building at Portmoak, Scotlandwell.” Orwell Church
A concert by Tullis Community Band in Orwell Church on Saturday raised £543 towards the cause.
The spokesperson added: ““We are very grateful to the band, their conductor Denise Crighton-Ward and soloist George Morrison for their hard work and commitment to our project.”
The church’s next fundraising event will be a Christmas bazaar in Milnathort Town Hall on Saturday, November 17, from 11am to 1pm.
They will be serving soup, tea, coffee and shortbread and stalls include a chocolate tombola, pocket-money purchases, bottle stall, pottery by Jacqui Sellars and Val’s Fudge.