Church demolition is against wishes of congregation

Sir, – With regard to the recent story (Dundee kirk under demolition threat a ‘serious burden’ to church goers, The Courier, April 27) regarding the planned demolition of the Craigiebank Church building,

I would like to clarify the congregation’s position.

The church buildings are in two parts – the halls (built 1932) and the sanctuary (built 1938).

The sanctuary began to exhibit damp problems in the 1940s and these were never entirely cured. They were decommissioned eight years ago and all agree that its deteriorating condition has left demolition as the only option.

The halls, though older, remain in good order and have continued to be used by the congregation and community by groups such as Brownies and country dancers; hall rental income covers the main running costs of the building which is thus not a financial burden to the congregation.

Rewiring and installation of a new boiler were undertaken in 2018 to extend the life of the halls. In discussions with the Church of Scotland (who own the site), the congregation has always expressed its desire to continue to use the halls when the sanctuary is demolished.

However, the COS has preferred the option to clear the site entirely and the demolition application currently before the council planners is for this option.

I wish to record, however, that clearance of the site is against the stated wishes of the congregation, and will be to the detriment of both the congregation and the community groups who, until lockdown, continued to use the halls, and who will now struggle to find alternative accommodation in the Craigiebank area. Iain Murray. Elder, Craigiebank Parish Church.