Iconic Oban church ready to go on market

AN ICONIC church building in Oban that has lain vacant for almost five years will soon be put up for sale.

The former tourist information centre in Argyll Square closed in 2011 after plaster fell from the ceiling. Visit Scotland then moved staff to a new, smaller, establishment situated on the North Pier.

A spokesperson for Visit Scotland said: ‘The property was not marketed for sale at the point we vacated for a number of reasons. In the first instance, we were keen to ensure the new location of the information centre would work out in practice.

‘ We were also keen to see if there were any opportunities for greater community involvement in the use of the church.

‘A number of approaches were made in the years following our exit from the property and we had hoped some of these parties might have access to grant funding not open to Visit Scotland, which would allow for a more extensive refurbishment of the church.

‘Unfortunately, none of these approaches came to fruition.

‘The property was also placed on the Scottish Government’s site, e-PIMS, so that other public bodies were made aware it was available for sale.

‘Unfortunately, no interest was generated through this route.

‘During this time repairs were carried out to minimise further damage.’

Roddy McCuish, councillor for Oban South and the Isles, said: ‘I am delighted with the news that Visit Scotland has decided to put this iconic building up for sale.

‘It has lain empty for far too long in the centre of Oban and it’s a wonderful opportunity for someone to buy this building and return it to its former glory.’

The price is yet to be decided but it’s hoped it will be on the market within weeks.