Congregation will have their say on future of church’s Kirkhill building later next month
Cambuslang Parish Church members will have their say on the future of the church’s Kirkhill building next month.
Earlier this month, the Reformer revealed initial talks were underway between local charity LEAP - the Lightburn Elderly Action Project - and the church, with a view to them using the sanctuary building, the former Cambuslang Old Parish.
The building, which fell out of use in the merger of the Old Parish, Trinity St Paul’s and St Andrew’s Churches to create Cambuslang Parish Church, has lain vacant for the past few years.
Details were given to the congregation last month by the kirk session, as the former Old Parish is rarely used, except for the occasional wedding and funeral.
A discussion is due to take place amongst the congregation on Sunday, August 16, when they will vote on the proposal.
Afterwards, the kirk session will have a vote, and they will have the final say on the proposal.
A letter was given to the congregation in early June.
It read: “In kirk session, we have been looking at the use of the sanctuary building at Kirkhill. We are aware that this is a building which is precious to many people in Cambuslang, both inside and outside the church.
“We are also aware the building is seriously underused, and that it holds great potential to be used as a community facility.
“We are in consultation with LEAP, a community organisation working with older people throughout Cambuslang and Rutherglen, to ascertain whether they would be better to maintain the building and allow it to become a centre of community activity all through the week.
“If this was to come about, there would be a need to work out many finer details, but we feel it is important to let you know that kirk session were enthusiastic about this possibility and have asked for this issue to be taken forward with LEAP and the general trustees of the Church of Scotland.”
LEAP’s Stuart McGregor confirmed negotiations had begun.
He previously said: “We’re very keen to do something and retain the building in some form of community ownership.
“It would definitely be better than it going to a commercial purpose.”