Church group eye up move
Interest has been registered in taking over an iconic church in the centre of Callander.
The Observer reported last month how a deal between Stirling Council and the Clanranald Trust to purchase the category B listed St Kessog’s Church, Ancaster Square, fell through after the charity opted not to finalise negotiations.
The Trust has opted to move its operation from the town back to Duncarron, a full–scale replica of an early medieval fortified village in the Carron Valley.
Now it’s understood that a number of groups have registered an interest, including a local church group in the town.
Stirling Baptist Church’s off–shoot parish in the town, the Baptist Church of Callander, have made it know that they are looking for new premises and could potential be eyeing up a move for the iconic building. Pastor Brian Gooding attended Monday evening’s meeting of Callander Community Council to announce that the group are in the very early stages of taking an interest.
He said:“We are at an early stage but we are looking for premises in the town and it would be a good thing for us to do.
“We hope to be open every day and we were looking at other places when St Kessog’s came up.”
At present The Baptist Church of Callander meet for a weekly service on Sundays in St Andrews Episcopal Church Hall in Leny Road.
Trossachs and Teith councillor, Martin Earl said:“I’m not surprised there is already interest being expressed in the building. However, I would ask everyone to be patient. I have urged the officers involved to explore all options and produce a detailed analysis of what is possible for the building and what, for any practical limitations, is not.
There is an opportunity here that must not be wasted.
“Whatever happens it is vitally important the toilets are made available for the public.”
Stirling Council last month told the Observer how a meeting was arranged with ward councillors has been arranged to discuss the immediate future of the building and the best course of action. A spokesperson said:“St Kessog’s is a key asset in Callander and Stirling Council is committed to engaging with the community to see it back in use as soon as possible.”
The former church is currently undergoing renovation works after it was damaged after sustaining flooding in January this year.
St Kessog’s ceased operation as a church in 1985 and was purchased and converted by Stirling Council into a tourist information centre prior to being taken over by Clanranald Trust.