Church may take on collection role for university

ST ANDREWS University could be on the brink of acquiring one of the town’s historic churches to house a collection of rare books, photographs and manuscripts.

It has been reported that the university sees Martyrs’ Church in North Street as the ideal location to display the historical collection, said to be one of the finest of its kind in Europe.

The university also has plans to use the building as a teaching centre and research library.

The former church is on sale for offers in excess of £500,000 following the merger of the Martyrs’ congregation with Hope Park Church in July 2010.

It has now been identified by the university as the ideal location for students, staff and members of the public to view the collection.

A university spokesman has confirmed that the institution had noted interest in Martyrs’ church.

Another interested party is believed to be looking at converting the building into a pub, restaurant or nightclub.

The university spokesman described it as an iconic property in the heart of one of the most historic parts of the town.

He said it has many qualities which the university thinks lend themselves to the establishment of a research library and centre for special collections, and other educational uses.