Worshippers in the Highlands are coming together to try to save a church which has been a Christian presence in the region since the sixth century.
Loch Insh Old Kirk in Kincraig is believed to be on the site of a cell which was established by one of Columba’s early missionary monks. The Columba monks played a significant role in spreading the Gospel across Scotland.
The present church was built in 1792, with later renovations in the 20th century.
The Church of Scotland has given the community until the end of next year to come up with a plan to safeguard the future of the building which has no running water and is in need of vital roof repairs.
Local conservation architect Alan Marshall told STV News: “It’s in quite good condition for its age which means you can always find bits and pieces you want to do.
“The roof is one exception – which I feel is ‘nail sick’.
“A lot of the old iron rusting nails are still in place and it’s quite obvious that slates slip out, but they’ve been doing a very good job of keeping it waterproof.”
Merryn Glover Appleby is from the Loch Insh Old Kirk Community Group and has been worshipping at the church for nearly 20 years. She said: “People are acutely feeling a loss. For many folks, it’s because this has been part of their family’s story for a long time.
“Babies have been brought here for christenings, people have had their weddings here and they’ve laid loved ones to rest, so it means a lot. There’s a lot of strong emotional roots, sometimes going back generations.”
Worshippers are keen to buy the building and have now set up a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), to look at ways of retaining it as a site of ongoing Christian worship and welcome. Their vision includes holding concerts and talks reflecting its heritage as a place of spiritual encounter.
The site, which remains in use for services, dates from a time when the Celtic Church was the only expression of Christianity in Scotland and it overlooks an osprey nest on a neighbouring island.