A community trust has taken ownership of Brechin Cathedral, an 800-year-old building described as one of Scotland's most historically significant medieval churches.
The Church of Scotland has transferred the Angus cathedral to the Brechin Cathedral Trust following a period of uncertainty after regular worship ended.
The official handover of the keys took place on Friday, with the trust saying it wants to put the cathedral back at the centre of life in Brechin.
The A-listed building dates back to the medieval period and is particularly notable for its Irish-style round tower, one of only two of its kind in Scotland.
The tower was built around 1100 and originally stood separately from the cathedral until the 19th Century. The building also contains a collection of carved Pictish stones and stained-glass windows regarded as among the finest in Scotland. pre
Brechin Cathedral ceased to be a regular place of worship in November 2021 after its congregation was dissolved.
The congregation had become too small to meet the substantial costs of maintaining a large medieval cathedral.
The Church of Scotland's General Trustees subsequently took guardianship of the building. In 2023, they entered a one-year management agreement with the Friends of Brechin Cathedral, which opened the cathedral for tours and events.
That agreement was later extended, and members of the charity went on to establish the Brechin Cathedral Trust.
Caroline Fife, chair of the trustees, said the organisation was pleased to be taking responsibility for the building on behalf of the local community.
"We are delighted to be taking on this historic building on behalf of the community of Brechin and placing it back at the centre of life in the town.
"The cathedral is much loved by all residents and has been at the heart of family and civic celebrations for over 800 years.
"We have worked closely with the Church of Scotland to allow a smooth handover and to ensure that this building continues to be enjoyed by the community.
"We are looking forward to the next chapter in the life of the cathedral, and we are excited by the prospect of bringing the building to life again, with events, community programmes and anything the people of Brechin need."
Rev Dr Scott Rennie, chair of the Church of Scotland's General Trustees, said the trust had committed to preserving the building's historic importance.
He is a former minister of Brechin Cathedral and now leads St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh.
"The Cathedral Kirk of Brechin has been the beating heart of the city since its beginning - from founding to reformation, restoration and now a new form of community ownership.
"As a former minister of the cathedral, it gives me such hope that it will continue in the care of the Brechin Cathedral Trust, a group of people passionate about it and Brechin's future.
"On behalf of the national Church, it gives me great joy and personal satisfaction to see Brechin Cathedral Kirk begin a new chapter as a community-focused asset."
