Community to continue exploring Avoch church buy out
Work is to continue into considering the possibility of community buy out of an historic Black Isle church.
Around 40 people attended a recent meeting called to consider what response if any to make about the Church of Scotland’s decision to sell off Avoch Parish Church.
Closed since late last year it has a valuation price of £40,000.
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The latest public meeting was held in the church itself with Avoch Amenities Association (AAA) posting details of discussions and next steps on social media afterwards.
“Following discussions it was agreed that there was an interest in giving further consideration to whether or not the community should try to buy the church,” their post read.
“At the meeting a group of nine people agreed to act as a ‘working group’ to start preliminary investigations to help with further consideration.”
That meeting was held on June 4 and at its own meeting two days later AAA “agreed to assist with registration of an interest on the Register of Community Interests in Land (in respect of the church), to give the working group and the community time to consider things further.”
AAA added: “By registering an interest AAA are not agreeing/committing to anything. AAA is also NOT responsible for the working group or preliminary investigations.
“Any decision about trying to buy the church will be dependent on the result of preliminary investigations and further community consultation.”
They added: “Going forward, general updates about the preliminary investigations/next steps will be reported/recorded via AAA meeting minutes. Please see AAA Facebook page for details of next meeting.”
Anyone interested in being involved with the working group should email AvochCD@yahoo.com, writing “working group” in the subject line, and providing their name, email and contact number.
To be added to a distribution list to receive details of any future updates email AvochCD@yahoo.com writing “updates” in the subject line, and providing your name and email.
Possible uses of the church that have been discussed so far include a community meeting space, heritage centre, a men’s shed or a multi-use facility.
There has been a church on the Braehead in Avoch since 1493. The current building, with a seated capacity of 400, was rebuilt and opened in 1871.
Black Isle councillor Sarah Atkin previously responded over efforts to look at securing the church for the community.
“I personally find it extremely sad to see churches closing, given they are so steeped in our culture and history,” she said.
“As well as for worship, they do have community at their heart. Therefore, it is great to see this initiative to explore whether this piece of Avoch’s history can be reimagined for today’s village community.”
